HUMAN RIGHTS
ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
NORTH AMERICA
LATIN AMERICA
ASIA AND THE FAR EAST
WESTERN EUROPE AND EUROPEAN UNION
CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE AND RUSSIA
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA)
TERRORISM AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
HUMAN RIGHTS
Haiti: Humanitarian and Security Crisis on the Rise. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Haiti has been plunged into a deep crisis. Criminal gangs have strengthened their control over the territory, even managing key infrastructures such as ports and airports. In March, one of these gangs released over 3600 prisoners, fueling an escalation of violence that has resulted in deaths, abductions, and forced displacements of over 35,000 people in 2024. This crisis is the result of decades of political instability, extreme poverty, and natural disasters, with the absence of effective international intervention. Military solutions have only worsened the situation, as highlighted by Amnesty International. Addressing this crisis requires concerted efforts to reform institutions, promote development, and ensure justice for human rights violations, both nationally and internationally.
(Sofia Ena)
Hong Kong, Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (Article 23) passed. On 19 March, the Hong Kong Legislative Council unanimously voted to pass the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance under Article 23 of the Basic Law. The law authorises the government to enact local laws to prohibit seven offences, including treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People's Government, theft of state secrets, preventing foreign political entities from conducting political activities in the territory, and prohibiting local political entities from establishing links with foreign political entities. Amnesty International condemned the vagueness of the law and warned the international community of its potential to restrict Hong Kong citizens' freedom of expression.
(Lorenzo Franceschetti)
Netherlands, Rape Law Approved. The Dutch Senate has definitively approved a historic rape law, with 73 votes in favor and only two against. This law introduces a new definition of rape based on consent, marking a significant step in the fight against sexual violence. It will come into effect on July 1st, becoming the 17th out of 31 European states to recognize that sex without consent is rape.
(Sofia Ena)
Russia : the war against the LGBTQ+ community continues
On March 22, Russia added the LGBTQ+ community to the list of terrorist and extremist organizations. The measure, which further limits the human rights of civil society, came a few months after the Russian Supreme Court’s decision to ban any activity of the movement in question. In this climate of repression, there are now fears of criminal consequences and new arrests for anyone defending the LGBT+ community.
(Lisa Pasolini)
Sofia Ena and Lorenzo Franceschetti
ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
Apple, a dark period. Apple's iPhone sales in China, its largest overseas market, dropped 24% in the first six weeks of 2024. The figures follow Apple's revelation last month that sales in the country during the first fiscal quarter fell 13%. First place in China, with an 18% market share, went to Vivo, the second to Huawei, Apple's main competitor for high-end phones, up to a 17% share from 9% in 2023, while the Cupertino giant dropped to fourth place, with 16% of sales. This is despite the fact that Apple and Chinese retailers are offering steep discounts on the iPhone 15 just five months after its launch. The slump in Chinese sales is a further blow to Apple, which now faces a $2 billion penalty from the European Commission for violating antitrust rules through "abusive App Store rules for music streaming providers." Apple shares are down more than 7% since the beginning of the year.
Switzerland, a rate cut. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) disregarded expectations by cutting interest rates, declaring victory over inflation and its European neighbors, still encumbered by inflation. In fact, most economists had expected the SNB to keep interest rates steady at 1.75% in Thursday's meeting, but the decision was to cut them by 25 basis points to 1.5%. Switzerland thus becomes the first advanced economy to cut interest rates since inflation rose after the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The decision came in light of February's inflation reading of 1.2%, well below the 2% target. Analysts now expect the SNB to cut rates two more times before the end of the year.
Japan, end of an era. The Bank of Japan (BoJ) has ended eight years of negative interest rates, having finally achieved its 2% inflation target after years of deflation. The BoJ has maintained a key short-term interest rate negative since 2016 and finally achieved its goal of raising prices. In fact, both headline and core inflation reached 2.8% in February, and as the BoJ's mission is now accomplished, the Bank raised the short-term interest rate to a range between 0 and 0.1%. The BoJ also declared that it will stop interfering with the stock market by buying ETFs and real estate investment funds. It also decided to abandon the current "yield control" program, which restricted long-term interest rates in order to support the economy.
