People walk on a flooded street in Buzi, central Mozambique, after the passage of the Cyclone Idai. AFP/Getty Images

Cuba

This week, the Trump administration announced their plan to end five-year visitor visas for Cubans, making it significantly more difficult for Cubans to visit relatives, or take part in academic exchanges within the United States. The State Department cited this decision as being one of reciprocity, due to Cuba’s only accepting one-time temporary visas from outsiders.

News of the suicide of Kenyan Dr. Hamisi Ali Juma shocked news outlets, initiating Health Chief Administrative Secretary Rashid Aman to hire a team of experts to investigate the events leading to his death. Senators have already alleged to harsh treatment of Kenyan medics in Cuba, potentially being a large factor in the doctor’s death. Senators have called on the government to further investigate the terms and conditions of the exchange program.

Gabon

President Ali Bongo’s office announced on Thursday that the president would return to Gabon this weekend for the third time since suffering a stroke late last year. In the announcement, the spokesman expressed the president’s excitement to return to his country, as well as his thanks to Moroccan King Mohammed VI for his welcome and support throughout Bongo’s stay.

Bolivia

This week, Bolivia expelled several Venezuelans that have been accused of conspiring against the Cuban Embassy in La Paz. Bolivian President Evo Morales maintains his close relationship with Venezuela, the relationship forming during Hugo Chavez’s regime. Five Venezuelans have been detained, and have confessed to being a part of political activities.

General elections in Bolivia, originally scheduled for October 27, 2019, will now be held October 20, a full week earlier than planned. The reasoning for the change was to not coincide with the Argentina and Uruguay elections, scheduled for the 27th.

Nicaragua

The government crackdown in Nicaragua has reached a new critical point, and this week a group of countries from the region will meet with the UN Human Rights Council to discuss potential solutions. This is the first time Nicaragua has ever required a resolution by the UNHRC. The decision comes after months of Nicaraguans coming forward to share their experiences of abuse by Ortega’s regime – though all claims have been denied by the Nicaraguan government. Additionally, Human Rights Watch has been calling for the UNHRC to present a solution since August, though the situation has deeply deteriorated since then.

More than 100 anti-government protesters were arrested on Saturday during a march calling for President Ortega to release the hundreds of political prisoners arrested over the past year. The new arrests come just one day after Ortega released 50 political prisoners and vowed to release more. These arrests show that despite promises of change and renewed talks with opposition groups, Ortega’s regime will continue to suppress the Nicaraguan people.

North Korea

Two US Senators have addressed their frustrations regarding the Trump Administration’s slow movement on designated sanctions of North Korea. The letter addressed a 2019 UN report that highlighted concerns regarding North Korea’s defying US sanctions, and increased smuggling of petroleum products and coal, while also violating bans on arms sales.  

Spanish authorities announced this week their plans to further investigate an attack on the North Korean embassy in Madrid, reportedly taking place on February 22, right before the denuclearization summit between US President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un. The attack was carried out by 10 people with fake firearms, who interrogated people inside.

Myanmar

A prominent Rakhine leader has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for treason, a verdict which can also carry the death sentence. This verdict is likely to intensify the already high tensions between the army and the ethnic group. Aye Maung was initially arrested for his “inflammatory speech” in January 2018, the day before deadly riots broke out and Rakhine rebels briefly took control of a government building, leading to the deaths of 7 protestors.

United States

US President Donald Trump has stated that the United States could impose harsher sanctions on Venezuela, stating that “all options are open” in the country’s handling of the Venezuelan crisis, and that the US is “not looking for anything other than taking care of a lot of people”.

Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, while criticizing Maduro’s regime, also criticized the implementation of US sanctions, highlighting concerns that it may cause more harm to Venezuelan citizens. Bachelet said to the Human Rights Council that she was concerned it “may contribute to aggravating the economic crisis, with possible repercussions on people’s basic rights and wellbeing”.

Cambodia

After top Cambodian opposition politicians recently announced their plans to return to their home country, Prime Minister Hun Sen responded by issuing a number of arrest warrants for them. The exiled activists are members of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), which was dissolved in 2017 after accusations of trying to overthrow the government. Their banishment occurred shortly before the election, which allowed the ruling Cambodian People’s Party to compete nearly uncontested and take all 125 seats in the National Assembly. Activists from the CNRP worry that Hun Sen is taking the country down a dark path, though aren’t able to help without returning to the country where they risk arrests or death.

Mexico

Santiago Barroso, a Mexican journalist often covering crime and drug gangs in the north Sonora state, was shot and killed in his home near the US-border. Officials have stated they are still unsure whether the killing is linked to his work, but this marks yet another death of a journalist in Mexico, being the third killing this year.

Zimbabwe

The deadly Cyclone Idai swept across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi this week. The cyclone has left nearly 100 dead, and hundreds more missing. Opposition politicians are placing blame on the Zanu-PF government for not being as active in releasing warnings, but the ruling party argues that natural disasters are detrimental in developing countries, and that the blame cannot be put wholly on one source.

The UAE has provided $4,9 million in emergency aid, alongside neighboring and regional countries providing further humanitarian assistance. President Mnangagwa has also declared further government assistance, including medicine and food.  

Laos

The World Bank has agreed to give Laos a $72 million loan in order to finance three projects working to reduce childhood malnutrition and improve the use of public resources, as well as service delivery. The $25 million “Scaling-Up Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Project” will provide households in the four northern provinces with access to improved water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services. These same families who are most affected by malnutrition are also targeted by the $27 million “Reducing Rural Poverty and Malnutrition Project.” Both of these projects are working directly to combat the very high percentage (40% of children under 5 years old) of malnutrition in the region. The last project, “Enhancing Public Finance Management through Information and Communication Technology and Skills Project” will receive $20 million and continue an initiative already in place working to implement a basic public financial management system.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

This week, the DRC has addressed and admitted to local official’s roles in the harsh crackdown that lead to hundreds of violent deaths last December. DRC Human Rights Minister Marie-Ange Mushobekwa addressed the UN human rights council on Tuesday, stating, “What happened in Yumbi in December 2018 is not a source of pride for my country,” in response to a UN investigation held between in the middle of January.

A United Nations top official has suggested that President Felix Tshisekedi form a new government as quickly as possible, as his progression to a power position is one of the first peaceful transitions that the DRC has seen. Tshisekedi, quoted during his inaugural speech, called for the “building of a modern, peaceful, democratic state, and the release of all political detainees”.

Colombia

Recently elected Colombian President Ivan Duque began to follow through on his campaign promises of changing the 2016 peace deal. Last week, Duque objected to 6 out of 159 articles in the law implementing the peace deal with opposition group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Duque and his supporters believe that the establishment of a tribunal for war crimes makes the law too lenient toward commanders and former members of the opposition. The constitutional court said this week that they cannot rule on whether or not the changes are constitutional until they have been approved by congress. Large numbers of students have taken to the streets to protest the president’s move, saying that he is trying to stop Colombia’s peace process.

Venezuela

Representatives of opposition leader, Juan Guaido, stated on Monday that they have seized three diplomatic properties that have been previously used by the government of Nicolas Maduro. Guaido has stated that the purpose of taking over diplomatic buildings is to “strengthen bilateral relations with the U.S., and to better serve the Venezuelan community in the country”. Guaido’s main representative, Carlos Vecchio, said to reporters in Washington that they had officially “taken control of two defense buildings in the city and one consular building in New York”, and that there is a plan to take over the Venezuelan embassy in Washington “in the coming days”.

Malaysia

Formar Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak submitted four appeals related to his charges of criminal breach of trust and abuse of power to the Court of Appeals this week, three of which were denied. Najib was initially supposed to stand trial from February 12 to March 29 this year, though the four appeals filed by his lawyers have postponed his trial. Critics say that these appeals are just delay tactics to keep Najib out of prison for as long as possible.

Philippines

Seventeen months ago, a siege by Islamic State-linked militants drove hundreds from their homes in the Southern Philippines city of Marawi, the survivors of which are still unable to return. Hundreds marched on Wednesday, demanding to return back to their homes. One protester stated frustrations with the government because, “it keeps issuing timelines only to offer excuses later”. Eduardo del Rosario, head of a government task force in charge of rehabilitating the city, told evacuees that clearing operations would likely be finished by August.

Thailand

Thailand will hold the much-delayed general election this Sunday. The election will present 68 candidates for prime minister, all of which have very different backgrounds. Millions of young people will be voting for the first time in this election, and are very hopeful that a strong turnout from them could create real change in the country. However, many older Thais are less optimistic. They believe that despite promises of democracy from the ruling military party, “the election is already decided.” Many experts agree, saying that ruling party Palang Pracharat’s move to reserve a third of seats in parliament for the military will ensure their grasp on power, despite nationwide anger at their increasingly oppressive policies.

Other News:

Mozambique – Cyclone Idai has completely devastated a number of villages and towns in Mozambique. The cyclone hit last week, causing the two rivers in the area to burst their banks and wash over the densely populated area. The UN has confirmed 242 dead in Mozambique, 259 in Zimbabwe, and 56 in Malawi, though with flooding still affecting the area, these numbers are expected to rise. Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi said on Monday that they believe more than 1000 people have died, though experts now say that is a conservative estimate. While a large international rescue effort has begun, thousands of people are still missing or in need of assistance in the form of food, shelter, and clean water. (The Guardian), (CNN)

New Zealand – Following the shootings at two New Zealand mosques last week that killed 50 people, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the banning of all military-style assault rifles. The announcement comes just 72 hours after the attacks took place, and will also include the banning of all semi-automatic weapons, implementing a buy-back program that is estimated to cost $100-$200 million dollars. (CNN)

A demonstrator shouts slogans during a protest against Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s government in Managua, Nicaragua on 23 September 2018. Reuters/Oswaldo Rivas

Cuba

The work to ease tensions between the United States and Cuba first initiated during Barack Obama’s presidency has now reversed, with tensions now rising higher between the two countries. While experts say Cuba was eager to salvage the relationship, that has changed in Trump’s era of increased threats and sanctions against the island country. With tensions rising, Cuban state television channels have begun to air footage every night last week showing tanks rolling out and soldiers taking position. The airing of these images dubbed as “training for The War of the Whole People” is likely in response to the threat of a US invasion in Venezuela, which could potentially spill over in Cuba.

