Tag: Americas

Apology for sterilizing HIV-positive women in moment of ‘reproductive justice’ — Global Issues

“This settlement is a significant moment for women around the world who have been fighting for reproductive justice for decades,” said UNAIDS chief Winnie Byanyima.

President Gabriel Boric Font issued the apology as part of a settlement resulting from a case brought before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) by a Chilean woman who was sterilized without her consent shortly after giving birth in 2002.

“We welcome the recognition of international accountability in this emblematic case of human rights violations that women living with HIV and their reproductive autonomy have long suffered,” said Luisa Cabal, Director of the UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Shocking surgery

When Francisca – a young woman from a rural town in Chile – turned 20, she and her partner received the happy news that they would be welcoming their first child. 

During a routine prenatal test, she was diagnosed with HIV.

Taking all the appropriate measures to minimize the risk of HIV transmission, she gave birth to an HIV-negative boy that November. 

However, during the caesarean section the surgeon decided without consent, to sterilize her. 

“Coercive sterilization of women living with HIV is a violation of women’s most fundamental human rights,” underscored Ms. Byanyima.

Making a case

The Center for Reproductive Rights and the Chilean organization Vivo Positivo took Francisca’s case to IACHR in 2009 along with those of other HIV-positive women who documented that they were pressured to undergo surgical sterilization.

In another case, after giving birth, Daniela was told that she would transmit HIV to her newborn with a hug or kiss. She said in interviews that this was how she understood what discrimination was. 

Long road to justice

After more than a decade of international litigation and IACHR’s studying the case, the State signed a settlement agreement accepting responsibility and committing to redress the violations and take measures to ensure these acts would not happen again.

UNAIDS intervened in this case with a brief that informed the IACHR on the health guidelines and human rights standards that each country must follow to respect, protect and guarantee the human rights of people living with HIV. 

“It vindicates a journey of more than 10 years, both for Francisca and the organizations that accompanied her, in her quest for justice,” said Ms. Cabal. 

Public contrition

During an official ceremony, broadcast live on social media, President Boric apologized to Francisca “for the serious violation,” the denial of justice, and for the long time she had to wait.

“It hurts to think that the State…is responsible for these cases. I pledge to you…that while we govern, we will give the best of each one of us as authorities so that something like this will never happen again and certainly so that in cases where these atrocities have already been committed, they will be properly redressed,” he said.

The Associate Director of Legal Strategies for Latin America and the Caribbean for the Center for Reproductive Rights, Carmen Martinez, read Francisca’s statement saying that she could not have led the struggle in her own name as it would have “closed endless doors,” for her.

“To this day, people who carry HIV are still looked down upon with contempt as if it was our decision to become infected. However, I want to believe with conviction that this will change.” 

Stigma and discrimination prevail

HIV-related stigma and discrimination not only impact the health, lives and well-being of those living with or at risk of HIV but also hinder the response by limiting access to broader sexual and reproductive health and other health services.

UNAIDS continues its work to ensure that governments invest in preventing and responding to violations linked to the intersectional discrimination against people living with HIV.

“Unfortunately, this practice is still happening in many countries and efforts to stop it and bring justice to more women must be stepped up,” said the UNAIDS chief.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

States urged to do more to help Haitians fleeing insecurity by sea — Global Issues

Speaking to journalists at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Shabia Mantoo, a spokesperson for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), told journalists that many of the dangerous crossings in the Caribbean Sea take place in overloaded and unseaworthy boats

Ms. Mantoo cited a recent example of a vessel carrying over 800 Haitians, bound for the United States, that instead arrived in Cuba after being abandoned by its captain and set adrift at sea.

Many of those who resort to dangerous sea crossings are fleeing the political instability and socio-economic insecurity of the region, which has put severe strains on communities throughout the Caribbean.

Haiti is being rocked by violent gang-related activity, internal displacement, natural disasters, and a lack of employment opportunities. Under such dire humanitarian and security conditions, the outlook for those pushed back or forced to return to the country is poor.

