Colombia stepping up efforts achieve historic peace goals, UN envoy says

Colombia stepping up efforts achieve historic peace goals, UN envoy says

Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, told ambassadors at the Security Council, that this weekend, in southern Colombia, land purchased by the Government was handed over to some 500 beneficiaries, among them former FARC-EP combatants, peasants and members of the indigenous communities. “Hopeful moments such as these are an increasingly common occurrence today,…

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In Iceland, UN deputy chief says all conflict – across regions and with nature – must end

In Iceland, UN deputy chief says all conflict – across regions and with nature – must end

During her visit, which concluded on Tuesday, Ms. Mohammed held a number of bilateral meetings with senior government officials, including President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir.  “We must not give up. Times of distress call for courage, solidarity and determination. It starts at…

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Israel-Palestine crisis has region ‘at a tipping point’: UN relief chief

Israel-Palestine crisis has region ‘at a tipping point’: UN relief chief

In a statement, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths described the scale and speed of the unfolding crisis as “bone-chilling”. UN agencies have been working round the clock since Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched an attack on Israel four days ago, prompting intensive strikes by Israel and a complete siege of the Gaza Strip….

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Haiti: $21 million appeal to help thousands displaced by gang violence

Haiti: $21 million appeal to help thousands displaced by gang violence

“Displacement severely risks the health, food and economic security of people, exposes them to gender-based violence, and puts pressure on local infrastructure and social cohesion within host communities,” Philippe Branchat, IOM Chief of Mission in Haiti said on Tuesday. Surging gang violence Surging gang violence in Carrefour-Feuilles and Savanes Pistaches neighbourhoods in Port-au-Prince, have led…

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500 still missing following Afghanistan earthquake, say UN aid teams

500 still missing following Afghanistan earthquake, say UN aid teams

 At the epicentre of the earthquake in Zindajan district, the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) recorded nearly 1,300 deaths and 1,700 injuries. In some places, entire villages have been destroyed, according to teams on the ground.  Over 12,000 affected An estimated 12,110 people, or 1,730 families, have been affected in five districts of Herat. That number is expected…

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UN General Assembly elects 15 new members to Human Rights Council

UN General Assembly elects 15 new members to Human Rights Council

After the ballots were cast and counted, Assembly President Dennis Francis announced Albania, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malawi, and the Netherlands were elected to serve for three years, beginning 1 January 2024. China, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, France, and Malawi were re-elected for their second terms. …

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Convention’s 10-year birthday marks commitment to prevent new mercury scare

Convention’s 10-year birthday marks commitment to prevent new mercury scare

To help understand why this international treaty is important,  UN News has put together a quick guide on global efforts to eradicate exposure to quicksilver, as mercury is also known. Making waves The landmark Convention is named after the Japanese coastal city where residents suffered decades of mercury poisoning from industrial wastewater released by a…

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World News in Brief: Health access in Israel-Palestine, Myanmar bombing, child refugee mental health

World News in Brief: Health access in Israel-Palestine, Myanmar bombing, child refugee mental health

“Over 1000 people have died and many more been injured following horrific acts of violence by Hamas on Saturday in Israel, and days of bombing by Israel in Gaza,” the WHO said  in a statement on Tuesday. The UN agency has offered assistance to health officials in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.  …

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