European Union

A cruise ship docks in Roseau, Dominica. The World Meteorological Organization says parts of the Caribbean are experiencing sea level rise above the global average as climate impacts intensify across the region. Credit: Alison Kentish/IPS

By Alison Kentish
CASTRIES, Saint Lucia , May 19 2026 (IPS)

Faster-than-average sea level rise, intensifying hurricanes, extreme heat and worsening swings between drought and flooding are increasing pressure on Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a new report released Monday, May 18 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The State of the Climate in Latin America and the Caribbean 2025 report warns that rising land and ocean temperatures, increasingly erratic rainfall patterns and rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones are hurting food systems, water security, public health and coastal communities across the region.

“The signs of a changing climate are unmistakable across Latin America and the Caribbean,” WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said in a statement accompanying the report, warning that climate impacts are intensifying across both coastal and inland communities.

The report found that parts of the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean are experiencing sea level rise above the global average, while marine heatwaves and ocean acidification are compounding risks for fisheries, coral reefs and coastal ecosystems.

Extreme weather events affected communities across the region throughout 2025. The report highlighted Hurricane Melissa, which became the first Category 5 hurricane on record to make landfall in Jamaica, causing 45 deaths and economic losses estimated at US$8.8 billion,  more than 41 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

Despite the unprecedented storm, the WMO noted that advance preparedness measures and risk modelling helped reduce loss of life.

Heat-Related Illness and Mortality

The report also warned of growing public health risks linked to extreme heat. Recurrent heatwaves pushed temperatures beyond 40 degrees Celsius across large parts of Central and South America, with experts warning that heat-related mortality in the region is likely underreported.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, rainfall patterns are also becoming increasingly erratic, with longer dry spells and more intense rainfall events contributing to both severe drought and devastating flooding.

While some parts of the region experienced deadly floods and landslides in 2025, severe drought conditions and water shortages affected sections of Central America, the Caribbean and South America, impacting agriculture, reservoirs and food production.

“As extreme heat events intensify, reducing avoidable mortality will require moving from recognition to institutionalized action,” the report stated.

It urged governments to strengthen climate-informed health surveillance systems, improve tracking of heat-related illnesses and deaths, and better integrate meteorological warnings into public health planning.

It also called for greater investment in heat-resilient health infrastructure and stronger coordination between climate and health agencies as extreme heat events become more frequent and severe.

The WMO said climate impacts are increasingly affecting agro-food systems across the region, threatening rural livelihoods, food access and economic stability.

The report comes as Caribbean Small Island Developing States continue to face disproportionate climate risks despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Scientists and regional leaders have repeatedly warned that rising ocean temperatures are contributing to stronger storms, coral bleaching and ecosystem disruption across the Caribbean Sea.

Early Warning Systems to Save Lives

The report also highlighted the growing importance of early warning systems and climate services as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe across the region.

The findings come as the United Nations continues to expand its “Early Warnings for All” initiative, which aims to ensure every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems by 2027. It is a goal seen as particularly critical for climate-vulnerable Caribbean Small Island Developing States.

The WMO said advances in forecasting, disaster preparedness and risk modelling are helping countries better anticipate and respond to climate-related hazards, particularly hurricanes, floods and heatwaves.

Jamaica’s response to Hurricane Melissa was highlighted as an example of how advance planning and risk modelling can help reduce loss of life even during unprecedented events.

Despite progress, the WMO warned that gaps remain in climate monitoring and early warning coverage across parts of Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly for vulnerable communities with limited adaptive capacity.

“Climate information is not only about data. It is about people,” Saulo said. “It is about protecting communities from floods, droughts, hurricanes, heatwaves and other hazards.”

For Caribbean nations already grappling with rising seas, stronger storms and mounting economic vulnerability, the report adds to growing calls for greater investment in climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure and early warning systems – tools the WMO says will be critical to helping vulnerable communities adapt to a warming world.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

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Excerpt:

A new report from the World Meteorological Organization says rising seas, intensifying hurricanes, extreme heat and worsening drought and flooding across the region are placing growing strain on economies and public health systems.

