Global Pulse

分类： world

  • Human rights court orders Peru to pay compensation for a 1997 forced sterilization death

    Human rights court orders Peru to pay compensation for a 1997 forced sterilization death

    In a historic ruling with profound implications for human rights accountability, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights has mandated that Peru provide substantial reparations to the family of Celia Ramos, a victim of the nation’s coercive sterilization program implemented during Alberto Fujimori’s presidency. The landmark decision marks the first judicial condemnation by Latin America’s supreme human rights tribunal regarding Peru’s systematic sterilization campaign that predominantly targeted impoverished and Indigenous women.

    Court documents reveal that Ramos, a 34-year-old mother of three from an Andean village, sought medical attention at a state health facility in 1997 only to be subjected to coercive tubal ligation procedures. The operation was conducted under critically substandard conditions, lacking essential medical equipment and necessary medications to address potential complications. During the procedure, Ramos suffered a severe allergic reaction but waited approximately thirty minutes before transfer to intensive care. She succumbed to complications nineteen days later on July 22, 1997.

    The Peruvian state subsequently failed to conduct a formal autopsy and provided no transparent explanation to Ramos’ grieving family regarding her tragic demise. As rectification for these grave injustices, the court has ordered compensation totaling approximately $340,000 to the Ramos family, encompassing reimbursement for medical expenses and compensation for lost lifetime earnings.

    This ruling emerges despite Peru’s judicial system having recently overturned criminal proceedings against the late President Fujimori in August 2024 regarding forced sterilizations. With Fujimori’s passing, legal attention has shifted toward establishing criminal accountability for other high-ranking officials, including multiple former health ministers implicated in the sterilization program. Peru’s Ministry of Justice had not issued an immediate response to requests for commentary regarding the court’s decision.

  • Iraqi journalist: China brings peace to the world

    Iraqi journalist: China brings peace to the world

    BEIJING – Amid extensive international media coverage of China’s annual Two Sessions, Iraqi journalist Al-Obaidi Ameen from China-Arab TV has commended China’s persistent dedication to fostering global peace and development. The seasoned correspondent, who previously covered significant events including the Victory Day parade and appeared at the 2026 CMG Spring Festival Gala, shared his perspectives during the ongoing session of China’s top legislature.

    In an interview with China Daily reporter Yan An, Ameen emphasized China’s unwavering commitment to peace advocacy worldwide. “China has been working tirelessly to champion peace across the world,” stated the Iraqi journalist, who further expressed his hope that more international journalists would help communicate China’s authentic narrative to global audiences.

    Ameen noted that despite current global instability, China demonstrates remarkable confidence and stability in determining its future trajectory through the Two Sessions framework. The journalist added that this steadfast approach has generated admiration internationally, remarking that “people in many countries envy you” in reference to China’s political process and development model.

    The Two Sessions, referring to the annual meetings of China’s National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, have attracted widespread attention from both domestic and foreign media outlets covering China’s policy directions and development priorities.

  • ‘Massive’ numbers killed by gunmen in latest Nigeria attack, senator tells BBC

    ‘Massive’ numbers killed by gunmen in latest Nigeria attack, senator tells BBC

    A devastating militant attack has struck the remote village of Ngoshe in Nigeria’s conflict-ridden Borno state, resulting in significant civilian casualties and mass abductions during Ramadan evening prayers. Nigerian Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume described the assault as “massive” in scale, though precise death tolls remain unconfirmed due to the remote location and ongoing assessments.

    The attack occurred Wednesday evening as residents were breaking their daily fast, with suspected Islamist militants targeting both civilian populations and security installations. Local reports indicate over 100 women and children were abducted during the coordinated assault, which also targeted a military base and camp for displaced persons. Several soldiers and civilians were killed, including the village’s chief cleric and community elders.

    Senator Ndume revealed to BBC Hausa that militants maintained control of Ngoshe for approximately 48 hours before Nigerian military forces deployed aerial strikes and ground troops to reclaim the area. The lawmaker expressed concern that stolen military equipment from the overrun base could enhance the militants’ capabilities for future operations.

