UN report details ‘climate of fear’ in Russian occupied areas of Ukraine

UN report details ‘climate of fear’ in Russian occupied areas of Ukraine

Based on over 2,300 testimonies from victims and witnesses, the report details measures taken by Russia to impose Russian language, citizenship, laws, court system and education curricula in the occupied areas, while at the same time suppressing expressions of Ukrainian culture and identity, and dismantling its governance and administrative systems. “The actions of the Russian…

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UN rights chief urges Belarus to promptly release political detainees

‘Currently unsafe to return’ to Belarus, Human Rights Council hears

Focusing on developments in 2023, the report builds on previous findings in the aftermath of large public protests which erupted in 2020 following a disputed presidential poll.  Despite a lack of cooperation from Belarusian authorities, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) said evidence gathered shows that the scale and pattern of violations has continued. “The…

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Independent review group on UNRWA may request Gaza visit

UNRWA review panel presents interim findings to Secretary-General

The review follows serious allegations regarding the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff in the 7 October attack on Israel by Hamas, which are being investigated by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). The independent review group presented the interim report findings and recommendations to the Secretary-General on Tuesday.  “It has found that UNRWA…

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Conflict driving hunger crisis in Sudan, UN officials tell Security Council

Conflict driving hunger crisis in Sudan, UN officials tell Security Council

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of the conflict, we cannot make clearer the desperation that civilians are facing in Sudan,” said Edem Wosornu of the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA – one of three senior officials who briefed ambassadors. The meeting was convened following OCHA’s submission of a white paper on food insecurity in…

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World News in Brief: Dignity and justice key to end evil of racial discrimination, methane emissions update, Mpox latest, peacebuilding boost

World News in Brief: Dignity and justice key to end evil of racial discrimination, methane emissions update, Mpox latest, peacebuilding boost

The international day on Thursday highlights that theme, as well as the importance of recognition, justice and development opportunities for those of African descent, said Secretary-General António Guterres. He said the results of entrenched racism continue to be devasting: “opportunities stolen; dignity denied; rights violated; lives taken and lives destroyed.” The African diaspora faces a…

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Hong Kong: Rushed adoption of new security law a ‘regressive step’ - UN rights chief

Hong Kong: Rushed adoption of new security law a ‘regressive step’ – UN rights chief

“It is alarming that such consequential legislation was rushed through the legislature through an accelerated process, in spite of serious concerns raised about the incompatibility of many of its provisions with international human rights law,” Volker Türk said in a statement deploring the move in the former British colony which has been a Special Administrative…

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Haiti: Aid efforts continue amid violence and volatility

Haiti: Aid efforts continue amid violence and volatility

The UN said on Tuesday that its children’s agency UNICEF and partners have delivered over 242,000 gallons of water since early March, while the World Food Programme (WFP) and partners have provided over 146,000 hot meals. People traumatized by the recent violence are also receiving psychosocial support.  Infrastructure attacked The UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA,…

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