Lowering risks requires understanding their root causes

The article discusses the aftermath of the Fuego volcano eruption in Guatemala, which resulted in over 100 deaths and many missing. It highlights the broader issue of poor communities living in danger zones due to economic constraints. Marcel Arévalo from the Latin American Social Sciences Institute attributes this to the displacement caused by single-crop agriculture, which has pushed rural populations to high-risk areas. The World Bank's Sameh Wahba emphasizes the trade-off poor people make between livability and economic opportunity, with dysfunctional housing and land markets exacerbating the problem. The article also touches on the historical context of land access in Guatemala and the role of monoculture farming in reducing land availability for the rural poor. Efforts by organizations like Habitat for Humanity and initiatives in other countries are mentioned as ways to manage and reduce disaster risks. Personal stories from affected individuals like Amanda Santizo and Eufenia Garcia provide insight into the human impact of the disaster.

UN Diplomat's Presidential Bid Marred by Allegations of Past Child Trafficking

Edmond Mulet, a Guatemalan and the UN Joint Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, is considering a presidential run in Guatemala with the support of disgraced former president Alfonso Portillo. However, Mulet's past has come under scrutiny due to a report by Plaza Pública that alleges his involvement in a child trafficking scheme in the 1980s. Mulet, then a lawyer and congressional candidate, was part of an adoption ring that expedited the adoption of Guatemalan children to Canadian parents, bypassing legal requirements. Although Mulet claims his actions were legal and he was released from prison due to lack of evidence, the report has raised questions about his suitability for office and the UN's credibility in Latin America. The UN's role in Guatemala has been significant, with its Human Rights Council addressing the country's issues and the CICIG investigating corruption and child trafficking. The article suggests that the UN must address Mulet's past to maintain its credibility.

TrollBusters: The Digital Tool Designed to Combat Online Harassment of Women

Michelle Ferrier, a former columnist who faced racist hate mail, inspired the creation of TrollBusters, a digital tool to combat online harassment of women. TrollBusters won $3,000 at a hackathon sponsored by Google, the Ford Foundation, and the International Women’s Media Foundation. The tool provides a platform for journalists to locate and expose online trolls, aiming to support victims and raise awareness of the issue. Despite the prevalence of online harassment, particularly against women and minorities, there has been little research on its impact on newsrooms. However, individual journalists and organizations are beginning to address the problem. TrollBusters, which will initially launch in English, has gained international interest and is part of a broader movement to create a safer internet where women can express themselves freely without fear of harassment.

As new ‘caravan’ enters Mexico, a different welcome awaits

The article discusses the shift in Mexico's response to migration under a new administration. Previously, Mexico's then-president Enrique Peña Nieto had taken a hard stance against migrant caravans from Central America, deploying police in riot gear to the border. However, the new government is adopting a more humanitarian approach, offering educational materials, humanitarian visas, and asylum options to migrants. The United Nations Refugee Agency in Mexico notes a focus on human rights in the new policy. The article also touches on the challenges and potential risks of this new approach, including the impact on local employment and the response of the United States, which continues to pressure Mexico to curb migration and is implementing a 'remain-in-Mexico' policy for asylum-seekers. The article highlights the experiences of migrants like Marlin Yanina Alcántar Lobo and Heidy Marleny Castro, and the concerns of organizations like COPARMEX regarding the influx of migrants.

As new ‘caravan’ enters Mexico, a different welcome awaits

The article discusses the journey of Central American migrants, including Marlin Yanina Alcántar Lobo and her children, who are part of a caravan seeking safety and better opportunities in the north. The caravan, which started in Honduras, is a response to violence and political instability in the region. The article contrasts the current Mexican government's approach to migration under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador with the previous administration's policies. Mexico now offers educational materials and talks about migrants' options, including humanitarian visas that allow work and asylum applications. The United States is implementing a policy to block non-Mexican asylum-seekers from entering and requires them to wait in Mexico. The article raises questions about the implications of Mexico's policy changes for migrants and local employment, and it discusses the challenges of providing support to migrants awaiting asylum decisions in the US.

Mexico's Migrant Caravan Challenge: Balancing Border Control and Humanitarian Concerns

The article discusses the challenges Mexico faces with the migrant caravan from Central America, particularly in light of the contrasting approaches of the outgoing and incoming Mexican presidents. While the current administration has deployed federal police to the Guatemalan border and warned of repercussions for illegal crossings, the president-elect, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), has expressed a more welcoming stance, suggesting the possibility of issuing temporary work visas. The caravan, which began in Honduras, is seeking safety in numbers to avoid the dangers of the journey, including violence and extortion. The US President, Donald Trump, has labeled the caravan a national emergency and threatened to cut funding to countries that do not stop the flow of migrants. Mexico's response has been to process asylum requests and seek assistance from the United Nations' Refugee Agency. The article highlights the tension between Mexico's efforts to control its borders and the humanitarian needs of the migrants, as well as the anticipation of AMLO's potential policy changes after his inauguration in December.

Why Americans are talking less and less about ‘love’ and ‘kindness’

The article discusses the decline in the use of moral and spiritual language among Americans, highlighting a shift in conversations about love, kindness, and other virtues. Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association, shares his experiences with interfaith councils and the initial hesitance of religious groups to include atheists. The piece references a study showing a significant decrease in the use of words associated with moral ideals. Bill Leonard, a professor emeritus, and Jonathan Merritt, a culture and religion writer, contribute insights on the decline in religious participation and the impact of political rancor on spiritual discussions. Despite the trends, there is a noted spiritual curiosity among Millennials. The article suggests that re-engaging with religious traditions and building a shared moral vocabulary could foster more tolerance and understanding across different faiths.

Asylum-seeker caravan: What not to miss about the Mexico factor

The article discusses the journey of a caravan of approximately 7,000 migrants from Central America and Mexico, aiming to reach the US border. The caravan, which started in Honduras, faced challenges when Mexican riot police used tear gas to stop them at the Suchiate River bridge. Mexico is processing asylum requests but warns that those entering illegally will be deported. US President Trump has labeled the caravan a national emergency and threatened to cut funding to countries that do not stop the migrants. Mexico, under pressure from both the US and the migrants, has deployed federal police and sought help from the UN Refugee Agency. The incoming Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has indicated a potential shift in immigration policy, including issuing work visas to Central American migrants. The article also highlights the violence and poverty driving people to join the caravan, with personal stories from migrants who have faced gang violence and economic hardship in their home countries.

Migrant caravan vows to remain on border crossing without food or water until Mexican authorities grant access

A caravan of approximately 4,000 migrants is currently stranded at the Suchiate river crossing between Guatemala and Mexico. The migrants, who are en route to the United States, are facing dire conditions without access to food, water, or sanitation, as they wait for Mexican authorities to allow them entry. Tensions escalated when Mexican riot police used tear gas after migrants tried to force their way across the border. Some Hondurans have successfully crossed the river and are waiting on the Mexican side, while about 200 individuals, predominantly women and children, have been processed at an immigration center.

Migrant caravan charges the Mexican border

A caravan of 3,000 migrants charged at the border between Guatemala and Mexico, attempting to make their way towards the United States. Despite Mexico's warning that a visa would be required for entry and the presence of riot police at the border city of Tapachula, some migrants cut through the border wires and confronted the police. Mexico's federal police spokesman, Manelich Castilla, mentioned that buses were available to transport women, children, and the elderly away from the bridge for processing. However, migrants on the bridge were hesitant to board the buses, fearing deportation. Some migrants resorted to shaking fences and jumping into the Suchiate river, while others retreated to Guatemala.