分类： world

In a thought-provoking analysis, writer and journalist Juan Antonio Canel highlighted the enduring challenges faced by the United Nations (UN) in fulfilling its founding charter. Article 1 of the charter mandates collective measures to prevent threats to peace and suppress acts of aggression. However, Canel pointed out two critical issues that continue to undermine this mission: the U.S. government’s economic, commercial, and financial blockade of Cuba, and the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Despite widespread international condemnation, these crises persist, raising questions about the UN’s effectiveness. Canel described the blockade against Cuba as inhumane and questioned the legitimacy of such sanctions imposed on a sovereign nation. He emphasized that these measures violate international law, citing the UN General Assembly’s repeated condemnation of the blockade, most recently on October 29, with 165 votes in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions. Despite overwhelming support for ending the blockade, Canel lamented that no tangible progress has been made, underscoring the UN’s struggle to enforce its own principles.

In a landmark decision, the 26th United Nations General Assembly on Tourism, held in Saudi Arabia, has selected the Dominican Republic as the host nation for the 2027 UNWTO General Assembly. The resolution, passed with the participation of over 160 delegations from member states, underscores the country’s growing influence in global tourism. Dominican Minister of Tourism, David Collado, expressed gratitude for the honor, emphasizing its significance for the nation. On his social media, Collado stated, ‘Hosting the UNWTO’s General Assembly in 2027 is not just an achievement: it is a recognition of a management that transformed the way of tourism in the region.’ He further highlighted the Dominican Republic’s expanding leadership in the global tourism sector. This decision follows Collado’s recent recognition as the Tourism Minister of the Americas by UN Tourism, marking the first time the United Nations agency has bestowed such an honor. The 26th Assembly, which concluded this Tuesday, saw the Dominican Republic represented by Deputy Minister Carlos Peguero, solidifying the nation’s commitment to advancing tourism on the world stage.

During a recent Security Council debate, Ebo highlighted the escalating global crisis fueled by the proliferation of small and lightweight weapons. These arms, he emphasized, are not only a catalyst for current conflicts but also a harbinger of future violence. Despite existing regulatory frameworks, significant challenges remain in their effective implementation. Ebo underscored that the unchecked spread of these weapons is both a symptom and a driver of the multifaceted security crises plaguing nations worldwide. The pervasive availability of illicit arms, he warned, necessitates urgent action to mitigate their far-reaching consequences. Ebo also pointed to recent international efforts aimed at addressing this issue, including the 2023 adoption of the Global Framework for the Management of the Life Cycle of Conventional Ordnance. This framework seeks to prevent the diversion of military arsenals and reduce accidents in storage facilities. Additionally, he referenced the Fourth Review Conference of the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, held in 2024, where member states reaffirmed their commitment to combating the illegal manufacture and trafficking of these weapons. The conference also established a group of experts to explore emerging technologies in weapons production. Ebo further revealed alarming statistics, noting that 48,000 civilians lost their lives in 2024 due to armed conflict—a 40% increase from the previous year. Moreover, firearms were implicated in 88% of documented cases of sexual violence in conflict zones between 2022 and 2024.

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Syrian Internal Security Forces successfully dismantled an extremist cell in Hama, arresting three of its members and confiscating a substantial arsenal of weapons and ammunition. Osama Zein Al-Din, a senior Internal Security official, confirmed the operation’s success, highlighting the seizure of suicide belts, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), rocket launchers, grenades, and various types of ammunition. Additionally, documents linking the cell to Daesh command structures in central Syria were uncovered. The extremist group was reportedly planning attacks targeting civilians, Syrian Arab Army personnel, and security forces. Zein Al-Din emphasized the critical role of citizen cooperation in the operation’s success and reaffirmed the commitment of the Internal Security Forces to apprehend all remaining members of the terrorist network. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and ensure public safety in the region.