Bolivia

In a visit to Athens this week, Bolivian president Evo Morales voiced his continued support of Venezuela’s Maduro, and encouraged Western powers to stop meddling. Morales also said that history has proven Western intervention never bodes well, and encouraged the countries to rather support a dialogue within the country.

Nicaragua

This week showed both hope and disappointment in Nicaragua, amidst negotiations held between The Civil Alliance, made up mostly of students, entrepreneurs, and activists, and Daniel Ortega’s government. The negotiations were introduced to resolve the year-long struggle, but upon The Civil Alliance’s demands that Ortega release all political prisoners, Ortega’s government refused, and the opposition walked out.

        Ortega’s government released a statement on Monday saying they were prepared to continue peace talks, to which The Civil Alliance responded by saying they would, “return to the negotiating table only when the government of Nicaragua provides the country with convincing signs they want to find solutions to the crisis”. The Nicaraguan government and the Civil Alliance agreed on March 13 to resume peace talks, as the government agreed to release protesters that have been previously detained.

North Korea

In North Korea’s parliamentary election this week, Kim Jong Un did not appear on the ballot – the first time a leader has not been nominated for parliament in North Korea’s history. Regardless, Kim will still hold the same amount of power. These elections are mainly conducted as a way for North Korea to seem more democratic to the west, though there is only ever one state-appointed nominee from the Workers Party to vote for. By not putting Kim on the ballot, analysts think the country may be trying to be perceived as a “normal state” by the rest of the world.

Myanmar

Following a visit to Myanmar, UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, presented her report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighting areas of significant concern, and questioning whether the Bay of Bengal was “truly habitable”. She noted that across the country there continues to be human rights abuses committed against the Rohingya population that fled from the Rakhine State in 2017. She also stated that there was, “nothing to indicate that conditions have improved for the Rohingya who remain in Myanmar”.

United States

The United States has removed the last 14 remaining diplomats from the US Embassy in Venezuela. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that the diplomats were removed because of their presence becoming a “constraint on US policy. However, Maduro claims that the diplomats were told to leave by his regime, saying that they were “a threat to the country’s peace and stability.”  Despite their removal, the United States remains actively involved in Venezuela’s conflict, and is still committed to backing Juan Guaido.

Cambodia

        A drug raid of a nightclub resulted in the arrest of Kith Theang, a business tycoon who is the owner of the Phnom Penh nightclub. Police found 50kg of methamphetamines, and eventually arrested over three hundred people in connection to the case.

Mexico

Nineteen asylum seekers have disappeared in Mexico after they were pulled from a bus heading toward the US border by a group of armed men. While no information is currently known on their whereabouts, a search is being conducted by state and federal police, as well as a number of prosecutors.

Mexico has rejected the United States’ “Remain in Mexico” policy which calls for the return of asylum seekers to Mexico while they wait for their immigration court hearings. When the plan was initially announced in December, Mexico agreed to hold the migrants for humanitarian reasons, but only temporarily. Many immigrant rights groups have fought the policy, saying that it forces refugees to wait in Mexican border cities that are sometimes just as dangerous as the countries they are escaping. While US immigration officials say only 240 migrants have been returned across the border, this number is soon expected to increase.

Zimbabwe

A doctors’ strike in Zimbabwe has now entered its second day, as health workers claim that patients are dying due to a lack of medical supplies. One doctor said that the hospital has no more cancer drugs left, so patients are being given diagnoses, then sent away to die. The dozens of doctors striking have written an open letter to President Mnangagwa stating that the supplies they do have likely won’t last until the end of the month. Because of the lack of resources, simple diseases and procedures are now resulting in sometimes deadly complications, with no hope for more supplies in sight.

Laos

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has published a report naming Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos as being at the heart of both methamphetamine production and trafficking in East and Southeast Asia. The 90-page report highlights areas of significant concern, as well as individualized profiles of all three countries, called the “Golden Triangle”. There have been notable surges in methamphetamine confiscations in just two years between 2016 and 2018.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

President Tshisekedi signed a decree on Wednesday that he would free around 700 political prisoners who were jailed under Joseph Kabila’s regime. The release of these political prisoners was one promise he had made to complete within his first 100 days in office. Tshisekedi also announce that he would work to improve the conditions for a return of those who fled the country for political reasons. He also urged political exiles  currently residing in neighboring Republic of the Congo to return home.

Colombia

The power outage in Venezuela continues, forcing many to seek refuge within Colombia, including relatives of Maduro. His relatives request to cross the border into Colombia for a week was denied, the mitigation directing saying, “While the people of Venezuela die in hospitals because of lack of electricity, we’re not going to allow those close to the Maduro regime to vacation in Colombia, evading the reality of a people in agony”.

        This week, Colombians marched in favor of a peace deal made with the FARC. Demonstrators say that President Ivan Duque is hindering the process of achieving peace.

Venezuela

A nationwide power failure affected most of Venezuela this week, leaving 19 out of 23 states without power for as long as a week. While power has now been completely restored, the failure created disruptions for many businesses and schools, and created chaos in many hospitals. Opposition groups have said that as a result of the failures, 26 people are dead, including 6 babies. While the power has been restored, some cities still face intermittent shortages, as well as the risk of lootings and unsafe drinking water. Venezuelans in the northern states even reported black water coming out of their faucets, though officials say this is related to human error and not the power outages.

President Maduro has blamed the United States for the outages, saying that it was a “demonic plot” to force him from power with an “electromagnetic attack.” He also accused opposition leader Juan Guaido of sabotaging the national power grid, and has asked the country’s supreme court to investigate this claim. However, analysts and engineers have disagreed, saying that the outage is a result of years of underinvestment, mismanagement, and neglect by Maduro’s regime.

Malaysia

Malaysia has rejected Vietnam’s plea to free Doan Thi Huong, a Vietnamese woman accused of poisoning Kim Jong Nam. Kim Jong Nam, the North Korean leader’s half-brother, was murdered in 2017. This request comes only one day following Malaysia’s release of an Indonesian woman accused of the same charge. The Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh asked Malaysia to, “ensure a fair trial for Huong and set her free”. Vietnam’s justice minister has also been in contact with Malaysia’s Attorney General attempting to secure her release.

Philippines

A water shortage in the capital region of the Philippines is worsening. The shortage has now affected over 6 million people, with a spokesman from Manila Water Co. Inc., saying that these people will have their water cut anywhere from 6 hours to 21 hours per day until the reservoirs refill in the rainy season of May and June. Initially, the shortage affected dozens of villages, but now, have spread to large cities including the capital, Manila. With so many questions on why these shortages are happening, and for such long periods of time, the supplier company will face an upcoming senate probe on March 19.

President Duterte announced on Thursday that 46 government officials, including three congressmen, are involved with illegal drugs. While the president does not have solid proof that the allegations are true, he said that he trusts the government agencies that provided him with the information. This is the latest in Duterte’s war against illegal drugs, which has caught the attention of many international human rights groups with thousands of drug killings taking place.  

Thailand

As Thailand’s March 24th election approaches, the introduction of a cyber-security bill hinders the hopeful anticipation of democratic change. The Cyber Security Bill was passed February 28, and may give the current military government the power to seize data and electronic equipment without proper legal authority. Katherine Gerson, a Thailand researcher at Amnesty International, stated, “This law’s aim is simple: to put the internet in a cage”.

Vietnam

Six activists in Vietnam are headed to prison, facing long sentences of 8-15 years for their peaceful protests last year. A high court is scheduled to hear their appeals early next week in Ho Chi Minh City. The activists were initially arrested for participating in a pro-democracy group, as well as participating in public rallies, and expressing views on social media. Human Rights Watch has condemned the arrests, in addition to the other 142 people who have been convicted on similar charges since June of last year.

Other News

Algeria – For several weeks, Algerians have protested current President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s extension to his already 20-year rule. While Bouteflika announced he would not be seeking reelection, he also delayed the election date. Algerians responded with protest, and even jokingly took to social media stating that they would have to change the slogan from “No to a fifth term” to “No to an extended fourth term”, and calls for another Friday demonstration were made. (Al Jazeera)

New Zealand – A terrorist attack took place at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday, with 49 people currently reported dead. According to police, four people were taken into custody, with one man already being charged with murder. In light of the attacks, New Zealand’s relatively relaxed gun laws are likely to face increased scrutiny.  (CNN)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un before a meeting at the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam on Feb. 27, 2019. Saul Loeb / AFP – Getty Images Source: NBC

Cuba

Cubans voted on Sunday to update the country’s constitution while preserving the socialist system of government. Results showed that 87 percent of voters approved the referendum, which updated some of the language on electoral, financial, and criminal laws. While 4.15 percent of ballots weren’t counted because of mistakes, still 9 percent of voters opposed the new constitution – a high number for a country where opposition parties are illegal. Most opposition came from Evangelical Christians who fear the new constitution could eventually allow for the legalization of gay marriage. There was also some opposition from younger Cubans who fear the new wording is still too conservative and will not allow growth for future generations.

Gabon

Gabonese President Ali Bongo has returned to Gabon on Sunday following his month-long stay in Saudi Arabia for treatment of a health condition. This week he was immediately back to work, overseeing a cabinet meeting and meeting heads of the Constitutional Court and National Assembly and his chief of staff. His prolonged absence left many in Gabon feeling unsettled as the state of his health was not released.  

