By: Joseph Rios
Africa
Large slavery presence in Africa, UN says – According to a new UN report, at least seven million Africans live in modern slavery. That number is the second highest in the world behind Asia and the Pacific. Factors like economic issues caused by the pandemic, armed conflicts and climate change were listed as contributing factors. The UN estimates that 50 million people live in slavery throughout the world.
Tanzania warns against sharing pro-gay content – Tanzania’s government warned against distributing online posts and videos that promote same-sex relationships. Information Minister Nape Nnauye said the government would not tolerate anyone popularizing acts that were against established traditions in the country. Homosexual acts are illegal in Tanzania.
Asia
Hong Kong jails speech therapists
Five speech therapists in Hong Kong will spend 19 months in jail after being found guilty of publishing “seditious” children’s books. The books were about sheep trying to hold back wolves from their village, and authorities said the story refers to Hong Kong and the Beijing government. The authors said the books were about history from the people’s perspective. A judge in Hong Kong ruled the books were a “brain- washing exercise.”
Japan looks to lift economy – Japan is considering relaxing border controls for foreign visitors to boost its economy. The yen dropped by as much as 1.7 percent last week and is at its lowest point against the U.S. dollar in 24 years. Japan has banned foreign travelers the past two years because of the pandemic. Earlier this month, the number of foreign tourists allowed to enter the country was increased to 50,000 per day.
Europe
Ukraine/Russia update – Russia’s top occupational official in Ukraine said the Ukraine’s army has taken villages in the north and broken through to the Russian border. The country estimates that Ukraine forces outnumbered Russians by eight to one in a counterattack in the Kharkiv region that took place last week. Ukraine estimates that it has regained control of over 1,100 square miles of territory.
Eleven migrants die – Last Tuesday, a boat carrying 37 migrants wrecked off the coast of Tunisia, killing at least 11 people. The boat was traveling to Italy, and authorities managed to rescue 14 people. At least 12 others are still missing. So far this year, more than 1,000 migrants are thought to have died while attempting to cross the central Mediterranean.
Latin America
Chile rejects changes to constitution – Voters in Chile overwhelmingly rejected a new constitution that would’ve replaced the one drawn up during Gen. Augusto Pinochet’s military rule. Chile President Gabriel Boric backed the new constitution and said he would work with Congress and others to begin a new constitutional process. About 62 percent of voters voted against the draft. In October 2020, about 80 percent of Chileans voted in favor of replacing the old constitution.
Police officers killed in Colombia
Seven police officers in Colombia were killed during an explosion and shooting attack. The officers were leaving an event when their vehicle hit a road mine. The group was then shot to death. No group has claimed respon- sibility for the attack, but some have accused guerrilla groups for the deaths. The attack is the worst one to occur since Gustavo Petro was sworn in as Colombia’s president last month.
North America
New York declares state of emergency because of polio – New York’s governor declared a state of emergency over polio. Wastewater samples in New York City and four adjacent counties have tested positive for a poliovirus that can cause paralysis. Only one case has been confirmed, but it is the first in the United States in nearly 10 years. Polio vaccination rates are too low in parts of the state, according to New York officials. The declaration’s goal is to boost immunization rates.
Steve Bannon charged with fraud
Steve Bannon, an ally of former US president Donald Trump, is accused of cheating donors to a fundraiser to help Trump build a wall on the US-Mexico border. He was indicted on charges of money laundering, fraud and conspiracy. Bannon allegedly lied to donors and diverted some funds to two associates. Bannon surrendered to authorities last week and faces up to two years in jail.
