Latest news with #LuizInácioLuladaSilva
Roya News
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Roya News
'Israel' furious after Brazil exits Holocaust remembrance alliance
Brazil has withdrawn from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), an intergovernmental body dedicated to Holocaust education and combating antisemitism. The decision is seen as a direct consequence of Brazil's increasingly critical stance on 'Israel's' aggression on the Gaza Strip. Brazilian officials cited "legal limitations" and a "recommendation from United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Francesca Albanese" as reasons for their inability to pay membership dues, implicitly linking Holocaust remembrance to the current conflict. Unofficial reports also mentioned financial resources. Under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil has become a vocal critic of 'Israel's' campaign on Gaza. Lula previously compared 'Israel's' actions to the Holocaust , leading to a diplomatic rift. Brazil recalled its ambassador to 'Israel' and is formally intervening in South Africa's "genocide" case against 'Israel' at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The IHRA's non-legally binding Working Definition of Antisemitism, adopted by over 45 countries, has faced criticism from human rights groups who argue it can be "weaponized" to stifle legitimate criticism of 'Israel'. The 'Israeli' Foreign Ministry slammed the move, saying on X, 'Brazil's decision to join the legal offensive against Israel at the ICJ while withdrawing from the IHRA, is a demonstration of a profound moral failure.' Dani Dayan, chairman of Yad Vashem and current president of the IHRA, called it "unprecedented" and a "serious crossing of a red line," stating it's the first time a Western country has subordinated Holocaust remembrance to political considerations. Major Jewish organizations, including the World Jewish Congress, expressed deep concern, asserting that Brazil is "turning its back on the international community's efforts" and "abandons" its significant Jewish community. Conversely, pro-Palestinian groups like the Palestine Arab Federation of Brazil (FEPAL) celebrated the move, characterizing the IHRA as "an arm of Zionism" used to "shield Israel from criticism" and "aid the extermination of Palestinians".
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Brazil chooses one of its poorest regions for UN climate talks, here's why
Source: Bloomber The upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in November is set to be unlike any other. For the first time, world leaders, scientists, activists, and business executives will gather in Belem, Brazil, a city located on the edge of the Amazon rainforest and grappling with poverty and environmental challenges. Unlike past host cities such as Paris, Dubai, or Bali—known for their luxury and tourist appeal—Belem was deliberately chosen to highlight climate vulnerability, deforestation, and socioeconomic inequalities. Organisers hope the unique venue will focus global attention not just on emissions targets but also on creating climate solutions that benefit developing nations and frontline communities. Why Belem was chosen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) COP30 President-Designate Andre Corrêa do Lago emphasised that choosing Belem is a symbolic decision. Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva believes climate negotiations must confront real-world challenges head-on, rather than being discussed in insulated luxury settings. 'You are going to see a developing city, with infrastructure challenges and high poverty rates, set against one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth,' do Lago said. The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the 'lungs of the planet,' is central to discussions on climate change mitigation and biodiversity preservation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo By hosting COP30 in Belem, Brazil aims to directly link climate policies with poverty reduction and forest conservation. How Belem's location reflects the urgency and challenges of COP30 Location and infrastructure challenges – COP30 will be held in Belem, Brazil, which is already struggling with infrastructure and accommodation. The city's high hotel prices, lack of enough rooms, and the use of cruise ships to host delegates highlight how climate negotiations intersect with real-world social and economic issues. Key focus on climate action – COP30 is an important milestone for the Paris Agreement, where countries must update their climate action plans (NDCs) to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The event emphasises urgent global cooperation to limit warming to 1.5°C. Symbolism of Belem – Choosing Belem, a city near the Amazon rainforest and marked by poverty, symbolises the need to connect climate action with social justice, deforestation control, and sustainable development. COP30 pushes for $1.3 trillion climate finance to support vulnerable nations Another key priority is climate finance. The $1.3 trillion annual funding roadmap is under discussion to help vulnerable nations adapt to climate impacts and shift to clean energy as reported by Associated Press (AP). Developing countries argue that they contribute the least to global emissions yet suffer the most from floods, droughts, and rising sea levels. COP30 aims to strengthen commitments