Human rights committee blames Guatemala for forcing girl who was raped to carry out her pregnancy
GUATEMALA CITY — A panel of independent experts who make up the United Nations Human Rights Committee said Thursday they found that Guatemala violated the rights of a 14-year-old girl who was raped and forced to continue her pregnancy.
A former director of a government-run daycare facility she had attended as a child raped her on multiple occasions beginning in 2009 when she was 13 and no longer attended the center, but she was denied access to abortion, forced to carry out the birth and care for the child, treatment the committee compared to torture.
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The Hill
7 hours ago
- The Hill
Johnson expands size of Intelligence panel to give Stefanik spot
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is back on the House Intelligence Committee after Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) opted to expand the size of the panel — the latest fallout from President Trump's decision to withdraw the New York Republican's nomination to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The House on Friday approved, through unanimous consent, changing the chamber's rules to allow no more than 27 members to sit on the House Intelligence Committee — up from no more than 25 members. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) then appointed Stefanik, who will serve as ranking member, and Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) to the panel. The move puts to bed one of the lingering questions following the withdrawal of Stefanik's nomination to serve as UN ambassador in March, a move that shook Washington and underscored the ultra-thin majority Republicans are grappling with in the House. Stefanik had served on the plum Intelligence Committee since 2017 but relinquished her position for the 119th Congress as she prepared to leave the House to serve as UN ambassador. At the beginning of the term, Johnson filled the committee — whose members are up to the discretion of party leadership — leaving no room for Stefanik when she wanted to return. Johnson vowed to place Stefanik back on the committee in April when he announced that she would rejoin the conference's top ranks as Chairwoman of the House Republican Leadership. But it remained unclear if he would increase the number of members on the panel, or look to swap someone out for Stefanik. On Friday he made the decision official, increasing the size of the committee and naming Stefanik as ranking member, serving right below House Intelligence Committee Chair Rick Crawford (R-Ark.). 'I'm proud to continue my work as a senior Member of the House Intelligence Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and the Education and the Workforce Committee to secure results for my constituents in New York's 21st Congressional District and the American people,' Stefanik said in April. 'I look forward to the work ahead in enacting President Trump's historic agenda.' The relationship between Stefanik and Johnson has been tense since the congresswoman decided to remain in the House following her withdrawn nomination for UN ambassador. The New York Times reported in April that Stefanik blamed Johnson for White House's decision not to move forward with her nod, and the pair got in a public spat that month after Johnson suggested he had spoken with her about her interest in running for governor of New York. Stefanik said that was 'not true,' and the two later met. Johnson said the duo had a 'really great meeting.' 'She's like a sister to me, and there was a lot of things being said that weren't true of people about us and what was being said, and we worked that out and I thought it was great,' Johnson said.
Miami Herald
8 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Denying Miami residents the right to vote in November is wrong
Skip the proposal Some members of Miami's city commission want to deny residents the right to vote by postponing November's city election to 2026. This is wrong! This seems illegal and against our rights as citizens of the United States of America, Florida and the city of Miami. Brenda Merrill, Miami Voters have a say Canceling the upcoming City of Miami election is an un-American act of tyranny and we, the voters of Miami, will not allow our voices to be silenced. Clementine Gazay, Miami Promises, promises Revocation of legal programs for certain migrants is the most recent example of America reneging on its promises. The Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela (CHNV) parole program, instituted in early 2023, allowed 30,000 persons per month from these countries to legally enter the U.S. for up to two years. Then they were supposed to go home. The Trump administration terminated CHNV in March, leaving 550,000 in the lurch. We should have simply enforced the two-year limit, required the migrants to honor their end of the bargain and then leave — or be removed. This is a years-old problem, however. People entering our country apparently know how to claim political asylum at the border, as economic refugees are quickly deported or refused entry. Political asylum cases are backlogged for years, allowing unlimited stays. Until now, no TPS program has ever been terminated. So much for 'Temporary.' Migrants and their advocates should stop complaining about the devastation to their lives if their time is up. On the other hand, our government must examine TPS for each country and make