Bolivia

Bolivia declared a national emergency this week because of natural disasters caused by heavy rains over the past few weeks. On Wednesday, the country’s Minister of Defense announced that 5200 families have been affected and 59 homes have been destroyed in the 61 affected municipalities. By declaring a national emergency, the country will be able to allocate around 7 million dollars  to activating national resources. The Bolivian State Housing Agency also reported an allocation of about 10 million dollars earlier this month to replace houses destroyed by the floods.

Nicaragua

The past six months under Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has been cause for significant concern for human rights organizations, especially with hundreds of arrests of political opponents and activists. Michelle Bachelet, UN Human Rights Chief, has recently expressed alarm at increased suppression and political instability.

Ortega announced last week negotiations to take place “to consolidate peace”.  Nicaraguans are hopeful that the talks will inspire a resolution to the ongoing political crisis. Prior to scheduled talks with the opposition, Nicaragua released dozens of prisoners arrested during protests and demonstrations against the President Daniel Ortega and his government. The releases were announced by the Permanent Human Rights Commission (CPDH), but there are no further details about the releases made. The crackdown by the end of October resulted in 325 deaths, and over 750 arrests.

North Korea

The Trump-Kim summit took place on Wednesday and Thursday this week. After months of anticipation, the summit has ended in no-deal – much different from Trump’s goal of North Korea’s denuclearization. In interviews after the failed talks, Trump said that North Korea wanted the U.S. to lift sanctions in their entirety, which was not possible. Despite the fact that no agreement was signed, Kim did say that he “wouldn’t be here right now” if he wasn’t willing to denuclearize. Trump also said that Kim promised to not continue nuclear and rocket testing. Kim Jong Un will remain in Vietnam for an official state visti beginning on Friday, while Trump has already left for the United States.

Myanmar

This week, the United Nations is addressing accusations that they have ignored signs of escalating tension and ethnic violence in Myanmar and are launching an inquiry into its conduct over the past decade. State Counsellor Aung San Suu Ki has advised global investors to focus their investments on the Rakhine State, a region characterized by mistreatment of Rohingya people, claiming that the world needed to stop focusing on the “negative aspects” of the area. Since 2017, around 750,000 Rohingya have fled the Rakhine State due to reports of torture at the hands of Myanmar police.

Speaking to the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, Bangladesh Foreign Security Shahidul Haque stated, “I regret to inform the council that Bangladesh would no longer be in a position to accommodate more people from Myanmar,” addressing the recent increase of over 700,000 Rohingya crossing the border into Bangladesh in the past 18 months.

On Wednesday, February 27 thousands rallied in Myanmar’s commercial capital of Yangon to support a constitutional reform. The reform would promote changes to the charter regarding the army’s role in politics, and comes at a time where there is ongoing tension between the ruling party and the military. Protesters and democracy activists shouted chants like, “take a rest, military dictatorship”.

United States

The Trump-Kim summit endedon Thursday in Vietnam with no deal signed between the two countries. While Trump had hopes of North Korea agreeing to denuclearize, Kim ultimately would not agree unless the U.S. lifted all sanctions against North Korea. Trump still described the talks as productive, but said he had not committed or made plans for any third summit.

The House of Representatives has voted to overrule Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on the United States’ southern border. By declaring a national emergency, Trump is able to override Congress’ refusal to provide funding for his border wall and build it with military funding instead. Democrats say that this declaration is unconstitutional, and thirteen republicans sided with them in the recent House vote. Now the vote to overturn Trump’s declaration will head to the republican-majority senate, though some conservatives are expected to vote with democrats. If the senate approves overturning the national emergency declaration, Trump will likely veto and the case will most likely end up in the Supreme Court’s hands.

Cambodia

As human rights violations continue to be unaddressed, U.S. lawmakers has asked the Trump Administration to review preferential trade terms with Cambodia through a legislation introduced on Wednesday. The Cambodia Trade Act (CTA) would ultimately decide whether the privileges should be “withdrawn, suspended, or limited”.  Cambodia currently exports around $180 million of goods to the United States per year.

Cambodia experienced the same punishment from the European Union a few weeks ago, where the legislation could see Cambodia’s preferential access suspended.

Mexico

Mexico’s president announced on Tuesday that he will not take sides regarding the crisis in Venezuela, despite U.S. Vice President Mike Pence’s calls for Mexico to recognize Juan Guido as the rightful president of Venezuela. President Lopez Obrador told reporters that he does not want to get involved, but urged both sides in Venezuela to seek a peaceful solution. He also voiced his beliefs that the disputes over humanitarian aid should be resolved by the United Nations.

Teachers from Oaxaca are in Mexico City staging a 72 hour campout to protest the General Professional Teaching Service Law. The teachers are also calling for the concept of multicultural education instead of bicultural education in order to better represent the many indigenous groups across Mexico. Despite the absence of 800 teachers in the protests, 90% of classes in Oaxaca resumed as normal.

Maldives

On Monday, February 25, opposition lawmakers submitted a motion of no-confidence against Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, following her comments made to an Indian newspaper where she said, “If the Indians really wanted to occupy Maldives, they never had the intention, I’m sure, but if they do, I don’t know how we can stop it. You see, your airforce, your navy, your infantry, literally there is nothing we can do… this is just being practical.” Opposition supporters almost immediately retaliated, and promised to summon the Defense Minister for questioning. There has recently been increased anti-India sentiments among opposition supporters.

Zimbabwe

With Zimbabwe’s financial crisis worsening every day, the country has introduced what they hope will be a solution – a new currency. The RTGS dollar rolled out this week will ideally bring together debit card, mobile payments, and bond notes to have the same value. The country has also given up on the previous notion that the bond notes rolled out in 2016 have the same value as the US dollar. This time, they are saying that “the value of the RTGS dollar against the US dollar will be set by the market.” The new currency was initially sold to banks at a rate of 2.5 RTGS to 1 U.S. dollar. By allowing the value to fluctuate, the black market will ideally be eliminated.

Botswana officially gave Zimbabwe a loan of $600 million on Thursday, when an agreement was signed between the two countries. The agreement, which was signed in Harare, allocates $500 million of the loan for the diamond industry, with the other $100 million going to helping private companies who have been hurt by Zimbabwe’s currency shortage.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Seven months have passed since the DRC’s ebola crisis began, and over 500 people have died, with the virus still not under control. As the epidemic rages on, people are growing less trusting of health agencies and doctors. As a result, two ebola clinics have been set on fire by arsonists this week, with the most recent attack happening on Wednesday. The clinic which was attacked on Sunday was forced to close down as a result of damage from the fire. Health workers already struggle to find proper facilities and equipment for fighting the virus, and these recent attacks have created huge setbacks.

The United States announced last week that officials involved in the DRC’s recent election misconduct will be denied visas. This ban on visas will affect 5 senior Congolese officials in addition to their immediate family members. The state department also stated that they would impose visa restrictions on a number of other officials who were involved in human rights abuses during the election.

Colombia

Violent encounters along the Venezuelan border with Colombia began on Friday, February 22, resulting in 285 injuries and 37 hospitalized on the Colombian side of the border, as stated by Colombia’s foreign minister. The clashes came as a result of armed government forces attempting to block shipments of aid from entering Venezuela. United States Vice President Mike Pence traveled to Colombia for an emergency meeting with regional leaders, as well as meet with Juan Guaido in an attempt to resolve the worsening crisis.

Colombian President Ivan Duque has responded by closing two international bridges, stating Colombia needed 72 hours to assess the damage and clear as much as they could. Colombia attempted to reopen their side of the border on Wednesday, February 27, but Venezuela kept their side closed. Regional director of Colombia’s Civil Defense, Miguel Perez, spent Wednesday traveling across the bridges attempting to find someone in Venezuela that he could negotiate with.

Venezuela

Violence broke out this weekend at the Venezuelan/Colombian border when protesters clashed with forces loyal to Maduro over the blocked aid. At least 4 people died and over 300 were injured as a result of military firing tear gas and rubber bullets into a crowd of protestors. U.S. Vice President Pence, who was in Colombia early this week to meet with opposition leader Guaido, denounced the attacks and said the the United States would impose additional sanctions against Venezuela.

Following his meeting with U.S. Vice President Pence and other world leaders from the Lima Group this weekend, opposition leader Guaido has announced that he will begin exercising his duties as president upon his return to Venezuela. In a video posted to his twitter, Guaido made the announcement and asked for continued support from his base. Despite his strong statements, Guaido does fear that he may be arrested upon returning to Venezuela. Regardless, he remains confident that even his arrest would not stop the movement, and may even strengthen the opposition to Maduro’s regime.

Malaysia

In June 2018, Malaysia announced their 40,000 Chin refugees would have to return to their home countries by 2020 as they would no longer be considered as refugees. The UN High commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) began phasing out their protection of Chin refugees by August, stating that the Chin State was safe enough to return to. Many of the Chin refugees fled from Myanmar, where they faced ongoing harassment and persecution.

Philippines

A group of international law enforcement agencies met on Wednesday to celebrate the inauguration of the first Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center. The Center will feature a collective of law enforcement from the Philippines, Australia, and the U.K. working to combat the online exploitation of children across the Philippines. While the Center will remain focused on the Philippines for now, they eventually hope to expand their reach to all of Southeast Asia.

Thailand

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, one of Thailand’s rising political stars, is under public eye as police want to prosecute him under the Computer Crime Act for criticizing the military government on a Facebook video. He has actively encouraged young people to vote for the upcoming elections to be held on March 24, and has vowed to end Thailand’s military “dictatorship”. Prosecutors have stated that they will decide on the indictment two days after the elections.

Vietnam

Vietnam was in the spotlight this week as it was the site of United States President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s second summit meeting, taking place February 27-28. There was no agreement made between the leaders. While Trump left Vietnam on Thursday, Kim is set to stay in Vietnam through Saturday.    

