Translating Ukraine’s most ¨taboo¨ news stories
Respond Crisis Translation is excited to partner with Zaborona Media, an Ukrainian “new media” outlet to ensure English-language access to untold stories coming from Ukraine and throughout eastern Europe and Central Asia. Zaborona (the Ukrainian word for “taboo”) is a ground-breaking news outlet that believes that no story should remain off-limits. Stories included in Zaborona’s coverage include investigation into human rights abuses, anti-Semitism in the Ukrainian government, and contemporary eastern European cultural trends.
Through Respond’s partnership with Zaborona, we’re excited to be able to bring these stories to a larger audience and ensure that Ukrainian perspectives can get the attention and limelight they deserve. Ever since the Euromaidan protests in 2013, Ukraine’s reputation in international media has largely revolved around corruption, war, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s impeachment scandal. By supporting the accurate translation of Zaborona’s work, we seek to change these pervasive narratives and show that underneath the seemingly endless challenges, Ukraine is a vibrant country full of powerful stories that deserve to be shared with the rest of the world.
Here is some of the amazing work that our team has translated, capturing numerous taboo stories from Ukraine and beyond, while also supporting emerging Ukrainian journalism talent.
Generation Trapped
(translated by Aaron M Kennet) - This story covers the intersection of gender identity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and depression in Ukraine. Through the eyes of a young woman, we discover the journey of a man’s deep pain and insecurity. (Warning: material in this article may be disturbing to readers. Topics of mental health and abuse are present throughout the story).
Your Grandmother's Past: How to Find Information in the KGB Archives
(translated by Cornelia Kruger) - Ukrainian KGB archives are notoriously challenging to navigate. Samuil Proskuryakov takes the reader on a ride through how to access documents previously made inaccessible to Ukrainian citizens.
The Dream of White Socks
(translated by Sam Breazeale) - This photograph collection by Alina Smutko covers the topic of Ukrainian still-births, and the associated taboos that women deal with as a result of this devastating personal loss.
How Corruption and Indifference are Taking Away Cancer Patients’ Chance for Treatment
(translated by Taylor Wilson) - Ukrainian social activists are convinced that the Ministry of Health simply ignores people with cancer. Ukrainian medical institutions that provide treatment are often involved in corruption scandals, and deal with accusations of providing poor quality of care to their patients. Zaborona investigates corruption in and challenges faced by the Ukrainian National Cancer Institute.
Self Immolation as a Protest
(translated by Katya Chudinova) - In early October of 2020, a Ukrainian war veteran lit himself on fire in order to protest Ukrainian military policy. Zaborona investigates how self-immolation has become a way to reach out to the authorities and public, and why authorities usually do not respond.
No Code of Ethics: How the Ukrainian Far Right Uses Veteran Status to its Advantage
(translated by Evan Harary) In September 2020, soldiers from the Freikor volunteer unit received certificates of combatant status. Freikor isn’t just a volunteer battalion — it’s also a “military-patriotic organization”, best known for its attacks on gay people, feminists and political opponents. The Ukrainian Ministry of Justice has tried to ban the organization through the courts, but to no avail. Zaborona reports how ultra-conservative organizations like Freikor use their veteran status to create a more socially acceptable political image.
A Home for Life. How Disabled People in Lviv are Finding Help
(translated by Gabe Sheir) - Assisted living refers to situations where people with disabilities, especially those with cognitive disabilities, live in a house with the help of assistants. In Ukraine, this basic social service is guaranteed by the government. However, there are no adequate mechanisms to provide assisted living, and it’s only thanks to the efforts of advocates and charitable organizations that these types of homes currently exist. Zaborona explains how they operate.
I'm a Priest - I Won't Harm You
(translated by Aaron M Kennet) - On November 10, the Vatican published the McCarrick Report, a document detailing church pedophilia, which has also threatened to ruin the legacy and reputation of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. Zaborona covers this story from Poland, where they spoke with a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a priest and explains how priests get away with their crimes.
