Earthquakes in Venezuela: more than 4,100 deaths

South Africa seeks to avoid 12.5% tariff amid investigation into forced labor

The South African government has asked the United States to exclude it from a tariff proposal linked to a federal investigation into the enforcement of bans on imports of goods made with forced labor.

The South African delegation appeared this week before the Office of the United States Trade Representative in Washington, as part of a Section 301 investigation examining whether at least 60 countries are properly enforcing those bans.

South African representatives argued that the country has strong laws against forced labor and has ratified key International Labor Organization conventions. They also noted that goods produced through prison labor are already prohibited by their legislation.

The mission called for the proposed 12.5% ​​tariff not to be imposed on South African exports. It requested exemptions for key products such as platinum group metals, vehicles, citrus fruits, fish, shellfish, wine and nuts, ensuring that there is no evidence that they are produced with forced labor.

Trade relations between Washington and Pretoria have been strained in recent years due to disagreements over tariffs, South African internal policies and opposing positions in conflicts such as the war in Gaza.

Impact of the AGOA trade agreement

South Africa has long benefited from tariff-free access to the US market through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This program has supported billions of dollars in exports from sub-Saharan Africa. The program is set to expire unless the US Congress renews it.

Commerce Minister Parks Tau stated that the United States remains an important trading partner and that the government will continue to dialogue with Washington about the investigation and other current tariffs, such as those on steel, aluminum and automobiles.

After the hearing, the US Trade Office indicated that additional submissions will be accepted until Thursday before making a decision.

An independent mission from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) documented a Russian system designed to erase the national identity of Ukrainian children and turn them into soldiers. The report, prepared through the Moscow Mechanism, reveals systematic practices of indoctrination and militarization from an early age.

Documented practices

According to experts, minors are exposed to compulsory pro-war propaganda from the age of six. Between 13 and 18 years old, they receive training in weapons handling, tactical medicine and drone operation.

In addition, the report points out the elimination of teaching in Ukrainian and the persecution against those who express their national identity. Upon reaching the age of majority, adolescents are forced to join the Russian armed forces to fight against their country of origin.

The investigation also indicates that children forcibly deported to Russia have suffered violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

Possible crimes against humanity

Experts Hervé Ascensio, Elina Šteinerte and Stefan Wolff concluded that these actions could constitute a crime against humanity in the form of persecution, and identified probable war crimes. They recommend that the return of Ukrainian children be a central element of any peace negotiations, without exchanges, and that Russia be held accountable.

Ukraine’s response

Given this situation, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry invited Mexico to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, made up of 47 countries and three international organizations.

Attacks without recognized authorship

A new series of bombings against southern Iran increased uncertainty in the Middle East. They occurred on Thursday, as the country prepared to pay tribute to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to official reports, the explosions reached the provinces of Bushehr and Sistan and Balochistan, as well as the cities of Ahvaz and Chabahar. Hours earlier, the United States Central Command had announced the end of a military operation that impacted 90 strategic objectives, but did not comment on these new attacks.

So far, no country or group has claimed responsibility for the bombings. The Iranian authorities avoided pointing out anyone directly responsible, although they issued warnings against the United Arab Emirates for alleged support for the US campaign.

Iranian response and replicas

In response, Iran launched a missile offensive against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar. The anti-aircraft alarms were activated and the population sought refuge. Kuwaiti authorities reported at least one person injured, while defense systems intercepted projectiles.

US President Donald Trump reiterated that the military conflict had ended and that negotiations for a permanent agreement would continue. But the escalation once again put the fragile ceasefire at risk.

The Strait of Hormuz in suspense

The tension keeps the Persian Gulf countries on alert due to the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade passes. Iran insists on exercising exclusive control and proposes charging fees to vessels. The United States recommends an alternative route through Omani waters. Maritime traffic decreased significantly.

Israel also did not claim responsibility for the attacks, although Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that his country is prepared to act again if it deems necessary. From Tehran, legislator Esmail Kousari accused the United Arab Emirates of collaborating with the United States and assured:

“He will pay the price”

With crossed threats, attacks without confirmed perpetrator and the dispute over the strait, the Middle East faces a scenario of high tension, despite diplomatic efforts.