New York: Gender-based violence, particularly in conflict zones, is on the rise, marking a failure to uphold fundamental rules of warfare, according to UN human rights chief Volker Trk. Trk emphasized the growing challenge of ensuring women’s voices are heard and their leadership in peace-building is supported. Despite the UN Security Council’s resolution 25 years ago affirming the crucial role of women in conflict prevention and resolution, and subsequent efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, the prevalence of gender-based violence continues to increase.
According to United Nations, ongoing funding and aid cuts are hindering efforts by humanitarian and human rights agencies to deliver essential medical and psychosocial support to affected women and girls. The lack of these services has long-term consequences for survivors, leaving them isolated and traumatized.
Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul Faces Severe Flooding for Second Consecutive Year
The UN migration organization (IOM) has issued a warning concerning severe rainfall affecting Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. Over 5,000 people have been displaced, four have died, and one person is missing since mid-June, with 132 municipalities reporting damage. This year’s floods follow record flooding last year, resulting in repeated displacement for many communities.IOM’s expanded presence and partnerships in the region since the 2024 crisis have enabled a rapid response in 2025. The organization is now focused on aiding recovery efforts by offering technical expertise and assisting authorities in assessing needs and developing long-term strategies. IOM’s Chief of Mission in Brazil, Paolo Caputo, stressed the importance of combining humanitarian action with investments in preparedness and resilience as extreme weather events become more prevalent.
Murder of Nicaraguan Dissident in Costa Rica Raises Concerns of Pattern Targeting Exiles
The Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua has condemned the murder of Nicaraguan exile Roberto Samcam in Costa Rica, suggesting it may be part of a broader pattern aimed at silencing dissidents abroad. Samcam, a retired army major and outspoken critic of the Nicaraguan government, was killed on June 19 by a person disguised as a delivery man.since the violent suppression of anti-government protests in Nicaragua in 2018, numerous alleged human rights violations have been documented. A report released in February by the UN group warned of the Nicaraguan State’s repressive actions extending beyond its borders, affecting dissidents living abroad. There are indications of possible links to previous incidents, including the murder of Nicaraguan dissident Rodolfo Rojas Cordero in 2022 and attempted murders of Jaoa Maldonado in 2021 and 2024.
Independent experts have urged accountability for states committing transborder human rights violations. These experts operate independently and receive no salary for their work.