UN rights office voices concern ahead of elections in Pakistan

UN rights office voices concern ahead of elections in Pakistan

OHCHR denounced all acts of violence against political parties and candidates in the lead-up to Thursday’s vote. Spokesperson Liz Throssell said there have been no less than 24 reported instances in which armed groups have staged attacks against members of political parties. Harassment, arrests and detentions  OHCHR also voiced concern over the pattern of harassment,…

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UN food agency ramps up deliveries amid worsening food security in Ethiopia

UN food agency ramps up deliveries amid worsening food security in Ethiopia

“WFP, with our partners, are working tirelessly to reach millions of Ethiopians at risk of hunger in the first quarter of the year to help keep a major humanitarian catastrophe at bay,” said Chris Nikoi, the agency’s interim Country Director in Ethiopia. “WFP is extremely concerned about the deteriorating food security in northern Ethiopia, where…

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With Middle East at a ‘critical juncture’, UN Iraq envoy appeals for restraint

With Middle East at a ‘critical juncture’, UN Iraq envoy appeals for restraint

“With the conflict raging in Gaza, as well as armed action elsewhere, the Middle East is at a critical juncture, and the same is true for Iraq,” said UN Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, calling for restraint. “With Iraq cloaked in an already complex tapestry of challenges; it is of greatest importance that all attacks cease.”…

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US must uphold judges’ right to speak freely about race and gender bias: rights expert

US must uphold judges’ right to speak freely about race and gender bias: rights expert

Special Rapporteur Margaret Satterthwaite voiced serious concerns that a Supreme Court Justice in the state of North Carolina, Anita Earls, was investigated for comments made regarding the potential role that implicit biases based on race, gender, and political affiliation can play in the Court’s decision-making. “Like other citizens, judges are entitled to freedom of expression, provided they conduct themselves…

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Guterres appoints independent UNRWA review panel

Guterres appoints independent UNRWA review panel

The independent Review Group – appointed in consultation with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini – will examine whether the agency is doing everything it can to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations of serious breaches when they arise. It will be led by former French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna, who will work with three research organizations: the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in…

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UN force steps up patrols after weekend of bloodshed in Abyei

UN force steps up patrols after weekend of bloodshed in Abyei

Heavily armed assailants attacked civilians in the villages of Malual Aleu, Banton, Awolnhom, Abathok, Majbong, Awal, and east of Rumamier, using rocket-propelled grenades and mortars, reportedly over a land dispute. At least 37 people are reported to have been killed and several others injured, including women and children. Villages were also set on fire and…

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