International Law Strained as Global Conflicts Escalate; Costa Rica Shifts Right, and Aid Pledged to Cuba
A new study indicates that international law designed to limit the impact of war is at a breaking point, as conflicts rage and civilian casualties mount. Meanwhile, Costa Rica elected a right-wing populist president, signaling a shift in Latin American politics, and Mexico pledged aid to Cuba despite U.S. efforts to restrict the island's oil access.
The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights released a report covering 23 armed conflicts over the last 18 months, revealing that more than 100,000 civilians have been killed. The study concluded that war crimes, including torture and rape, are being committed with near impunity. The Guardian reported on the extensive study.
In Costa Rica, Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People party won the presidential election in a landslide victory. According to The Guardian, Fernández, a right-wing populist, campaigned on a promise to crack down on rising violence linked to the cocaine trade. Her nearest rival, center-right economist Álvaro Ramos, conceded defeat as results confirmed Fernández's victory.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged to send humanitarian aid to Cuba this week, despite efforts from Washington to cut off oil access to the island. The Guardian reported that Mexico is exploring all diplomatic avenues to send fuel to the Cuban people. This move comes after the previous U.S. administration signed an order threatening tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba.
In Syria, Syrian forces began entering the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli as part of a ceasefire deal with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Al Jazeera reported that the Syrian Interior Ministry, citing the SANA news agency, confirmed that units began entering the city in northeastern Hasakah province to implement the terms of the agreement and commence their security duties. The move occurred days after the agreement was reached.
Globally, concerns are rising about the safety and well-being of children. Members of the WHO Council of Champions to End Violence Against Children stated that governments are failing to protect a billion girls and boys in their homes, schools, communities, care settings, and online. Al Jazeera reported that the council emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of children, referencing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes global targets to end all forms of violence against children.
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