United Nations Report on Human Rights Violations in Nicaragua

The United Nations identified 54 officials from Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s government responsible for serious human rights violations and crimes. The officials played key roles in arbitrary detentions, torture, extrajudicial executions, persecution of civil society and the media, denationalization campaigns, and the confiscation of private property.

UN Report on Alleged Israeli Sexual Violence in Gaza

A UN report accusing Israel of sexual violence in Gaza has sparked backlash from Israeli officials and the US Ambassador to the UN. The report alleges systematic use of sexual violence by Israel against Palestinians since October 2023, leading to strong denials and condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials.

Impact of Abortion Ban on Rape Survivors in Honduras

Fausia, a rape survivor from Honduras, was denied an abortion due to the country's absolute abortion ban. She reported the country to the UN for violating her rights. Despite facing threats and harassment, she sought justice and is fighting to lift the ban.

Rebuilding homes in the Gaza Strip after Israeli bombardment

A U.N. report warns that rebuilding homes in the Gaza Strip after Israeli bombardment may take up to 80 years, with billions in damage and tens of thousands of Palestinians killed. Poverty is projected to increase significantly in the region as a result.

Crisis in Haiti: Cataclysmic Situation Due to Gang Violence and Political Instability

The United Nations describes the situation in Haiti as 'cataclysmic' due to ongoing gang violence and political instability. More than 1,500 people have been killed by gangs so far this year, with weapons continuing to flow into the country. The report highlights rampant sexual violence, abuse of children, and vigilante justice by self-defense brigades. Despite an arms embargo, weapons still enter Haiti through porous borders. The UN calls for tighter controls on arms trafficking and urgent deployment of a security support mission to help address the violence.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman's comments on Hamas and Israel

Rep. Jamaal Bowman walked back claims he made in November that reports of rapes committed by Hamas terrorists were Israeli 'propaganda.' He now condemns the acts of rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas, citing a United Nations report.

Climate Change

Global temperatures broke heat records in 2023, with the year being the hottest ever recorded. The UN warns that 2024 is likely to be even hotter. The report highlighted the dangers of climate change, including marine heatwaves, glacier retreat, and record ice loss.

Conflict between Israel and Palestinians

A United Nations report found 'reasonable grounds to believe' that the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7 included sexual violence, including rape and gang rape. The report is based on interviews, photos, and footage, and highlights the inhumane brutality of the attacks. Challenges in investigation included the vast death toll and mishandling of evidence by volunteer first responders. Some accounts of sexual violence could not be verified, but the report confirmed instances of rape at multiple locations.