    This represents the most severe attack in the region since Boko Haram’s peak dominance over a decade ago, according to local accounts. Umaru Yakubu Kirawa, a Borno-based journalist, confirmed residents reported substantial casualties and hundreds of abductions during the Ramadan violation.

    The incident highlights the persistent security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap) maintain active insurgencies. Despite nearly doubled defense budgets from 2024-2025, civilian protection remains inadequate according to critics.

    Official response included Borno state police spokesperson Nahum Daso Kenneth acknowledging the Wednesday night incident while emphasizing successful repulsion of insurgents. Search and rescue operations continue as Governor Babagana Umara Zulum met with survivors, distributing supplies and promising comprehensive efforts to secure hostages’ release.

  • US investigators ‘say American strike most likely responsible’ for Iranian school massacre

    US investigators ‘say American strike most likely responsible’ for Iranian school massacre

    Multiple investigative reports are converging on the conclusion that U.S. military forces were responsible for a devastating attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in the Iranian city of Minab, which resulted in 165 fatalities. The incident, which occurred last Saturday, is being characterized as a ‘double-tap’ strike—a tactic where an initial explosion is followed by a second strike targeting first responders and survivors.

    According to two U.S. officials speaking to Reuters, while the investigation remains ongoing and no final conclusion has been reached, initial findings point toward U.S. responsibility. This assessment aligns with separate investigations conducted by The New York Times and Middle East Eye (MEE), which utilized satellite imagery, open-source evidence, and verified video footage. Their analysis confirms the school was severely damaged by a precision strike that coincided with attacks on a nearby Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval base.

    The MEE investigation specifically revealed that the school was hit by two separate strikes, with the second missile killing civilians, including children, who had sought shelter or arrived to aid victims. The BBC later corroborated these findings, reporting based on satellite data that the area suffered ‘multiple simultaneous or near-simultaneous strikes.’

    Earlier misleading claims on social media, which attempted to attribute the bombing to the IRGC, have been thoroughly debunked. In response to the allegations, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that ‘the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States of America,’ noting that the Department of War is investigating the matter. Israel, another actor in the regional conflict, has also announced it is looking into the incident.

    The severity of the attack has prompted international concern. The UN human rights office has called for a transparent investigation into the strike. ‘The onus is on the forces that carried out the attack to investigate it,’ stated spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani during a press briefing in Geneva, without explicitly assigning blame.

  • Voices from Iran: protests, fear and scarcity

    Voices from Iran: protests, fear and scarcity

    Across the diverse landscapes of Iran, from the northwestern region of Kurdistan to the southern port city of Bandar Abbas and the capital of Tehran, citizens are grappling with the multifaceted challenges of life amidst ongoing military conflict. The persistent threat of aerial bombardment, coupled with severe economic strain and a palpable climate of fear, is defining daily existence for millions.

    In the city of Bukan, located in Iranian Kurdistan, the immediate aftermath of strikes is visible. Reza, a 36-year-old cafe owner, describes a scene of devastation near his establishment, with government and Revolutionary Guards buildings destroyed. Despite the proximity to danger, a sense of grim normalcy persists; patrons even seek outdoor seating to observe the bombardments. This resilience, however, is tempered by a severe liquidity crisis. Banks have ceased cash distributions and blocked numerous cards, prompting acts of community solidarity like Reza’s offer of free coffee to those unable to pay.

    The economic repercussions are acutely felt nationwide. From Bandar Abbas, reports indicate a halt to work and soaring inflation, with essential goods like cooking oil experiencing price increases exceeding 500%. This scarcity has forced many, including migrant workers, to flee.

    In Tehran, the psychological toll is profound. A 26-year-old teacher describes a life put on hold, dominated by stress and the constant consumption of news. The vulnerability of children is particularly noted, with widespread internet blackouts preventing normal distractions and exacerbating fear. The city’s atmosphere is described as tense and emptier, with many residents having fled. Enhanced security measures, including armed checkpoints and patrols, aim to prevent looting but contribute to public apprehension.