Le directeur général de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé s’est dit « profondément préoccupé par l’ampleur et la rapidité » de l’épidémie qui frappe la République démocratique du Congo. Washington « recommande fortement » aux Américains de ne pas se rendre dans trois pays africains.

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Tuesday 19 May

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Tuesday 19 May

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We replied to citizens who took the time to write to the Parliament (in English, Italian, French and Spanish):

English

The responsibility to provide consular protection to citizens lies with the national authorities of individual countries.

EU statements on Global Sumud Flotilla

The European Parliament may express political views but does not define the foreign policy of the European Union (EU). This is set by the EU countries and implemented by the EU diplomatic service led by Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs.

During its press briefing of 30 April 2026, the Commission stated that the ‘freedom of navigation under international law must be upheld’ and urged Israel to respect international law, including international humanitarian law and international maritime law.

Regarding the previous Global Sumud Flotilla mission, Kaja Kallas said that the EU respects the intention of those on board of the flotilla ships to draw attention to the humanitarian plight of the population of Gaza. She added that attacks against such flotillas are not acceptable and constitute a grave breach of humanitarian law.

Parliament position on the humanitarian situation in Gaza

The European Parliament has held numerous debates and adopted several resolutions on Gaza, voicing grave concerns about the persistent obstacles to humanitarian access.

In a January 2026 resolution, Parliament emphasises the obligation of all parties to comply with international law and relevant UN resolutions, including those pertaining to the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and journalists.

In a September 2025 resolution, Parliament strongly condemns the Israeli government’s obstruction of humanitarian aid. It calls for all relevant border crossings to be opened to ensure access to and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid.

Share your views

If you wish, you can share your views with any Member of the European Parliament, in particular with Members of the Delegation for relations with Palestine and the Delegation for relations with Israel. By clicking on a Member’s name, you can access their full profile and contact details.

You may also wish to share your views with the EU Delegation to Israel, whose mission is similar to that of an embassy.

Italian

La responsabilità di fornire protezione consolare ai cittadini spetta alle autorità nazionali dei singoli paesi

Dichiarazioni dell’UE sulla Global Sumud Flotilla

Il Parlamento europeo può esprimere opinioni politiche ma non definisce la politica estera dell’Unione Europea (UE). Essa è definita dai paesi dell’UE e attuata dal Servizio diplomatico dell’UE guidato da Kaja Kallas, Vicepresidente della Commissione europea e Alto rappresentante per gli Affari esteri.

Durante la sua conferenza stampa del 30 aprile 2026, la Commissione ha dichiarato che “la libertà di navigazione ai sensi del diritto internazionale deve essere garantita” e ha esortato Israele a rispettare il diritto internazionale, compreso il diritto umanitario internazionale e il diritto marittimo internazionale.

Per quanto riguarda la precedente missione della Global Sumud Flotilla, Kaja Kallas ha dichiarato che l’UE rispetta l’intenzione di quanti a bordo delle navi della flottiglia intendono attirare l’attenzione sulla difficile situazione umanitaria della popolazione di Gaza. Ha aggiunto che gli attacchi contro le flottiglie non sono accettabili e costituiscono una grave violazione del diritto umanitario.

Posizione del Parlamento sulla situazione umanitaria a Gaza

Il Parlamento europeo ha tenuto numerosi dibattiti e approvato diverse risoluzioni su Gaza, esprimendo seria preoccupazione per i persistenti ostacoli all’accesso umanitario.

In una risoluzione del gennaio 2026, il Parlamento pone in evidenza l’obbligo di tutte le parti di rispettare il diritto internazionale e le pertinenti risoluzioni delle Nazioni Unite, comprese quelle relative alla protezione dei civili, del personale umanitario e dei giornalisti.