Refugees in the Caribbean region are not solely Haitian, but there are clear signs that more migrants and asylum seekers are fleeing the troubled island nation.

As of May, the US Coast Guard reported almost 3,900 interceptions of Haitian nationals, more than double the number reported a year ago. In addition, at least 175 Haitians have been reported to the Coast Guard as missing or deceased.

Countries must ‘fulfil international obligations’

Ms. Mantoo said that UNHCR is urging Governments in the region to fulfil their maritime rescue obligations, and ensure that all those in need of international protection are identified, and offered unobstructed and prompt access to fair asylum procedures.

“Search and rescue at sea is a legal and humanitarian imperative, and those rescued include refugees and others in need of protection”, explained Ms. Mantoo. “Coordination, solidarity, and responsibility-sharing are crucial in responding effectively and ensuring that people in need of international protection are not returned to their country of origin, and the dangers they have fled”.

The spokesperson went on to note that countries receiving refugees and migrants have the first line of responsibility in protecting those who may have well-founded fears of persecution in their country of origin. 

“It is vital to ensure that arrangements for disembarkation of those rescued do not result in summary return, and that they have access to procedures to have their claims assessed before being expelled or deported”, Ms. Mantoo told journalists.

In response to the growing numbers risking their lives in perilous sea crossings, UNHCR is working with Governments in the region to support the response and reception of arrivals at their borders, strengthen asylum systems, ensure the protection of refugees in a fair and efficient manner, and support international human rights and refugee law, while respecting national security concerns and state sovereignty.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Sweet taste of modern beekeeping — Global Issues

Ilarion Celestin, was supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization and Haiti’s Ministry of Environment as part of a project against desertification to modernize his production of honey He spoke to UN News ahead of World Bee Day marked annually on 20 May.

“I used to be a traditional beekeeper. My bees made honey in a hollow tree trunk, but then the Food and Agriculture Organization supported me to transition to a modern form of beekeeping with technical training and all the equipment, including 18 hives, I needed to be a professional beekeeper. 

We learnt how to look after the bees properly and now they are healthier and producing more honey and the production is more hygienic.

I love honey it is good to taste and is rich in proteins and is also medicinal. My bees make four different types of honey; my favourite is from the flowers of the Moringa tree, which is a white honey.

Bees do the hard work

It’s not a tough job, I check each hive twice a month and harvest the honey three times a year. It’s the bees that do the hard work.

My yield of honey has increased from around two gallons a year when I tended bees in the traditional way, to around 270 gallons and of course, my life has totally changed as a result. 

I can make very good money. One gallon sells for around $50, so it’s a good business. FAO tells us there is a big demand for honey and maybe in the future, my produce will be exported overseas. Right now, I sell it locally and in the capital Port-au-Prince. 

I can now afford to send me children to school, build my house and have bought a cow.

More people are becoming interested in becoming beekeepers, especially since the earthquake in August 2021. I was trained by FAO to teach local people and they come to my farm to see how I run my business, so I am leading many training sessions and I feel good to share my knowledge and experience with others. There are now about 60 beekeepers now producing in this area.

These new beekeepers realize that even an earthquake is unlikely to disrupt bees making honey, although some of the farmers in my association did lose some bees when their hives fell over during the quake in August last year and of course there is also the danger of landslides. But, overall, this is a good job for the future.

WFP Haiti/Theresa Piorr

Famers are supporting the reforestation of land in Haiti by planting trees.

Climate change challenge

The main challenge we face is climate change. When we have a drought the flowers on trees do not grow well and there is less water, so the bees have to travel further to gather nectar and drink water, which means they produce less honey. 

So, I’m beginning to plant trees and to make sure they have enough water. In this way, I am also supporting the recovery of local forests which is good for my community as there is less erosion of the soils which farmers use to cultivate crops and there is increased biodiversity.

This a good job and is very sustainable and I am very proud of my honey.”
 