for equitable financial support, ensuring no country is left behind in the climate transition. Amazon protection and nature-based solutions take center stage at COP30 The Amazon rainforest, spanning multiple countries but largely within Brazil, is a critical carbon sink. Its deforestation, however, has reached alarming levels, at times turning parts of the Amazon into net carbon emitters. COP30 will prioritize: Halting illegal deforestation Restoring degraded ecosystems Incentivizing sustainable land use practices Strengthening indigenous land rights This focus aligns with the growing recognition that nature-based solutions are essential to achieving climate targets. Adding momentum, the United Nations' top court recently declared that access to a clean and healthy environment is a basic human right. This ruling strengthens arguments that states have a legal duty to reduce emissions and protect ecosystems. According to court President Yuji Iwasawa: 'Failure of a state to take appropriate action to protect the climate system may constitute an internationally wrongful act.' This legal shift could influence COP30 negotiations, pushing countries toward stronger and enforceable climate commitments. Vision for COP30 : A 'Summit of Solutions' Do Lago envisions COP30 as a turning point: 'We hope to be remembered as the COP of solutions, where people realized climate action creates opportunities and growth rather than sacrifice.' By holding the summit in Belem—where poverty, deforestation, and climate risk intersect—organizers aim to keep discussions grounded and outcomes impactful. The success of COP30 will depend not only on emissions pledges but also on innovative solutions, equitable financing, and a shared vision for a sustainable global future. Also Read | Rare flesh-eating bacteria kills 4 in Florida: Here's what you need to know about Vibrio vulnificus
Toronto Star
5 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
Lula says the US has ignored Brazil's attempts to negotiate Trump's announced tariff
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Thursday that his government has not been successful in trying to negotiate the 50% tariff on Brazilian imports that U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose. Washington has ignored Brazil's attempts to negotiate ahead of the measure's expected implementation on Aug. 1., the Brazilian leader said.
Saba Yemen
6 days ago
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Brazil nears joining Gaza genocide case at ICJ
Brasília - Saba: The Brazilian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that it is in the final stages of submitting a formal request to join the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding its military actions in the Gaza Strip. In a statement cited by Quds Press, the ministry stressed that the ongoing atrocities in Gaza cannot be met with international silence. It emphasized that the global community must not remain idle in the face of violations against civilians in the besieged enclave. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated on Tuesday that Israel is committing "genocide" in Gaza, clarifying that the situation is "not a war" but rather a systematic killing of civilians, particularly women and children. Latin American Nations Join South Africa's Case Five Latin American countries have successively joined the lawsuit filed by South Africa at the ICJ, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinian civilians in Gaza during its continuous aggression since October 7, 2023. - Nicaragua was the first Latin American country to take this step, formally submitting a request to the court on February 16, 2024, to join as a "third party." It argued that Israel's actions in Gaza violate the 1948 Genocide Convention and called for accountability. - Colombia filed a similar request on April 5, 2024, stating its aim was to "defend the Palestinian people's right to life and dignity" and ensure accountability for crimes against civilians. - Chile submitted its formal request on September 13, 2024, following President Gabriel Boric's announcement in June that Chile would support South Africa's legal efforts, calling Gaza's humanitarian tragedy a matter requiring decisive legal action. - Bolivia officially joined the case on October 9, 2024, expressing full support for legal measures to hold Israel accountable. - Cuba intervened on January 13, 2025, submitting a declaration in support of South Africa's call for accountability over "grave and systematic violations of international humanitarian law." Brazil is now set to become the sixth Latin American country to join the case. ICJ's Provisional Measures On January 26, 2024, the ICJ issued provisional measures ordering Israel to take all possible steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, including ensuring humanitarian aid access and preventing incitement to hatred. While the court has not yet ruled on the case's merits, it found South Africa's claims "plausible enough" to warrant urgent measures—a legal basis that prompted multiple countries to intervene. South Africa filed the lawsuit on December 29, 2023, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention through its military operations in Gaza, which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, mostly women and children. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
Observer
