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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‘Green industrial age’ can be sustainable development breakthrough

‘Green industrial age’ can be sustainable development breakthrough

Amid growing food and energy crises stoked by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an uncertain global economic outlook, and the escalating impacts of climate change, the 2023 Financing for Sustainable Development Report: Financing Sustainable Transformations, says that “urgent, massive investment” is needed to accelerate positive transformation of the electricity supply industry, farming, transportation and construction. There are signs of…

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Israel-Palestine: UN calls for restraint following violence at Al-Aqsa mosque

Israel-Palestine: UN calls for restraint following violence at Al-Aqsa mosque

Israeli forces stormed Al-Aqsa mosque, also commonly known as al-Qibli mosque, overnight, arresting more than 350 people, according to media reports.    The raids continued into Wednesday morning. In response, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired rockets at Israel.  Appalling violence  Mr. Wennesland issued a statement saying he was appalled by the images of…

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Top officials strongly condemn Taliban ban on Afghan women working for UN

Top officials strongly condemn Taliban ban on Afghan women working for UN

In statements on Wednesday, Secretary-General António Guterres was joined by deputy chief Amina Mohammed, in describing the latest escalation of the de facto authorities’ suppression of women, as a violation of their inalienable fundamental human rights. “It also violates Afghanistan’s obligations under international human rights law, and infringes on the principle of non-discrimination, which is a core tenet…

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Rights expert denounces interference in Beirut explosion probe

Rights expert denounces interference in Beirut explosion probe

Special Rapporteur Margaret Satterthwaite expressed grave concern over interference in the investigation, including threats against Judge Tarek Bitar, who has been leading the process since February 2021.  “Judges should never be threatened or subjected to criminal or disciplinary action simply for doing their job,” she said.  Justice delayed  More than 200 people died as a…

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Guterres calls for world ‘united in peace’ as Ramadan, Easter, Passover coincide

Guterres calls for world ‘united in peace’ as Ramadan, Easter, Passover coincide

Secretary-General António Guterres issued his plea for peace acknowledging that it is “dramatically lacking” in many parts of the world, during an interview with UN News’s Arabic service, ahead of what has now become an annual visit for him, to a Muslim country beset by challenges, during the holy month of Ramadan. “I think this is the moment…

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