    The conflict has also sharpened long-standing social and political divisions. Accounts from Shiraz describe starkly different public reactions to recent events, with some citizens celebrating while government supporters stage mourning processions. This highlights the deep fissures within Iranian society. Furthermore, on the island of Kish, increased military surveillance, including searches of vehicles and mobile phones, has instilled a climate of suspicion, causing many to retreat indoors and limit movement to essential errands. The collective narrative emerging from Iran is one of a population enduring a complex crisis, balancing survival with economic hardship under the shadow of conflict and internal strife.

  • BBC looks at how Cubans are living with fuel shortages

    BBC looks at how Cubans are living with fuel shortages

    Cuba is confronting one of its most severe energy crises in recent history, with widespread fuel shortages creating profound challenges for daily life. The BBC’s on-the-ground reporting from Havana reveals a population adapting to extended power outages and transportation paralysis. Correspondent Will Grant documents how citizens spend hours in queues for rationed gasoline while businesses operate on limited schedules due to unreliable electricity supply.

    The current situation stems from a complex combination of factors including tightened US sanctions, structural deficiencies in domestic infrastructure, and broader economic vulnerabilities. These elements have converged to create an energy emergency that impacts nearly every aspect of Cuban society.

    Interviews with local residents reveal innovative adaptation strategies, from carpooling initiatives to revived bicycle transportation. Many describe reorganizing their lives around the predictable unpredictability of power availability, scheduling cooking, work, and family activities during windows of electricity access.

    The energy deficit has particularly affected medical services, education, and food preservation, raising concerns about public health implications. Despite these challenges, the reporting captures a resilient population demonstrating remarkable ingenuity in navigating the crisis while maintaining hope for improved conditions.

  • Russia was behind parcel fires in UK and Europe, investigators say

    Russia was behind parcel fires in UK and Europe, investigators say

    European judicial authorities have revealed a sophisticated cross-border sabotage operation allegedly orchestrated by Russia’s military intelligence service. The coordinated investigation, spearheaded by Eurojust, has identified 22 individuals suspected of deploying incendiary parcels across multiple European nations and the United Kingdom.

    The plot unfolded in July 2024 when several parcels containing concealed explosive devices were dispatched from Lithuania. These packages, cleverly disguised with electronic timers hidden within vibrating massage pillows, spontaneously ignited at various locations including a DHL distribution center near Birmingham, United Kingdom, and a sorting facility at Leipzig Airport in Germany.

    According to investigative findings, the operation extended beyond immediate European targets. Authorities discovered two test packages previously sent to destinations in the United States and Canada, with additional intercepted parcels in Amsterdam intended for similar transatlantic routes. Polish prosecutors characterized these incidents as tactical dry runs designed to potentially sabotage commercial flights to North American destinations.

    The suspected operatives, reportedly recruited from Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Ukraine, were allegedly selected based on their vulnerable socioeconomic circumstances. European officials indicate that two cases have already progressed to judicial proceedings, though Russia has consistently denied involvement in sabotage operations against NATO member states.

  • Islamic militants abduct more than 300 people in northeastern Nigeria, officials say

    Islamic militants abduct more than 300 people in northeastern Nigeria, officials say

    ABUJA, Nigeria — Islamic extremist groups launched a series of coordinated attacks across northeastern Nigeria this week, culminating in the mass abduction of more than 300 civilians from the town of Ngoshe in Borno state on Friday. Local officials confirmed the large-scale kidnapping targeting women and children, marking one of the most significant security breaches in recent months.

    According to Bulama Sawa, an official from the Gwoza area, the Ngoshe assault appears to be retaliatory action following a Nigerian military operation that eliminated three high-ranking Boko Haram commanders. The attack demonstrates the militants’ continued operational capability despite sustained counterinsurgency efforts.

    Military spokesperson Uba Sani reported simultaneous assaults on multiple communities—Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok—between Wednesday and Friday. While Nigerian forces successfully repelled these attacks, Sani acknowledged significant military casualties, including the death of a senior officer and “a number of brave soldiers [who] paid the supreme price in the line of duty.”

    Security analysts point to evolving tactical capabilities among jihadist groups operating in the region. Ulf Laessing of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation noted increased cross-border coordination between militant factions and their adoption of drone technology for reconnaissance missions. “The army is fighting a ghost—fighters descending with motorbikes on villages and disappearing into the bush before the army can respond in time,” Laessing observed.

