Planet Watch

Canada’s high court upholds aboriginal title

First nations across British Columbia are celebrating a unanimous ruling by Canada's Supreme Court that recognizes aboriginal title to traditional territories outside reserves.

Europe

UN: breakdown of law and order in east Ukraine

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a report citing abductions, detentions, torture and killings in the eastern regions of Ukraine where armed groups hold control.

Southeast Asia

Sharia (in)justice in Aceh (not just Brunei)

A rape victim is sentenced to be flogged for "adultery" in Aceh—more grim evidence that local autonomy in the Indonesian region has been usurped by clerical reactionaries.

Europe

Novorossiya resurgent?

With the open encouragement of Putin, separatists in eastern Ukraine are reviving the concept of "Novorossiya" (New Russia)—a dangerous precedent for revanchist claims.

Europe

Ukraine: pro-Russian uprisings in east

Protesters seized government buildings in Ukraine's east, declaring the Donbas region to be a "people's republic" and calling for a referendum on union with Russia.

Europe

Crimean Tatars vote to seek autonomy

The Majilis of Crimean Tatars voted to seek "a national autonomous territory" on the peninsula, with leaders calling on their people to stay and fight for their rights.

Southeast Asia

Philippines: Moro autonomy deal signed

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) officially ended four decades of armed struggle in the Philippines, when it formally signed a pact on regional autonomy.