Myanmar: UN rights office warns of growing crisis in Rakhine state

UN chief condemns escalating violence and civilian attacks in Myanmar

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the Secretary-General “strongly condemns” recent attacks by the Myanmar military in Rakhine State and Sagaing Region that have reportedly claimed the lives of many civilians. “The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the widening regional ramifications of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and reiterates his appeal for a unified approach,” Mr….

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Security Council denounces attacks against aid workers, UN personnel

Security Council denounces attacks against aid workers, UN personnel

Adopting resolution 2730 (2024) with 14 votes in favour and one abstention (Russia), the Security Council also denounced disinformation, information manipulation and incitement to violence against humanitarian and UN personnel. Led by Switzerland and co-sponsored by over 90 nations, the resolution noted “deep concern” about the particular vulnerability of national and locally recruited personnel who…

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Civilians in Ukraine describe continued Russian attacks in north-eastern regions

Civilians in Ukraine describe continued Russian attacks in north-eastern regions

The spokesperson for the UN human rights office (OHCHR), Liz Throssell, said that people left the Kharkiv region frontline and have been forced to stay in “cold, dark basements, with no electricity” due to aerial bombardments, drone and missile strikes, and artillery shelling. Displaced civilians Ms. Throssell reported that many homes and civilian infrastructure have…

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World News in Brief: ‘Appalling’ attacks in Kharkiv, plea to aid Myanmar civilians, maritime tribunal boosts climate action, civilian protection

World News in Brief: ‘Appalling’ attacks in Kharkiv, plea to aid Myanmar civilians, maritime tribunal boosts climate action, civilian protection

Denise Brown said civilian lives must be protected during conflict by all sides, but in Kharkiv in recent days, they have instead been targeted in their homes, with businesses and transport links damaged and attacked. “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones due to the strikes,” she said, adding that…

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Ukrainian civilians subject to ‘unbearable routine’ of Russian attack

World News in Brief: More Ukraine attacks, rights appeal for jailed Nigerian singer, International Day against Homophobia

“The safety of civilians, homes, schools and hospitals must be ensured. They are not a target,” Denise Brown said in a statement, underscoring that international humanitarian law must be respected.  Ms. Brown said these latest attacks came a day after she returned from the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine, which has come under relentless shelling…

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Security Council hears of relentless attacks against civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine

Security Council hears of relentless attacks against civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine

Lisa Doughten, OCHA’s director of financing and partnerships, said relentless hostilities continue along the border with Russia and on the frontline.  Following several waves of attacks, Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv, was struck again that day, injuring 15 civilians, she reported.  Thousands evacuated  “These attacks have triggered yet more displacement from border and frontline communities….

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Claims that yoga or breathing exercises can stop heart attacks proved to be bogus

Claims that yoga or breathing exercises can stop heart attacks proved to be bogus

Claims on social media that yoga or breathing exercises can prevent heart attacks have been proven bogus. In a conversation with GeoFactCheck, cardiologists rejected claims that yoga or breathing exercises can prevent heart attacks. Cardiologists said that this claim is neither correct nor scientifically proven. Cardiologists said that if a person experiences chest pain, he…

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World News in Brief: Attacks on civilians in DR Congo, concern over conviction of trade union leader in Cambodia, gang violence in Haiti

World News in Brief: Attacks on civilians in DR Congo, concern over conviction of trade union leader in Cambodia, gang violence in Haiti

The camps were in the neighbourhoods of Lac Vert and Mugunga, near Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, which has seen a sharp uptick in violence over the past few months.  UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told journalists at UN Headquarters in New York that the situation around Goma continues to remain very tense,…

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