Rwanda, ’s president leads genocide commemoration 30 years on
Rwanda’s president led commemorations to mark 30 years since the 1994 genocide that killed over 1 million people.
human rights
Poland holds local elections in test for Tusk
Poles are voting in local elections to choose councillors and mayors who will distribute EU funds and show satisfaction with Donald Tusk’s government. Tusk’s pro-European coalition won the parliamentary elections and aims to prevent a return to nationalist rule under the Law and Justice party. The local elections will also indicate the dominance of Tusk’s Civic Coalition in government and will be closely watched in Brussels. Jaroslaw Kaczynski sees the elections as a chance to send a warning to the current government. A second round of mayoral voting will take place on April 21.
Hamas had instructions to use sexual violence as a weapon, Israeli lawyer tells Phileleftheros
An Israeli former Hamas hostage from the October 7 attack spoke out about the sexual violence and torture she endured. A UN report confirmed Israel’s allegations of ongoing sexual violence by Hamas. The victims of the attack are in the process of healing and dealing with their trauma. The Israeli government developed programmes to help survivors of the attack. Feminist organizations worldwide did not provide sufficient support to Israeli women who were victims of sexual violence. Israeli women did not receive necessary international support due to antisemitism and ignorance. It is crucial for women to stand united and demand justice for sexual violence in wartime. The Israeli army has been accused of sexual assaults against Palestinian women, but there is no evidence to justify the allegations. Hostages still in Hamas’s hands are subjected to sexual assaults, isolation, and poor living conditions.
Pink Martini in Cyprus this summer
Fact: Pink Martini, a musical ensemble from Portland, Oregon, will be performing in Limassol on July 14 at the Marios Tokas Municipal Garden Theatre.
Demetriou: Cyprus was better when Disy were in charge
– Cyprus “lived better days” when Disy were in charge
– Disy and New Democracy were born from the ashes of national difficulties
– Both parties stake their principles on healthy patriotism and faith in the EU and western civilization
– A strong Greece means a strong Cyprus
– Greek PM Mitsotakis opposes a two-state solution for Cyprus
– We are at a critical turning point in history
– European leaders must design a vision for the future while respecting the particularities of each state and people
Judge denies New York county, ’s request to let it enforce trans sports restrictions
A federal judge denied Nassau County’s request to enforce new restrictions on transgender athletes at county sports venues without facing legal action by the state’s attorney general for violations of anti-discrimination laws.
UN rights body adopts first resolution to protect rights of intersex people
The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution to protect the rights of intersex people, with 24 countries voting in favor and none against. Experts say 1.7% of babies are born intersex, and the resolution aims to combat discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against them. The resolution also calls for a report on discriminatory laws and policies. This initiative is seen as a landmark advancement in human rights.
New migrant boat escorted to Protaras’ Golden Coast
A new migrant vessel carrying 25 people, including 8 minors, arrived in Cyprus, making it the fourteenth boat to reach the island in just five days. Police arrested the suspected navigator of the vessel. Cyprus is facing a surge in migrant arrivals, with 786 people arriving on fourteen boats in the past five days. Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou highlighted the challenges faced by Cyprus due to increased migration flows and called for greater economic support from the EU for Lebanon.
Asylum seekers in Cyprus face long wait for work permit
As of October 2023, all asylum seekers in Cyprus must wait nine months after submitting their application before being eligible for employment, regardless of their country of origin. Employers who hire asylum seekers before the nine-month period may face fines or imprisonment. The Ministry of Interior is electronically linked with the Ministry of Labour to verify asylum status, and workplace inspections have been intensified.
Police arrest 13 after 761 migrants arrive in Cyprus in four days
Immigration authorities in Famagusta and Larnaca arrested 13 people suspected of facilitating illegal entry into the Republic after 761 Syrian nationals arrived on the island aboard 13 vessels. The alleged navigators of the boats, all reportedly Syrian nationals, are in custody. Radar detected three new boats on Tuesday evening, with one carrying 27 people intercepted southeast of Cape Greco, another dinghy with 236 migrants found overloaded, and a third carrying 22 individuals directed to a fishing shelter. Several individuals involved in these incidents have been arrested, with the Interior Minister warning that Cyprus may not be able to cope with increased migration flows. Cyprus is demanding practical solidarity from other EU member states in dealing with the situation.