World News in Brief: Shipping alert from IMO, democracy vanishing in Nicaragua, alert over political ‘denialism’

The head of the UN maritime agency, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, stated that the conflict in the Middle East is not being used as a justification to target seafarers, following 80 verified attacks on international shipping near the Strait of Hormuz since 28 February. These attacks have resulted in at least 22 deaths and numerous injuries, with additional fatalities reported in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Red Sea. The agency emphasized that such assaults not only endanger lives but also severely disrupt global supply chains, affecting people worldwide.

In Nicaragua, the UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, reported a rapid erosion of democracy, citing a near-total capture of state institutions by the ruling party and systematic abuse of power. The report, covering June 2025 to June 2026, highlights arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and deaths in custody, with at least 46 detainees still held without legal grounds. It also notes the dissolution of over 5,500 organizations and the closure of at least 56 media outlets over the past eight years.

The report warns that proposed constitutional changes could block organized opposition groups from elections and extend presidential terms to seven years, further consolidating power. Mr. Türk urged the Nicaraguan Government to immediately release detainees without legal justification and to re-engage with regional and international human rights bodies to address the crisis.

The UN Human Rights Council addressed the global rise of political ‘denialism,’ with independent expert Bernard Duhaime warning of denialist statements by officials worldwide. He emphasized the need to counter efforts to glorify perpetrators of crimes against humanity, particularly as social media and AI amplify such narratives. Duhaime called on countries to remain vigilant against politicians and corporate actors manipulating history for ideological ends and inciting violence.