Monday Memo | Cross-Border Conflicts, Humanitarian Crises, Changing Legislature

Africa

“Extreme drought in southern Africa leaves millions hungry”

A severe drought in rural Zimbabwe has caused widespread food shortages. Aid distribution efforts, primarily funded by the United States via USAID, offer temporary relief to affected communities, but aid resources are limited. Due to cuts in humanitarian funding, millions in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries face prolonged hunger. Click link to read more.

^{By Farai Mutsaka and Gerald Imray via AP News, published March 31, 2024}

“‘It’s mission impossible’: fear grows in Kenya over plan to deploy police to Haiti”

Following Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation and the escalation in violence from armed gangs, the peacekeeping mission to send Kenyan troops to Haiti faces many obstacles. Opposition to the current Kenyan authorities has questioned the decision to send troops, which Kenya has described as a “moral obligation.” However, the deployment of troops has been delayed until conditions in Haiti change. Click link to read more.

^{By Caroline Kimeu and Tom Phillips via The Guardian, published March 28, 2024}

Asia and the Pacific

“Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalize same-sex marriage”

Thailand becomes the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to legalize equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill amends the Civil and Commercial Code to change the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and “marriage partners.” Click link to read more.

^{Via AP News, published March 27, 2024}

“Philippines prepared to respond to China’s attempts to interfere with re-supply missions”

Following the Chinese Coast Guard’s movements in the South China Sea, the Philippines announced that it will take “multi-dimensional” countermeasures to protect re-supply missions. These measures include changes to the missions and encouraging the public to ignore “Chinese propaganda.” Maritime security will be discussed at the upcoming summit with the US and Japan. Click link to read more.

^{By Karen Lema via Reuters, published April 3, 2024}

Europe

“Zelensky Lowers Ukraine’s Draft Age, Risking Political Backlash”

After a prolonged delay, President Volodymyr Zelensky passed a law officially lowering the draft age from 27 to 25 in response to the diminishing Ukrainian military as the war continues to wage. The decrease in age may not be enough to sufficiently respond to pending Russian invasions in the near future. Click link to read more.

^{By Andrew E. Kramer via The NYTimes, published April 3, 2024}

“Portugal’s new prime minister promises to bring stability after narrow win”

New Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro must form a minority government after his centre-right Democratic Alliance narrowly won the March 10 elections but fell short of a majority in the 230-seat legislature. Montenegro has vowed against forming a coalition with the far-right Chega party, which holds a significant number of Parliamentary seats, and faces challenges from within his own party on this issue. Click link to read more.

^{By Jon Henley via The Guardian, published March 21, 2024.}

Latin America and the Caribbean

“Guyana condemns Venezuela for signing into law a referendum approving annexation of disputed region”

Guyana’s government has condemned Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s endorsement of a referendum claiming two-thirds of the country’s territory, stating it will not concede any land. The dispute, which concerns the western Essequibo region, has been exacerbated by the discovery of oil deposits near Guyana’s coast. Despite diplomatic efforts, including a meeting between both presidents, the dispute remains unresolved. Both countries have reinforced military presence along the border in anticipation of potential escalation. Click link to read more.

^{By Bert Wilkinson via Associated Press, published April 4, 2024.}

“Puerto Rico governor announces historic budget to aid elderly, reduce violence and boost solar power”

At the annual territorial address, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced new projects, including infrastructure and care programs. The projects have received $14 billion in US funding, standing as the largest territory budget in history. Many reconstruction projects in Puerto Rico were stalled due to a lack of funds and delays in US aid, frustrating many citizens. The speech ended with a call for Puerto Rican statehood. Click link to read more.

^{By Dánico Coto via Associated Press, published April 2, 2024.}

Middle East

“Turkey’s Erdogan dealt major election blow as opposition party wins big cities”

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suffered a significant setback in Sunday’s local elections as the main opposition CHP won key cities, including Istanbul and Ankara. The AK Party lost the popular vote for the first time since its inception in 2002, signalling general dissatisfaction with Erdogan’s policies and economic challenges. Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, secured re-election with a comfortable margin, marking a symbolic triumph for the opposition. Click link to read more.

