Summit of the Future ‘unique opportunity’ to rebuild trust: Guterres

PNP DeskSeptember 21, 2023September 16, 202405 mins

“Your strong engagement during our deliberations today reaffirms that multilateralism is neither dead nor obsolete,” said Dennis Francis in his opening remarks to a preparatory meeting for next year’s Summit of the Future. Scheduled for September 2024, it is billed as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate multilateralism, address gaps in global governance, and reaffirm existing commitments, including to the Sustainable…

Sudan’s brutal conflict could spill over into wider region, warns Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan

PNP DeskSeptember 21, 2023September 16, 202405 mins

In his speech to the annual general debate of the UN General Assembly, Mr. Al-Burhan, who is President of the Transitional Sovereign Council, said that the Sudanese people have been facing a devastating war since April 15 launched against them by the Rapid Support Forces. Describing those paramilitary forces as rebels in alliance with…

Yemen’s leader says peace is possible, but flow of arms and resources to Houthi militias must stop

PNP DeskSeptember 21, 2023September 16, 202406 mins

Peace remains elusive despite compromises by the Yemeni government and welcome support from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Oman, as well as the UN, to end years of strife in the country, President Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi told the high-level debate at the UN General Assembly. “We hope that the Houthi militias will recognize a…

Healthcare: Lack of universal coverage, ‘human rights tragedy on a massive scale’

PNP DeskSeptember 21, 2023September 16, 202404 mins

By approving a new political declaration at UN Headquarters during the high level meeting, Member States also pledged to take concrete action and provide the necessary funding to reach the ambitious goal. The declaration – Universal Health Coverage: expanding our ambition for health and well-being in a post-COVID world – also saw governments promise to…

‘World's breadbaskets’ are sinking, General Assembly chief warns

PNP DeskSeptember 21, 2023September 16, 202401 mins

Although small island States are the most vulnerable to rising sea levels, the scope of those impacted is much wider, the President of the UN General Assembly warned on Thursday. PNP Deskpnp.com.pk

Human rights in Russia: ‘Significant deterioration’

PNP DeskSeptember 21, 2023September 16, 202405 mins

The UN’s Special Rapporteur for Russia, Mariana Katzarova, sounded the alarm on what she says is a pattern of suppression of civil and political rights there. Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Ms. Katzarova voiced grave concerns over mass arbitrary arrests and the “persistent use of torture and ill-treatment.” Clear evidence Citing almost 200…

At UN, Salva Kiir calls for support to help restore peace, ease humanitarian crisis in neighboring Sudan

PNP DeskSeptember 21, 2023September 16, 202406 mins

“I am appealing to the international community to avail resources to help refugees and displaced persons who crossed into South Sudan,” Mr. Kiir told world leaders attending the UN General Assembly’s annual debate. He added: “While the world is dealing with multiple crisis, we call for a provision of sustained support to these displaced persons…

Armenia-Azerbaijan: UN calls for ‘credible and durable’ end to fighting in flashpoint region

PNP DeskSeptember 21, 2023September 16, 202404 mins

Miroslav Jenča told ambassadors that Azerbaijan had announced, in their words, “local counter-terrorism activities in the Karabakh economic region” two days ago, in response to the tragic deaths of two civilians and four police officers in incidents that allegedly involved landmines placed by the Armenian military. He noted that Azerbaijan had notified the Russian peacekeeping…

This ‘hideous occupation’ will not last, Abbas tells UN Assembly

PNP DeskSeptember 21, 2023September 16, 202405 mins

He said he had come carrying the cause of his people, who are struggling for freedom and independence, and to remind the Assembly of the tragedy caused by the Nakba 75 years ago, the effects of which continue to be exacerbated by the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. “This occupation that challenges your resolutions, violates…

Strong multilateralism key to international cooperation, says China’s Vice-President

PNP DeskSeptember 21, 2023September 16, 202406 mins

“China is firm in supporting the international system with the UN at its core,” and opposes hegemony, power politics, unilateralism, and a Cold War mentality, Han Zheng reiterated. He stressed that China “will never practise hegemony,” and that “a small number of countries have arbitrarily imposed illegal and unilateral sanctions,” severely undermining the harmony and…