Yemen: UN says Saudi-Houthi talks in Sana’a ‘a welcome step’

Yemen: UN says Saudi-Houthi talks in Sana’a ‘a welcome step’

Stéphane Dujarric was responding to questions from correspondents at the regular noon briefing in New York, after news reports that progress had been made towards a permanent ceasefire, to end Saudi Arabia’s military involvement in a military coalition that has backed the internationally recognized Government in its civil conflict with Houthi militia, since 2015. Neighbouring…

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International system crucial to countering threat of weapons diversion, Security Council hears

International system crucial to countering threat of weapons diversion, Security Council hears

“Emanating from any arms transfer is the inherent risk of diversion of the equipment to unauthorized end users,” said Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. Addressing the Council during the first open meeting of Russia’s month-long presidency – and during which many delegates referenced the ongoing conflict in Ukraine – she emphasized that…

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From The Field: A rare safe space for the LGBTI+ community in El Salvador

From The Field: A rare safe space for the LGBTI+ community in El Salvador

A visitor receives support at the Diké LGBTI+ community and health centre in El Salvador. The centre, run by the Diké organization, provides a host of services to the LBGTI+ community, including sexual healthcare, psychological care, human rights education, advocacy activities and safe shelter for those who need it, including migrants and displaced persons. It…

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Türkiye quake aftermath: Funding needed to stave off risks to millions of children

Türkiye quake aftermath: Funding needed to stave off risks to millions of children

UNICEF Representative in Türkiye, Regina De Dominicis, said that while the humanitarian response to the disaster was swift, “immediate futures of millions of children remain uncertain”.   Urgent health and protection needs To cover the most pressing needs, UNICEF has reached more than 390,000 people with hygiene kits, winter clothes, electrical heaters and blankets. The…

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‘The world cannot abandon the people’: Top humanitarian official in Afghanistan

‘The world cannot abandon the people’: Top humanitarian official in Afghanistan

Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, said that amid severe underfunding, the move would “further undermine humanitarian partners’ ability to support the population, especially the most vulnerable such as women and girls”. “The world cannot abandon the people of Afghanistan at this precarious moment,” Dr. Alakbarov insisted, before urging the international community “not…

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Serbia urged to uphold freedom of expression while also countering hate speech

Serbia urged to uphold freedom of expression while also countering hate speech

The Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of expression said she was encouraged by the Government’s plans to reform media laws in line with international standards.  However, she was also alarmed by “the toxic public discourse, from politicians or public officials and amplified by tabloids, scapegoating the media, human rights defenders, ethnic minorities, LGBTI…

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Tensions mount in Middle East as UN reiterates need for ‘maximum restraint’

Tensions mount in Middle East as UN reiterates need for ‘maximum restraint’

According to news reports, as yet unidentified militants fired a barrage of rockets across the border, forcing Israeli civilians to seek shelter, and wounding at least two people. Avoid unilateral action “Concerning the situation between Lebanon and Israel, I can tell you that we condemn the multiple rockets being fired from Lebanon into northern Israel today”,…

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