In una risoluzione del settembre 2025, il Parlamento condanna fermamente il blocco degli aiuti umanitari a Gaza da parte del governo israeliano.  Chiede l’apertura di tutti i pertinenti valichi di frontiera per garantire l’accesso e la distribuzione continua degli aiuti umanitari

Condivida le Sue opinioni

Se lo desidera, può condividere le Sue opinioni con i deputati al Parlamento europeo, in particolare con i deputati della Delegazione per le relazioni con la Palestina e della Delegazione per le relazioni con Israele. Cliccando sul nome di un deputato, può accedere al profilo completo e alle coordinate di contatto.

Potrebbe anche voler condividere le Sue opinioni con la Delegazione dell’UE in Israele, la cui missione è simile a quella di un’ambasciata.

French

La responsabilité d’assurer la protection consulaire des citoyens incombe aux autorités nationales de chaque pays.

Déclarations de l’Union européenne sur la flottille Global Sumud

Le Parlement européen peut exprimer des positions politiques, mais il ne définit pas la politique étrangère de l’Union européenne (UE). Celle-ci est déterminée par les pays membres de l’UE et mise en œuvre par le service diplomatique de l’UE dirigé par Kaja Kallas, vice-présidente de la Commission européenne et haute représentante pour les affaires étrangères.

Lors de son point de presse du 30 avril 2026, la Commission a déclaré que « la liberté de navigation en vertu du droit international doit être respectée » et a exhorté Israël à respecter le droit international, y compris le droit international humanitaire et le droit maritime international.

Concernant la précédente mission de la flottille Global Sumud, Kaja Kallas a déclaré que l’UE respecte la volonté des passagers de ces flottilles d’attirer l’attention sur la détresse humanitaire de la population de Gaza. Elle a ajouté que les attaques visant ces navires ne sont pas acceptables et constituent une violation grave du droit humanitaire.

Position du Parlement sur la situation humanitaire à Gaza

Le Parlement européen a tenu de nombreux débats et adopté plusieurs résolutions sur Gaza, exprimant de vives préoccupations face aux obstacles persistants à l’accès humanitaire.

Dans une résolution de janvier 2026, le Parlement souligne l’obligation pour toutes les parties de respecter le droit international et les résolutions pertinentes des Nations unies, y compris celles relatives à la protection des civils, du personnel humanitaire et des journalistes.

Dans une résolution de septembre 2025, le Parlement condamne fermement l’entrave à l’aide humanitaire par le gouvernement israélien. Il appelle à l’ouverture de tous les points de passage concernés afin de garantir l’accès et la distribution continue de l’aide humanitaire.

Partagez votre point de vue

Si vous le souhaitez, vous pouvez faire part de votre point de vue à tout député au Parlement européen, en particulier aux membres de la délégation pour les relations avec la Palestine et de la délégation pour les relations avec Israël. En cliquant sur le nom d’un député, vous accéderez à son profil complet ainsi qu’à ses coordonnées. Vous pouvez également adresser votre message à la délégation de l’UE en Israël, dont la mission est comparable à celle d’une ambassade.

Spanish

La responsabilidad de prestar protección consular a los ciudadanos y ciudadanas recae en las autoridades nacionales de cada país.

Declaraciones de la UE sobre la Flotilla Global Sumud

El Parlamento Europeo puede adoptar posiciones políticas sobre lo que ocurre en el mundo, pero no determina la política exterior de la Unión Europea (UE). Esta política la definen los países de la UE y la lleva adelante el servicio diplomático de la UE, dirigido por Kaja Kallas, vicepresidenta de la Comisión Europea y alta representante para Asuntos Exteriores.

En su sesión informativa para la prensa de 30 de abril de 2026 (página web en inglés), la Comisión declaró que la libertad de navegación consagrada en el derecho internacional debe ser respetada e instó a Israel a cumplir el derecho internacional, incluido el derecho humanitario internacional y el derecho marítimo internacional.