an unbiased decision to continue it or not. Norman Segall, Coral Gables Sustainable resource Imagine Greater Miami and Miami Beach without its beaches and bay. No days spent swimming, boating or fishing, no economic tourism benefit. While it can be easy to take our backyard for granted, we can't. The importance of protecting our region's greatest asset — our marine waters — can't be understated. World Ocean Day reminds us to act. While Miami Beach has championed sustainability initiatives like promoting green infrastructure, energy and water efficiency and resilience efforts to build a better future for residents and visitors, local government can't do it all. The tourism industry must do its part. Destinations that proactively improve their environmental health create stronger, more vibrant communities. For example, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau's (GMCVB) Green Key Global Certification program recognizes hotels and resorts for water conservation and eco-friendly practices. With 71 hotels (including 28 Miami Beach properties) in the certification pipeline, we call on all our tourism industry peers to do more. Tourism is our economic lifeblood. Whether committing to existing programs or creating new ideas, let's work together to protect our most vulnerable and valuable resource and help ensure Greater Miami and Miami Beach remain a sustainable paradise to live, work, play and visit. Laura Dominguez, GMCVB board member, city commissioner, Miami Beach Rising insurance If you live long enough, you get cataracts. I've been told I need surgery. Armed with Medicare, supplemental and additional vision insurance, I was surprised to learn that my out-of-pocket cost will be about $4,500 per eye. My home insurance rose so much we are dropping it and hoping we don't get a Cat 5 hurricane. With health, home and car insurance consuming 35% of our income, something had to give. I thought I was well-covered for the surgery. Something isn't right. George Lipp, Cooper City Feeding strays I wholeheartedly disagree with Haydee Sanchez's June 2 letter, 'Animal feeding.' For many years, I dropped off mail after hours at the post office at Bird Road and Southwest 117th avenue. Every night, someone would put out up to 15 disposable plates of food for stray cats by the entrance. This attracted many cats. The smell was unpleasant, the area was dirty and not all the food was consumed. Rats likely ate the leftovers. This was a health hazard being created by well-meaning cat lovers and shouldn't have been allowed. Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado's ordinance would have protected residents from such health hazards. We have a problem, but feeding strays in public places shouldn't be allowed. One reason I stopped visiting that post office at night was all the cats, rats and the food stench. Lynn Guarch-Pardo, Coral Gables Housing concerns On May 25, the online Miami Herald published the Bloomberg editorial, 'A building boom on federal land just might work.' I take issue with this statement: 'In exchange for land, states and local governments should also be required to make concrete changes to draw investors. The free market — not zoning boards or community groups — should be allowed to determine what kind of housing gets built and at what price.' We have seen that over and over in Miami. We tear down affordable housing and replace it with 'luxury' housing, which drives up housing costs and makes workforce housing impossible to attain. We do not need more luxury housing. Nanci Mitchell, Miami Roads to learning As a proud Miami Dade College graduate and current FIU student, I know firsthand that the road to a degree isn't always linear. I began my journey 11 years ago as an immigrant learning English. Today, I'm on track to become a CPA — thanks to the Helios 20th Anniversary Pathway Transfer Scholarship. Florida leads the nation in two- and four-year college transfers, but such students face significant barriers. Often overlooked in traditional scholarship programs, these students bring resilience and ambition to their new institutions, enriching academic communities. Many are first-generation college students or come from low-income backgrounds. Tailored services are critical for their success. Transfer pathways offer affordable, accessible routes to higher education, ensuring students of all backgrounds can succeed. Multiple narratives exist, including the notion that not every student needs a four-year degree. I couldn't disagree more. Our communities must continue to invest in clear, affordable pathways to education beyond high school; this strengthens our communities and recognizes the unique contributions of every student Regardless of their chosen path, let's celebrate all students pursuing post-secondary education. Talent doesn't follow a single path and neither should opportunity. Leina Olazabal Rodriguez, Doral Honor all troops For many years, I have felt a sense of regret (even cowardice), for not serving in our military. As a result, I make it a point to offer my seat or shake the hand of any service member I encounter, including transgender personnel. A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling allows President Trump and his administration to enforce a Department of Defense policy prohibiting transgender Americans from serving in the U.S. military. Who would oppose any member of our society willing to put on the uniform and take a bullet on our behalf, bearing the weight of defending our