International
Feminicidal violence persists in Latin America: More awareness, more cries, but few answers
November 29 |
Despite advances in social awareness, legislation and statistics, feminicidal violence continues to plague the Latin American region, according to the latest report of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). In 26 countries and territories, a woman is murdered for gender-related reasons every two hours, revealing a stark reality that seems to refuse to let up.
Figures provided by the States indicate that in 2022 there were 4,050 victims of femicides in Latin America. However, feminist collectives argue that the magnitude of this tragedy exceeds what the official data show, underscoring the need to address the problem in a more comprehensive and effective manner.
The ECLAC report stresses that these femicides are “the extreme expression of inequality, discrimination and multiple forms of violence against women and girls”. Faced with this bleak picture, voices of protest were raised in various demonstrations that took place on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, last Saturday.
From the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to Mexico City, women raised their voices demanding a stop to violence. In the Mexican capital, the Zócalo became a symbolic “cemetery”, with pink cardboards representing tombstones, remembering the victims of femicide and crying out for justice in a silent but forceful manner.
Another significant event took place at the central campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where violet silhouettes of women were painted with messages and photographs in memory of the absent women, in anticipation of the marches planned for that day.
ECLAC warns about the prevalence of gender-based violence in the region, noting that around two thirds of women are victims of gender-based violence. Also, one in three women has experienced physical and/or sexual aggression by a partner or ex-partner, raising the risk of lethal violence, according to the World Health Organization.
The report highlights that the threat affects 88 million women over the age of 15 in Latin America and the Caribbean, underscoring the normalization and invisibility of violence against women over the age of 65.
Alarmingly, 4% of the victims are girls under the age of 15, with documented cases of child marriages and unions in 1 in 5 girls. More than 400 minors lost their mothers or caregivers due to femicides in 2022.
José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of ECLAC, emphasized the need for comprehensive and forceful state responses to prevent feminicidal violence, while stressing the urgency of profound transformations to guarantee violence-free lives for women and girls in the region. The report also points out the responsibility of States in private acts if they do not adopt measures to prevent and punish murders and assaults against women, as established by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in 2010. However, the contrast is evident: only three out of 19 countries report data on reports of violence, and in seven countries there are regulations to care for and compensate the children of women victims of femicide. The gap between reality and state response persists, unleashing more cries for justice in a region struggling to put an end to gender-based violence.
International
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
A U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean killed three people on Saturday, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, marking the latest in a series of attacks in international waters.
The United States has deployed ships to the Caribbean and sent fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large military force that Washington says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known to our intelligence for being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,” Hegseth stated on X. “Three narcoterrorists were aboard the vessel during the attack, which took place in international waters,” he added.
Experts argue that the attacks, which began in early September, amount to extrajudicial executions, even if the targets are known traffickers.
Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the targeted individuals were actively smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue “hunting… and killing” suspected traffickers. He also shared video footage of the strike, showing the vessel being hit and engulfed in flames. As in previous videos, sections of the ship were blurred, making it impossible to verify the number of people on board.
The United Nations called on Friday for Washington to halt its attacks.
International
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured in an explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local authorities reported on Saturday.
“So far, there are 23 confirmed deaths and 11 injured, including minors,” said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo in a video message. He added that the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
“I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and assign responsibility where appropriate,” Durazo said.
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was not an attack nor related to any violent act against civilians.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X, offering sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
International
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 28, with six people reported missing and 43 injured, local newspaper VnExpress reported Friday night.
More than 22,100 homes remain flooded, primarily in the cities of Hue and Da Nang. Floods and landslides have destroyed or swept away 91 houses and damaged another 181, the report added.
Around 245,000 households are still without electricity, particularly in Da Nang, where over 225,000 homes are affected.
Additionally, 80 stretches of national highways are blocked or disrupted due to landslides. Authorities expect the flooding to continue for another day or two in the region.
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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