El Salvador urged to uphold human rights amid state of emergency — Global Issues

El Salvador urged to uphold human rights amid state of emergency — Global Issues

An initial month-long crackdown on gangs was introduced on 27 March 2022 and has been regularly renewed, with the latest extension announced last week. At least 65,000 people, including children, have been detained since then.  OHCHRunderlined that the right to life, the absolute prohibition against torture, the principles of fair…

Guterres calls for ‘thorough investigation’ into deadly migrant centre fire — Global Issues

Guterres calls for ‘thorough investigation’ into deadly migrant centre fire — Global Issues

The blaze at the migrant centre which was reportedly run by Mexico’s National Migration Institute in Ciudad Juarez, began during a protest against imminent deportations on Monday night, according to local officials. There were 68 adult men in total staying at the facility, the Institute reported. News reports said that…

Don’t give up on Haiti, plead senior UN aid officials — Global Issues

Don’t give up on Haiti, plead senior UN aid officials — Global Issues

The call comes amid reports that the situation in Haiti is deteriorating by the day, with citizens facing spiralling violence, human rights, and food emergencies, as well as a cholera epidemic. The influence of armed gangs is growing exponentially in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and beyond, reaching the Department of Artibonite,…

‘Society raises barriers’ to people with disabilities says activist in Costa Rica — Global Issues

‘Society raises barriers’ to people with disabilities says activist in Costa Rica — Global Issues

“I am the daughter of a housewife and a car painter” is how Nicaraguan activist Ms. Mesén describes herself, while sitting behind her office desk in San José, the capital city of Costa Rica, where she is now living. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that causes bones to break…

UN experts call for end to violence during demonstrations — Global Issues

UN experts call for end to violence during demonstrations — Global Issues

In an appeal for “genuine dialogue” to resolve the crisis, the experts expressed deep concern about the reported repression, arbitrary killings, arrests, detention and enforced disappearances of demonstrators in Peru. The situation stems from Congress’s removal of then president, Pedro Castillo on 7 December, after he was accused of trying to dissolve…

Surge in gun trafficking fuels spike in gang violence — Global Issues

Surge in gun trafficking fuels spike in gang violence — Global Issues

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, Haiti’s criminal markets: mapping trends in firearms and drug trafficking, warns that a recent increase in arms seizures alongside intelligence and law enforcement reporting, suggests trafficking of weapons is on the rise. ‘Volatile situation’ “By providing a rapid assessment of illicit…

New UN report warns of spike in gang attacks, ‘gross human rights abuses’ in Haiti — Global Issues

New UN report warns of spike in gang attacks, ‘gross human rights abuses’ in Haiti — Global Issues

“The findings of this report are horrifying,” said Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a visit to Haiti this week. “It paints a picture of how people are being harassed and terrorized by criminal gangs for months without the State being able to stop it. It…

Caribbean sees first regional launch of global plan on early warning systems — Global Issues

Caribbean sees first regional launch of global plan on early warning systems — Global Issues

The event aimed to mobilize Prime Ministers to support the Early Warnings for All initiative (EW4ALL) in the face of mounting climate hazards.  2021 was the region’s fourth costliest hurricane season on record, with 21 named storms, including seven hurricanes.   Protecting vulnerable communities  UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced EW4ALL…

‘All sides need to think about the future they want for Venezuela’, says UN human rights chief — Global Issues

‘All sides need to think about the future they want for Venezuela’, says UN human rights chief — Global Issues

“Following my meeting with President [Nicolás] Maduro, he publicly expressed his readiness to work towards improving the justice system. This is a key area for reform, and I offer the support and expertise of my Office to pursue this,” Volker Türk told reporters in Caracas at the end of his three-day visit. …

Fulfilling the UN dreams of Kale, a teenager battling cancer — Global Issues

Fulfilling the UN dreams of Kale, a teenager battling cancer — Global Issues

A year ago, Kale, who lives in California, started to have blurred vision in his right eye. After taking medical tests, his family received the devastating news that he had a tumour located in his right optic nerve. “This year has been a struggle for Kale,” says his father, William,…