World News in Brief: Syria violence intensifying, heavy weapons threat in Myanmar, justice call for Thai lawyer

World News in Brief: Syria violence intensifying, heavy weapons threat in Myanmar, justice call for Thai lawyer

The UN Syria Commission of Inquiry, which reports to the Human Rights Council, warned that fighting escalated on 5 October last year, when consecutive explosions at a military academy graduation ceremony in government-controlled Homs killed at least 63 people, including 37 civilians. The Syrian Government and Russian forces “responded with bombardments” that struck at least…

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War crimes intensifying: Myanmar human rights investigators

War crimes intensifying: Myanmar human rights investigators

“The frequency and intensity of war crimes and crimes against humanity has only increased in recent months,” said Nicholas Koumjian, head of the investigation team, formally known as the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM). ‘Brazen bombings’ Addressing the forum in Geneva, he described even “more brazen aerial bombings and indiscriminate shelling, resulting in the deaths…

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Repel intensifying attacks on schools, urges Guterres

Repel intensifying attacks on schools, urges Guterres

Marking the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said it was important to defend “havens of education”. “Education is not only a fundamental human right, but a pathway to a better future for every person, and a more peaceful, understanding world,” he underscored.  He voiced a startling truth: around the globe…

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