^{By Scott McLean, Yusuf Gezer, and Nadeen Ebrahim via CNN, published April 1, 2024}

“Israel lodges proposal with UN for dismantling of Palestinian relief agency”

Israel has proposed dismantling of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and transferring its functions to other agencies amid allegations of UNRWA staff affiliations with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Aid officials have raised concerns emphasizing UNRWA’s critical role in providing essential service to Palestinians. The proposal comes amidst increasing tensions and humanitarian challenges in the region, including famine. Click link to read more.

^{By Julian Borger and Ruth Michaelson via The Guardian, published March 31, 2024.}

North America

“Baltimore bridge collapse: What will happen to the 21 sailors stranded on the Dali?”

The Dali container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on the 26th, leaving 21 sailors stranded. While the crew is safe, they cannot come ashore until there is a clear path for the ship’s exit–and several may not have the necessary documents to do so. The Coast Guard’s first priority is reopening the Baltimore port, while the Dali’s movement remains a “second priority.” Click link to read more.

^{By Bernd Debusmann, Jr. via BBC, published April 1, 2024.}

“Christian communities in North America lead solidarity walks for Gaza amid ongoing war”

Christian community groups across the United States and Canada organized “solidarity marches” to draw attention to the conflict in Gaza and advocate for several peace initiatives, including a ceasefire. Jer Swigart, one of the leading organizers of the march in Spokane, stated that the walks were part of a “pro-human movement.” Click link to read more.

^{By Kori Skillman via ABC News, published March 31, 2024.}

International Organizations

“Copenhagen Climate Ministerial: Expert Comment”

Around 40 climate leaders and ministers meet in Copenhagen from March 21 to 22 to discuss priorities for the UN Climate Conference (COP 29). The priorities this year will be a renewed discussion on the transition away from burning fossil fuels, climate taxation, setting transition milestones, and delivering clean energy. Developing countries are calling for USD 1 trillion to support climate plans. Rich countries are called to deliver their previously promised USD 100 billion commitment from overseas development aid. Click link to read more.

^{Via International Institute for Sustainable Development, published March 19, 2024.}

Happening This Week

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

11:00 AM- 12:30 PM ET

Join the discussion on “Advocating for Uyghurs in China and in the US” with attorney Ned Levin, who has explored forced labour in China and aids Uyghur asylum seekers in the US. Learn about the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act’s genesis, enforcement, and impact on global trade and companies, alongside the critical need for providing Uyghurs with a safe haven. (RSVP)

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

6:00 PM- 7:30 PM ET

Explore the intersection of art and identity at the launch of “Queer World Making: Contemporary Middle Eastern Diasporic Art” with Andrew Gayed and Jamil Hellu. This event delves into reimagined Middle Eastern queer identities through contemporary diasporic art. (RSVP)

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

6:00 PM- 7:30 PM ET

Join an online panel celebrating “When Language Broke Open: An Anthology of Queer & Trans Black Writers of Latin American Descent.” Featuring NYC-based Afro-Latinx contributors and editor Alan Pelaez Lopez, the 2022-2023 Miriam Jiménez Román Fellow. Explore the literary and artistic talents of 44 contemporary writers from Latin America, the Caribbean, and their diasporas. (RSVP)

Career Development Opportunities

GSAS Writing Advisor 1:1 Consultation Appointment

The Graduate School of Arts and Science offers writing advisor sessions for feedback, idea discussion, and overcoming writer’s block. Assistance includes structure, organization, academic style, and language for various academic documents.

General Intern in International Affairs

The NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs is seeking an intern to assist with diplomatic and international issues. Key responsibilities include researching, drafting memos, engaging with the diplomatic community, and providing logistical and digital media support. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the city’s international relations and gain experience within the executive branch under Mayor Eric Adams.

Central American Minor (CAM) AOR Internship

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) offers a Central American Minor (CAM) AOR Internship, focused on processing affidavits for the CAM Family Reunification Program, a legal pathway for families from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This 6-month internship, starting in June or July 2024 with options for part-time or full-time engagement and a potential extension to 1 year.