Guterres warns against Red Sea escalation

The Red Sea shipping crisis is having a ‘dramatic’ impact, warns logistics chief

According to Jan Hoffmann, Chief of Trade Logistics at UNCTAD, the attacks are not only adding to geopolitical tensions but also raising costs and leading to increased greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. “Maritime transport is really the lifeline of global trade,” he said, speaking to journalists at the UN Headquarters in New York via video link…

Read More
Gaza: Top UN aid official calls for end to attacks on sites sheltering civilians

Gaza: Top UN aid official calls for end to attacks on sites sheltering civilians

The death toll from intensified fighting “in the area” of the training centre in the southern city of Khan Younis in recent days has risen to 12 confirmed fatalities and 75 injured – 15 critically – said Thomas White, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. “Persistent attacks on civilian sites in Khan Younis…

Read More
Stories from the UN Archive: Shakira speaks up for children

Stories from the UN Archive: Shakira speaks up for children

The youngest ever Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2003, Shakira Mebarak has since been actively engaged in promoting early childhood education and development. In 2015, when the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted at the United Nations, Shakira took the floor and spoke about the critical early years of a child’s life. “It…

Read More
World News in Brief: Houthis order US-UK staffers to leave, cholera response scales up in Somalia, teachers vital to fight against hate speech

World News in Brief: Houthis order US-UK staffers to leave, cholera response scales up in Somalia, teachers vital to fight against hate speech

Confirming the order from the de facto authorities, who control the capital Sana’a along with many other areas of the war-torn country, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters that the demand ran counter to the legal conditions under which UN and other NGOs operate. Yemen descended into all out conflict in 2015 with Houthi rebels…

Read More
Africa now ‘global epicentre’ of terrorism: UN chief

Africa now ‘global epicentre’ of terrorism: UN chief

Speaking at a meeting in New York on counter-terrorism initiatives across the continent, António Guterres said terror groups were “shredding the social fabric of entire countries with the blades of violence, mistrust and fear”. “Community by community, terrorist groups are extending their reach,” he said, adding that networks are widening, adding fighters and resources, and…

Read More
Bangladesh: Citing ‘dangerous decline’ of human rights, experts urge key reforms

Bangladesh: Citing ‘dangerous decline’ of human rights, experts urge key reforms

The Human Rights Council-appointed experts’ call follows on from the election victory of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this month, who secured a controversial fourth term with the main opposition party deciding to boycott the poll. Ms. Hasina and her Awami League party won 223 of the 300 parliamentary seats being contested amid violent protests…

Read More

End the war and recognize Palestine, Security Council urged

More than 70 delegates voiced serious concerns about the ongoing humanitarian “catastrophe” as the conflict in Gaza approaches its fourth month. Council members alongside the wider UN membership on Tuesday established the major theme of the debate: urging Israel to accept a two-State solution or risk a perpetual war which is an increasing threat global stability….

Read More