PNP Desk

UN report details ‘climate of fear’ in Russian occupied areas of Ukraine

UN report details ‘climate of fear’ in Russian occupied areas of Ukraine

Based on over 2,300 testimonies from victims and witnesses, the report details measures taken by Russia to impose Russian language, citizenship, laws, court system and education curricula in the occupied areas, while at the same time suppressing expressions of Ukrainian culture and identity, and dismantling its governance and administrative systems. “The actions of the Russian…

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Records smashed – new WMO climate report confirms 2023 hottest year on record

Records smashed – new WMO climate report confirms 2023 hottest year on record

Heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires and rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones caused misery and mayhem, upending everyday life for millions and inflicting many billions of dollars in economic losses, according to the WMO State of the Global Climate 2023 report. “Sirens are blaring across all major indicators… Some records aren’t just chart-topping, they’re chart-busting. And changes are…

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Hong Kong: Rushed adoption of new security law a ‘regressive step’ - UN rights chief

Hong Kong: Rushed adoption of new security law a ‘regressive step’ – UN rights chief

“It is alarming that such consequential legislation was rushed through the legislature through an accelerated process, in spite of serious concerns raised about the incompatibility of many of its provisions with international human rights law,” Volker Türk said in a statement deploring the move in the former British colony which has been a Special Administrative…

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Haiti: Aid efforts continue amid violence and volatility

Haiti: Aid efforts continue amid violence and volatility

The UN said on Tuesday that its children’s agency UNICEF and partners have delivered over 242,000 gallons of water since early March, while the World Food Programme (WFP) and partners have provided over 146,000 hot meals. People traumatized by the recent violence are also receiving psychosocial support.  Infrastructure attacked The UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA,…

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UN rights expert urges global action to halt Myanmar junta atrocities

UN rights expert urges global action to halt Myanmar junta atrocities

In February 2021 the military overthrew the elected Government in Myanmar arresting hundreds of officials, political leaders and activists, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The takeover triggered an intensification of armed conflicts with separatists and opposition forces across the country, including indiscriminate air strikes which have killed numerous civilians. There have…

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World News in Brief: $236 billion a year profit from forced labour, Senegal election update, peacekeepers in Lebanon

World News in Brief: $236 billion a year profit from forced labour, Senegal election update, peacekeepers in Lebanon

In an alert, the International Labour Organization (ILO) said that this increase had been fuelled by the growing number of people forced to work illegally, but also by higher profits. ILO senior research officer Federico Blanco told journalists in Geneva that traffickers and criminals make close to $10,000 per victim, around $1,700 more than they…

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Guterres urges disarmament now as nuclear risk reaches ‘highest point in decades’

Guterres urges disarmament now as nuclear risk reaches ‘highest point in decades’

Calling for disarmament now, he urged States with nuclear arsenals to lead the way across six areas for action that include dialogue and accountability. “Nuclear weapons are the most destructive weapons ever invented, capable of eliminating all life on earth. Today, these weapons are growing in power, range and stealth.  An accidental launch is one…

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