‘Force alone is not the answer’ says UN counter-terrorism chief

‘Force alone is not the answer’ says UN counter-terrorism chief

“Force alone is not the answer,” Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General for the Office of Counter-Terrorism, told ambassadors in the Security Council. “Comprehensive responses, firmly grounded in political strategies, anchored in international law, and based on all-of-government and all-of-society approaches, are indispensable.” Progress against Da’esh Referring to the Secretary-General’s report on the ongoing threat posed by Da’esh…

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On Peacebuilding Day, ambassadors discuss response to organized crime in the Sahel

Rising hunger: UN chief identifies wars, climate chaos as aggravating factors

“Climate chaos and food crises are serious and mounting threats to global peace and security. It is only right that they are addressed by this Council,” he said. Representatives from nearly 90 countries are participating in the debate, convened by Guyana, which holds the rotating Council presidency this month.   Hunger in Gaza  Climate disasters and…

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Gaza: UN rights chief warns against potential ‘carnage’ in Rafah

Gaza: UN rights chief warns against potential ‘carnage’ in Rafah

Nearly 1.5 million people are now crammed into the southern city on the border with Egypt, and with nowhere further to flee. ‘Terrifying’ situation  A potential full-fledged incursion in Rafah “is terrifying, given the prospect that an extremely high number of civilians, again mostly children and women, will likely be killed and injured,” Mr. Türk…

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Gazans ‘have no homes – and they have no hope’: UN chief

Gazans ‘have no homes – and they have no hope’: UN chief

  Speaking at a press conference at UN Headquarters in New York, the UN chief underscored the need for “real, visible, concrete steps” towards a two-State solution based on UN resolutions, international law and previous agreements. “Repeated bloody hostilities and decades of tensions and occupation have failed to provide a State for the Palestinians or…

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Gazans ‘stalked by hunger, disease and death’ warns UN’s top aid official

Gaza ‘buffer zone’ possible war crime: UN human rights chief

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are reportedly destroying all buildings in the Gaza Strip that are within one kilometre of the Israel-Gaza fence and “clearing the area” to achieve this objective, he said in a statement. Mr. Türk stressed to the Israeli authorities that the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the occupying Power from destroying property…

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UN deputy chief calls for ‘courage, vision and solidarity’ to boost middle-income nations

UN deputy chief calls for ‘courage, vision and solidarity’ to boost middle-income nations

Speaking at a conference on addressing development challenges of middle-income countries (MICs), in Rabat, Morocco, Amina Mohammed said recent crises have laid bare inequalities and exposed stark contrasts. “While developed countries have been able to protect and swiftly support their populations, other countries have been left dependent on the international community and the existing global…

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UN’s political chief warns of escalating toll as third year of war in Ukraine looms

UN’s political chief warns of escalating toll as third year of war in Ukraine looms

Briefing the Security Council, Political and Peacebuilding Affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo told ambassadors: “We are no closer to the end of this illegal and unjustified war”. “With each passing day, the damage the conflict has done – and is doing – to Ukraine, but also to global peace and security and international law, becomes increasingly…

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Myanmar: Military’s ‘campaign of violence’ must end, UN chief says on anniversary of coup

Myanmar: Military’s ‘campaign of violence’ must end, UN chief says on anniversary of coup

In a statement issued by his Spokesman on Wednesday, the UN chief underscored the urgency of a transition to democratic governance and reinstating civilian rule. “The Secretary-General condemns all forms of violence and calls for the protection of civilians and cessation of hostilities,” said the statement. “An inclusive solution to this crisis requires conditions that…

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