Human rights in Russia: ‘Significant deterioration’

Human rights in Russia: ‘Significant deterioration’

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…

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

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

“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…

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

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

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…

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At UN Assembly, Bosnia and Herzegovina slams ‘foreign influence’ on its institutions

At UN Assembly, Bosnia and Herzegovina slams ‘foreign influence’ on its institutions

Mr. Komsic criticised the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, claiming it placed too large an emphasis on migrants as the main beneficiary of SDGs and failed to adequately address the broader impacts of immigration. He accused larger countries of intentionally “taking over” smaller countries by targeting educated, highly trained immigrants who will benefit their economies….

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African leaders take bold stand for sustainable development at UN Assembly

African leaders take bold stand for sustainable development at UN Assembly

A recurring theme in speeches delivered by the Presidents of Seychelles, Namibia, Ghana, Angola, Sierra Leone and Liberia was the urgent need to rebuild trust and rekindle global solidarity in the face of complex changes. They expressed unwavering support for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing that the current trajectory falls…

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Republic of Korea: Russia providing weapons tech to DPRK ‘will be a direct provocation’

Republic of Korea: Russia providing weapons tech to DPRK ‘will be a direct provocation’

In his address to the UN General Assembly’s annual debate, President Yoon referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to the DPRK and underscored that any deal struck between those two countries will “threaten the peace and security of not only Ukraine, but also the Republic of Korea.”  It is paradoxical, he said, that Russia,…

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‘Humanity has opened the gates to hell’ warns Guterres as climate coalition demands action

‘Humanity has opened the gates to hell’ warns Guterres as climate coalition demands action

Front and centre was an urgent call to action, to prevent cascading climate disasters through a just and equitable energy transition – before it’s too late. In his impassioned address on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to politicians, business, activists and civil society leaders, Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning about the…

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Debt crisis in developing countries weighing down SDG push, Rwanda’s Kagame warns

Debt crisis in developing countries weighing down SDG push, Rwanda’s Kagame warns

The SDG summit held in New York earlier this week highlighted the disappointing progress made toward achieving the UN’s 17 SDG goals by 2030, said Mr. Kagame.  He commended the Secretary-General’s focus on the issue and emphasized that slow progress toward achieving SDGs would exacerbate economic disparities between countries.  “This year’s SDG Summit has once again…

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