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Rising COVID-19 caseload should be a ‘wake-up call’ — Global Issues

More than 918,000 cases were recorded last week, a 27.2 per cent increase over the previous week, and over 3,500 deaths, latest information from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has revealed. 

Eighteen nations saw spikes in hospitalizations, while admissions to intensive care rose in 13 countries and territories. 

“The rise in cases should serve as a wake-up call. When people get sick, hospitals get overwhelmed, health systems are challenged, and the number of deaths rise,” said Dr. Carissa Etienne, the PAHO Director, speaking during her weekly media briefing.

Regional round-up 

North America accounted for more than half of all infections in the region.  Cases there have been climbing for the past seven weeks, driven by new infections in the United States, which recorded more than 605,000 new cases, a 33 per cent increase. 

The largest rise in cases occurred in Central America, where infections soared by 80 per cent, while in South America, Brazil recorded more than 120,000 cases – a nine per cent increase. 

Meanwhile, Argentina saw almost 34,000 cases, which is a staggering 92 per cent rise over the previous week.  Other countries in the subregion also experienced surges, while Venezuela, Paraguay and Brazil recorded an increase in deaths. 

Cases in the Caribbean have been increasing for five consecutive weeks. Infections rose 9.3 per cent, and deaths 49 per cent, when compared with the previous week. Fourteen countries and territories also reported increases in hospitalizations.

Dr. Etienne urged governments to take stock and act on these numbers. “The truth is this virus is not going away anytime soon,” she said. 

Following a period of lower coronavirus transmission, many national and local authorities are abandoning mask mandates and physical distancing requirements, and have reopened borders. However, many people in the Americas are still at risk.   

Only 14 of the 51 PAHO countries and territories have reached the WHO target of vaccinating 70 per cent of their populations.  Discrepancies still exist in coverage for at-risk and vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, people with pre-existing conditions, and indigenous and afro-descendant communities 

Dr. Etienne underlined that wearing masks and practicing physical distancing are still valid measures to lower virus transmission.   

“Governments should continue to monitor the COVID-19 trends closely, adapt their guidance to protect the most vulnerable, and always be ready to scale up these social measures whenever there is an increase in cases or deaths,” she said. 

The public can also play a part by embracing vaccines, masks and other protective measures, she added.

Learning from the pandemic 

Dr. Etienne has recommended that countries should not forget lessons learned over the past two years of living with the new disease. 

They must keep focus on the virus, amid a steady decline in testing.  Even in places where self-tests are available, results are not always reported to health authorities. 

“Testing and surveillance are our eyes and ears for this pandemic and can help governments make informed decisions,” the PAHO chief said, underscoring the importance of maintaining and strengthening related infrastructure. 

At the same time, governments must also keep investing in their health systems to react quickly to any new developments, and to address health needs beyond COVID-19. 

Dr. Etienne recalled that when COVID-19 vaccines were first rolled out over a year ago, the concern was over equity and ensuring enough doses to cover the most vulnerable people. 

“Supply was the most significant barrier throughout 2021. That is no longer the case,” she said. “We have sufficient doses to cover those most at risk, and we have an obligation to do so.” 

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Guterres condemns deadly ‘vile act of racist violent extremism’ at supermarket in Buffalo, USA — Global Issues

The suspect, 18-year-old Payton S. Gendron, who is white, live-streamed the attack, which was carried out at a Tops supermarket in a predominantly black area of the city, located in the northeastern United States.

Most of the victims were African American.

Strong condemnation

Mr. Guterres was appalled by this “vile act of racist violent extremism”, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a statement.

“The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms racism in all its forms and discrimination based on race, religion, belief or national origin. We must all work together towards building more peaceful and inclusive societies,” he said.

The UN chief extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and hoped that justice will be served swiftly.

The gunman was arrested following a stand-off with the police.

The incident marked the deadliest mass shooting in the United States this year.

It follows other recent racist massacres, including the June 2015 murder of nine African Americans at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, and the October 2018 attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in which 11 people were killed and six wounded.