India and Pakistan – Tensions between India and Pakistan in the Kashmir region have escalated immensely over the past weeks, reaching their highest point in decades. On February 14, a suicide car bombing was executed by a Pakistani group, JeM, in the Indian-controlled region of Kashmir and killed 42 people. This week, India fired back by launching air raids on an area occupied by a JeM training base. In the cross-fire, at least eight Pakistani civilians were killed. Today, an Indian pilot who was shot down and has been detained by Pakistani forces since Wednesday is expected to be released. Many hope that the release of this pilot could be the goodwill gesture that will de-escalate the ever-growing tensions. (CNN, Al Jazeera)

Sudan – Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir announced a state of emergency on Friday, February 22 following ongoing demonstrations across the country. This week, Bashir issued four new emergency laws forbidding protests while imposing new economic restrictions. Mohamed Awad, a legal expert and activist, stated, “In the current situation, there is no legal need for imposing the emergency. The solution is 100 percent political. Peaceful transfer of power is the solution”. Recently announced measures state that acts such as sharing new that authorities believe could “put the country in danger” on social media could result in a prison sentence. Protests were ongoing on Wednesday at the Ahfad University for Women in Omdurman and at a hospital in Khartoum’s Bahri section following the release of the news. (VOA)  

Palestine – Palestinian protests along the Gaza border last year resulted in 189 deaths between March 30 and December 31 of 2018. UN human rights experts have launched a commission of inquiry to investigate whether Israeli soldiers committed war crimes. The UN Human Rights Council stated that over 6,000 demonstrators were shot by military snipers over the course of nine months. The protests, called “the Great March of Return” are in support of Palestinian refugees returning to what is now Israel. The Israeli government believed that terrorists used the protests to cross into Israeli territory, thus initiating Israeli soldiers ordered along the border fence. The commission states that shooting a civilian that is not directly participating in hostilities constitutes a war crime.  (BBC)

Opposition parties and civil society organizations hold a demonstration in San Francisco square to protest the candidacy of President Evo Morales in the October elections — AFP

Cuba

Cuba has denied recent allegations suggesting that they have military forces present in Venezuela after accusations from US President Trump and his administration. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demanded the United States provide proof, while calling the political situation in Venezuela “a failed imperialist coup…fabricated in Washington”. While the United States has been clear with its support of Guaido, Cuba is a supporter of Maduro.

Gabon

Gabon’s president Ali Bongo is expected to have a 6 month recovery period after suffering from a stroke last fall. President Bongo has been spending his recovery period in Morocco, though he did briefly return to Gabon for a swearing-in ceremony in January. He is expected to return again next week for a few days to oversee a cabinet meeting, but the date of his permanent return is still unknown.

Bolivia

There have been nationwide protests in response to current President Evo Morales running for a fourth term in office. Demonstrators took to the streets on Thursday, a day marking the third anniversary of Morales’ defeat in a bid that would secure public support to remove term limits. Several of Bolivia’s major cities were hosts to the protests, including La Paz, Sucre, Santa Crus, and Potosi. Elections in Bolivia will be held in October of 2019.

Nicaragua

A Nicaraguan farmer has been sentenced to 216 years in prison after leading protests last year against President Daniel Ortega. This sentencing goes directly against the country’s constitution which states that “no Nicaraguan can spend more than 30 years in prison”. Medardo Mairena was convicted in December on charges of terrorism, organized crime, and murder, which he denied. His sentencing comes just days after business leaders met with Ortega’s regime to demand the release of more than 600 political prisoners in the country.

President Daniel Ortega announced on Thursday that he will resume a dialogue next week with opposition leaders. Angel Rocha, who will be representing university students in the dialogue, says their principle goal is to demand Ortega release the people considered political prisoners. Other goals of the dialogue include pushing for more transparent elections and electoral reforms, as well as finding justice for those who lost their lives in government protests over the last year.

North Korea

With the denuclearization summit quickly approaching, North Korea’s Chief of Staff, Kim Chang-son was seen in Vietnam a week before the meeting. US President Donald Trump has been advised to significantly lower his expectations going into the summit, especially following a UN report that North Korea is hiding and selling nuclear weapons.

The UN is attempting to improve civil aviation in North Korea, specifically focusing on Pyongyang opening airspace to accommodate foreign flights. The United States has repeatedly blocked this effort due to their desire to “pool all the leverages and incentives” for the denuclearization summit. Washington has stated they want concrete commitments from North Korea during their discussions, and maintaining pressure on the country is the key to achieving this.

Ahead of the denuclearization summit, a memo by Pyongyang’s mission to the world body stated the country’s concern that they are facing a national food shortage. The memo blames the significant shortages on high temperatures, drought, floods, and sanctions enacted by the United Nations. Within the memo, the government asks for the aid of international organizations, although the World Food Programme (WPF) has yet to respond to the memo. While they are currently in the process of gathering information on food security in the country, United Nations spokesman Stephane Durjarric stated that the UN estimates that almost half of the population of North Korea is in need of food and around 41% are undernourished.

Myanmar

Myanmar picked a panel this week to discuss and potentially make reforms to the country’s constitution. The current constitution was scripted by the military in 2008 and gives themselves control of all security ministries and also automatically gives them a quarter of all parliamentary seats. Ultimately, these clauses give the military veto power over any constitutional changes. The National League for Democracy Party is hoping to change that and redistribute the power.

United States

This week President Trump declared a national emergency to fund the infamous wall along the border with Mexico. A coalition of sixteen US states responded and are suing Trump over the emergency declaration, initially filed in California. Protests erupted in other parts of the country following the announcement, including Washington DC where protesters shouted, “Trump is the national emergency!”. Following Colorado’s announcement that they would join the lawsuit, a crowd of over 100 gathered at the state capitol in Denver and cheered with approval. The ACLU has announced that they too intend to sue Trump over the issue.

Cambodia

The Financial Action Task Force has announced that they will place Cambodia on a watchlist because of the high possibility of money laundering taking place. The report also points out the high levels of corruption in the justice system and that no money-laundering case has ever been prosecuted in Cambodia. This announcement could potentially affect the amount of trade flows and investments coming in and out of the country. The report also comes at an inopportune time for the country, as the EU is about to take away preferential trade treatment because of human rights abuses.

Mexico

Samir Flores Soberanes, and environmental and human rights activist in Mexico was killed this week ahead of a referendum on a controversial thermal-electric plant and pipeline that he had proposed. His violent and sudden death marks another murder as the string of killed activists and journalists continues to grow. Mexican President Lopez Obrador had previously promised to address the issue, but significant changes have yet to be made.

Mexico has closed a temporary migrant shelter near the United States, which held around 1,600 Central Americans that have been restricted in the shelter for two weeks.

A Federal Prison on the Islas Marias is closing down to become a cultural center. Mexican President Lopez Obrador has stated that he wished to promote “more schools and fewer prisons”. There are currently 600 prisoners, 200 of which will be released come the closing of the prison, and the rest are set to be transferred to other prisons on the Mexican mainland.

Maldives

Maldives ex-president Abdulla Yameen has been arrested for his charges of money laundering. A state lawyer said that Yameen had tried to influence and bribe witnesses prior to going on trial. The court then ruled that Yameen be taken into custody and detained for the rest of his trial. Preliminary hearings for his case will begin this week.

The Maldives Anti-Corruption Commission has also suspended two government ministers over their transactions with a company involved in a $90 million corruption scandal. This is the same probe that accused former president Yameen of his corruption charges.

Zimbabwe

Bakers in Zimbabwe received news on Wednesday that the country could run out of bread within 8 days unless they are able to import more wheat. Flour stocks in the country have dwindled after the government failed to pay for imported wheat. The dwindling flour stocks comes as a result of the country’s severe shortage of US dollars, and the resulting $80 million in debt for past
wheat imports.

EU foreign ministers decided against imposing sanctions on Zimbabwe this week as a statement to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The EU council imposed sanctions 19 years ago against Robert Mugabe, and they stated that they will continue to uphold these sanctions.

Laos

This week many of the people whose homes were affected by July’s dam collapse will return to their newly-repaired homes. These are some of the first people to return to their homes after over 6 months. For those whose homes were completely destroyed, a solution has yet to come, as the government still hasn’t finished building permanent housing solutions. Until the new housing is built, thousands of families will continue to live in shelters.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Police in the DRC have been accused of extrajudicial killings by Human Rights Watch. The report released this week claims that the Congolese police killed at least 27 people in a crackdown on gangs that took place last year. In order to compile the report nearly 80 people were interviewed, including witnesses, security officials, and victims’ family members. Police in the country have denied the allegations and recently sworn in President Tshisekedi’s spokesman declined to comment on the case.

Eight people have died after a series of shootings in Goma, eastern DRC. The attacks took place Saturday night when unidentified gunmen shot down random passers-by in the town. Public anger toward authorities in the community has resulted, with questions on why authorities were so slow to respond.

Colombia

US aid intending to reach Venezuela has arrived in Cucuta, the Colombian border city, but many are not clear if and how it can be distributed within the country. Cucuta has become an internationally prominent city as it is the destination of foreign aid heading towards Venezuela. Maduro continues to reject all foreign aid, even stating that he will send it back to Colombia while quoting Colombian poverty statistics.

Venezuelan opposition Guaido has stated his plans for delivery of aid from Colombia and Brazil, even calling for caravans of volunteers to carry the aid during a speech. This puts volunteers in a dangerous position as the military is loyal to Maduro and under instructions not to allow aid to cross into the country.

Nicolas Maduro has announced his intentions to close Venezuela’s border with Brazil amidst ongoing foreign aid delivery tensions. He threatened closure of Venezuela’s border with Colombia, stating, “I don’t want to make such a decision, but I am considering it – an absolute closure of the border with Colombia”.

