On Wednesday, an Indian schoolgirl named Carolyn Malsawmtluangi won a bravery award for rescuing a seven year old girl from a trafficker. In the northeastern state of Mizoram, she had spotted the trafficker last year while playing with her, but did not think there was anything amiss. She thought it was a mother and daughter and even invited the girl to join in. However, when authorities raised the alarm on the trafficker, she became suspicious. The next time she spotted the trafficker with the child, she convinced the trafficker that she would watch the young girl while the woman went to run an errand, then escaped while carrying the girl on her shoulders and avoiding stones being hurled at her by the trafficker.
Of India's 600,000 victims of human trafficking, about half of them are children. They often come from rural areas to escape poverty and lured to cities by traffickers promising them jobs. Instead, they are sold into modern day slavery. The president of the Central Mizo Association, a charity that works on anti-trafficking programs, says Carolyn will act as an inspiration and bring attention to the issue.
The award she one, the National Bravery Award, is given to about 25 children every year between the ages of six and 18. Often, children have won awards for foiling robberies, fighting off armed intruders, rescuing people from drowning, saving lives during stampedes, and putting out fires.
Indian School Girl Wins Bravery Award for Thwarting Trafficker
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
South Korea Discharges Soldier Who Underwent Sex-Change Surgery
On Wednesday, the South Korean military discharged a soldier who had had sex reassignment surgery and wished to continue working in the military. The decision came among an outcry from LGBT advocates who said the soldier was being unfairly treated. This decision highlighted the discrimination against LGBT people in South Korea's conservative society.
Currently, South Korea still technically remains at war with its neighbor North Korea at one of the most heavily guarded borders in the world. As such, South Korea requires that all men must serve for up to two years. Women are not required to, but can enlist if they choose to. Meanwhile, transgender citizens are barred from serving, categorized as having mental and physical "disorders." Some do join, but hide their identity to avoid harassment and abuse.
Human rights groups believe the South Korean military should allow more trans people to serve. After living with decades of low birth rates, the country is having difficulty filling the ranks of its military, which numbers at 600,000. However, South Korean society holds deep biases against the LGBT community, despite more vocal support recently.
South Korea Discharges Soldier Who Underwent Sex-Change Surgery
Currently, South Korea still technically remains at war with its neighbor North Korea at one of the most heavily guarded borders in the world. As such, South Korea requires that all men must serve for up to two years. Women are not required to, but can enlist if they choose to. Meanwhile, transgender citizens are barred from serving, categorized as having mental and physical "disorders." Some do join, but hide their identity to avoid harassment and abuse.
Human rights groups believe the South Korean military should allow more trans people to serve. After living with decades of low birth rates, the country is having difficulty filling the ranks of its military, which numbers at 600,000. However, South Korean society holds deep biases against the LGBT community, despite more vocal support recently.
South Korea Discharges Soldier Who Underwent Sex-Change Surgery
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Yellow or Blue? In Hong Kong, Businesses Choose Political Sides
Since the beginning of Hong Kong's protests in August 2019, the island has become more and more divided. This time, it's spreading to businesses as well. Many are choosing sides, either yellow or blue. Yellow represents the umbrellas protesters used to protect themselves from tear gas, while blue show support of the police.
The divide even runs within families, and there seems to be no middle ground. Some stores have pro-democracy Post-its on the walls, meant to mimic the Lennon Wall in Prague during the time of Soviet domination.
Since its return to Chinese hands after being a British colony, Hong Kong is only surpassed by New York and London as a financial center. The protests have shaken up the economy, pushing it into recession. Tourists from China, a large part of Hong Kong's economy, have stopped coming due to the violence.
Despite this, support of the protests has not diminished. The pro-democracy candidates won many victories in the November election, and there are still business owners supporting the movement despite the damage it does to the economy.
Amanda Leung, Hong Kong business owner: "'China should leave Hong Kong alone. We can do business our own way.'"
Yellow or Blue? In Hong Kong, Businesses Choose Political Sides
The divide even runs within families, and there seems to be no middle ground. Some stores have pro-democracy Post-its on the walls, meant to mimic the Lennon Wall in Prague during the time of Soviet domination.
Since its return to Chinese hands after being a British colony, Hong Kong is only surpassed by New York and London as a financial center. The protests have shaken up the economy, pushing it into recession. Tourists from China, a large part of Hong Kong's economy, have stopped coming due to the violence.
Despite this, support of the protests has not diminished. The pro-democracy candidates won many victories in the November election, and there are still business owners supporting the movement despite the damage it does to the economy.
Amanda Leung, Hong Kong business owner: "'China should leave Hong Kong alone. We can do business our own way.'"
Yellow or Blue? In Hong Kong, Businesses Choose Political Sides
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