WORLD - The African Mirror

Feb

27

2025

A one-month status update on Trump’s executive orders

WORLD

This story was originally reported by Candice Norwood of The 19th. Meet Candice and read more of her reporting on gender, politics and policy. IN the first month of his second term, President Donald Trump has signed a slew of executive orders restricting immigration, programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and services for transgender people. Trump’s administration is now facing dozens of lawsuits, and some judges have already issued decisions blocking some of the orders. Here is your one-month status update on where some of the orders that affect LGBTQ+ people and women stand. Gender ideology | Trans people…

Feb

26

2025

By The African Mirror

Rights under siege: UN Chief warns of global erosion as authoritarians tighten grip

WORLD

IN the grand hall of Geneva, where the world's conscience gathered, Volker Türk rose, his eyes reflecting the weight of a world in turmoil. His voice, steady yet urgent, carried across the chamber as storm clouds gathered beyond the windows. "The guardians of old are failing," he began, his words hanging in the air like a prophecy. "Our global consensus on human rights is crumbling under the weight of authoritarians, strongmen, and oligarchs who seek to reshape the world in their image." The room where the media conference was held fell silent, for they knew the truth that lay beneath…

Feb

26

2025

By DAVID LOPEZ

3 ways Trump is acting like a king and bypassing the Constitution’s checks and balances on presidential authority

WORLD

I learned basic civics in my public school. But mostly, because it was more interesting, I also learned civics after school watching the animated series “Schoolhouse Rock,” often with my abuela – my grandmother – who took care of me. Back then, “Schoolhouse Rock” had a wonderful episode, “Three Ring Government.” In singing narration, the characters explained: “about the government, and how it’s arranged, divided in three, like a three-ring circus.” Those three circles, all the same size, kept each other honest. For many in my generation, those three rings were our introduction to the idea of the checks and…

Feb

25

2025

By TOM HARPER

China: Xi Jinping has learned from Trump’s first trade war and is ready to fight back

WORLD

THE start of 2025 has been good for China and its reputation as a high-tech innovator. The unveiling of the Chinese-made artificial intelligence (AI) tool, DeepSeek, caused consternation on the US stock exchange and from potential competitors in Silicon Valley. Chinese firms are increasingly at the forefront of key high-level technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) and AI, as reflected by the success of China’s electric vehicles, BYD, and now DeepSeek. These moves have made the Chinese economy more self sufficient than it was during Trump’s first term and has made Beijing more confident about pushing back politically against Trump.…

Feb

25

2025

By The African Mirror

World’s ‘warmongers’ must stop, UN chief tells Human Rights Council

WORLD

WITH no end to numerous protracted conflicts - not least in Ukraine, three years to the day since the full-scale Russian invasion - UN chief António Guterres scorned the world’s “warmongers” for trampling on people’s most fundamental rights. On the opening day of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Secretary-General rounded on “warmongers who thumb their nose at international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter”. To date, Ukraine has seen more than 12,600 civilians killed, many more injured and entire communities reduced to rubble, Mr. Guterres told the UN’s top human rights forum. “We must spare no effort to…

Feb

24

2025

By The African Mirror

A global wave of prayer: Billions unite for Pope Francis’ recovery amidst critical health battle

WORLD

IN a world where hope intertwines with faith, billions of Catholics unite in fervent prayer for the recovery of Pope Francis, who is currently battling for his life in a Rome hospital. The 88-year-old pontiff, known for his compassion and dedication to the Church, is facing a critical condition due to double pneumonia, a severe infection that has left him vulnerable and in need of supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions. As news of his illness spread, the faithful gathered not only in Italy but across the globe, their hearts heavy with concern. In St. Peter's Basilica, Archbishop Rino Fisichella urged…

Feb

24

2025

By The African Mirror

Full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has sown ‘psychological terror’, warns top aid coordinator

WORLD

IN the nearly three years since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the country’s people have endured continuous attacks, “psychological terror…displacement and hardship”, top UN aid coordinator Matthias Schmale said. Briefing from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv after another night of “air sirens and more loud explosions”, Mr. Schmale noted that the crisis began in 2014, with Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. “So, all children that were born since - all children up to the age of 11 - have never experienced their country at peace,” he said. According to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, 2024 saw a 30 per…

Feb

24

2025

By DREW PAUL

A Palestinian film is an Oscars favorite − so why is it so hard to see?

WORLD

THE publicity can translate into theatrical releases or rereleases, along with more on-demand rentals and sales. However, for “No Other Land,” a Palestinian film nominated for best documentary at the 2025 Academy Awards, this exposure is unlikely to translate into commercial success in the U.S. That’s because the film has been unable to find a company to distribute it in America. “No Other Land” chronicles the efforts of Palestinian townspeople to combat an Israeli plan to demolish their villages in the West Bank and use the area as a military training ground. It was directed by four Palestinian and Israeli…

Feb

22

2025

By The African Mirror

Displaced but not despairing, Ukrainians face fourth year of full-scale war

WORLD

THE deadly and destructive full-scale war in Ukraine continues to affect every aspect of life, shattering homes and communities and forcing people into a state of constant anxiety. But even when so much is being lost, Ukrainians are finding ways to survive and rebuild. Sisters Nadiia Gryshyna and Svitlana Kartashova were left homeless and penniless after being forced to flee as attacks intensified near their village of Velyka Rybytsia on the Psel River in northeastern Ukraine, just 5 kilometres from the Russian border. Living in neighbouring houses on the same road, the sisters, who are both single mothers with six…

Feb

22

2025

By ANUSHMA SHRESTHA

Building back better and stronger after Typhoon Yagi floods hit Thailand

WORLD

"I watched helplessly as the water rose higher and higher, drowning my home and everything I had worked for," Aung* describes the fear that engulfed him as he witnessed all his belongings disappear beneath the murky floodwaters. In late 2024, Typhoon Yagi struck Thailand, leaving devastation in its wake. The hardest-hit areas, including in the northern provinces of Thailand, witnessed severe flooding compared to previous years. Over 200,000 households were affected, with homes, livestock and livelihoods swept away by the relentless floodwaters and landslides. Families have been forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in overcrowded shelters or with…