China, inflation rises again. Consumer inflation in China returned positive for the first time in six months, largely buoyed by the Lunar New Year holiday, which caused a spending boom that in turn pushed prices up. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.7% in February over the previous year according to government data, compared with +0.3% expected in a Reuters poll. According to analysts, since the year-over-year increase is partly attributable to the Lunar New Year and domestic demand remains weak, it is too early to conclude that deflation is over. In addition, the producer price index, which measures wholesale prices at the factory gate, fell 2.7% from a year ago, the 17th consecutive month of decline and a sign of lingering deflationary pressures in the industrial sector.
Leonardo Aldeghi
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Senegal: Opposition Leaders Sonko and Faye Released. Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye have been released from prison in Dakar, sparking jubilation among their supporters. Their release follows an amnesty announced by President Macky Sall, just days before the postponed elections scheduled for March 24. Despite his disqualification, Sonko has nominated Faye as his replacement. Faye, regarded as one of the favorites, has commenced his electoral campaign. Tensions have been high after months of protests and violence linked to Sonko's detention, whom his supporters claim was unjustly accused. The country is gearing up for the elections amidst a climate of instability, with Sonko remaining excluded from the candidate list despite his popularity, especially among the youth.
(Giulio Ciofini)
Sudan: UN warns it as one of the worst humanitarian disasters ever. Sudan is undergoing one of the worst humanitarian disasters due to over 11 months of civil war, with Edem Wosornu of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) criticizing the international community for its inaction, referring to it as a “humanitarian farce under the veil of international disregard.” The conflict has displaced over 8 million people and caused severe food insecurity for more than 18 million Sudanese, with 730,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition. Wosornu reported no progress in accessing humanitarian aid, while the conflict has ravaged the land and led to an 83% increase in the prices of basic food products. The food security situation is rapidly worsening, with an estimated 222,000 children at risk of dying from malnutrition in the near future.
(Giulio Ciofini)
Nigeria: Kidnappings Continue in Northwest, Over a Hundred People Involved. More than a hundred individuals were kidnapped in Nigeria between March 16 and 18, escalating the security crisis in the country and putting pressure on President Bola Tinubu. The attacks, which took place in Kaduna State, included the abduction of 87 people at Kajuru Station and 16 in a nearby village. The kidnappers, identified as local bandits, reportedly targeted victims directly in their homes. These incidents add to recent mass abductions, including over 250 students in Kuriga. Tinubu, in office since May 2023 and committed to enhancing security, has ruled out paying ransoms. Mass kidnappings, common in northern Nigeria, reflect the severe security situation exacerbated by jihadist violence and intercommunity tensions. Since Tinubu took office, it is estimated that 4,777 people have been kidnapped.
(Giulio Ciofini)
Aurelia Puliafito and Giulio Ciofini
NORTH AMERICA
United States of America, Rafah worries the White House. After the White House said it will not support any kind of military operation in Rafah without the Israelis presenting a credible plan to ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan announced that the Israelis government has decided to send a team of officials to Washington to discuss the planned offensive on the Gaza Strip. Despite this decision, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has said that he has already made it “supremely clear” that they are “determined to complete the elimination of the battalions in Rafah” and that there is “no way to do that except by going in on the ground”. In addition to that, he declared that he would hear proposals about ways to protect the civilian population in Rafah just “out of respect” for the American President.
Canada, Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa. After the Canadian government announced an 8 million funding plan for development projects in Iraq, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein met on the 20th of March in Ottawa. This decision has been taken under the “Middle East engagement strategy”, launched by the Canadian government in 2016, and it will be funding two major projects aimed to advance security and stability in Iraq: Norwegian People’s Aid will receive roughly 3million dollars to clear landmines and explosive remnants in the Anbar region, while the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime will receive more than 5 million dollars to support the Iraqi authorities in combatting drug production and trafficking.
