Excluded Headlines: Economic crises affecting the poor in various countries
Stay up to date on the global news stories the US- and Eurocentric media overlooks, with journalist and author, Tamara Pearson.
In this week’s Global South news that has been excluded or downplayed by the mainstream media:
Sri Lanka: Unions hold mass protests, govt bans strikes - Sri Lankan workers from around 40 unions including banks and public hospitals, went on strike on Wednesday in protest of IMF-imposed changes that include huge tax increases and spending cuts. The country is also facing inflation of over 50%, food and medicine shortages, and increased energy costs. Leading up to the strike, the government banned such protests, supposedly for being essential services. These protests were covered minimally by a few key outlets only. Source, source, source, source.
West Papua: Violent repression by Indonesian forces - Last week the Indonesia military shot dead nine people; seven West Papuans and two Indonesians. Attacks by Indonesia security officials against Indigenous West Papuans have happened repeatedly, and include non-procedural arrests. They are part of the Indonesian occupation of West Papua. Source, source.
Egypt: Economic crisis depriving people of basic foods - Egypt is facing record inflation, empty grocery stores, and rationing of milk and sugar. Fuel prices are up and the government is seeking an IMF bailout. Many countries around the world are facing high inflation rates, but they are particularly impacting people in northern Africa. However, given that this isn’t Venezuela, the mainstream media has only given the crisis minimal coverage. Source, source.
Congo: 25 teenagers kidnapped - If 25 minors in the US were kidnapped, it would be a top global story. However, this took place in Northern Congo. Armed people raided three villages in the area and kidnapped children aged 12 to 18. The attacks took place in a part of the Democratic Republic of Congo that has been largely peaceful for years. Source.
Somalia: Huge numbers of displaced people - The number of people forced to leave their places of origins has reached 3.8 million people. The main reasons for having to leave are drought and conflict. The country has experienced five years of below-average rainy seasons, and a sixth is expected this year. Source.
Panama: Same-sex marriage rejected - The Supreme Court has ruled that marriage equality isn’t a fundamental or human right. Source.
India: Protests held in various parts of the country over increased gas prices - The price of gas cylinders used for cooking and heating water has gone up six times in the past year. People cooking at home, as well as those with street stalls or restaurants are affected. In Hubballi, women protested by cooking food with firewood. They demanded the national government bring down the prices. There were also protests in Hyderabad and Kochi. Source, source, source.