Excluded Headlines: Global South demands dignity in May day protests, Kenya, Peru ...
Stay up to date on the global news stories the US- and Eurocentric media overlook, with author and journalist, Tamara Pearson.
In this week’s Global South news:
Colombia breaks off relations with Israel - Colombia has ended diplomatic relations with Israel, because, President Petro said, of its “genocidal government.” Source.
200,000 people displaced in Kenya floods - Since March, ongoing rains and floods have devastated homes and farmlands, killed 170 people, and forced 200,000 people to flee. One flash flood swept through a village and killed 42 people. Source, source, source.
May day protests - People in countries throughout the Global South and North protested for worker and working class rights. A few of the largely overlooked GS protests included:
There were 19 different marches in Mexico City alone, that came together in the main square.
The Philippines march, protesting for higher wages and against US intervention and it’s role in the war on Gaza, attempted to reach the US embassy, and six people were arrested.
Turkish police sealed off Istanbul's central Taksim Square to prevent any May Day protests. Some unions had been insisting on using the space, but the government had designated 40 areas around the country for protests. Taksim Square was a rallying ground for May Day until 1977, when 34 people were killed during demonstrations.
An estimated 4 million people marched and celebrated around Cuba.
Senegalese unions held their first march in four years, and workers protested inflation and the high cost of living.
In Jakarta, at least 50,000 workers demanded an end to the job law, which prioritises attracting investment over workers’ rights.
Workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh demanded “women-friendly” workplaces, free of sexual harassment.
In Thailand, workers demanded an increased minimum wage, but the government announced it would not consider that until later this month. The minimum daily wage is currently 400 baht (US$11).
Source, source, source, source, source, source, source, source, source.
Peruvian public health workers to strike - Social security health workers in Peru announced they will begin an indefinite strike from May 21 in protest against the anti-worker policies of the current coup government. Source.
5 million free homes for Venezuelans - The Venezuelan government announced that in total, it has built and provided 4,900,000 homes and will soon reach its target of 5 million. Source.
Useful reads:
‘Infringing our rights’: Nigerian nurses sue over effort to stem ‘brain drain’
Int’l Workers’ Day: ‘Bleak prospects’ for workers in war-torn Sudan
Israeli military demolished homes to make way for US Gaza aid pier
Africa’s call to triple finance a chance for the North to rebuild trust
Why India’s farmers are targeting Modi in the elections
First regional elections in Togolese history: An interview with Paul Amegakpo
Voting in turmoil – Can elections take place in South Sudan?
Haïti Liberté on Boisvert’s Appointment as Interim Haiti PM