UN launches investigation into Lebanon explosion that injured peacekeepers

UN launches investigation into Lebanon explosion that injured peacekeepers

In a statement released on Saturday, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti, said that the casualties –  three military observers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) and a Lebanese language assistant – have been evacuated for medical treatment. The Lebanese state-run National News Agency reported that the UN peacekeepers were “subjected to an Israeli strike” carried…

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World News in Brief: $236 billion a year profit from forced labour, Senegal election update, peacekeepers in Lebanon

World News in Brief: $236 billion a year profit from forced labour, Senegal election update, peacekeepers in Lebanon

In an alert, the International Labour Organization (ILO) said that this increase had been fuelled by the growing number of people forced to work illegally, but also by higher profits. ILO senior research officer Federico Blanco told journalists in Geneva that traffickers and criminals make close to $10,000 per victim, around $1,700 more than they…

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Unprecedented drought emergency demands urgent action

World News in Brief: Drought in Ethiopia, peacekeepers wounded in DR Congo, deadly strike on Ukraine aid workers

Drought is ravaging communities in Afar, Amhara, Tigray and Oromia, as well as the Southern and South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region. Severe water shortages, dried pastures and reduced harvests are impacting millions of people and livestock, with reports of food insecurity and rising malnutrition.  Among those who are particularly vulnerable are people affected by the…

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Last UN peacekeepers poised for complete withdrawal from Mali

Last UN peacekeepers poised for complete withdrawal from Mali

The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was deployed to Mali in 2013 following a violent insurrection by separatist rebels attempting to take control of the north of the country and a subsequent military-led coup. Established by UN Security Council resolution 2100, the mission included more than 15,000 troops and personnel who served…

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Renewable energy boosts safety of UN peacekeepers

Renewable energy boosts safety of UN peacekeepers

Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare was speaking at the 2023 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial conference, which opened in Accra, Ghana. Delegates from more than 85 countries are attending the two-day meeting, where day one’s discussions focused on environmental management at peacekeeping operations and deploying more women to serve under the UN flag. Greener and leaner Addressing a side…

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DR Congo: UN peacekeepers suspended over serious misconduct charges

DR Congo: UN peacekeepers suspended over serious misconduct charges

“The Mission strongly condemns such behaviour which is not worthy of United Nations personnel,” MONUSCO said in a statement on Wednesday. Although the UN Mission did not give details, international media reported that eight South African “blue helmets” had been detained over allegations of sexual abuse.  Assault and threats The personnel involved were deployed at…

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