Right to information still an ‘empty promise’ for billions

Right to information still an ‘empty promise’ for billions

“Without universal and meaningful connectivity for all, the right to information is an empty promise for billions of people around the world,” Irene Khan said in her message to mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information, observed annually on 28 September.  The focus this year is on the importance of the online space.  She said the Internet is…

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World News in Brief: Karabakh exodus continues, indigenous rights, UN steps up bid to curb food waste

World News in Brief: Karabakh exodus continues, indigenous rights, UN steps up bid to curb food waste

Mr. Grandi stressed that UN refugee agency (UNHCR) convoys with more relief supplies are on the way.  “We are ready to mobilize additional resources to support the humanitarian efforts of the Government and people of Armenia,” he said. UNHCR said earlier this week that most of those streaming across are vulnerable, including mainly older people, women and…

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‘You can’t even face your own parents’, cyberbullying victim tells Human Rights Council

‘You can’t even face your own parents’, cyberbullying victim tells Human Rights Council

According to findings from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 130 million students worldwide experience bullying, which has been exacerbated by the spread of digital technologies. UNICEF estimates that one in every three students from 13 to 15 is a victim.  Suicide risk The Council heard heartfelt testimony from 15-year-old Santa Rose Mary, a children’s advocate…

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World News in Brief: Sustainable tourism boost, record Antarctic sea ice melt

World News in Brief: Sustainable tourism boost, record Antarctic sea ice melt

That’s the message from UN chief António Guterres on World Tourism Day observed on Wednesday. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourism employs one in every 10 people on Earth.  To protect tourism jobs, Mr. Guterres said that governments and businesses must invest in sustainable and resilient practices, embrace renewable energy, and better…

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Regional action essential to address migrant surge through Central America

Regional action essential to address migrant surge through Central America

“The situation underscores the urgent need for the immediate collective involvement of governments from origin, transit and destination countries to provide humanitarian assistance, especially to vulnerable groups like women and children,” said Michele Klein Solomon, IOM Regional Director for Central America, North America and the Caribbean.   Perilous journeys IOM cited statistics that reveal the…

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Israeli settlements ‘systematically erode’ viability of Palestinian State

Israeli settlements ‘systematically erode’ viability of Palestinian State

During the last three months, more than 10,000 housing units were advanced, Tor Wennesland told ambassadors at the UN Security Council in New York. “Settlements further entrench the occupation, fuel violence, impede Palestinian access to their land and resources, and systematically erode the viability of a Palestinian State as part of a two-State solution”, the…

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