Venezuela

President Trump addressed a crowd of supporters this week, condemning socialism and saying that Maduro supporters “will lose everything.” Trump also said that the Venezuelan military should not intervene with U.S. aid or involve violence. President Maduro also announced on Thursday night that he will close the Venezuelan border with Brazil indefinitely and is considering shutting the border with Colombia, both in order to keep out opposition aid. While shipments of U.S. aid are still blocked at the border, a shipment of Russian aid is expected to arrive on Saturday, and likely will be accepted by Maduro.

British businessman, Richard Branson, has announced that he will host a benefit concert in Cucuta, Colombia that will raise money for food and medical supplies in Venezuela. Branson, who is a supporter of Guaido, has been criticized for his for his decision to host the concert, with Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters saying “it is a US-backed effort to tarnish the socialist government.” In response, Venezuela’s president Maduro announced his plans to host a rival concert on the same night, just across the border in Venezuela.

In addition to the current political crisis in Venezuela, the school system in the country is also collapsing due to economic crisis. Teachers are striking and have taken to the streets to protest a lack of funding for the school system and demand a livable wage. Because of nationwide food shortages, children often rely heavily on their school meal, but even this has been cut because of budget constraints and poor management of facilities in schools. With the food shortages, children in classes are starving and teachers are even passing out from lack of food. Caritas Venezuela has said that malnutrition has soared over the past 3 years in Venezuela, and it is children under 5 who are most vulnerable.

Malaysia

It was announced this week by the Malaysia Defense Minister Mohamad Sabu that the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) relocated four army bases to move military voters so they could gather political support in other areas. This was done amidst protests from the army top brass, and was called an abuse of power by the minister. The Ministry of Defense lost the equivalent of $122 million in the land swapping, and stated that the deals were made without proper planning or developers.

Philippines

Government plans to dam the Kaliwa river in the northern Philippines is being fiercely opposed by tribal leaders and people who live in the area, for a number of reasons. For more spiritual reasons, the river holds a sacred value, as people from tribes in the area have been praying there for centuries. More practically, building the 70m tall dam would not only displace the people living along the river, but also the many endangered species that call the area home. The dam is being built to ideally combat a future water crisis which would affect drinking water and agriculture, and is being partially funded by China.

Philippine journalist and CEO of Rappler Maria Ressa has been freed on bail just one day after her arrest for “cyber-libel.” This arrest is the result of a seven-year old report on controversial ties between a businessman and a former judge that was published four months before the country passed the new libel law.

Thailand

Concern over Thailand’s military control over politics continues as police announce intentions to prosecute the leader of a new political party for posting a video on Facebook last year in which he was spreading “false information” about the military government. This news comes nearly a month before Thailand’s upcoming elections on March 24.

Other News:

India – The Supreme Court in India has ordered that over a million families living on forest land will soon have to leave. The families living in this area make up just a small percentage of the 100 million tribespeople living in India. A law passed in 2006 states that tribal families living on the land for three generations the right to continue living and working on forest land. Now, the Supreme Court has ordered that all families living on the land must file a claim and pass a 3 step verification process requiring 13 kinds of proof. 1.8 million of these families have successfully filed the claim, but still 1 million will be forced out. (BBC)

Sudan – Ongoing reports by the U.N.’s Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan outlines widespread human rights violations being committed against civilians and children as the unrest worsens, many of which may constitute war crimes. The Commission continues to collect evidence of abuses with the intention of future prosecution. Commission member Andrew Clapham spoke in Geneva on Wednesday, stating, “We think that that through accountability and reconciliation there’s the possibility for the South Sudanese to deal with the past and secure their future stability and prosperity”. (NPR)  

Nigeria – Elections in Nigeria are set to take place this Saturday, February 23, delayed from the previous election date of February 16. The delay was troublesome for many Nigerians who had significant distances to travel simply to vote. Nigeria’s main parties, All Peoples Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), both accused the other of interfering in elections in their denouncing of the delay. For this election, the electoral commission promised ballot papers and election staff in place across the country. (BBC)

Migrants from Honduras, arrive at a migrant hostel hoping to be taken in as they wait to apply for asylum in to the United States in Piedras Negras, Mexico.

Cuba

As Cuba nears the February 24th date of a final referendum to make changes to their constitution, the state has begun to crackdown on protesters who are arguing for a NO vote. On Monday, 20 members of the opposition group ‘Cuban Patriotic Union’ were detained. In the following days, a number of other activists had their homes raided and also faced arrests. The new constitution will change some government structures but keep the Communist Party as supreme.

Prince Charles is set to visit Cuba this spring, a first for any member of British royalty. Florida senator Rick Scott argues that the prince should visit Florida instead, saying that a visit to Cuba would “condone the Castro regime’s brutality”.

Gabon

President Ali Bongo Ondimba has been attempting to restore people’s confidence in the government of Gabon. This comes soon after the coup attempt on January 7. Bongo has reportedly strengthened his control on the government, and previously requested and received$350 million from the United States government.

Bolivia

Bolivian President Evo Morales has slammed Juan Guaidó’s remarks about welcoming a US military intervention in Venezuela. After the US and EU-backed interim president Guaido stated that he would not rule out US intervention to remove Maduro from power, Morales tweeted that Bolivia rejects Guaido’s statements.He has also tweeted that the economic blockade threatened by the US will “threaten the human rights of the Venezuelan people”.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua has experienced political and social unrest since April 2018, when Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega unleashed a violent crackdown on his opponents. Since this point, there have been at least 325 deaths, 550 arrests, and countless injuries related to the violence that erupted. Many living within Nicaragua are forced to make the extreme decisions of whether to stay in the country or figure out a way to leave, specifically business owners who are struggling with plummeting sales.

Economists in Nicaragua worry that a new and upcoming social security overhaul that wouldraise payroll taxes and cut pensions would cause a similar if not worse revolt than that of 2018.Mario Arana, who was the previous head of the Treasury and former President of Nicaragua’s Central Bank, stated, “This measure is absolutely much more drastic since it’s not gradual but instead immediate, and it will affect the nearly 800,000 insured in the country”. This package was approved in January and took effect in the beginning of February.

North Korea

With the upcoming Trump-Kim summit set to take place at the end of the month in Vietnam, both the US and North Korea are preparing for talks centered around denuclearization. However, one topic will likely not be discussed – human rights. Before the last summit, Trump promised to discuss human rights conditions within the country, but later said that the issue was barely discussed. With a clear focus on denuclearization this time around, it seems that human rights will once again be largely ignored. While the goal of the summit remains to be denuclearization, US national security officials have stated that North Korea has done little to work toward this, and that a nuclear declaration from the country will likely be incomplete.

Myanmar

This week, Myanmar saw action taken to demand justice for human rights violations committed against minority groups. Rohingya activists, alongside Rohingya refugees, international legal experts, and human rights activists, gathered in Colombia University in New York to hold discussions on seeking retribution for Myanmar’s treatment of the Rohingya ethnic group.

Myanmar is also being criticized by Amnesty International following reports that the military ispreventing civilians from getting food and humanitarian help. The United Nations reported that around 5,200 people have been actively forced from their homes for reasons related to the ongoing conflict.

On Tuesday, February 12th, around 3,000 demonstrators gathered at the capital of the state of Kayah, symbolically at the Loikaw Statue. Since its unveiling, 54 have been charged withdefamation and incitement, and unlawful assembly. Khun Thomas, a demonstrator at the site,said, “We are not objecting to the general’s statue itself – we are demanding to implement his promises first”. Myanmar police responded to the protest with the use of rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons.

United States

A former US air force officer has been accused of spying for Iran. Monica Witt joined the Air Force in December 1997, and worked as a Persian-Farsi language specialist, and later a Special Agent. During her years with the Air Force, Ms. Witt was been privy to classified information that prosecutors now say she disclosed to Iranian officials. Ms. Witt reportedly had an “ideological” turn in the summer of 2013, after she had converted to Islam and was not respected by the US military for her decision to do so. It was then that she tried to defect to Iran through their embassy in Kabul.

Mexican drug lord, Joaquín Guzmán Loera, also known as El Chapo, stood trial this week in New York for his charges of drug trafficking, being found guilty for all 10 counts. After already escaping from two prisons in Mexico, the United States will likely house El Chapo in the highest security prison in the country, in southern Colorado.

Cambodia

47 Malaysians were detained in Cambodia this week, and many of the detainees are believed to be innocent by the Foreign Ministry, and instead involved unknowingly in a job scam. Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah of Malaysia has said, “we have sought the help and cooperation of the Cambodian government to assist in the release of these innocent Malaysians as soon as possible”.

This week the European Union reminded Cambodia that the “clock is ticking” in terms ofreleasing trade privileges due to ongoing human rights concerns. The EU officially began the process of imposing sanctions, and these sanctions could be detrimental to Cambodia’s economy as the EU is Cambodia’s largest trade export. The current process undertaken by the EU will be ongoing for six months as the EU monitors the situation in Cambodia, and then a final decision will be made about permanent withdraw of trade preferences.

Mexico

As caravans of migrants continue to flow toward the United States, it is the Mexican towns on the border facing the biggest effects. While NGOs and churches in these towns are working to provide food and shelter to these large groups of migrants, community members remain suspicious and officials are feeling overwhelmed. In the town of Piedras Negas, only 15 asylum requests are handled per day, forcing 1700 migrants to stay in the makeshift shelter of an abandoned factory until their requests are processed – which could take 5-7 months. Those staying in the shelter say that conditions are good, but authorities’ fears continue to increase over an ever-growing number of refugees and a potential closure of the US border.

Maldives

Former Maldives President Abdullah Yameen was charged with money laundering, allegedly receiving one million dollars stolen from the state. He will face a sentence of up to 15 years, despite his denial of any misconduct. The Maldives government is now seeking international help to attempt to recover the millions of dollars that were lost during Yameen’s presidency.

