First, Afghanistan's holy day, Ashura, becomes a bloodbath as dozens are killed in the bombing of a Shia shrine. Also, we delve into a massive corruption scandal rocking Indian politics. Next, we investigate the tens of thousands of children being trafficked in China. Finally, we take a look at a very cute method of managing international relations - Chinese panda diplomacy to be exact!
In China, a fatal high-speed rail crash has led some to question whether the price of the country's breakneck development is too high. Also, the smashing of a human trafficking ring in China leads to the release of dozens of children. Finally, we take a closer look at Pakistan’s glamorous new foreign minister.
Twenty girls were rescued and more than 1,000 people were arrested after an investigation into reports of missing persons uncovered a suspected network of human trafficking and exploitation in the Mexican town of Ciudad Juarez near the US border.
India's recent preliminary census results had a shocking statistic: the ratio of girls to boys had fallen yet again. There are now only 914 girls for every 1,000 boys, while in some areas it's as low as 800. Easy access to ultrasound machines and illegal sex determination tests have led to a boom in the abortion of female fetuses, leading to widespread people trafficking and abuse of women.
Egyptian web users are keen to play an active role in the country’s reconstruction. A Chinese scholar launches an online crusade against child trafficking. And Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is named Russia’s top blogger.
Kosovo's Prime Minister, Hashim Thaci, had barely 24 hours to savour his election victory. His Democratic Party of Kosovo had just finished first in the first parliamentary election since the territory unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Now a Council of Europe report has alleged that he was involved in organ trafficking.
Bloggers in Burma discuss the country’s first elections in 20 years. Hollywood stars launch an online campaign to fight human trafficking. And experts in sex education use the web to reach the younger generation.
Web users in New Zealand mobilise support to repair damage caused by the earthquake ; the ‘adult services’ section of the site Craigslist is closed in the US ; and pigeon capturing in full swing in Barcelona.
The online bulletin board service Craigslist has closed its controversial “Adult Services” category in the US amid mounting criticism; however, many critics argue that the closure will do little to stop the spread of child trafficking on the net.
The holiday resort of Pattaya, in Thailand, was once the hub of sexual tourism. But today, it no longer attracts as many sex-seekers as it once did. Cheaper and more lax, neighbouring Cambodia is Asia’s new temple of pleasure. France 24 takes you behind the scenes of the sex trade.