En relación con la anterior misión de la Flotilla Global Sumud, Kaja Kallas declaró que la UE respeta la intención de las personas a bordo de las flotillas de llamar la atención sobre la difícil situación humanitaria de la población de Gaza. Añadió que los ataques contra estas flotillas son inadmisibles y constituyen una grave violación del derecho humanitario.

Posición del Parlamento sobre la situación humanitaria en Gaza

El Parlamento Europeo ha celebrado numerosos debates y ha aprobado varias resoluciones sobre Gaza. De forma reiterada ha mostrado su grave preocupación por los persistentes obstáculos a la llegada de ayuda humanitaria.

En una resolución de enero de 2026, el Parlamento destacó la obligación de todas las partes de cumplir el derecho internacional y las resoluciones de las Naciones Unidas, incluidas las relativas a la protección de la población civil, el personal humanitario y los periodistas.

En una resolución de septiembre de 2025, el Parlamento condenaba enérgicamente la obstrucción de la ayuda humanitaria a Gaza por parte del Gobierno israelí. Pedía la apertura de todos los pasos fronterizos pertinentes para garantizar la llegada y la distribución de la ayuda humanitaria.

A quién dirigirse

Si lo desea, puede compartir sus puntos de vista con los diputados y diputadas del Parlamento Europeo, en particular con los miembros de las delegaciones para las relaciones con Palestina e Israel.

También puede ponerse en contacto con la Delegación de la UE en Israel (página web en inglés), cuyas funciones son similares a las de una embajada.

Background

Citizens often send messages to the President of the European Parliament or to the institution as such expressing their views and/or requesting action. The Citizens’ Enquiries Unit (AskEP) within the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) replies to these messages, which may sometimes be identical as part of wider public campaigns.

The World Bank Group is consulting publicly on whether to merge its three independent complaint mechanisms. This note explains what is being proposed and how civil society organizations can participate in the consultation.

By Danny Bradlow and David Hunter
PRETORIA, South Africa / WASHINGTON DC, USA , May 19 2026 (IPS)

The World Bank made history in 1994 by creating the Inspection Panel, the first independent accountability mechanism, at any international organisation. Its function is to investigate complaints from communities who allege they were harmed because the bank failed to comply with its own policies and procedures.

By establishing the three-member Inspection Panel, the World Bank showed support for a democrati Soth Arica/c vision of international governance based on the rule of law and the rights of individuals to take part in development decisions that affect their lives.

To date, the panel has received 186 complaints. Fifty-two have been from Africa. They involved projects in 56 countries, including 26 African countries. The complaints have raised issues such as the World Bank’s failure to comply with its own policies regarding public consultations, environmental and social impact assessments and involuntary resettlement in the projects that it funds.

The board has expanded the bank’s accountability process to include both compliance reviews and dispute resolution processes. Today, the World Bank Group has three independent accountability mechanisms:

• the Inspection Panel, which focuses on compliance reviews in public sector projects
• a separate dispute resolution mechanism for public sector projects
• the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman, which offers both compliance reviews and dispute resolution services for private sector projects, primarily funded by the International Finance Corporation.

These accountability mechanisms have operated with mixed success. There have been some wins, for example in a case in Uganda involving risks for women and children associated with the building of a road. And some failures. An example is the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman finding against the International Finance Corporation for noncompliance in a coal fired power plant in India that was ignored.

We were involved, as legal academics and working with civil society organisations, in the establishment of the Inspection Panel. We have been following the activities of these independent accountability mechanisms for over 30 years. We are concerned about their future.

The World Bank Group is seeking to become a “bigger and better” bank. This involves promoting more collaboration between the five entities that make up the group. It is doing so under the banner of “One WBG”. This is an important development because the World Bank is the only global multilateral development bank. It offers developing countries both financial and advisory services. For example, it is the biggest funder of development projects in Africa.