Zimbabwe

The Trump administration issued a statement this week warning Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa to not use excessive force on the country’s citizens. As protests have been breaking out over the past few weeks, the army and police have responded violently, killing at least 17 and injuring 600 more. The Zimbabwe government has stated that they will not remove military force from the streets until the protests have been stopped.

Teachers unions have suspended their national strike, returning to work on Monday after meeting with the country’s Education Minister. Teachers warn though, that if the government does not meet their demands, they will go on strike again.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to see the effects of the recent Ebola outbreak, that has taken 502 lives, while 271 have been effectively cured. While a vaccination program is ongoing, and has helped prevent deaths, there are now active allegations against health workers for using the vaccine in exchange for sexual favors, specifically targeting vulnerable locations resulting in further gender-based violence. The Ministry of Health stated that participants in focus groups had, “expressed concerns about women and girls being offered Ebola-related services in exchange for sexual favours”.

Martin Fayulu, the runner-up for the DRC presidential election in 2018, has called for a rematch. Fayulu has met with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and EU Foreign Relations Chief, Federica Mogherini regarding the potential rematch. Fayulu believes that the results had beenfabricated, and suggested setting up an African Union special committee upon receiving results.

Colombia

Colombia’s migration office has “cancelled over 300 daily entrance passes for Venezuelan politicians and their families who support President Nicolas Maduro” The head of Colombia’s migration agency issued a statement saying that it’s not fair for supporters of the dictatorship to freely enter the country and enjoy the benefits while 800,000 migrants have had to flee Venezuela for Colombia because of hunger and supply shortages.

Venezuela

The US is seeking a United Nations Security Council resolution that will call on Venezuela toconduct fair presidential elections with international observers present. Donald Trump’s Latin Advisor claimed this week that “there is not a single scenario” in which Nicolas Maduro and his “cronies” would retain and hold power in Venezuela. Russia continues to support Maduro, thus refusing to support a US-led campaign.

Guaido revealed on Monday, February 11th that he and his team had delivered the first shipmentof international humanitarian aid, although he did not state how he was able to deliver the aid or where it had come from. He did state the aid that was delivered was small in scale due to the Maduro’s blocking of the border last week.

This week Maduro threatened Juan Guaido, stating, “This person, who believes that politics is a game and he can violate the constitution and the law, sooner or later will have to answer before the courts”. This comes alongside news of Venezuela’s opposition-controlled Congress naming a new board of directors for the oil firm PDVSA in an effort to remove the oil revenue from Maduro’s control.

Malaysia

The trial for former Malaysian Prime Minister has been postponed with no new date set. Najib Razak is on trial for nearly 40 counts of corruption, stemming from the 1MDB deal launched in 2009 as a “multibillion dollar investment by a Saudi oil firm” which was supposed to be used to create jobs within Malaysia. Suspicions emerged when Najib’s family was suddenly seen flaunting huge amounts of wealth, and an investigation found “hundreds of millions of dollars” placed in Najib’s bank account in 2013.

Philippines

Maria Ressa, Philippine journalist arrested Wednesday, February 15 on charges of “cyber-libel”was freed on bail following international condemnation. Maria Ressa is recognized in her field as being named Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2018, having a career with CNN, and eventually becoming co-founder of Rappler, one of the most hard-hitting investigatory news outlets based in the Philippines. Activists were almost immediately vocal in their discouraging of treatment of Ressa, including former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright who called Ressa’s arrest “outrageous”. Amnesty International had previously called out President Rodrigo Duterte’s government for “relentlessly intimidating and harassing” journalists.

Thailand

Thailand’s Princess has been disqualified from running for Prime Minister. Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya announced just last week that she would run as the Thai Save the Nation party’s candidate for prime minister, but was shut down after her brother, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, said that her running would be “inappropriate.” Soon after the king made his announcement, the Election Commission announced that “monarchy must remain above politics” and that the princess would be officially disqualified from running.

Other news:

Iran – Following the wave of protests that occurred in Iran in 2018, there remain unanswered questions regarding the deaths of nine protesters who died under “suspicious circumstances”, and a lack of acknowledgment for protesters that were killed in the streets while protesting. The Worldwide Threat Assessment for 2019 was released on January 29, where the US Director of National Intelligence stated, “we assess that Tehran is prepared to take more aggressive security measures in response to renewed unrest”. (CNN)

Nigeria – With the upcoming February 16 presidential and legislative elections, many have fears of significant violence erupting following the elections. On Sunday, February 10, five members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) were shot and killed, leading authorities to believe it to be a targeted attack by the opposition. This week, two electoral offices were burned down, sparking suspicion and general concern. Nigerian elections have resulted in violence in the past, instilling fear that Saturday will be “no different from previous polls”. (Al Jazeera)

Spain – Eight leaders from the Catalonia separatist movement are set to go to trial next week in Madrid, where they could face up to 25 years in prison. Also in Madrid, 45,000 people have taken to the streets to protest Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s plan to have talks with secessionists. Conservatives in the country say that the offering of these talks is grounds for treason, while separatists rejected the offer, saying they want a new independence vote. (BBC)

Venezuelan soldiers erected blockades on the Tienditas Bridge at a border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela. (Edinson Estupinan / AFP/Getty Images)

Cuba

Cuba is now in the middle of the ongoing tensions between Colombia’s ELN rebel group and the Colombian government, as leaders from the rebel group have said that they will not leave Cubawithout confirmation from Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez that he will adhere to conditions agreed to by the previous president of Colombia. The conditions set by Marquez’s predecessor agree to: “guarantee guerrilla commanders safe return to Colombia or Venezuela within 15 days of peace talks, and to bar military offensives for 72 hours”. President Marquez has asked Cuba to extradite those representing the group. Cuba has been the previous site of peace talks between the group and the Colombian government, and have openly stated that while they denounce the car bombings confirmed to be caused by the rebel group, they will still follow the protocol of the conditions as it has been previously established.

Gabon

An anti-government activist has been released after being held 17 months for creating videos deemed hostile to President Ali Bongo. Herve Mombo Kinga was initially charged with spreading propaganda and insulting the president, and faced 8 years in prison. Mombo Kinga was released on Tuesday after the judge threw out the case.

Bolivia

A devastating mudslide in Bolivia has caused significant damage, resulting in at least 14 people killed and around 50 injured. The mudslide comes amidst economic concern, as Brazil and Argentina, Bolivia’s biggest natural gas export customers, have announced that they plan to boost their own economies by becoming their own outputs and work to further access the global market. As the 2019 presidential elections approach, Bolivia remains in a debt thatsteadily increased during Evo Morales’s presidency.

Nicaragua

The wave of oppression launched by Daniel Ortega’s regime in Nicaragua continues to restrict freedoms and force the regime’s opponents to flee. The crackdown began soon after a huge number of protests in April calling for Ortega’s resignation. Since the crackdown began, 324 people have been killed and thousands more have either been arrested or forced to flee the country. One of the greatest targets has been the media, with many journalists being arrested, and opposition media sources being shut down. Despite sanctions from the U.S., Ortega says he will not step down. As long as he stays in power, tens of thousands of Nicaraguans will continue to flee to nearby Costa Rica.

North Korea

A confirmed second summit meeting between North Korea and the United States is set to take place February 27th and 28th in Vietnam. President Trump has said that “the meeting is set” and that he sees a “good chance” of reaching a deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Last week, Trump even praised North Korea on their “tremendous progress” in denuclearization negotiations.

Despite Trump’s praise and optimism, a report was recently released showing that North Korea is attempting to hide and protect its weapons. The report was submitted to the UN Security Council sanctions committee on Friday, February 1. In this report submitted to the UN Security Council, sanctions monitors stated that, “The North Korean nuclear and missile program remains intact and shows no change in North Korea’s behavior”.

Myanmar

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry has begun to protest the number of Rakhine Buddhist and tribal groups that are fleeing from the violence in Myanmar. Bangladesh has already taken in over 1,000,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees, and are struggling to keep up with new refugees trying to escape violence between the military and insurgent groups. Bangladesh has reached out to Myanmar’s government, asking them to take “effective and urgent steps” to stop the violence. The protest comes shortly after Angelina Jolie addressed a group of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, calling for improved conditions and a commitment to ending the violence.

United States

President Donald Trump delivered his much-anticipated State of the Union Address on Tuesday, February 5, touching on both his infamous wall and upcoming meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in late February. Trump confirmed that he plans to send another 3,750 troops to the southern border with Mexico, and again mentioned his desire for building a wall by stating: “In the past, most of the people in this room voted for a wall – but the proper wall never got built. I’ll get it built”. In this State of the Union Address, he confirmed his second meeting with Kim Jong-un, while adding, “If I had not been elected President of the United States, we would right now, in my opinion, be in a major war with North Korea”.

Protestors gathered at the Executive Mansion in Richmond, Virginia on Monday, February 4th to challenge Governor Ralph Northam’s position of power after racist photos of him were released. The photos date back to his medical school career, showing two people, one dressed in a Ku Klux Klan mask and robe, and another in blackface. Northam announced that he was still going to continue serving the remainder of his term, which would be until 2022. Around 100 protesterswere present in Richmond, carrying signs both calling for Northam’s resignation and advocating for him to step down.

Cambodia

A new report shows that 17 survivors of recent acid attacks in Cambodia did not receive free government treatment – a right they are supposedly entitled to. Legislation introduced in 2012 was meant to stop the crime by holding attackers responsible and providing the necessary recovery aid for free. While the number of attacks has gone down since the legislation was introduced, acid is still readily available for purchase on the streets, and many attacks still go unreported. Additionally, doctors interviewed had no idea that acid attack survivors should be treated free of charge.

Sam Rainsy, an opposition leader and acting president of the Cambodian National Rescue Party currently living in exile, has said that his return to Cambodia this year is “imminent”. He hopes that his return to the country will encourage Cambodians to rise up against the current prime minister, Hun Sen. In response, the General Immigration Department has ordered his immediate arrest, should he return to the country.

