The latest report from the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated that approximately 2,000 million tonnes of dust are released into the atmosphere each year. This results in darkened skies and reduced air quality in areas located thousands of kilometers away.

According to the head of WMO, Petteri Taalas, this can be attributed in part to inadequate management of water and land resources. Additionally, the issue is worsened by rising temperatures and drought caused by climate change, resulting in increased evaporation and dry soil.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that breathing in dust particles has been linked to heart attacks, heart disease, and lung cancer. In addition, sand and dust storms can also endanger air travel, ground transportation, and agriculture.

In 2022, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) identified regions with notably higher levels of dust concentration in Central and South America, most of Central Africa, Spain, the Red Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, South Asia, and northwest China.

Professor Taalas emphasized the WMO’s dedication to aiding countries in enhancing their abilities to predict dust storms and provide early warning services. He also highlighted the urgency of taking further action in light of ongoing environmental degradation and rapidly progressing climate change.

The impact of climate change poses a significant threat to the well-being of individuals with albinism, potentially resulting in life-threatening consequences.

Furthermore, according to a UN-appointed rights expert, climate change has deadly consequences for individuals with albinism in the form of skin cancer, which is often ignored.

According to Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, the Special Rapporteur for albinism, individuals with albinism in Africa have a significantly higher risk of developing skin cancer, with a mortality rate of many by the age of 40.

She emphasized her relentless efforts to advocate for the accessibility of sunscreen to individuals with albinism, recognizing it as a crucial medical product that can potentially extend and enhance the lives of those who cannot afford it.

According to the specialist, individuals with albinism experience vision problems and are particularly impacted by disasters caused by climate change.

Ms. Miti-Drummond urged for the participation of individuals with albinism in all discussions regarding climate change and disaster management, emphasizing that for many of them, climate change poses a grave threat to their survival.

Peru needs ‘meaningful reforms’ to policing during protests

The government of Peru needs to make significant changes to protect human rights during protests and rallies, as there has been a concerning rise in the use of violent tactics.

A new report released on Thursday by independent human rights experts called for a “decentralized and inclusive national dialogue” to address the issue at hand.

The report centers on the behavior of security forces during protests across the country from December 2022 to March 2023.

The analysis determined that the Peruvian government unfairly limited the human rights of protesters.

According to the report, security forces employed excessive and disproportionate force, including deadly force, beyond the scope allowed by global human rights norms.

The text reports the utilization of non-lethal weapons, which do not comply with global norms, causing severe and, in certain instances, deadly harm to demonstrators.

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Hundreds of people have lost their lives or been injured.

According to the OHCHR, 50 individuals lost their lives and 821 were wounded during protests between December 7th and March 31st, reportedly at the hands of security personnel. Additionally, 208 members of the security forces also sustained injuries.

241 individuals involved in the protests were subject to criminal investigations. However, only 221 of them have had their cases closed due to insufficient evidence. This number includes 192 individuals who were detained at San Marcos University in Lima on January 21st.

In April of 2023, a specialized team was established within the Public Prosecutor’s Office to look into reported offenses that occurred during the protests.

The UN rights chief, Volker Türk, stated that those who commit human rights violations must face consequences through just legal processes. It is crucial for accountability to be prioritized in order for healing to begin and for trust to be built in the State’s institutions. Victims should also receive complete compensation.

“It is crucial that the issues and worries of all members of Peruvian society are acknowledged. A comprehensive national conversation is necessary. This is the sole path to progress. It is imperative that everyone’s voices are heard and reflected in society in order to prevent ongoing political and social turmoil,” stated Mr. Türk.

Source: news.un.org