Homicide a bigger killer than armed conflict and terrorism combined

Homicide a bigger killer than armed conflict and terrorism combined

The Global Study on Homicide analyzes the complex dynamics behind these violent deaths and includes a special section on how organized crime is driving death rates up in Latin America and the Caribbean.  The report examines homicides related to criminal activities and interpersonal conflict, as well as “socio-politically motivated homicides” such as the deliberate killing…

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Gaza fighting further compromises aid amid near ‘apocalyptic’ conditions: UN humanitarians

Gaza fighting further compromises aid amid near ‘apocalyptic’ conditions: UN humanitarians

In a joint statement 27 aid organisations including UN agencies and their partners issued a call for an immediate stop to the fighting, stressing that conditions in Gaza are “amongst the worst we have witnessed”.  Meanwhile on Thursday Israeli troops reportedly entered the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, where hundreds of thousands of displaced…

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World News in Brief: Russia’s LGBT ban condemned, unprecedented Africa malnutrition crisis, health after childbirth

World News in Brief: Russia’s LGBT ban condemned, unprecedented Africa malnutrition crisis, health after childbirth

This, in effect, bans all public LGBT activities and organisations within the country. The nine UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts said the ruling “significantly distances” Russia from its obligations under international law to promote and protect human rights for all. The experts sent an official letter to the Russian Government on Monday, outlining their urgent…

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Global cooperation critical to combat transnational organized crime

Global cooperation critical to combat transnational organized crime

António Guterres urged countries to strengthen cooperation, the rule of law and prevention efforts against this “vicious threat to peace, security, and sustainable development” that operates everywhere, including cyberspace – “a virtual El Dorado for criminals.” Different crimes, same outcomes Transnational organized crime is a multi-billion-dollar industry that encompasses illicit financial flows, the illicit trade…

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Do’s and don’ts for tackling chronic back pain

Do’s and don’ts for tackling chronic back pain

Notably, the guidance includes both recommendations and warnings for long-term sufferers, arguing against the use of opioid painkillers; physical therapies, such as traction; and lumbar braces and belts. Instead, healthcare professionals are advised to develop exercise programmes; help patients educate themselves on the options and self-care strategies; and provide psychological support, such as cognitive behavioural…

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COP28 in Dubai enters final week, negotiations ramp up on emissions cuts, fossil fuels

COP28 in Dubai enters final week, negotiations ramp up on emissions cuts, fossil fuels

On Wednesday, UN climate chief Simon Stiell told a press conference that the text is “a grab bag of wish lists and heavy on posturing.” He added: “All governments must give their negotiators clear marching orders. We need highest ambition, not point scoring or lowest common denominator politics.” UN chief António Guterres has said the…

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Opera, glass blowing, poncho weaving and more: UNESCO celebrates world’s cultural heritage

Opera, glass blowing, poncho weaving and more: UNESCO celebrates world’s cultural heritage

Convened in the town of Kasane, the Intergovernmental Committee is considering new entries to UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage and on Tuesday night they unveiled dozens of different entries which have made the cut already, ranging from glass blowing to poncho weaving.  The session in Botswana – the latest annual gathering of the committee –…

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