Mexico

This week the massive border strikes in Mexican border city Matamoros are potentially coming to a close. The uproar began in mid-January, following President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s announcement of his plans to double the minimum wage in Mexico’s border zones, responding to shockingly low wages as some laborers make less than $1 an hour. The President was supposedly unaware that some union contracts at the plants are indexed to minimum wage increases. At this point in the mass strike, 44 of the 48 factories have compromised with 20%pay increases.

President Donald Trump announced his plan to send 3,750 troops to the southern border with Mexico during his State of the Union Address given on Wednesday, February 5. The soldiers jobs while at the border will be to be help border-patrol agents, install miles of razor wire, and continue surveillance work in the area.

A small Arizona town that borders Mexico has called the recently installed wall of razor wire along the border fence inhuman, fueled further with information that US troops installed more wire this past weekend. The city council is scheduled to vote on a proclamation condemning the wire. Mayor of the small town of Nogales, Arturo Garino said, “That wire is lethal, and I really don’t know what they’re thinking by putting it all the way down to the ground”.

Maldives

Former Maldives president Yameen Abdul Gayoom, and a former Cabinet minister have been charged with money laundering. The case comes from a “shady deal” to develop certain islands for tourism, and a mysterious 1 million dollars in Yameen’s account. The president was elected out of office last year, and the Maldives’ new president has vowed to investigate corruption charges surrounding Yameen’s presidency.

Zimbabwe

This week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has blamed the violently escalating protests on western countries and “rogue NGOs”. Mnangagwa specifically mentioned the United States, stating: “the west does not care about human rights…I’m (certain that) the US is more worried about their interests in the region than anything else. They would accept a dictator as long as they are pliable and do their bidding”. Violence has continued since mid-January, and at this point in the protests there are at least 12 deaths of citizens and several cases of beatings, torture, and arrests being monitored by the Human Rights Watch.

The Zimbabwe Teachers Union and the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) planned to strike earlier this week, demanding a raise in wages amidst the economic crisis that sparked the previous protests. Despite their anger and desire for immediate change, thereremained a poor turnout as many were fearful of response from security forces; video footage of police response to protestors last month was alarming and clearly deterring to many. Some children were reportedly sent home on Tuesday morning, while others attended school but werenot taught lessons due to the strike.

In the midst of chaos, Mnangagwa invited opposition candidates from the 2018 elections to further discuss the post-election dialogue, perhaps in a final effort to bring some calm and cooperation to Zimbabwe.

Laos

Victims of July’s dam collapse in southern Laos are still suffering from the effects of this disaster. Those who lost their homes were forced to move into temporary housing, and still haven’t been relocated 6 months later. Though better than the tents they initially were sent to, the houses they are in now are overpacked and unsanitary, causing many cases of dengue fever and malnutrition. Compensation for those who lost family members has been disbursed, but thecompensation for those who lost their homes has yet to be approved by the government.

Vietnam

Vietnam is the official host country of the second summit meeting for denuclearization talks between United States President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, set to take place February 27 and February 28. Vietnam is a prime location, clearly well thought out as it offers some advantage to both countries. For Kim Jong-un, Vietnam is relatively close to North Korea, and certainly a shorter travel distance than potential other options for location. For the United States, the choice of Vietnam is symbolic, telling of the history of the previously warring United States and Vietnam that today are able to have positive relations since the end of the war.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Recently elected president Tshisekedi has begun to face some of the first challenges of his presidency, including a number of strikes, as well as calls for “peaceful resistance” coming from his rival candidate Martin Fayulu. The stikes began last week, coming from a variety of sectors, including firefighters, maritime transport workers, and private sector employees. Most of the workers are suffering from many months of back-pay and are taking the opportunity of new leadership to demand changes.

Colombia

Colombia has been opening their borders to millions of people, so many that numbers are beingcompared by the United Nations to the movement of migrants across the Mediterranean in 2015. Colombia has specifically opened its borders to Venezuelan migrants; the UN has estimated that around 5,000 Venezuelans have been leaving their country each day as the economic crisis worsens. Along the border, aid workers and volunteers have noted the sudden and somewhat recent rise of Venezuelan migrants in the area. “I’ve never seen a government trying this hard to register people and leave the borders open”, said deputy director for the International Rescue Committee, Trisha Bury.

The United States is attempting to send aid to Venezuela as the crisis steadily worsens; United States trucks with aid, food, and medicine is headed for Cucuta, a border city between Colombia and Venezuela. US-supported leader Juan Guaido has been attempting to receive humanitarian aid, but opposition leader Nicolas Maduro has been clear about his rejection of any help from the United States.

Venezuela

Tensions continue to rise both within Venezuela and worldwide as more and more countries begin to weigh in and take sides regarding the presidential crisis. As of February 4th, most EU member states, including the U.K., France, Germany, and Spain have joined the United States in backing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president. On February 5th, eleven of the fourteen members of the Lima Group, which includes Canada and Latin American countries, also announced their support for Guaidó. The support for Guaidó coming from outside countries has angered Maduro, who said when asked about the possibility of war that it “depends on the level of madness and aggressiveness of the northern empire and its Western allies”. Many fear that this statement means that Maduro could be warning of a civil war within the country, also stating that President Trump could “repeat a Vietnam in Latin America” by sending military intervention. The EU remains that they will recognize Guaidó as interim president until Maduro calls for a new election.

The people of Venezuela have also become vocal in their calls for a new election, taking to the streets to protest Maduro’s presidency. On February 2nd, tens of thousands of protesters gathered, hoping to give Maduro the final push to step down, though their efforts were unsuccessful. Maduro remains insistent that he will hold his position, and also remains unwilling to accept any foreign aid. Years of food and medicine shortages and hyperinflation have led to the current crisis, forcing thousands of Venezuelans to flee across the Colombian border every day. Many countries, including Canada and Germany, have pledged to send almost 50 million dollars in aid, but most efforts have been blocked by Maduro. On February 8th, two US trucks carrying food and medicine supplies were stopped at the border by a blockade. While Guaidó has called on the country’s armed forces to let the aid in, the military remains loyal to Maduró, who fears that the aid could be a cover for an invasion to oust him.

Malaysia

The recent clearing of Ipoh’s Kledang Hill is causing concern in Malaysia, as the reasons for clearing and stripping of the hill remain completely unknown. There has been a loss of hundreds of trees at this point in the clearing process, despite the hill being a part of Kledang-Saiong Forest Reserve, making it part of a protected and preserved region. Field officer Sahabat Alam Malaysia Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman has stated that the “lack of information about the project invited suspicions that the clearing activity was illegal”.

Philippines

An award-winning journalist, Maria Ressa, has been arrested on tax evasion charges, but now faces libel charges for an allegedly defamatory article published in 2012. The charges carry up to 12 years of jail time. The charges have been criticized by both Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International, who have called them absurd and demanded an end to her harassment.

The Philippines has declared a measles outbreak following 1,813 measles cases and 26 deaths from the disease as of January 26th, which is a 74% increase since 2018. There is now concern for the 2.4 million children who have not been vaccinated. While the country has tried to encourage vaccinations, many parents fear that there may be complications related to a dengue vaccine. As a result, vaccination rates have dropped to 60% in 2017, well below the target goal of 95%.

Thailand

Thailand’s Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya has announced that she will run for Prime Minister with the Thai Raksa Chart Party. The move comes as a surprise to many, as the Thai royal family has not been involved in politics for years, and the era of absolute monarchy ended 86 years ago. If she were to win the position, she and her brother, who is set to be coronated as king in May, would hold two major power positions in the country. Many hope that if the princess is elected as prime minister, she will bring democracy and development back to the country, and force the junta rule to finally end.

Other news:

Sudan – There have been ongoing protests in Sudan, actively threatening the 30-year rule of President Omar al-Bashir, who has previously been accused of war crimes. Protests initially began in December of 2018 when the government tripled the price of bread. Teachers, lawyers, doctors, and pharmacists were all involved in the protests taking place in Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan. Bashir delivered a speech following the ongoing protests, promising growth and action to be taken within the country, saying, “The youth, for whom we have built universities, have to be ready to continue with the mission of building a new Sudan”. The Human Rights Watch has reported that at least 51 people have been killed in protest-related violence. (Al Jazeera)

Demonstrators hold banner that reads “Justice” during a rally of the opposition with the self-proclaimed interim president Guaido in Caracas, January 25, 2018. Marco Bello

Cuba

As the Cuban government makes the decision to push for legalization of gay marriage, Evangelical churches and their members have made their lack of support clear, causing concern that the reform will be rejected. The legalization of gay marriage will appear sometime this month in a state-proposed constitutional reform in a nationwide referendum. Pastors have been encouraging widespread “no” votes.

Gabon

Bolivia

Bolivian president, Evo Morales, has secured the position as official candidate of his Movement for Socialism party after winning the primary election this week. This means that Morales will be able to run for a fourth presidential term, a move rejected by 51.3 percent of voters in a referendum in 2016, but approved by the Bolivian Supreme Court in December.

Nicaragua

There has been an ongoing closure of human rights organizations both local and internationally based in Nicaragua, prompting investigations of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s government, questioning its oppressive and potentially harsh nature. Alvaro Leiva, secretary of the Nicaraguan Association for Human Rights (ANPDH) has called this a “crisis of repression”,stating that Ortega’s government is repressing fundamental rights.

The staff of the ANPDH previously received a number of threats, forcing the closure of their offices in Central America for safety reasons.  The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and two members of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights have also been forced out by Ortega, signaling significant and further concern.

North Korea

Myanmar

Myanmar has experienced a resurgence of violence between security forces and the Arakan Army, resulting in a total of 26 deaths total from both sides. Myanmar officially classified the Arakan Army as a terrorist organization on January 18.

