Headlines

• Cases are mentioned of rapporteurs such as Alena Douhan (photo w/ Díaz Canel), George Katrougalos, Tlaleng Mofokeng and Irene Khan, accused of close links with authoritarian regimes, which would compromise their independence and objectivity.
• UN Special Rapporteur, Alena Douhan, calls for end to embargo on Cuba without addressing internal controls, political prisoners, or human rights violations, and concluded her visit to Cuba with a statement that aligns her with the official discourse on the US embargo.

United Nations, May 28 (DPnet).— A recent report from UN Watch brings to light serious concerns about the UN Human Rights Council's system of special rapporteurs, highlighting Cuba as a key example. 

Titled From Watchdogs to Ideologues: How Politicized UN Rapporteurs are Subverting Human Rights,  this report argues that some independent experts have adopted stances that reflect the narratives of authoritarian governments, such as those singled out by the organization. 

Cuba serves as a crucial case study, demonstrating the alarming erosion of objectivity within the UN's special procedures system, particularly when evaluations appear to align with governmental interests. This undermines the integrity of the human rights agenda and calls for urgent reform.

Wando County is in South Jeolla Province, situated along the southwestern, island-dotted coast of South Korea.

 Kim Shin, an independent candidate for Wando County Governor, held a departure ceremony on May 21, the first official day of the election campaign, and officially entered the race for his fourth attempt at the governorship.

Seoul, May 21 (DPnet).–  Kim Shin, an independent candidate for Wando County Governor, held a departure ceremony on May 21, the first official day of the election campaign, and officially entered the race for his fourth attempt at the governorship.

At 11 a.m., Kim held the departure ceremony in front of the Wando Seaweed Center, drawing a large crowd of supporters and local residents as he began his efforts to win votes. The venue was filled with enthusiastic supporters chanting Kim's name, with slogans expressing a desire for change echoing throughout the event.

At the ceremony, Kim highlighted the core theme, "Interests or conscience," pledging, "I will demonstrate politics based on honesty and dedication." He fired up the crowd by leading the chant, "We can't go on like this—let's make a change," amplifying the public's yearning for transformation.

• The European Parliament debate end of EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement following visits by representatives of pasos de cambio
• Former Cuban President Raúl Castro has been indicted in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed criminal charges against the 94-year-old in connection to the 1996 shootdown of two humanitarian planes operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue, which resulted in the deaths of four people, including three Americans.

Brussels & Miami, May 20 (DPnet).– This Wednesday, May 20, marks the anniversary of Cuba's independence in 1902. It is noteworthy that this date coincides with two unprecedented events in the context of the 67-year-old Cuban dictatorship that are taking place simultaneously in Europe and the United States.

At the same time, the European Parliament is condemning the Political Dialogue and the Cooperation Agreement that had been in effect for years, while legal proceedings have been initiated in the United States against Raúl Castro, the former President of Cuba and brother of Fidel Castro. Although Raúl Castro no longer holds an official position within the regime's structure, he continues to wield significant influence as the ultimate authority in the inner circle of power.

News has also emerged from Brussels indicating that, on May 19, the European Parliament held a plenary debate in which MEPs from various political groups reiterated their demand to terminate the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) between the European Union and the Cuban regime.

• Prime Minister Mark Carney’s federal government did not immediately respond to the development.

Edmonton, May 4 (AP).– Alberta separatists said Monday they have formally submitted almost 302,000 signatures to try to trigger a referendum on the province leaving Canada.

The group needed 178,000 signatures to force the province to consider such a vote.

The question of separation could go on a provincewide ballot as early as October, as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said she would move forward if enough names are gathered and verified.