Lorenzo Graziani
LATIN AMERICA
Brazil, 'Nova Industria Brasil' approved. The new industrial policy for the country's development, presented by Geraldo Alckmin (Minister of Economic Development, Science, Technology and Innovation), was approved by the National Council for Industrial Development. The project aims to develop public measures over the next 10 years with three specific aims, namely to stimulate national competitiveness, technological progress and productivity, thus halting the de-industrialisation process that began in the 1980s. The six main sectors to be boosted will be agribusiness, health, infrastructure, digital transition, energy and defence. To do this, 300 billion reais, corresponding to about 52.28 billion euros, have been allocated. To this end, public investments will also see the creation of a new Interministerial Commission for Innovations and Purchases of the Growth Acceleration Programme. Brazil has confidence in the NIB and its national advantages.
(Serena Basso)
Serena Basso and Alessia Boni
ASIA AND THE FAR EAST
India, opposition leader arrested. On Thursday in India, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of the Delhi state and founder of the opposition party Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested, sparking protests in the capital. Kejriwal is accused of corruption, but his arrest, just weeks before the start of the lengthy legislative election process, is seen by opposition parties as politically motivated. In the past month, Hemant Soren, another opposition party leader of the Mukti Morcha, has also been arrested. Concurrently, the Indian National Congress has denounced the government's freezing of all party accounts in relation to a legal dispute over alleged unpaid taxes.
Hong Kong, new security law comes into effect. On Saturday in Hong Kong, a city governed by China since 1997, the new national security law came into effect. The law was enacted just days after pro-Beijing lawmakers unanimously passed it through an expedited procedure. According to observers, the new law, in addition to further restricting already diminished freedoms, could undermine Hong Kong's role as an international financial center. China and the Hong Kong government have defended the law as essential for restoring order following the 2019 anti-government protests. In recent years, many pro-democracy politicians and activists have been imprisoned or forced into exile, and liberal media outlets and civil society groups have been shuttered.
Francesco Oppia
WESTERN EUROPE AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Portugal, Political Turnaround in Elections. After eight years in power, the Portuguese Socialists were overtaken on March 10 by Luís Montenegro's Democratic Alliance, a center-right coalition whose leader is now tasked with forming the new government. The outcome of the administrative elections, already anticipated by exit polls, marks, on one hand, the victory of the Democratic Alliance with a narrow majority of 79 seats compared to the 77 of the PS; on the other hand, the significant success of the far-right represented by Chega, whose leader André Ventura obtained over 18% of the votes and 48 seats. Meanwhile, the center-right will attempt to form a minority government, but leader Luís Montenegro has already declared he does not intend to forge an alliance with the far-right party Chega. The early elections were called after the resignation, in November 2023, of Prime Minister António Costa, mistakenly implicated in a financial scandal.
(Sofia Ena)
Denmark, Proposal for Mandatory Conscription for Women. Denmark has recently announced the proposal to introduce mandatory conscription for women starting in 2026, along with extending military service from four to 11 months for both genders. This decision positions Denmark as the third European nation, after Norway and Sweden, to require women to serve in the armed forces. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that this move is driven by the aim to prevent conflicts and simultaneously promote gender equality. Additionally, the Copenhagen government has announced intentions to increase defense budget by approximately $6 billion over the next five years, in order to meet NATO's set objectives.
(Sofia Ena)
Spain, amnesty bill approved for Catalan independents. On 14 March, the Congress of Deputies, at the proposal of Prime Minister Sánchez's Socialist Party and the two Catalan independence parties, approved a bill providing an amnesty for Catalan independents convicted after Catalonia's failed secession attempt in 2017. Now the right-wing-controlled Senate must examine the bill, although it has been reported that they want to delay consideration for as long as possible.