freedoms? The military has about 1.3 million active-duty service members. According to the Defense Department's own reports, only 0.2 percent of those in uniform have a 'diagnosis of gender dysphoria.' Astonishing. Although pros and cons are present in most situations, I will endlessly support any fellow American in uniform, for they never have to experience the lack of courage I once felt. Jaime Rivera, Miami ICE's chaos Why are Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in plain clothes and masks showing up at immigration courts and scooping up individuals who were following all the rules and reporting for asylum hearings before a judge? Targeting immigrants who have no criminal record creates chaos, does not make our communities safer and discourages individuals from showing up. ICE should go after real criminals and leave law abiding immigrants alone. Kenneth Karger, Kendall
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Gaza aid group halts distribution to civilians, UN to vote on ceasefire demand
The GHF said it asked the IDF to "guide foot traffic in a way that minimizes confusion or escalation risks" near military perimeters; develop clearer guidance for civilians. The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation will not give out any aid on Wednesday as it presses Israel to boost civilian safety beyond the perimeter of its distribution sites, a day after dozens of Palestinians seeking aid were killed. The GHF said it has asked the Israeli military to "guide foot traffic in a way that minimizes confusion or escalation risks" near military perimeters; develop clearer guidance for civilians; and enhance training to support civilian safety. "Our top priority remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving aid," said a GHF spokesperson. An Israeli military spokesperson warned civilians against moving in areas leading to GHF sites on Wednesday, deeming them "combat zones." The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it opened fire on a group of people it viewed as a threat near a GHF food aid distribution site. The International Committee of the Red Cross said at least 27 people were killed and dozens injured. The GHF said the incident was "well beyond" its site. Palestinians who collected food GHF boxes on Tuesday described scenes of pandemonium, with no-one overseeing the handover of supplies or checking IDs, as crowds jostled for aid. The UN Security Council is also set to vote on Wednesday on a demand for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian terrorists Hamas and humanitarian access across Gaza, where aid has trickled amid chaos and bloodshed after Israel lifted an 11-week blockade on the enclave where famine looms. "It is unacceptable. Civilians are risking – and in several instances losing – their lives just trying to get food," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday, adding that the aid distribution model backed by the US and Israel was "all a recipe for disaster, which is exactly what is going on." That model is run by the newly created GHF, which started operations in the enclave a week ago and said on Tuesday that it has given out more than seven million meals from three so-called secure distribution sites. GHF Interim Executive Director John Acree urged humanitarians in Gaza: "Work with us and we will get your aid delivered to those who are depending on it." The UN and other aid groups have refused to work with the GHF because they say it is not neutral and the distribution model militarizes aid. GHF uses private US security and logistics companies to get aid to the distribution sites. It is the latest in a string of efforts to get more aid into the enclave, where experts say the entire population of some 2.1 million people is at risk of famine. Jordan last year spearheaded humanitarian air drops, while the US briefly installed a floating aid pier, but it was beset by challenges. The UN has long-blamed Israel and lawlessness in the enclave for hindering the delivery of aid into Gaza and its distribution throughout the war zone. Israel accuses Hamas of stealing aid, which the group denies. Israel said on Tuesday that three of its soldiers had been killed in fighting in northern Gaza. Gaza health officials said at least 18 more Palestinians were killed in other military strikes in the territory on Tuesday. Reuters could not independently verify the reports in northern and southern Gaza. The 10 elected members of the UN Security Council have asked for the 15-member body to vote on Wednesday on a draft resolution that demands "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties." The draft text, seen by Reuters, also demands the release of all hostages held by Hamas and others, and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on the entry of aid and its safe and unhindered distribution, including by the UN, throughout Gaza. "The time to act has already passed," Slovenia's UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar told Reuters. "It is our historical responsibility not to remain silent." As US President Donald Trump's administration tries to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, it was not immediately clear if Washington would veto the draft text. A spokesperson for the US mission to the UN said: "We cannot preview our actions currently under consideration." A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the permanent members - the United States, Russia, China, Britain or France - to pass.
