‘Radical reorientation’ needed as half of humanity lacks basic health coverage

‘Radical reorientation’ needed as half of humanity lacks basic health coverage

Moreover, two billion face severe financial hardships when paying out-of-pocket for necessary medical treatment, according to a joint World Health Organization (WHO)-World Bank report. “The fact that so many people cannot benefit from affordable, quality, essential health services not only puts their own health at risk, it also puts the stability of communities, societies and…

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Syria: Urgent response needed to uptick in fighting, economic crisis

Syria: Urgent response needed to uptick in fighting, economic crisis

In its latest report, the UN Human Rights Council (OHCHR) body found that attacks on civilians, escalating fighting, economic decline and human rights violations persist, despite the country’s re-admission to the League of Arab States. The continued war in Syria is a “monument to the failure of diplomacy” said Inquiry Chair, Paulo Pinheiro. Speaking in…

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‘Urgent steps’ needed to end surge in violence across West Bank

‘Urgent steps’ needed to end surge in violence across West Bank

“This deterioration is taking place alongside ongoing unilateral steps that undermine a two-State solution, the absence of a peace process and the continuing economic challenges facing Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority (PA),” said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, briefing ambassadors. “It is critical that all parties take urgent steps to stop the downward…

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WFP: ‘Urgent action is needed’ to end growing humanitarian crisis in Sahel

WFP: ‘Urgent action is needed’ to end growing humanitarian crisis in Sahel

The spillover will be devastating for both peace and stability in a region already experiencing political instability, climate extremes, food and water insecurity, and economic decline, the agency warned. Growing crisis “We are increasingly concerned about an overflow from the security crisis in the Sahel into coastal countries – particularly the Gulf of Guinea,” said…

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Türk: Accountability needed for ‘shocking’ violations by Russian forces in Ukraine

Türk: Accountability needed for ‘shocking’ violations by Russian forces in Ukraine

The High Commissioner told the Human Rights Council in Geneva that his office (OHCHR) had documented the arbitrary detention of more than 900 civilians between 24 February 2022 and 23 May this year. He added that that Russia gave no access to places of detention, “which leads inevitably to undercounting”. The summary executions of 77…

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‘Bold and resolute’ action needed to protect children affected by war

‘Bold and resolute’ action needed to protect children affected by war

Presenting her latest annual report, Virginia Gamba, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, appealed for “bold and resolute action” to protect boys and girls at risk of death, recruitment, rape and other horrors.   The report covers 26 situations in five regions worldwide, representing another high.   Countries include Ethiopia, Mozambique and…

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