United States

On January 26th, President Trump announced that he would back a deal to temporarily end the 35 day government shutdown, providing funding for federal agencies until February 15th. Despite making a concession on temporarily reopening the government, Mr. Trump still insists that the border wall will still be built.

Cambodia

Cambodia has been under the public eye since the release of the EU threat, warning the country that they would impose significant sanctions and remove trading preferences if the country did not actively address and investigate a number of human rights concerns occurring within the country.

Mexico

A pipeline explosion in central Mexico last week has now killed 114 people, with another 33 people still hospitalized. The explosion was caused by oil thieves illegally tapping into the pipeline, creating a gasoline spill, which quickly caught fire.

Maldives

There is significant concern over threat to personal freedoms in the Maldives after news of a young woman in Narifuri, an island north of the Maldives, was sentenced to death by stoning on charges of adultery on January 7, 2019. Despite the Maldives Supreme Court overturning the ruling within a day, many continued to take to social media to debate the religious undertone existing behind the ruling. Ibrahim Ismail, a chairman of Mandhu College in the Maldives,challenged posts from Islamic clerics, arguing the young woman’s sentence was defensible. The tense debate over social media eventually escalated to open threats being made towards Ismail from Islamist groups, and signs of an assailant breaking the glass of his office window.

Zimbabwe

Women in Zimbabwe gathered on Wednesday to protest the recent allegations of sexual violence by military forces in the country. Police have claimed that there was only one report of rape, though many women’s rights groups have argued otherwise. These allegations, along with the deaths of at least 12 people and ransacking of people’s homes are all part of the government’s violent response to a 3-day shutdown caused by protests regarding rising fuel prices a few weeks ago.

Laos

Vietnam

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is feeling hopeful with the newly elected president, Felix Tshisekedi. In January 2019, Tshisekedi gave a speech stating that the DRC will not be a country of “division, hate, or tribalism”. The nation post-Kabila is one that exists with deep distrust in the government, perhaps one of Tshisekedi’s most difficult jobs to perform relatively quickly in his new leadership position.

Tshisekedi has already inspired monumental change within the country; this week around 50 rebel recruiters from the Kasai region, out of respect and recognition for Tshisekedi as their new president, made the decision to surrender; authorities estimated nearly 1700 militia fighters in the region.

Columbia

Since Maduro’s inauguration in Venezuela, the number of people crossing into Columbia to escape food shortages and hyperinflation has dramatically increased. Human rights groups on the border hope that this influx of migrants will draw enough attention to bring necessary support for aid groups. The IRC showed a 21 percent increase in migration to Columbia between late 2018 and January 2019, with over 1000 people per day crossing the border in January.

Venezuela

Early this week, Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela accused Guaido of “violating the constitution and laws”, and alleged that the United States was staging a coup to remove him from a power position. Both actions prompted officials from the UK, Spain, Germany, and France to intervene on Saturday, January 26, threatening Maduro to hold elections within 8 days of their message, or they would be forced to recognize Guaido as the presidential power.

The escalating tensions in Venezuela reached the United Nations, as the UN Human Rights chief, Michelle Bachelet’s office released reports stating that “security forces and pro-government armed groups have shot at least 20 people during protests taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday”.

On Tuesday, January 29, Venezuela’s attorney general announced Guaido was under investigation, and would be both banned from the country and subject to frozen bank accounts. The United States has been active in support for Guaido; John Bolton, the US National Security Advisor, tweeted: “Let me reiterate – there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido”.  Guaido’s team has made it clear that their future plans are nonviolent; a Guaido-appointed diplomat, Carlos Vecchio, has been meeting with USofficials in the hopes of beginning the process of a legitimate election.

While the United States has been a strong supporter of Guaido, the most notable nations supporting Maduro include Russia, China, Cuba, and Turkey.

Malaysia

Malaysia crowned their 16th king, Sultan Abdullah, on Thursday – about a month after the former king, Sultan Muhammad V suddenly stepped down. Sultan Muhammad V had only held the position for 2 years, and the palace gave no reason for his resignation.

Malaysia has been stripped of hosting the world para swimming championships after their decision to ban Israeli athletes from competing. Malaysia stated that they stand with their decision, on the ‘ground of humanity and compassion for the Palestinian plight.”

Philippines

At least 21 people have been killed in a double bombing on a Catholic church on Jolo Island. The attack, executed during Sunday mass, has been claimed by the Islamic State. The attack comes just a week after a successful vote for the majority Muslim region to be ruled autonomously – part of a peace deal between the national government and the rebel group ‘Moro Islamic Liberation Front.’ While overall the vote passed in an overwhelming victory, Jolo Island voted not to pass the deal.

Other news:

Brazil – 65 people are dead and 300 more are missing following the collapse of a dam in southeastern Brazil. The dam burst on January 25th, and residents in the surrounding area had little to no warning. Search and rescue efforts were hampered and 3000 people were forced to evacuate on January 27th when fear of another dam collapsing became evident. On Monday, 2 engineers and 3 employees of the mining company Vale SA were arrested as a result of the disaster.

One of Colombia’s top wanted drug lords, named “Puntilla” was killed by authorities this week. (Colombia Reports)

Syria

According to a human rights group, a U.S. citizen who was held captive by Assad’s government for three years was killed. Layla Shwekani was born in Damascus and spent her childhood there, but then moved to the United States. Layla was known as a humanitarian activist. She returned to Syria in 2015, and then was detained in 2016. Soon after, she was reported dead.

Nicaragua

This week, several civil society organizations will stand before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) and speak of the repressions which continue to unfold through Nicaragua due to the actions of Daniel Ortega’s regime. The objective of the hearing was to update information on the human rights crisis. Civil society groups made a strong demand that the IACHR halt all repressions, and document the crisis through on-site visits. In all, they hope to continue support from IACHR.

North Korea

Although talks between the United States and North Korea have confirmed a disarmament of nuclear weapons within North Korea, new satellite images deem these talks false. New images of an expanding missile base, capable of deploying weapons able to reach the United States have come into a new light. The base is located next to the border of China, and the location leads experts to believe that it is in this specific place because it would reduce the likelihood of a preemptive strike from the United States.

Myanmar

While the United States has continued to label the mass killing of the Rohingya people in Myanmar an “ethnic cleansing” rather than a “genocide,” this week a US-Hired Law Firm inched its way into labeling the horrific events as a Genocide. Thus far, the American government has been criticized for their lack of recognition towards the atrocities of the Rohingya people. In September, a 20-page report based on this law firms investigation found that “recent violence in northern Rakhine State was extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents.” After the report, more pressure was put on the Trump Administration to label the massacre as a Genocide, rather than ethnic cleansing.

USA

After former U.S. Ambassador of the UN, Nikki Haley resigned just months ago, president Trump has nominated a new candidate named Heather Nauert. Nauert is the State Department spokesperson and previously worked as an anchor for Fox News. Among many of her roles as an ambassador, she will be responsible for maintaining international support for economic sanctions against North Korea and continue Trump’s support for Israel.  

This week, President Trump has threatened a partial shut-down of the government if Congress does not give him money to build a wall between the US-Mexico border. Although, as of Thursday, US Congress approved a 2-week stopgap spending bill to avert a government shut down. Before the bill expires, Congress is expected to consider a $450 billion bill to fund several agencies including the Department of Agriculture, State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security. Trump has also demanded $5 million for his plan to build the wall.

Cambodia

Cambodia’s supreme court began to hear an appeal against the conviction made in 2017 about a defamation case involving CNRP leader Sam Rainsy. Rainsy is now living in exile outside of Cambodia. Although, some are calling this a move to divide the opposition. Accordingly, ruling-party lawsuits against CNPR have blocked the development of democracy within Cambodia. It all causes great concern for civil society groups, citizens, and human rights groups.

Mexico

There are indications this week that Mexico will push for tariffs on steel and aluminum against the United States. The foreign affairs undersecretary for North America believes that the tariffs imposed by Mexico on June 1st were not strong enough, and further regrets the decision to sign the new North American free trade pact, now known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. He believes that tariffs should be “like-for-like,” in other words, something symmetrical.

Zimbabwe

According to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, the country is “running out of fuel.” Apparently, Zimbabwe has exhausted a $60 million worth of fuel which was only imported last week. This is equivalent to about 100 million liters of fuel, which is suspected to be gone within 2.5 weeks time.

Laos

In a meeting held in Vientiane this week, the governments of Laos and Cambodia discussed further efforts to de-escalate tensions in a disputed border area. During the meeting, the two agreed on prohibitions on a variety of activities in the area, but have a view of a future resolution. The two countries continue to maintain bilateral talks and cooperation.

Vietnam

The state media in Vietnam announced a new way to crack down on corruption. There is now a telephone hotline number where people can report accusations of police corruption. In order for reports to be deemed liable, callers must declare their full name, telephone number, and substantiated information. The hotline had previously been used to report traffic police only, but it is now used for any type of police corruption.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Amid clashes between The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army and rebels, 18 people were killed. This recent violent outbreak is only 3 weeks before elections, which will replace president Joseph Kabila. The clash took place in South Kivu, an area known for ethnic tensions. The rebels are loyal to a former general named Yakutumba, which is an armed group in the region against Kabila and an ally of the National Liberation Front.

Malaysia

December 10th marks the International Human Rights Day. Although Malaysia intends to hold a rally, there are reports of a security threat for the event this year. Without giving too much detail, the Royal Malaysia Police informed the prime minister’s office that the threat could even border on national security. The rally has been postponed, although some parties are continuing to follow through with their plan and intend to do so peacefully.

Other News

Palestine — After going on a hunger strike, a Palestinian social justice activist was tortured and punished. (Amnesty International)

China —China and North Korea held talks on Friday after a lack of progress from the international community to halt North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. (Fox News)

Yemen — After two years, the Houthi’s and the Yemeni government are holding peace talks in Sweden. (NPR)