Uncategorized Archives - Page 13 of 233

Reject bigotry and discrimination, UN chief says, urging everyone to combat Islamophobia

·March 16, 2025·1 min read

In a message marking Saturday’s International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Secretary-General António Guterres warned of racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, to outright violence against individuals and places of worship. “This is part of a wider scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies, and attacks against religious...

UN chief affirms solidarity with Bangladesh amid political transition

Uncategorized

·March 15, 2025·4 min read

Speaking to the media on Saturday, the Secretary-General praised Bangladesh’s progress and highlighted the role of the international community in supporting the country’s future. “I am particularly pleased to be in Bangladesh at this important moment in your national journey,” Mr. Guterres said, acknowledging the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad...

‘Time for bold moves’: UN urges inclusive transition as Syria marks 14 years of conflict

Uncategorized

·March 15, 2025·3 min read

UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged all parties to protect civilians in accordance with international law. “What began as a plea for reform was met with staggering brutality, leading to one of the most harrowing conflicts of our time,” he...

‘Is this just a long, beautiful dream?’: Syrian filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab on her country’s future

Uncategorized

·March 15, 2025·7 min read

After 14 years of war, Syria has entered a new and uncertain chapter. The country is devastated – 90 per cent of Syrians live in poverty. Despite the challenges up to one million people living in camps and displacement sites across the country’s northwest intend to return home within the...

No food deliveries to Gaza as border closures continue

Uncategorized

·March 15, 2025·1 min read

There is also a shortage of fuel, which is affecting the movement of vehicles across Gaza and slowing down first responders, Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the regular news briefing in New York. “The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) notes that oxygen supplies and electricity generators are...

In Bangladesh, UN chief vows to prevent Rohingya suffering as aid cuts loom

Uncategorized

·March 14, 2025·3 min read

UN aid efforts are in jeopardy following funding reductions announced by major donors, including the United States and several European nations. Mr. Guterres described Cox’s Bazar as “ground zero” for the impact of these cuts, warning of a looming humanitarian disaster if immediate action is not taken. “We are at...

Iran protests: Human Rights Council probe condemns online, app-based repression

Uncategorized

·March 14, 2025·2 min read

In their latest and final report, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran alleged ongoing serious rights violations by the Iranian authorities stemming from massive protests after the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022. Ms. Amini, from the Iranian Kurdish community, had been arrested by the country’s...

Sudan war: Children facing ‘unimaginable suffering’, warns UNICEF chief

Uncategorized

·March 14, 2025·4 min read

“This is not just a crisis, it is a poly-crisis affecting every sector, from health and nutrition to water, education and protection,” Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, told ambassadors in the Security Council. Since war erupted between the former allies-turned-rivals, the Sudanese army (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and...

Rights probe alleges sexual violence against Palestinians by Israeli forces used as ‘method of war’

Uncategorized

·March 14, 2025·3 min read

“Israel has increasingly employed sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence against Palestinians as part of a broader effort to undermine their right to self-determination,” maintained Chris Sidoti from the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). ‘Increasingly used’ Speaking in Geneva, the human rights lawyer said that...

Conflict, hunger, poverty impede children’s early development: Türk

Uncategorized

·March 13, 2025·4 min read

During a discussion on early childhood development, the High Commissioner for Human Rights underscored that 80 per cent of the human brain is formed in the first three years of life, as he appealed for a reset in youth-centred policy. “Investments in early childhood are one of the smartest ways...

Europe grapples with highest number of measles cases in more than 25 years

Uncategorized

·March 13, 2025·3 min read

“Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call,” warned Dr. Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for the European region. A total of 127,350 cases were reported in the region in 2024, double the number of cases reported for 2023 and the highest number since 1997, according...

Afghanistan: Opium prices approach historic peaks, crime syndicates benefit

Uncategorized

·March 13, 2025·1 min read

One kilogramme of opium cost $750 last year, up from $75 just three years ago, compensating sellers for the loss in overall production and poppy fields, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). “Heroin and opium seizures are down about 50 per cent in weight since 2021,”...