DEMOCRACY

Democracy is a liberal political order as well as a utopia and a far-reaching promise. Our projects promote conditions conducive to accountabilitiy, transparency and public participation with the aim of keeping democracy alive and developing it.

Tackling hate speech requires the protection of freedom of expression

Analysis

In a digitalized and increasingly polarised world, questions about how to protect freedom of expression online while curbing hate speech and online abuse, are at the centre of discussions about human rights protection.

By Patricia Meléndez

Cross River Superhighway Pushes Forth Despite Pushback

The government of Cross River state has resumed clearing precious rainforest land as part of the construction of the superhighway. While some community members are losing their forest and properties, others are advocating for their right to their land. Individuals and members of civil society stand in solidarity with communities in the face of the continued works.

By Rafeeat Aliyu

Women in Nigerian Politics – Are female candidates facing cyber bullying?

Social media report

Compared to their male counterparts there are a limited amount of women vying for political positions in the 2019 Nigerian elections. In this article, the writer tries to analyse how these women are faring in the social media space as they take their campaign online.

By Celine Isioma Uduh

Moving Past Afrofuturism

Interview

The international blockbuster Black Panther created a global awareness for the Afrofuturistic. However, a growing number of African creatives are pushing back against the term that was coined in the United States, seeking a more distilled way to describe their speculative work. Speculative-fiction author Rafeeat Aliyu speaks to writer, photographer and activist Masiyaleti Mbewe about a vision of the African future that Mbewe draws from her life and experiences in various African countries, including Zambia, where she was born, and Namibia, where she is currently based.

By Rafeeat Aliyu

Oh Lord, Release My Visa: Religious Beliefs and Migration in Nigeria

The world was horrified when the bodies of 26 Nigerian migrant women, aged between 14 and 18, were recovered from the Mediterranean Sea in November 2017, following their attempt to reach Europe in a rubber boat. Many Europeans probably wondered whether this incident would finally deter some migrants from braving the perilous journey across the sea in search of greener pastures in Europe.

Nigerian Migrants in China: Changing the Narrative

The Nigerian community in China is diverse and complex. Outside the gaze of Western media, much remains unknown about these people who have made China their home and the contribution they make to Nigeria’s development and SinoNigerian relations. All too often, academic journals and Nigerian newspapers focus their attention on illegal migration, drug trafficking, crime and imprisonment1, fuelling negative stereotypes and creating a simplistic understanding of the Nigerian diaspora in China. By looking beyond the headlines, this article seeks to contribute to a narrative closer to the lived experiences of Nigerian migrants in China.

But Africans Don’t Do Speculative Fiction!

Interview

While stories about the “fantastic” have a long tradition in oral and written storytelling in Africa, the continent is rarely associated with speculative fiction. This is slowly changing, however. Nigerian-American writer Nnedi Okorafor’s award-winning books are reaching a mainstream audience. On the continent, several initiatives are working hard to change perceptions. Omenana, a tri-monthly magazine from Nigeria, has been publishing speculative-fiction writers from across Africa and the African diaspora since 2014.
Chiagozie Fred Nwonwu, one of Omenana’s founders, spoke to Perspectives about the budding genre and the challenges it faces.

Breathe, for the Battle Will Be Long: Changing Nigeria’s Body Politic

Even after the 2015 elections supposedly marked a democratic consolidation in Nigeria, a toxic mix of voter apathy, identity politics and money continues to raise questions about the necessary reforms that would instill credibility in the country’s elections.

Civic Charter

There is an increase in civil society repression in several countries in the world. More countries are introducing new laws that are shrinking the space for civic participation. The Civic Charter was developed by an international coalition of civil society organizations to protect the freedom of expression, information, assembly and association.

Are You Free on the Internet in Nigeria?

If passed into law, the so-called “Social Media Bill” before the Senate in December 2015 would impose penalties of two years in jail or fines up to 5 million Naira for using the internet to send ‘abusive statements’. The bill makes it the 38th bill which in whole or part attempts to limit freedom of speech online, invade internet privacy or introduce internet surveillance and policing in Nigeria. And there is more, as ‘Gbenga Sesan outlines in his report on Internet Governance in Nigeria.Download PDF

Nameless

Is it possible to conceive, write, edit and publish a book in 5 days? The Heinrich Boll Stiftung Nigeria office brought together some big names in Nigeria to write about the country they know and love so well. They ended up with a book called Nameless. What is Nameless you ask?

“Nameless is a city. A country within borders. Abound less space of ideas. A cosmos with realities, stark and painful, quiet and loud. A space crippled by fears. Nameless is populated. West African. It is in the minds of its people, black and proud. Sometimes Nameless is human. An idea. Sometimes it is in the past. Often times it is the now. Other times, it is the future”.

Special: 40 Years CEDAW - The International Bill of Rights for Women

40 years ago, on December 18th 1979, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was adopted in by the United Nations General Assembly.

From the USA and Columbia to Senegal, Poland and Cambodia - our authors sum up the contributions CEDAW has made to the position, rights and everyday life of women in these countries and outline what is left to be done.