(Bianca Franzini)
EU, strategic partnership with Egypt signed. On 17 March, Ursula von per Leyen signed a strategic partnership that provides EUR 7.4 billion in aid to Egypt until the end of 2027; of this sum, EUR 200 million will be used to manage migration. Also present in Cairo were Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, and the Prime Ministers of Belgium and Greece, Alexander De Croo and Kyriakos Mītsotakīs. A senior European Commission official said that the partnership signed between the EU and Egypt "is a very important agreement, because the EU still has the problem of replacing energy supplies that have failed from Russia, and Egypt has become a key country due to its position between Gaza, Sudan and Libya, and has received in recent months a large number of immigrants, including sub-Saharans, many of whom have a final destiny in Europe".
(Bianca Franzini)
Brussels, first summit to promote nuclear power against climate crisis: More than 30 countries, including European nations, the U.S., Brazil and China, attended the first summit of the U.N. Atomic Energy Agency, promoting nuclear power as a clean and reliable source. IAEA head Rafael Grossi stressed the importance of all zero-carbon energy sources. However, the proposal is opposed by Germany, Spain and environmentalists, who prefer to invest in renewables. The summit follows COP28 agreements, with 22 leaders supporting nuclear expansion by 2050. Currently, nuclear power provides 10 percent of the world's electricity, with more than 500 plants planned. Although there are concerns about safety and construction time, nuclear power is seen as crucial along with renewables to address the climate crisis.
(Francesca Pasqualino)
Bianca Franzini Sofia Ena and Francesca Pasqualino
CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE AND RUSSIA
EU proposes to use 90 percent of frozen Russian assets to rearm Ukraine: Brussels will propose that EU member states use revenues estimated at $3.26 billion a year from frozen Russian assets to arm Ukraine. The head of foreign policy, Josep Borrell, has outlined that 90 percent of the profits would go to a Ukrainian armaments fund, with the remaining 10 percent going to the EU budget to upgrade Ukraine's defense industry. This plan emerges as the United States struggles to unlock a $60 billion aid package for Kiev. The EU, which has frozen more than $200 billion in Russian assets, is divided on how to use these funds, with some countries wanting to allocate it all for Ukrainian reconstruction. Borrell stresses the urgency of the situation, predicting increased Russian military activity during the spring and summer.
(Francesca Pasqualino)
Hungary, Orban challenges EU unity congratulates Putin on "his re-election: Viktor Orbán praised Vladimir Putin for his "re-election," challenging EU political unity. While Brussels criticized the Russian poll for political restrictions and lack of fairness, Orbán personally supported Putin, emphasizing cooperation between Hungary and Russia. This gesture by Orbán reflects his commitment to dialogue and emphasis on areas not restricted by international law. However, this move has drawn criticism within the EU, with many leaders, such as Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, dismissing the Russian election as a "special appointment operation" that undermines democracy. Orbán, known for his use of the veto to win concessions, could block crucial proposals, such as the use of frozen Russian assets to arm Ukraine, posing a challenge to EU unity.
(Francesca Pasqualino)
Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides praised the sea corridor for humanitarian aid to Gaza. In an interview with Euronews, Cypriot President Christodoulides welcomed the role the island is taking in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. It is in fact the first time in 17 years that Israel has lifted the naval blockade for ships leaving Cyprus. Christodoulides stressed the importance of international support for this initiative, which could be a model for other regional crises. The Open Arms ship has already carried 200 tonnes of food aid, with a second ship ready to leave.
