Democracy Playbook
Latest Articles
“From pity – nothing; from dignity – everything”: How domestic and care workers changed Spanish labor law
A migrant-led movement has used tactics from theatre to unionization to demand equal rights and dignity for those doing society’s most undervalued labor. They’ve appealed to the highest levels of EU justice and achieved major legal reforms. Yet perhaps their biggest triumph is an ongoing movement for social change powered by intersectional solidarity and care.
Unsolved conflict and uncollected trash: In Bamenda, Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis is spilling onto the streets
In Bamenda, the capital of Northwest Cameroon, a physical reminder of the Anglophone Crisis is visible on the streets: uncollected trash. Residents must navigate sights and smells that deter business, threaten their health, and increase the risks of environmental damage. But some are fighting back.
M’Ama Food: Immigrant-run catering mixes flavors in Milan
Blending traditions and experimenting with new combinations, a catering service that began at a refugee reception center is winning over Italian palates.
Our mountains of gold shall be green: The fight to protect Romania’s Rosia Montana
Plans for Europe’s largest open-pit gold mine in Romanian commune Roșia Montană galvanized all layers of Romanian society, from villagers to presidents. The two-decade fight against a project that aimed to erase four mountains and three villages has radical social and political consequences.
How Refugees in Libya showed the power of migrant self-organizing
As Europe offshores border control to Libya – where horrific human rights abuses have been well documented – migrants too have been joining forces between North Africa and Italy, in a unified movement for safety and recognition under international law.
Faith and finances: The religious communities providing a lifeline for immigrants
Finding a foothold in Europe can be an immense logistical, economic, social and emotional challenge, but some immigrants are finding a sense of home in communities bound by belief.
Why the Kremlin still fears the legacy of Soviet eco-warriors
Soviet eco-activism exposed state rot – but it also provided the networks, platforms and experience for ordinary people to become anti-authoritarian campaigners.
Opinion: El Salvador is the far-right’s dream crypto-carceral state – and it’s failing
With El Salvador’s disturbing prison deal with the US in the spotlight, Lya Cuéllar takes a look back at how her country has fared under the self-styled “World’s Coolest Dictator.”
YouTube Warriors: Egypt’s Political Exiles Defy the Regime Online
Amid a harsh government clapdown on opposing voices in Egypt, exiled opposition figures are challenging state-imposed narratives from abroad – and impacting politics back home.
Focus: Climate
Seeds of resistance: The fight to preserve Europe’s peasant seeds
Before industrialized farming conquered the continent, the crops that fed Europe were adaptable varieties that evolved as peasants freely exchanged seeds, from harvest to sowing, generation after generation. Reviving these seed systems could protect our food supply from future climate shocks – if EU regulations don’t strangle them out completely.
“Back door privatization”? Global South’s Share of Deep-Sea Mining Profits Under Scrutiny
The International Seabed Authority is supposed to ensure that profits from the deep sea are shared with all mankind. But so far, a few companies seem poised to take a majority share.
Genetic engineering against malnutrition: Does Golden Rice live up to its promise?
For the first time ever, large quantities of the genetically modified “golden rice” were harvested in the Philippines. It is supposed to save children’s lives. Rice farmers, nutrition experts and mothers report on their experiences.
By land or by sea: will Chile open the door to deep sea mining?
After the international negotiations on deep sea mining, it is worth asking whether this activity could be developed in the future in Chile, a mining country whose sea is almost five times larger than its continental surface. While some say that “it does not make sense”, others suggest that it could be an alternative to reduce land-based mining conflicts.
Where sun pays the bills: how a village in India is testing the limits of solar power
In Modhera, no one pays for electricity any more. Instead, villagers look at their electricity bills every month to see how much money they’ve earned from selling solar-generated electricity to the main grid.
Focus: Migration
Prison of papers: As Netherlands ramps up detentions, undocumented immigrants speak out
“It’s just like a prison, but worse,” says Omar. “You don’t know when you’ll be out. You can’t do anything all day. You don’t even have your personal room. You feel crushed.”
“They will start locking us up” The humanitarian toll of saving lives at the Polish-Belarussian border
What happens when ordinary people become human rights defenders? In a village in Poland, volunteers shoulder the burden their state resists by helping those who cross the border from Belarus to seek asylum.
Invisible children: the struggle of Nepali mothers returning home
“I became totally helpless. I was there to earn money to support my family, but I was trapped abroad,” Sunita said.
Little Help: The downsides of working for a top cleaning platform in Germany
“For us, it’s an evil we have to accept. Faced with not finding work and not being fluent in the language…well, we take what we can get.” -Nani
Detained Davincis: Artists in Lithuania draw attention to the plight of asylum-seekers
In May 2021, several thousand people crossed from Belarus into Lithuania, seeking asylum in the European Union. One year later, most remain in detention.
Unbias your inbox
Do you share our mission? Sign up for our newsletter so we can keep in touch!
Follow @unbiasthenews
Error: No connected account.
Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to connect an account.
What we stand for
We are part of a global movement, joining forces across borders towards a more equitable and inclusive world of journalism.
Join our mission!
We are a feminist newsroom, seeking to actively fight against the perpetuation of racist, sexist or ableist stereotypes. Your donation supports journalists facing structural barriers in the field.