Ghana's parliament has approved a sweeping law criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities, causing alarm within the community. Meanwhile, a UK court has ruled that the government will not pay Rwanda £100 million over a failed asylum scheme, and in Colombia, far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has won the first round of the presidential election, setting the stage for a contentious runoff.

Ghana's Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

On Friday, Ghana's parliament passed a bill that criminalizes the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities and identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. This legislation imposes prison sentences ranging from three to ten years for violations. Rights groups report widespread panic among the LGBTQ+ community, who fear eviction, job loss, and denial of healthcare. Leila Lariba, director of One Love Sisters Ghana, stated that individuals are deleting online content to protect their identities. The bill's sponsor, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, claims it aims to safeguard Ghanaian family and cultural values. Activists warn that the law could exacerbate discrimination and deter individuals from seeking necessary services.

UK Court Decision on Rwanda Asylum Scheme

In a significant ruling, an international court in The Hague determined that the UK government is not liable to pay Rwanda over £100 million related to a controversial asylum deportation scheme initiated by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The court found that the UK was not in breach of the agreement after the plan was shelved in 2024 due to legal challenges. The current government argued that the scheme, which had only seen four voluntary deportations, was logical to abandon following a change in administration. Rwanda had sought compensation, claiming significant costs were incurred in preparation for the partnership. The ruling represents a setback for Rwanda, which had expected financial compensation for the halted agreement.

Colombia's Presidential Election Developments

In Colombia, far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has emerged victorious in the first round of the presidential election, securing 43.7% of the vote against senator Iván Cepeda, who received 40.9%. De la Espriella, a controversial figure who admires Donald Trump, will face Cepeda in a runoff set for June 21. The results have prompted immediate backlash from President Gustavo Petro, who claimed without evidence that the preliminary count included fraudulent votes. This assertion was met with criticism from electoral experts, who emphasized the reliability of the counting process. The election outcome reflects a broader trend of rising far-right sentiment in the region, raising concerns over potential shifts in policy direction.

Wrap-up

The recent developments in Ghana, the UK, and Colombia illustrate the complex interplay of politics and human rights on the international stage. Ghana's stringent anti-LGBTQ+ law raises urgent questions about personal freedoms, while the UK court ruling highlights the challenges of international agreements on migration. Meanwhile, Colombia's electoral landscape is shifting, with the rise of far-right candidates reflecting changing public sentiments.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team