The increasing collaboration between the different institutions in the bank raises concerns about which of their policies are applicable to a particular project. It also raises the issue of whether the bank should integrate the group’s independent accountability mechanisms so that there is no question about which mechanism is applicable to the project.

We believe that resolving this issue offers the bank’s board an opportunity to improve the structure of its independent accountability mechanisms and their contribution to the bank’s operations.

The dangers

The board appointed a two-person task force in September 2025 to advise it on the feasibility of integrating the three organisations in a way that does not reduce their independence, accessibility and effectiveness. The task force prepared a thorough and well-reasoned draft report.

The report was finalised after public consultations and is being considered by the board. It shows that integration of the mechanisms is a feasible, but complex exercise. The existing mechanisms have different operating cultures, policies and practices and human resource needs. The report describes various models for integrating the existing mechanisms.

The report also demonstrates that if mishandled, the exercise could result in a less independent and less effective accountability mechanism. To avoid this risk, we propose that the board adopt a model consisting of two separate independent accountability mechanisms. One to cover compliance reviews across the entire group. The other to cover dispute resolution across the group. This will enable both functions to operate independently and efficiently.

Our proposal raises four issues.

First, it is important that each mechanism is independent of the bank’s management. Each mechanism must have sufficient resources to undertake effective compliance reviews or dispute resolutions. Their processes must also be robust enough to result in meaningful outcomes for the complainants.

Second, the new compliance mechanism must retain a three-member panel appointed by and reporting to the bank’s board. The panel should have a permanent chair serving a six-year term. The chair must have the authority to decide which cases need the panel’s attention. The other two panel members should also serve staggered six-year terms.

A three-person panel allows for some geographic, technical and experiential diversity. Gaining a consensus among the panel members improves the quality and increases the credibility of the panel reports. A three-member panel is better able to withstand pressure from the bank’s management and other stakeholders than is a mechanism headed by one person.

Third, the dispute resolution mechanism should be headed by an experienced dispute resolution professional at the vice-president level. This official should report to the president of the bank. Our view is that this arrangement could encourage the institution to play a more proactive role in resolving disputes.

To ensure that the unit has some independence it should also have regularly scheduled meetings with the board. The head of the unit should also be able to request a meeting with the board whenever they deem it necessary and without requiring the prior approval of the bank’s president.

Fourth, the process of consolidating accountability mechanisms will be complex. Consequently, the board should first decide on the basic structure: a compliance review unit headed by a three-member panel and a separate dispute resolution unit headed by a senior professional.

It should delay any decisions on the policies, principles and practices of the mechanisms until it receives advice from a multi-stakeholder working group that includes external stakeholders and management and is co-chaired by one person from each of the units being merged.

An opportunity to fix things

The bank has the opportunity to strengthen its development mission. The changes it makes should be designed to:

• help make the bank a better institution that supports higher quality projects
• make the bank a learning institution that openly accepts criticism and looks to implement solutions
• ensure it becomes an institution that recognises that people affected by bank-funded projects are stakeholders in its operations who may be forced to risk their well-being for the greater good.

Source: The Conversation Africa May 17, 2026

Daniel Bradlow is Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria; David Hunter is Professor Emeritus, The American University Washington College of Law, American University.

IPS UN Bureau

 

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- Articles / Courrier des Balkans, Indépendance du Monténégro 2006, Monténégro, Serbie, Relations régionales

Le refus d'Aleksandar Vučić de participer aux célébrations du 20e anniversaire de l'indépendance du Monténégro a provoqué une vive polémique entre Podgorica et Belgrade. Les déclarations du président serbe, qualifiant l'indépendance monténégrine de « sécession », ont relancé les débats sur les relations entre les deux États.

- Articles / Courrier des Balkans, Indépendance du Monténégro 2006, Monténégro, Serbie, Relations régionales

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