UN environment agency tackles mercury-tarnished gold mining industry

UN environment agency tackles mercury-tarnished gold mining industry

“Over 100 million people rely on artisanal gold mining for their livelihoods, so it’s critical that we work with governments to equip miners with the knowledge and tools necessary to phase out mercury use,” said Ludovic Bernaudat, the programme manager of planetGOLD, an innovative effort led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Funded by the…

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UN experts warn of ‘catastrophic consequences’ if Rohingya refugee rations are cut

UN experts warn of ‘catastrophic consequences’ if Rohingya refugee rations are cut

The Human Rights Council-appointed experts called for donors worldwide to give generously to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) Rohingya Refugee Response fund. “The planned rations reductions are the devastating consequence of the international community’s failure to provide funding for initiatives that address the fundamental needs of Rohingya refugees”, the two Special Rapporteurs said in a statement. “Rations…

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Nigeria: $1.3 billion drive to stop ‘ticking time bomb’ of child malnutrition

Nigeria: $1.3 billion drive to stop ‘ticking time bomb’ of child malnutrition

“The large-scale humanitarian and protection crisis shows no sign of abating,” said Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria. “An estimated 2.4 million people are in acute need – impacted by conflict, disaster and disease – and require urgent support.” Warnings of catastrophe The “ticking time bomb” of child malnutrition is escalating…

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Italy sea rescue law could put more migrant lives at risk: UN rights chief

Italy sea rescue law could put more migrant lives at risk: UN rights chief

“More people in distress will be made to suffer and more lives risk being lost because timely help is not available, if this law is passed,” he said in a statement.  Mr. Türk expressed his serious concerns a day after the Italian Parliament approved legislation that imposes stricter requirements on humanitarian ships which are attempting…

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78 million children don’t go to school at all, warns UN chief in call for action

78 million children don’t go to school at all, warns UN chief in call for action

Lending his support to a call for more funding for education in emergencies spearheaded by the UN global fund Education Cannot Wait (ECW) the UN chief insisted in a video message that no-one should be denied their chance to learn. A full 222 million children today experience blighted education today, Mr. Guterres noted. To help them, 18…

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UN launches $1 billion appeal to scale-up aid operations in Türkiye

UN launches $1 billion appeal to scale-up aid operations in Türkiye

The funding, which covers a three-month-period, will allow aid organizations to swiftly ramp up their operations to support Government-led response efforts in areas that include food security, protection, education, water and shelter.    UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community to step up and fully fund the response effort.  “Türkiye is home to the…

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Ukraine: UN appeals for $5.6 billion to help millions affected by relentless conflict

Ukraine: UN appeals for $5.6 billion to help millions affected by relentless conflict

The situation for many in Ukraine remains desperate, amid “relentless” shelling of civilian targets and infrastructure, the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, told journalists in Geneva. Humanitarian funding is needed to continue supporting lifesaving aid convoy deliveries to communities on the front line, “into areas of great danger and difficulty and priority needs”, said…

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UN mission signs new plan for election security in Central African Republic

UN mission signs new plan for election security in Central African Republic

The security plan represents “an essential tool” paving the way for the coming local elections, UN mission spokesperson Vladimir Monteiro said. Voters will be casting ballots in local elections for the first time since 1988. The Government of CAR and the UN stabilization mission (MINUSCA) signed a new plan on Tuesday amid recent flaring tensions….

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UN rights expert calls on Bangladesh to draft anti-discrimination leprosy laws

UN rights expert calls on Bangladesh to draft anti-discrimination leprosy laws

“Leprosy is hidden beneath multiple layers of systemic exclusion, structural discrimination, and institutional neglect,” said UN Special Rapporteur on discrimination against persons with leprosy, Alice Cruz, following an eight-day visit to Bangladesh. Currently, people from 120 countries are affected by leprosy, known as Hansen’s disease, with more than 200,000 new cases reported worldwide yearly. The…

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