Rights chief urges Russia to end crackdown as journalist detentions reach all-time high

PNP DeskMay 7, 2024September 20, 202404 mins

Volker Türk said he was concerned by the increasing number of journalists charged, convicted and jailed for their independent reporting, in what appears to be an intensification of a crackdown on dissenting voices. He described the continuous attacks on free speech and the criminalization of independent journalism in Russia as “very troubling”. “The intensification of the crackdown on journalists’ independent…

Misinformation and politicisation of migration is ‘clouding public discourse’

PNP DeskMay 7, 2024September 20, 202404 mins

World Migration Report 2024 reveals a significant shift in global migration patterns, including a record number of people displaced due to conflict, violence, natural and other disasters. Speaking at the launch in Dhaka, Bangladesh, IOM Director General Amy Pope said the report aims to “demystify the complexity of human mobility through evidence-based data and analysis”. …

Justice officer from DR Congo mission wins UN Trailblazer award

PNP DeskMay 7, 2024September 20, 202404 mins

First awarded in 2022, it acknowledges the exceptional contributions made by women justice and corrections officers serving from Member States across the world, who challenge gender stereotypes and barriers. In an interview with UN News, Major Bouzi said she was deeply honoured and grateful to have been recognized for her efforts. “First of all, it…

1 in 2 women in Rafah need urgent medical help: UN Women

PNP DeskMay 7, 2024September 20, 202403 mins

According to UN Women, more than nine in 10 women interviewed in the southernmost governorate reported feelings of indescribable fear; while over half said they had medical conditions needing urgent attention. “Women and girls in Rafah, as in the rest of Gaza, are in a state of constant despair and fear already,” the UN agency said…

Achieving sustainable forest management remains UN forum’s goal

PNP DeskMay 6, 2024September 20, 202405 mins

The UNFF serves as a body under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and aims to support the goals of the International Arrangement on Forests (IAF) and to advance other international forest-related instruments, processes, commitments, and goals. At the forum’s opening ceremony, Juliette Biao, Director of the UNFF Secretariat, said the world currently faces…

UN and partners issue urgent funding appeal for Yemen

PNP DeskMay 6, 2024September 20, 202404 mins

Nine years of war have left over half the population – 18.2 million people, mainly women and children – in need of assistance and protection services. The humanitarian response in Yemen is among the largest in the world, yet a $2.7 billion plan for the country has received just $435 million to date. Lifesaving aid…

General Assembly debates Russia’s veto of space arms race resolution

PNP DeskMay 6, 2024September 20, 2024014 mins

Due to the negative Russian vote, the Security Council failed to adopt last month’s text, which received 13 votes in favour, with China abstaining. The draft resolution was introduced by United States and Japan and co-sponsored by over 60 nations. Assembly Vice-President Ahmad Faisal Muhamad opened the debate by reading a message from Dennis Francis,…

UN rights expert condemns ‘systematic’ war-time mass destruction of homes

Unexploded ordnance leaves dark legacy for Gaza, warn mine action experts

PNP DeskMay 6, 2024September 20, 202407 mins

Briefing reporters late last month, UN Mine Action Service officers said the war has already left behind around 37 million tonnes of debris, and it could take 14 years to make Gaza safe from unexploded bombs. The development comes amid reports that at least two individuals suffered serious injuries in Gaza after opening tin cans…

World News in Brief: Human rights in Haiti, 750,000 hit by East Africa floods, Namibia health milestone

PNP DeskMay 6, 2024September 20, 202407 mins

The experts detailed the far-reaching impacts of the violence and lawlessness that has led to chaos across the capital, Port-au=Prince, and other areas under gang control this year. “The outbreak of violence in Haiti has resulted in loss of livelihoods and food insecurity, widespread and multiple displacement, the collapse of education, breakdown of healthcare and…

We won’t abandon Gazans sheltering in Rafah, says UNRWA

PNP DeskMay 6, 2024September 20, 202406 mins

“An Israeli offensive in Rafah would mean more civilian suffering and deaths. The consequences would be devastating for 1.4 million people,” wrote the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, in a post on X. “UNRWA is not evacuating: the agency will maintain a presence in Rafah as long as possible and will continue providing lifesaving…