chief Archives - Page 4 of 23

‘Racial justice demands collective action’, says UN rights chief, ushering in new decade for African diaspora

·December 23, 2024·1 min read

The new decade of action starting in January, will build on the progress of the past 10 years to advance the human rights of the diaspora worldwide. “Racial justice demands collective action,” Mr. Türk said. “To secure the full rights and freedoms of people of African descent, States and all of us...

Tensions escalating over DPR Korea, political affairs chief warns Security Council

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·December 23, 2024·1 min read

Briefing ambassadors, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo highlighted the need for de-escalation and dialogue, while also noting “indications” that DPRK is continuing to actively pursue its nuclear weapons programme. “Diplomatic engagement remains the only pathway to sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” she said. She welcomed...

Syria transition may fail if support lifeline is delayed, says IOM chief

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·December 21, 2024·3 min read

“We are not promoting large-scale returns; the communities frankly are just not ready to absorb the people who are displaced and would come home…it will overwhelm the country,” said Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). “Many have returned to find their find their homes reduced...

Humanity’s fate can’t be left to algorithms, UN chief tells Security Council

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·December 20, 2024·1 min read

Addressing ministers and ambassadors, António Guterres warned that rapid developments in AI are outpacing humanity’s ability to govern it, raising important questions about accountability, equality, safety and human oversight in decision-making. “Every moment of delay in establishing international guardrails increases the risk for us all,” Mr. Guterres said. “No country...

UN rights chief urges accountability for post-electoral violence in Venezuela

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·December 15, 2024·1 min read

Hundreds more were reportedly injured in clashes following the disputed elections and around 2,000 arrested, including teenagers, young adults, opposition members, human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers, as well as bystanders. Since then, the Government has announced the conditional release of over 100 of those detained. Addressing the UN Human...

Syria: UN chief calls for urgent de-escalation by Israeli forces, withdrawal from Golan buffer zone

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·December 13, 2024·1 min read

In a note to correspondents issued on Thursday, António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned by the recent and extensive violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Airstrikes, incursions Since the de facto authorities of the HTS armed group took control of Damascus on Sunday, Israeli forces reportedly took over...

Syria: We will continue to respond wherever we can, says UN aid chief

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·December 8, 2024·3 min read

“We will respond wherever, whenever, however we can to support people in need, including reception centres – food, water, fuel, tents, blankets,” said Tom Fletcher, Emergency Relief Coordinator and head of the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. The dramatic development in the Syrian capital follows a lightning advance by armed...

‘War on drugs has failed, completely and utterly’: UN human rights chief

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·December 6, 2024·1 min read

Speaking at the ‘Dealing with Drugs II’ conference in Warsaw on Thursday, High Commissioner Volker Türk highlighted the urgent need for a human rights-based approach to drug regulation, pointing to record numbers of drug-related deaths and increasing drug use disorders. The conference, which builds on January’s ‘Dealing with Drugs I’...

Ukraine: UNICEF chief urges greater protection for children ‘caught in this nightmare’

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·December 5, 2024·2 min read

Catherine Russell, head of UN child rights agency, UNICEF, appealed for greater protection efforts by both the international community and the parties to the conflict, and a political solution to end the war. “Children are depending on this Council to provide solutions. We cannot and we must not let them...

Rights chief calls on Georgian authorities to protect basic freedoms

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·December 3, 2024·2 min read

The legitimate protests were dispersed using disproportionate and, in some cases, unnecessary force by the police in the capital, Tbilisi, according to the statement from High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Dozens of protesters and media workers were reportedly injured during the demonstrations sparked by a prime ministerial announcement...

The nightmare in Gaza must stop, urges UN deputy chief

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·December 2, 2024·4 min read

Speaking at a ministerial conference on humanitarian aid for Gaza, convened in Cairo by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, UN deputy chief Amina Mohammed emphasised the urgent need for lifesaving assistance and a plan for the enclave’s long-term recovery. “We are here to help secure an immediate surge in lifesaving...

Lebanon: UN rights chief adds voice to immediate ceasefire call

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·November 26, 2024·1 min read

The development follows dire assessments from UN aid teams about the cost of “relentless” Israeli attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs since the weekend, resulting in extensive damage and significant casualties, and forcing more people to flee their homes. “The High Commissioner reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire to put...