Keep pressuring Afghanistan amid ‘unparalleled assault’ on women’s rights

Engagement key to reform of Taliban decrees restricting women’s rights

Roza Otunbayeva, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), called for a “reframed engagement strategy”, expressing concern over the “lack of positive direction” in current efforts. “The lack of trust on all sides is a serious impediment to building confidence but the doors to dialogue are still open,” she said. “This moment,…

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UNODC joins regional crime fighters to tackle scams and human trafficking in SE Asia

UNODC joins regional crime fighters to tackle scams and human trafficking in SE Asia

The focus of the plan is on criminal activity associated with casinos in the region, and other scams including money laundering and cybercrime. The plan of action was announced in the Thai capital by officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) together with partner China, and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)….

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Myanmar: ‘Inhumanity in its vilest form’ continues, warns Türk

Myanmar: ‘Inhumanity in its vilest form’ continues, warns Türk

“Each day, the people of Myanmar are enduring horrifying attacks, flagrant human rights violations and the crumbling of their livelihoods and hopes,” said Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. He was briefing the Human Rights Council – the UN’s primary body for the protection and promotion of rights globally, including findings since his…

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Rights experts warn against forced separation of Uyghur children in China

Rights experts warn against forced separation of Uyghur children in China

Classroom teaching at these institutions is almost exclusively in Mandarin, with little or no use of the Uyghur language, they said in a statement. They warned that separating the children from their families “could lead to their forced assimilation into the majority Mandarin language and the adoption of Han cultural practices.”  ‘Orphans’ with families  The…

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Syrian minister denounces ‘American chaos’, says States must respect the UN Charter

Syrian minister denounces ‘American chaos’, says States must respect the UN Charter

“The policies of creative chaos adopted by successive American Administrations in our region to serve their geopolitical and selfish interests have led to destabilization and insecurity,” he said in his remarks on the final day of the Assembly’s general debate. He said United States has spent billions of dollars to demolish and destroy development achievements…

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A ‘club of elites’ will not realise the multilateral future we need, Holy See tells UN Assembly

A ‘club of elites’ will not realise the multilateral future we need, Holy See tells UN Assembly

Real reform of the UN is vital to ensure an effective multilateral system, said Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, as he argued for “a return to listening and dialogue” to solve conflicts and lessen the suffering of humanity. “Any reform of the United Nations must not be based in first instance on…

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General debate concludes, reaffirming primacy of the United Nations

General debate concludes, reaffirming primacy of the United Nations

Over the past week, the UN’s principal organ with universal membership heard Heads of States and Governments who outlined various challenges, from the existential threat of climate change to the misuse of artificial intelligence. Assembly President Dennis Francis, in his closing address, highlighted the continued relevance of the General Assembly and the United Nations’ unwavering…

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