WHO summit aims to unlock power of traditional medicine through science

WHO summit aims to unlock power of traditional medicine through science

Speaking at the event on Thursday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored the “enormous” contributions of traditional medicine to human health and its understanding of the “intimate links” between health and the environment. Tedros stressed the importance of the gathering for “bringing together ancient wisdom and modern science for the health and well-being of people…

Read More
‘Increasing militarisation’ of DPR Korea fuelling rise in human rights violations

‘Increasing militarisation’ of DPR Korea fuelling rise in human rights violations

Briefing the UN Security Council, Volker Türk ran through a long list of rights abuses, saying that many “stem directly from, or support, the increasing militarisation of the DPRK.” His argument was reinforced by the UN independent human rights expert Elizabeth Salmón who told ambassadors that leaders of the DPRK – more commonly known as…

Read More
Rape by Sudan’s RSF militia used to ‘punish and terrorise’ warn rights experts

Rape by Sudan’s RSF militia used to ‘punish and terrorise’ warn rights experts

Sudan’s military leadership plunged into protracted conflict for control of Sudan with former partner turned rival, the Rapid Support Forces, four months ago, leaving thousands dead, and millions forcibly displaced, the group of more than 30 rights experts said. Around 700,000 refugees and asylum seekers have been forced to flee across Sudan’s many borders into…

Read More
Weapon transfers, including banned cluster munitions, spike in Ukraine

Weapon transfers, including banned cluster munitions, spike in Ukraine

“The influx of weapons and ammunition into any armed conflict can contribute to the escalation and presents significant risks of diversion and proliferation even after the conflict has ended,” Izumi Nakamitsu, the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, told the Council, briefing on the latest developments in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022….

Read More
World Humanitarian Day highlights commitment to serve #NoMatterWhat

World Humanitarian Day highlights commitment to serve #NoMatterWhat

The grim forecast comes ahead of World Humanitarian Day, commemorated annually on 19 August. Since the start of the year, 62 aid workers have been killed, 84 have been wounded and 34 kidnapped, the UN said, citing provisional data from the independent research organization Humanitarian Outcomes.  Last year, the death toll reached 116. Under attack South Sudan remains the most dangerous place to…

Read More
Africa can become new global supply chain force: UNCTAD

Africa can become new global supply chain force: UNCTAD

In a new report, UNCTAD shows that Africa can become a major exporter of higher value-added goods, creating growth and jobs, and fuelling a rise in productivity and wages. Launching the report in Nairobi, UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan insisted it would offer a better future for the continent’s economies. Diversifying trade “builds resilience and enhances innovation”,…

Read More
Yemen: Warring parties must take concrete steps towards an inclusive peace

Yemen: Warring parties must take concrete steps towards an inclusive peace

UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg provided an update on his mediation efforts, both in the country and abroad, while Edem Wosornu of the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, reported on access impediments and funding gaps affecting aid delivery to millions. Yemen continues to face a protracted political, humanitarian and developmental crisis after more than eight…

Read More
Armenia-Azerbaijan: Crucial to have ‘unimpeded passage’ of aid through Lachin Corridor, Security Council hears

Armenia-Azerbaijan: Crucial to have ‘unimpeded passage’ of aid through Lachin Corridor, Security Council hears

Delivering a briefing on the latest situation there, the Director of Operations and Advocacy for humanitarian affairs coordination office, OCHA, made clear that the UN was unable to independently verify information on the movement of people and goods along the corridor “or on the well-being of civilians in the areas where Russian peacekeepers have been…

Read More