 

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Building peace, one project at a time in Colombia — Global Issues

A pot boils on a wood fire in the open air at a rest spot in the Serranía del Perijá, in the mountainous rural north of Colombia. More than a hundred people, including former combatants from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia rebel group known as FARC, their families, and local people as well as soldiers of the Colombian National Army, work together on the edge of a precipice.

They are carrying three-inch-diameter hoses over nearly nine kilometers of steep terrain as part of a UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-supported project to improve water supplies.

It took months of hard work to lift the hose, set it in place, bury it and connect it to a local river which provides a reliable supply of water.

“The most beautiful thing I remember was the way the army, our former adversary, community, former rebels and local authorities worked together, regardless of the past that separated us,” says Yarledys Olaya, an indigenous Barí woman, who spent 20 years fighting for the now disbanded FARC rebel group.

FARC guerillas waged  a half century-long civil war against the Colombian authorities, which officially ended with the signing of a historic Final Peace Agreement in 2016. 

A new life in a pleasant land

Yarledys Olaya is one of some 13,000 ex-combatants who committed to peace in Colombia and who began new lives in places like Tierra Grata.

“I picture my future here; I picture myself growing old,” she says. “This process has not been easy. In the past we saw our comrades get killed. But personally, it has allowed me to start my family, to be able to spend time with them, and to open my home to my daughters.

“That is why we want to continue building and betting on peace. Not only for the rebels who have been reintegrated into society but for a collective peace for the country.”

In the nearby town of San José de Oriente, local people were afraid that when the ex-combatants came to the region, violence would start again, but minds were changed when they brought just peace and a willingness to work on community projects.

Yarledys Olaya arrived in Tierra Grata in November 2016 aboard a truck together with 120 other guerrillas, most of them armed. She was wearing a camouflage uniform, boots, a black T-shirt, and carried a backpack and a rifle on her shoulder; she covered her face with a green scarf not wanting to be identified.

“There was a lot of mistrust. I felt that we were reserved, surly, and that local people looked at us differently.” It was two months before, the Peace Agreement between the government and the FARC had been signed.

“This was not a personal decision, it was a collective decision,” she says. “I thought, let’s continue but live life in another way. The good thing is that I had no longer had to see my comrades fall, which is normal during a war.”

Monitoring the ceasefire

It was an isolated location; an old farmhouse stood beside dense vegetation, including the native frailejones plant. A piece of land had been cleared to make room to build a reintegration camp; all around, there were Army and Colombian police personnel.

In a nearby area, the United Nations had erected tents where experts who had monitored the ceasefire would verify the laying down of arms. Between March and September 2017, the UN mission in Colombia received 8,994 weapons from FARC throughout the country including Tierra Grata.

Six months were spent building the camp which provided 158 living quarters. The ex-combatants were supposed to undergo a reintegration process there and then leave for a more permanent location, but most of them had nowhere to go and so stayed.

Daughters from war, and peace

Today, Tierra Grata is a formalized village inhabited by some 300 people, both ex-combatants and family members. Some were born there, and others joined their families.

Yarledys Olaya left her newborn, Yacana, with a relative when she joined FARC and was reunited two months after arriving in Tierra Grata. Two years later she gave birth to another daughter, Yaquelín, one of 65 children, born in the new settlement.

“Yacana is my daughter from the war, and Yaquelín my daughter from peace,” she says.

Yarledys Olaya continues to work on community projects, building permanent structures and bringing water and electricity to the village. “As women during the war, we played a fundamental role,” she says, “and now in this new moment, we are helping to build peace, because we feel that this process is ours; that is why we are willing to contribute our last drop of sweat to this future.”

