News stories by Josef Benedict

KUALA LUMPUR / JOHANNESBURG, Aug 28 (IPS) - His name is Matiullah Wesa, a girls education campaigner who now symbolises the “war” waged by the Taliban against the education and empowerment of women and girls. Exactly two years since the Taliban took over, Afghanistan is on a downward trajectory and unfortunately, global attention that was drawn by families chasing planes to flee a few days after the Taliban assumed control of the government has waned over the last two years.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Apr 29 (IPS) - May 3rd marks World Press Freedom Day around the world.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, a robust media environment is critical: access to life-saving information is key in the fight against the virus. As governments impose a range of restrictions in attempts to curb the pandemic, journalists help hold authorities to account by providing analysis, engaging in debate about government actions, and creating a space for dialogue about the future we all hope to see.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Apr 09 (IPS) - This article is part of a series on the state of civil society organisations (CSOs), which is the focus of International Civil Society Week (ICSW), sponsored by CIVICUS, and currently taking place in Belgrade, April 8-12.

Josef Benedict is a civic space researcher with global civil society alliance, CIVICUS. Around the globe, cyberspace has become the new battleground in the fight for the heart and soul of democracy. And Southeast Asia is fast becoming one of the global hotspots where the screws are being tightened on freedom of expression online.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Apr 05 (IPS) - This article is part of a series on the current state of civil society organisations (CSOs), which will be the focus of International Civil Society Week (ICSW), sponsored by CIVICUS, and scheduled to take place in Belgrade, April 8-12.

Josef Benedict is a civil space researcher with global civil society alliance, CIVICUS, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. When the one-year anniversary of Malaysia's historic presidential election outcome rolls around in early May, the wave of euphoria that followed it will be all but a wistful memory.

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 13 (IPS) - Josef Benedict is a civic space research officer for global civil society alliance, CIVICUS. Powdery white beaches. Crystal clear turquoise water. Palm trees swaying in the breeze.

This is the postcard picture of paradise that comes to mind when tourists think of Fiji. But for many citizens of the South Pacific's largest island nation, and its media, the reality is anything but blissful.