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Brazil's moment to lead on forest conservation
With greenhouse-gas emissions still rising globally and nature loss continuing apace, the Amazon rainforest is approaching a tipping point. To avert climate catastrophe, the world must make rapid and significant progress on protecting forests and building a sustainable, inclusive bioeconomy. And Brazil must lead the way, starting at this November's United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém. The Amazon represents one of the planet's most powerful defences against climate change. It is more than a carbon sink; it is a reservoir of biodiversity, a regulator of rainfall across South America, and a vital component of our planet's climate system. As the custodian of nearly 60 per cent of the Amazon, Brazil has not only a responsibility to be a good steward, but also an opportunity to demonstrate global leadership at a pivotal moment for people and the planet. Brazil seems to recognise this. The government's renewed commitment to forest protection, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's administration, is reflected in a sharp decline in deforestation rates. But this is just the beginning. Brazil is also working to deliver the bold ideas, scalable finance, and robust partnerships that the global green transformation demands. Nature-based solutions — which simultaneously advance environmental imperatives and ensure sustainable economic growth — are central to this effort. Recognising that the preservation of existing nature produces the fastest, most cost-effective results, these solutions are typically based on three pillars: protect, restore, and manage. To protect forests, Brazil is advancing innovative approaches, both domestically and internationally. At home, the country is helping to pioneer a jurisdictional approach, which links carbon finance to state-level action to protect forests, as part of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change's framework for 'reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries' (REDD+). Brazil's jurisdictional REDD+ programmes reward regions for reducing deforestation, enhancing forest carbon stocks, and ensuring that benefits reach indigenous peoples and local communities. The state of Tocantins is a worthy example: its forest-protection programme, which aims to generate high-integrity carbon credits, has been shaped by inclusive public consultations and features strong governance. An initial issuance of jurisdictional REDD+ credits is expected early next year. At the international level, Brazil has proposed a $125 billion Tropical Forest Forever Facility, which would reward developing countries with historically low rates of deforestation and compensate them for upholding good stewardship. Unlike carbon markets, which focus on verified reductions in emissions, the TFFF would provide predictable, long-term payments to countries based on the number of hectares conserved. These two approaches are highly complementary. Jurisdictional programmes address the imperative of reducing deforestation now through performance-based finance, while the TFFF offers the steady, long-term support that is needed to sustain those gains. Together, they correct a critical market failure: the undervaluing of standing forests. Forest protection is not easy: it demands rigorous oversight, transparent benefit-sharing, and unwavering community engagement. But when done right, it can unlock significant climate finance, catalyse private-sector participation, and drive sustainable development. The Race to Belém initiative, of which I am CEO, aims to make the most of this potential by mobilising a huge amount of private-sector investment for forest protection in advance of COP30. But protection is only the first pillar. Brazil is also making strides in nature restoration and sustainable land management. It has set a number of ambitious goals, including restoring 12 million hectares of forested areas by 2030; converting 40 million hectares of degraded pastureland into productive systems for food, biofuels, and high-productivity forests over the next decade; and promoting a bioeconomy that respects nature and people. The Brazil Restoration and Bioeconomy Finance Coalition, which seeks to mobilise $10 billion in private investment by 2030, underscores the growing role of the business sector in this process. Far from just another diplomatic gathering, COP30 is shaping up to be a defining moment for climate action – and, in particular, forest preservation, restoration, and management. With Belém located on the edge of the Amazon, delegates will be immersed in the landscape they seek to protect. More importantly, their host will present them with a menu of proven nature-based solutions – behind which political momentum and private-sector support are already building – that address the many causes of forest loss. The foundations for transformative action are already in place. The challenge will be for Brazil to build on its success in harnessing national policy, sub-national action, and private-sector engagement to accelerate progress and spearhead a new global model of climate action. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2025. Keith Tuffley, Tuffley, a former head of investment banking, partner, and board member at Goldman Sachs Australia, is CEO of Race to Belém, a group campaigning to raise finance for forest protection in Brazil.