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • Sustainable Development Goal 16 recognizes that conflict, insecurity, weak institutions and limited access to justice remain a significant threat to sustainable development.
  • It aims to reduce all forms of violence and deaths caused by that violence. It focuses on ending the abuse, exploitation, torture and trafficking of children.
  • The UN Verification Mission in Colombia was established by the UN Security Council in 2017 to support the peace process in Colombia.
  • It has worked closely with national authorities and former combatants to promote progress in reintegration and security-related issues.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Latest prison riot highlights need for criminal justice reform — Global Issues

More than 44 people died, and over a dozen were injured, after riots broke out on Monday at the prison, located in the northern city of Santo Domingo, OHCHR Spokesperson Liz Throssell said, citing the authorities. 

The riots were reportedly provoked by the transfer of a prisoner known as ‘Anchundia’, linked to the R7 gang, from La Roca prison in the south-west to the facility in Santo Domingo. 

‘Worrying incidents’ 

This marked the latest violence to erupt in prisons in the South American country.  Fifteen people were injured in clashes between prisoners from different gangs in El Inca prison in the capital, Quito, on 25 April.   

Three days earlier, disturbances at the Esmeralda No. 2 prison, located on the northern coast, left 12 inmates wounded.  

“These worrying incidents once again highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of the criminal justice system, including the penitentiary system to tackle what has been a protracted crisis in the country,” Ms. Throssell told journalists in Geneva. 

Call for investigation 

From December 2020 to May 2022, at least 390 people have been killed in Ecuador’s prisons, including some 20 inmates at a prison in the south of the country on 3 April, she added.  

“We emphasize that the responsibility of the State for the security of all people in its custody creates a presumption of State responsibility for these deaths and call for a full investigation of these incidents.” 

Ms. Throssell recalled that in February, Ecuador’s President, Guillermo Lasso, had launched a public policy of social rehabilitation of prisoners.  

The plan had been developed with significant technical support from OHCHR, and in consultation with a large cross-section of Ecuadorian society, including the families of prisoners as well as prisoners themselves. 

“We encourage the State to take vigorous steps and provide adequate resources to implement this policy,” she said. 

Roadmap for security 

OHCHR also called on the Government to carefully examine recommendations in its 2019 report on human rights in the administration of justice, that are aimed at reducing violence, deaths and serious injury in detention

The authorities were also urged to consider a roadmap proposed by OHCHR and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to guarantee security in prisons and ensure better prison management, including by combating corruption, among other measures.  

“The UN Human Rights Office will continue collaborating with other UN agencies as we remain committed to support Ecuador in facing this urgent challenge, based on human rights and in line with international norms and standards,” said Ms. Throssell. 

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Lethal force by police officers must be barred from peaceful demonstrations — Global Issues

Moreover, it added that the country also failed to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

“Any use of force must be in line with the fundamental principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality,” said Committee member Carlos Gómez Martínez.

Lethal force

The Committee issued its findings after reviewing a petition case filed by relatives of Emiliano García Mendoza and Rubén Pariona Camposano who, along with around 700 others, took part in an agrarian protest in the Ayacucho Region of south-central Peru.

When the demonstrators walked to a street manned by 12 law enforcement officers, the police officer-in-charge threw a tear-gas canister into the crowd.

As the demonstrators dispersed, two shots were heard before both men fell to the ground bleeding profusely from head wounds. They died instantly. 

“During peaceful demonstrations, potentially lethal force by law enforcement officers must be an extreme measure that can only be used when strictly necessary to protect life or prevent serious injury from an imminent threat,” Mr. Gómez Martínez reminded.

Stem police brutality

The provincial prosecutor filed criminal charges against a police officer, who admitted having used his weapon, for aggravated homicide, seeking a sentence of 30 years in prison.

The Committee’s decision also emphasized that States are responsible for taking all measures needed to prevent arbitrary deprivation of life by their law enforcement officials.

“Firearms should never be used for the sole purpose of dispersing an assembly,” he added.

Botched procedures

According to the Committee, judicial investigations into the two homicides were not carried out properly.

In the most significant incident, the defendant police officer turned his gun in to the armoury, rather than the forensics department – and the subsequent test on the weapon indicated that it bore no signs of having been fired.

