¿Sabes qué pasó? Weekly Newsletter, November 27-December 3
Human Rights Office urges prompt and effective investigation into murder of activist Adolfo Enriquez Vanderkam
The Human Rights Office in Mexico has urged a prompt and effective investigation into the murder of activist Adolfo Enriquez Vanderkam, which occurred last Tuesday, November 21 in Leon, Guanajuato.
Enriquez Vanderkam, a lawyer dedicated to exposing citizen complaints about crimes and irregularities, as well as advocating for justice for victims, was shot and killed by an unidentified individual. His work, which had at least 300,000 followers in social networks, had made him a reference for understanding the dynamics of violence in the region.
The UN Office condemned the murder and demanded a diligent investigation by the authorities. This tragic event brings to at least thirteen the number of human rights defenders killed in Mexico during the year 2023.
You can read the article here.
New agreement between the Government and the Junta de Andalucía to address the climate crisis in Doñana
The Government and the Junta de Andalucía have signed an agreement to address the climate crisis in Doñana, allocating approximately 1.4 billion euros in equal parts to promote a project to promote the ecological transition and improve social and economic conditions in the region. Among the pact’s key measures are:
- End of illegal irrigation: emphasis is placed on compliance with current legislation, using the Guadalquivir Hydrological Plan as a reference until 2027, without providing for new water concessions to increase the irrigable area.
- Reconversion of agricultural land: incentives are provided for the conversion of arable land to forestry. The government will pay up to 70,000 euros per hectare to farmers who stop farming and revert the land to forestry for at least 30 years.
- Incentives for farmers: financial aid is offered to farmers who choose to stop irrigating illegally, switch to rainfed crops, or move to organic farming. However, there will be no amnesty for illegal irrigation cases.
- Improving conditions for seasonal workers: priority is given to improving the living conditions of seasonal agricultural workers, building and rehabilitating decent housing, and promoting the standardization of documentation for these workers.
- Promoting industrialization: the aim is to transform the region’s economy through industrialization by subsidizing up to 50% of material investments over three years, with a special focus on the aerospace industry.
- Sustainable tourism development: tourism related to nature, astronomy and handicrafts is promoted, with lines of assistance for promotion and marketing, including the possible creation of a fair of traditional uses and handicrafts.
- Biosphere Reserve Brand: the aim is to associate the region with the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve label to increase the prestige and value of local products.
- Employment associated with ecological restoration: the creation of green jobs is contemplated through an ecological restoration program in Doñana, as well as specialization in the energy and mining sector in the Huelva area.
You can read more about this news in this link.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the climate crisis is awakening a “sleeping giant” in Antarctica.
During his three-day visit to the frozen continent, Guterres noted the rapid melting of ice on the Antarctic continental shelf and called for greater ambition in mitigation and climate justice.
The UN Secretary General described Antarctica as a “sleeping giant” that climate change is awakening, referring to the significant decrease in the continent’s surface area. September data indicate that the Antarctic area was 1.5 million square kilometers smaller than usual for that time of year.
Guterres urged intensified efforts in mitigation and climate justice, warning of the devastating acceleration being witnessed. During his visit, he also witnessed two of the largest glaciers in the region, Collins and Nelson.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who accompanied Guterres on the visit, expressed his concern about the consequences of the Antarctic thaw. He stressed the importance of addressing the protection of Antarctica, especially before the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-28) in Dubai.
COP-28, to be held in the United Arab Emirates, has generated controversy due to its connection to the oil industry. Guterres urged the organizers to take greater responsibility for the transition to green energy.
Read more about the news here.