(Alessandro Alloro)
Slovakia, presidential run-off. The President of the Slovak Parliament, Peter Pellegrini, and the former Foreign Minister, Ivan Korcok, will face each other in the presidential runoff election on 6 April. According to preliminary results from the Slovak Statistical Office, Pellegrini obtained 40.39% of the vote, while Korcok got 36.90%. Pellegrini's victory in the runoff could weaken the power of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. The President of the Slovak Republic has mainly a ceremonial role, as Slovakia is a parliamentary republic, however he holds significant powers, such as appointing judges and central bankers, as well as veto power over legislation. Pellegrini has indicated that he will not use these tactics to counter controversial projects, such as the one that would give Fico control of public TV, causing tensions with the EU. Pellegrini also criticised the idea of a counterweight to the government, arguing that it would only lead to conflicts between institutions.
(Alessandro Alloro)
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Alessandro Alloro and Francesca Pasqualino
MIDDLE-EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA)
Israel, between threats of new offensives and truce proposals: The situation on the ground still appears fluid and uncertain. On the one hand, the Israeli government has expressed its intention to continue military operations towards the city of Rafah, where millions of Palestinian refugees from the other territories of the Strip are concentrated. On the other hand, according to the conservative newspaper Jerusalem Post, the Israeli delegation engaged in negotiations in the capital of Qatar has given its assent to the proposal promoted by the United States regarding the truce and a possible exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Hamas' decision is now awaited. In the meantime, the death toll has well exceeded thirty thousand on the Palestinian side, including civilians and militiamen of the terrorist group.
(Michele Magistretti)
Turkey, amid diplomatic quarrels and the prelude to new offensives: the Turkish president has launched a harsh verbal attack on the Israeli prime minister, wishing his death at the hands of Allah. Israel's reaction was not long in coming and summoned the Turkish deputy ambassador. Later, the Israeli foreign minister himself responded to Erdogan by accusing him of connivance with Hamas terrorists. In the meantime, Ankara has received Baghdad's full support for new offensives against the Kurdish terrorists of the PKK, with whom it had promised in the election campaign that it wanted to 'close accounts'. Thus, new military campaigns of the Turkish reis in the northern regions of the two Mesopotamian countries bordering the southern border of the Anatolian country are expected.
(Michele Magistretti)
Sara Oldani and Michele Magistretti
TERRORISM AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
Pakistan, armed attack in the port of Gwadar. It would be a group belonging to the separatist movement of Belucistan - a region in the south-west of the country - that was responsible for the attack in the port of Gwadar. According to government sources, the Belucistan Liberation Army (BLA), the main separatist movement in the province, claimed the attack in which at least seven militants were killed by the Pakistani air force. Over the past decade, the port of Gwadar has assumed key strategic importance for China, becoming one of the main hubs of Beijing's 'Silk Road' trade routes.
Afghanistan, suicide bombing in Kandahar. According to local authorities, at least 21 people were killed in the attack on a bank in the centre of Kandahar, the second largest city after Kabul in terms of population. The attack took place in the early morning, while numerous civil servants were in the bank to collect their salaries. Kandahar, even during the presence of American troops, has always been a stronghold of the Taliban, who, after the American withdrawal, regained almost complete control over the territory.
Davide Shahhosseini
Framing The World is a project conceived and created by the collaboration between members of the team of Mondo Internazionale associates.
Alessandro Alloro: Central and Eastern Europe and Russia
Alessandro Dowlatshahi: Latin America
Aurelia Puliafito: Sub-Saharan Africa
Bianca Franzini: Western Europe and the European Union
Davide Shahhosseini: Terrorism and International Security
Francesco Oppia: Asia and Far East
Francesca Pasqualino: Western Europe and the European Union, Central and Eastern Europe and Russia
Giulio Ciofini: Sub-Saharan Africa
Leonardo Aldeghi: Economics and International Finance
Lisa Pasolini: Human Rights
Lorenzo Franceschetti: Human Rights
Lorenzo Graziani: North America
Michele Magistretti: Middle-East and North Africa
Sara Oldani: Middle-East and North-Africa
Serena Basso: Latin America
Sofia Ena: Human Rights, Western Europe and the European Union
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