East Africa: UN support continues amid heavy rains, severe floods and cyclone threat

East Africa: UN support continues amid heavy rains, severe floods and cyclone threat

Torrential rains could worsen with the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Hidaya, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned on Friday.  Prepare for impact  The tropical cyclone is the first of its kind to develop in eastern Africa and is due to have a “very big impact”, WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis told journalists in Geneva. She said Tanzania was expected to suffer in particular…

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UN agencies warn of imminent starvation risk in Sudan’s Darfur region

UN agencies warn of imminent starvation risk in Sudan’s Darfur region

Since fighting erupted last April between rival militaries, Sudan has witnessed shocking levels of violence, plunging the country into a devastating humanitarian and protection crisis. Close to 25 million people – more than half the population – are estimated to need assistance, with approximately 17.7 million people facing “acute” levels of food insecurity. The crisis,…

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Refugee Olympic Team to send message of hope at Paris Games

Refugee Olympic Team to send message of hope at Paris Games

The 36 athletes were announced on Thursday by the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, during a live-streamed ceremony from Lausanne, Switzerland.  They come from 11 countries and will compete across 12 sports.  Resilience and excellence  “With your participation in the Olympic Games, you will demonstrate the human potential of resilience and…

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World News in Brief: Palestinian journalists win top press freedom prize, child migrant detention, Niger meningitis epidemic

World News in Brief: Palestinian journalists win top press freedom prize, child migrant detention, Niger meningitis epidemic

The top award for reporters who have born witness to the destruction of much of their homeland under Israel’s relentless bombardment came at the recommendation of an international jury of media professionals. “In these times of darkness and hopelessness we wish to share a strong message of solidarity and recognition to those Palestinian journalists who…

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Gaza’s new terror: booby-trapped cans of food for the unwary

Gaza’s new terror: booby-trapped cans of food for the unwary

“A 14-year-old boy was seriously injured and sustained limb amputations after opening a booby-trapped can of food found while looking for his belongings in his house that had been shelled by Israeli forces in Khan Younis,” the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) said, citing the Strip’s authorities. The young victim who reportedly sustained life-changing injuries on…

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