Africa Archives - Page 2 of 5

World News in Brief: Russia’s LGBT ban condemned, unprecedented Africa malnutrition crisis, health after childbirth

·December 7, 2023·3 min read

This, in effect, bans all public LGBT activities and organisations within the country. The nine UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts said the ruling “significantly distances” Russia from its obligations under international law to promote and protect human rights for all. The experts sent an official letter to the Russian Government...

Displaced families uprooted by severe floods across Horn of Africa

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·November 20, 2023·2 min read

The floods were caused by ongoing heavy rains and come in the wake of the longest and most severe drought on record, the impacts of which are still being felt by millions across the region. Among the greatest needs are food, emergency shelter, kitchen sets, blankets, clean water and hygiene...

World News in Brief: Water crisis for children, hunger in East Africa, new Yazidi memorial

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·November 13, 2023·3 min read

The double burden of dwindling availability – and inadequate water for drinking and sanitation services – is compounding the challenge, putting children at even greater risk. The Climate Changed Child – released ahead of the COP28 UN climate change summit later this month in Dubai – throws a spotlight on the...

At UN, Horn of Africa nations urge global solidarity and real reform

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·September 24, 2023·4 min read

Leaders from Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Eritrea painted a grim picture of a planet marred by the unforgiving impacts of climate change. They left no room for equivocation: This is an existential crisis that demands immediate, collective action. They highlighted the upcoming COP-28 climate conference in the United Arab Emirates...

At critical moment for peacekeeping in Africa, Ghana steps up to host key summit

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·September 23, 2023·1 min read

The gathering of defence ministers and others committed to peacekeeping efforts will focus on civilian protection, addressing misinformation and disinformation, promoting safety and security, protecting mental health, and boosting the pivotal role of women in UN missions. Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, together with senior UN officials, said the...

UN ready to assist people affected by deadly blaze in South Africa

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·September 2, 2023·1 min read

The overnight blaze ripped through a five-storey rundown building in the city centre occupied by homeless people and squatters. Dozens were injured. The building was among many in the downtown area that have been abandoned and “hijacked” by criminal gangs who rent them out to families. Sadness and grief The...

Niger crisis could worsen insecurity throughout West Africa, UN envoy warns

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·August 2, 2023·2 min read

Briefing journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, Léonardo Santos Simão reiterated condemnation of the attempted overthrow of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum on 26 July. He also underscored support for efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at restoring constitutional order and consolidating democratic gains in the...

‘Real challenges’ must be addressed beyond polling day, urges UN West Africa envoy

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·July 26, 2023·1 min read

In his first briefing to the Security Council since being appointed to the position, Leonardo Santos Simaõ recalled elections in Benin, the Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. He said they had “marked important steps towards democratic consolidation, offering opportunities for citizens to choose their leaders and representatives at...

Sustainable Africa key to global security

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·July 22, 2023·1 min read

The discussions centred around a UN report that offers recommendations to bolster collaboration towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, specifically those on financing for development and affordable green energy. The report reveals that almost 600 million people on the continent still do not have access to sustainable...

Horn of Africa: Around 60 million in urgent humanitarian need

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·June 27, 2023·3 min read

“About five million children under the age of five are estimated to be facing acute malnutrition in 2023 in the Horn region, in the Greater Horn. That is about 10.4 million, that is just a staggering figure,” said Liesbeth Aelbrecht, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) incident manager for the greater...

Top UN official for Africa calls for added action to stop piracy’s spread

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·June 22, 2023·3 min read

Despite gains made in tackling sea-faring criminal groups, “piracy incidents continue to threaten the safety of maritime traffic in the region,” said Martha Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. Effective deterrents Since her last briefing on maritime security in November, she...

Central Africa faces ‘turning point’ amid multiple crises

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·June 6, 2023·3 min read

“Central Africa is richer in opportunities and resources than it is in challenges”, but, the coming months will mark “an important turning point” for the region, where crucial political and electoral processes must take place by the end of the year, said Abdou Abarry, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for...