China: 'Vocational training' programmes for Tibetans carry risk of forced labour

China: UN experts demand information on nine imprisoned human rights defenders

The experts sounded the alarm on the lack of information provided by Chinese authorities – deeming it a deliberate attempt to “make the world forget” about the individuals who are spending year after year in isolation.  Between 2010 and 2019, nine environmental human rights defenders were arrested and imprisoned after they protested against allegedly illegal mining activities and hunting of…

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Niger: Guterres concerned about health and safety of detained President

Niger: Guterres concerned about health and safety of detained President

President Mohamed Bazoum and his family are believed to be living without electricity, water, food or medicine, according to media reports. Release detained leader The democratically elected leader has been detained since soldiers seized power on 26 July. “The Secretary-General reiterates his concern for the health and safety of the President and his family and…

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UN: Deal reached with Syria to reopen main border crossing from Türkiye

UN: Deal reached with Syria to reopen main border crossing from Türkiye

For the next six months, the Bab al-Hawa border crossing will be accessible and allow much-needed assistance to reach millions of people in northwest Syria. Bab al-Hawa has been used since 2014, when the UN Security Council authorized cross-border relief deliveries “across conflict lines”. Around 85 per cent of aid deliveries have passed through Bab…

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UNEP oceans advocate Lewis Pugh on epic Hudson swim to highlight importance of river health

UNEP oceans advocate Lewis Pugh on epic Hudson swim to highlight importance of river health

The 315-mile swim, roughly 507 kilometres, will take him from the river’s source in the Adirondack Mountains to where it meets the Atlantic Ocean in New York City, home to UN Headquarters. Mr. Pugh headed for the Hudson on Wednesday and expects to complete the journey shortly before 20 September, when nations will begin ratifying…

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Negotiated solution only way to end Sudan war: senior UN official

Negotiated solution only way to end Sudan war: senior UN official

“There needs to be a negotiated solution to end this war as soon as possible.  There is no other alternative,” said Martha Pobee, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, whose portfolio covers both political and peacebuilding affairs. “The longer this war continues, the greater the risk of fragmentation, and foreign interference and erosion of sovereignty,…

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