As a result, the High Court acquitted the defendant in 2013 and the Supreme Court of Justice upheld the acquittal in 2016.

The victims’ families thereafter submitted their petition to the UN Committee in 2017.

The arbitrary deprivation of life by the authorities is a matter of utmost gravity –  HR Committee member

‘No legitimate ground’ 

The Committee found that Peru violated the two deceased’s rights to life and to peaceful assembly, along with their relatives’ right to an effective remedy.

“According to the findings of the forensic report by the Institute of Forensic Medicine, the shots were fired from a distance of approximately 25 metres when Mr. García Mendoza and Mr. Pariona Camposano had their backs turned, meaning that the victims did not represent a danger to the police officers,” said Mr. Gómez Martínez. “There was therefore no legitimate grounds for opening fire on the two victims,” he added.

The Committee requested Peru to conduct a thorough and effective investigation into the events leading to the deaths, impose criminal and administrative penalties on all officers responsible, and provide adequate compensation for the harm suffered by the families.

“The arbitrary deprivation of life by the authorities is a matter of utmost gravity. The obligation to protect the right to life also requires States parties to investigate and prosecute potential cases of unlawful deprivation of life, punish perpetrators and provide full reparation,” he said.

More on the Committee

The Human Rights Committee monitors States parties’ adherence to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which to date has been ratified by 173 States parties.

It is made up of 18 independent human rights experts who serve in their personal capacity and not as representatives of States parties.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Gang clashes in capital force hundreds to flee their homes — Global Issues

Speaking at the regular daily press briefing, Farhan Haq said that according to the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, in Haiti, unrest has been growing between gang members in the neighbourhoods of the commune of Croix-des-Bouquets, Cité Soleil, Bas Delmas and Martissant.

“According to our humanitarian colleagues, violence in the commune of Croix-des-Bouquets has displaced more than 1,200 people…at least 26 civilians have been killed and 22 injured, although these figures are probably higher,” he said.

At the same time, dozens of houses have been burned; schools, medical centres and markets have had to close; and a hospital in Marin was looted.

Violence in the commune of Croix-des-Bouquets has displaced more than 1,200 people – UN spokesperson

Needs increasing

“Displaced people need access to clean water, food, sanitation kits, children’s kits, kitchen kits, mattresses, blankets and clothing,” said Mr. Haq.

“The UN is ready to provide hot meals and additional assistance in coordination with national authorities”.

While working on a plan to relocate families being housed on temporary sites, the UN and its humanitarian partners have been supporting the Mayor’s Office of Tabarre and the Civil Protection Agency, in distributing hot meals and food, as well as essential items.

Since the assassination last July of President Jovenel Moïse, violent crime has been on the rise, according to media reports.

And last month, thousands took to the streets, demanding that the late president’s successor, Ariel Henry, do more to combat Haiti’s powerful criminal gangs, which have taken control of parts of the capital.

Warning system triggered

Haiti’s Civil Protection General Directorate-led national coordination committee, made up of UN agencies and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners, has activated an early warning system known as the Displacement Tracking Matrix, OCHA said.

Local NGOs are providing psychosocial activities for children at temporary sites, including recreational events, child friendly learning spaces, and counselling.

Kidnapping for ransom

Meanwhile, as the Haitian police struggle to contain the gang violence, kidnappings of foreigners and others by criminal gangs, demanding large ransoms, have been on the rise, according to news reports.

A Dominican diplomat was reported to have been kidnapped on Monday, while travelling through  a gang-controlled area, but while abducted foreigners have received most of the media attention, most victims are reportedly Haitian.

According to Haiti’s Centre for Analysis and Research on Human Rights, in 2021 more than 1,200 people were kidnapped – only 81 of whom were foreign nationals.

Ten per cent were so-called “collective abductions,” where gang members abducted a group of people, sometimes by storming church services and kidnapping clergy in the middle of mass.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Exit mobile version