Kim Jung-un and Trump Deal: Missed Opportunity

The two leaders met on Tuesday in Singapore to sign a "comprehensive" deal. The agreement features several key details which critics argue, are vague and possibly problematic. The first point of the deal is the guarantee of "peace and prosperity" for both the United States and North Korea. The second point highlights US support for ensuring a "lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean peninsula." The deal also mentions an important point: the complete denuclearization of North Korea.  However, the leaders did not mention anything on improving human rights practices.

Joint Submission to CEDAW Committee on the State of Palestine 

Human Rights Watch, Women's Center for Legal Aid and Counseling, and Equality Now have submitted the first review on Palestine's compliance with CEDAW obligations. The report is based on findings and publications from Human Rights Watch and Women's Center for Legal Aid and Counseling as well as first-hand interviews with affected women. The report highlights the need to consider the obstacles posed by the Israeli occupation. It also explores several key issues such as honor killings of women and child marriages. 

Paraguay Eliminates Malaria 

According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of World Health Organization, Paraguay is the first country in 45 years in the Americas to have eliminated malaria. The organization stated that Paraguay has reported no cases of malaria in the past five years. It was also included in the 2016 WHO list of countries to likely become free of malaria by 2020. 

UAE Pressures UN to Implement Ceasefire in Yemen

The United Arab Emirates gave a 48 hour ultimatum to the UN and other actors involved in Yemen's conflict to implement a ceasefire at the "Red Sea" port of Hodeiah. The port serves as the entrance for rebels, Saudi militias, and UN aid envoys. The UAE has stated it will carry out an attack at the port if the ceasefire is not implemented. Currently, the UN envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, is seeking negotiations between Saudi Arabia and UAE to avoid the 'catastrophic' attack. 

Legalizing Abortion in Argentina Creates Divide

On June 13, Argentina's lower house approved an abortion bill allowing women to receive abortions during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. Currently, only women who were raped or face potential health risks can receive abortions in Argentina. The bill was passed 129 – 123, however, it must still pass Senate. So far, 16 senators have spoken out in favor of the bill while 27 seven have expressed disapproval.

U.S and 'Zero Tolerance Policy'

United Nations Human Rights Commissioner, Zeid Ra'ad al -Hussein, has criticized the US for its border control policy. The "Zero Tolerance" policy will prosecute anyone who has illegally crossed US borders. However, the policy has also resulted in the separation of families and their children. Ra'ad al- Hussein has stated, "The thought that any state would seek to deter parents by inflicting such abuse on children is unconscionable.” Moreover, UN officials have stated  that the US is in violation of children's rights and international law.