    The security landscape has grown increasingly complex with the convergence of multiple extremist organizations, including Boko Haram, its Islamic State-affiliated breakaway faction (Islamic State West Africa Province), and IS-linked Lakurawa. Additionally, the crisis has expanded to include Sahel-based militants from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, which conducted its first Nigerian attack last year.

    United Nations data indicates several thousand fatalities resulting from Nigeria’s security crisis, with analysts criticizing the government’s inadequate protection of civilians. The United States has deployed military advisors to assist Nigerian forces, but the persistent violence underscores the challenges in containing the multifaceted insurgency.

  • Ugandan students who fled Iran air strikes recall ‘ground trembling’

    Ugandan students who fled Iran air strikes recall ‘ground trembling’

    Emotional reunions unfolded at Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport as 43 students evacuated from conflict-ridden Iran returned home safely. The evacuation followed coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets on Saturday, which triggered retaliatory attacks by Iran against Israeli and U.S. allies throughout the Gulf region, creating widespread disruption across the Middle East.

    Uganda’s diplomatic mission in Tehran orchestrated the complex evacuation operation, arranging for students to travel by bus to the Turkish border before continuing to Istanbul for their flight home. The returning students provided harrowing accounts of their experiences during the bombardment. Oscar Nyegyema described to AFP the terrifying moments of the attacks: “We could hear the ground trembling, we could hear the ground shake. We really did not know whether we could make it out.”

    Nyegyema revealed that his university had been directly hit by an airstrike, leaving students “scared and devastated.” Despite the trauma, he expressed determination to return and complete his academic program as soon as conditions permit. Not all Ugandan students chose evacuation, however. According to Ugandan State Minister Balaam Barugahara, eight students voluntarily remained behind despite government offers of repatriation.

    Aloisius Ssegawa, one of the evacuated students, explained the financial concerns motivating those who stayed: “The truth is for these students, they believe that if they return home, the two years spent in their four-year degree study may go to waste because they may not be able to afford the ticket back to the university.”

    The personal costs of the conflict varied significantly among students. Jonan Gumushabe told Reuters he was merely days away from completing his degree when forced to evacuate. Sharon Twiine, who had been studying international relations at Ahlul Bayt International University in Tehran, described the experience as “scary, traumatizing” and indicated she would require psychological therapy before considering a return to her studies.

  • US must probe Iran school strike ‘very quickly’, UN says

    US must probe Iran school strike ‘very quickly’, UN says

    The United Nations has issued an urgent call for immediate investigation and accountability following a devastating airstrike that struck an elementary school in southern Iran, killing at least 150 people including numerous children. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk condemned what he described as “this absolutely tragic incident” during a Geneva press conference on Friday.

    The strike occurred in the town of Minab on the first day of recent hostilities, hitting the Shajare Tayyebeh elementary school during its morning session when approximately 170 students were present. The Norway-based rights organization Hengaw confirmed the timing coincided with peak school hours, raising serious concerns about international humanitarian law violations.

    Multiple investigations by major media outlets, including The New York Times and Reuters, have concluded that US forces were most likely responsible for the deadly strike. The Times analysis revealed that US military statements about attacking naval targets near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz—where an Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) base is located—strongly suggests American involvement. Social media evidence and witness accounts indicate the school was struck simultaneously with nearby IRGC facilities.

    General Dan Caine, the top US military officer, acknowledged Wednesday that American forces had been conducting strikes in southern Iran during the initial 100 hours of military operations, presenting maps that included Minab within targeted areas. This contrasts with Israel’s operations, which have primarily been concentrated further north.

    Turk emphasized the particular tragedy of striking “a civilian institution that should never be attacked,” noting the morning timing ensured maximum child casualties. He called for transparent investigations into the weapons used, timing decisions, and adherence to principles of distinction and proportionality in military engagements.

    The US Department of Defense has confirmed it is investigating the incident, though neither American nor Israeli authorities have officially claimed responsibility. Turk stressed that the investigating parties must “conduct this type of investigation very quickly” and ensure “accountability to be served, because obviously mistakes were clearly made.” He further emphasized the need for victim redress and comprehensive review of military operating procedures to prevent future tragedies.