South Africa has declared gender-based violence a national disaster as protests against the issue coincide with the G20 summit in Johannesburg. Meanwhile, Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro has been arrested amid fears he might flee to avoid imprisonment for coup-related charges, as global climate discussions yield limited progress towards phasing out fossil fuels.

South Africa's Gender-Based Violence Protests
On Friday, hundreds of women in South Africa organized protests across major cities, including Johannesburg and Cape Town, to raise awareness about the country's alarming rates of gender-based violence. The protests, part of the G20 Women’s Shutdown campaign, included a silent lie-down demonstration symbolizing the 15 lives lost daily to gender-based violence. Organizers from the NGO Women For Change urged participants to refrain from work and spending to highlight the economic impact of their absence. Following a month-long campaign, the National Disaster Management Centre announced that gender-based violence and femicide would be classified as a national disaster, allowing for increased governmental resources to address the crisis.

Global Climate Talks in Brazil
In Brazil, the climate summit known as COP30 concluded with a voluntary agreement aimed at initiating discussions on phasing out fossil fuels, although the outcome fell short of expectations. After intense negotiations marked by opposition from oil-producing nations, a coalition of over 80 countries managed to secure a commitment to triple financial support for developing nations affected by climate change, although this support will not materialize until 2035. The agreement was reached after a marathon session of talks, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in addressing the climate crisis amid geopolitical tensions.

Bolsonaro's Arrest
In a separate but equally significant development, Jair Bolsonaro was arrested in Brasília on suspicions that he was preparing to flee to a foreign embassy to avoid a prison sentence for his role in attempting to overturn the 2022 election results. The arrest followed a ruling by the Supreme Court, which expressed concerns that Bolsonaro could escape during a planned vigil by his supporters. Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since August, facing a 27-year prison sentence for orchestrating a coup. His arrest has sparked outrage among his supporters, while Lula supporters celebrate the potential accountability for Bolsonaro's actions.

Wrap-up
These events reflect a convergence of social, political, and environmental issues on the global stage. South Africa's declaration of gender-based violence as a national disaster underscores the urgent need for systemic change, while the COP30 outcomes highlight the complexities of international climate negotiations. Bolsonaro's arrest exemplifies the ongoing political turmoil in Brazil, raising questions about the future of democracy in the country.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team