Burkina Faso: UN rights office calls for probe into latest deadly attack on civilians

Burkina Faso: UN rights office calls for probe into latest deadly attack on civilians

The incident occurred on Thursday when armed men in uniform encircled Karma village, located in northern Yatenga province, and randomly shot at people.  At least 150 civilians were killed, and many more wounded, according to reports.  The attackers – allegedly members of the defence and security forces, accompanied by paramilitary auxiliaries known as the Volunteers…

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Rights office calls on Russia and Ukraine to observe rules of war, after alleged POW executions

Rights office calls on Russia and Ukraine to observe rules of war, after alleged POW executions

If confirmed, the actions would breach the rules of war, and could amount to a war crime. In a briefing on Tuesday in Geneva, OHCHR Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani pointed to audio that emerged on Sunday on several Telegram channels, which urged combatants not to bother taking POWs, or to summarily execute those captured. Take no…

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Israel-Palestine: UN envoy calls for greater effort towards peace amid mounting violence

Israel-Palestine: UN envoy calls for greater effort towards peace amid mounting violence

Mr. Wennesland expressed deep concern over recent violence and inflammatory actions, particularly the violent confrontations inside al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem earlier this month.  He urged the sides, regional States and the international community, to show leadership, re-engage and work towards peace and the vision of a two-State solution.  “There must be an end to the…

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UN coordinator calls for urgent ‘humanitarian pauses’ in Sudan, as death toll mounts

UN coordinator calls for urgent ‘humanitarian pauses’ in Sudan, as death toll mounts

“I am horrified by the toll the clashes are having on civilians”, said Abdou Dieng. “At least 331 people have been killed nationwide, including five aid workers, and nearly 3,200 have been injured.” The fighting between troops from the national army and a powerful rival militia known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted six days ago, and…

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Libya’s ‘new dynamic’: Bathily calls on partners to support momentum

Libya’s ‘new dynamic’: Bathily calls on partners to support momentum

“There has been a new dynamic in Libya,” Abdoulaye Bathily said, urging authorities to meet the people’s expectation that they will be able to choose new leaders via the ballot box, and deliver on all their commitments. “All international partners should support the current momentum and speak with one voice on Libyan matters.” “Intensive consultations…

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Sudan: UN rights chief calls for a return to talks, amid reports of 24-hour pause

Sudan: UN rights chief calls for a return to talks, amid reports of 24-hour pause

“Sudan has already endured so much pain and suffering. The fighting is born out of power games and personal interests that only serve to alienate the democratic aspirations of the population,” said Mr. Türk, adding, “Do those responsible not understand that the civilian population now only craves a peaceful life?”  The Sudanese army and a…

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