South Sudan: Top UN official calls for greater political investment as polls loom

South Sudan: Top UN official calls for greater political investment as polls loom

Briefing ambassadors at the Security Council, Jean-Pierre Lacroix said that if the parties display greater political will and invest adequate resources, credible elections can still take place before the end of the transition period. “Despite the shortcomings in implementation, the peace agreement did instill a period of stability at the national level and brought opponents…

Read More
‘Widespread’ sexual abuse of children in entertainment business revealed

‘Widespread’ sexual abuse of children in entertainment business revealed

“The sexual abuse and the exploitation of children within the entertainment industry resulting from unethical systems, structures, practices or abuse of power and authority is widespread,” said Mama Fatima Singhateh, the UN Special Rapporteur on sale and sexual exploitation of children. Child performers in the entertainment industry are exposed to sexualized, violent and aggressive environments that…

Read More
UPDATING LIVE: UN General Assembly votes by large majority for immediate humanitarian ceasefire during emergency session

UPDATING LIVE: General Assembly meets to examine US veto of Gaza draft resolution

10:51 AM Israel: Ceasefire must have pre-conditions Gilad Menashe Erdan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Israel to the UN, said that it has been 150 days since Hamas committed “the most brutal and barbaric massacre since the Holocaust”. “Once again, this body [General Assembly] has convened not to condemn Hamas, no. Not to condemn their…

Read More
‘Mega election’ 2024 could be a landmark for democracy: UN rights chief

‘Mega election’ 2024 could be a landmark for democracy: UN rights chief

In an update to the UN Human Rights Council, Mr. Türk described 2024 as a “mega election year” with more than 60 countries slated to hold elections involving nearly half of the world’s people. “Every election – even an imperfect one – constitutes an effort to at least formally acknowledge the universal aspiration to democracy,” the…

Read More
‘Clear and convincing information’ that hostages held in Gaza subjected to sexual violence says UN Special Representative

‘Clear and convincing information’ that hostages held in Gaza subjected to sexual violence says UN Special Representative

Pramila Patten added in a press release issued along with the report, that there are also reasonable grounds to believe that such violence, which includes other “cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment”, may be continuing against those still being held by Hamas and other extremists in the Gaza Strip. The report from her Office, arose from…

Read More
UN crime prevention chief pledges enhanced cooperation in Somalia

UN crime prevention chief pledges enhanced cooperation in Somalia

On a mission to the Horn of Africa nation, Executive Director Waly underscored on Friday that “Somalia faces daunting challenges that range from terrorism to resurgent piracy, poverty and the consequences of climate change.” A complicated crisis Speaking to UN News in Mogadishu, Ms. Waly said interlinked threats included piracy, illegal fishing, different types of…

Read More
Human ingenuity can help to save nature, Guterres says on World Wildlife Day

Human ingenuity can help to save nature, Guterres says on World Wildlife Day

Human activities have devastated our wildlife. Human ingenuity can help to save it,” he said. This year’s theme focuses on how digital technologies can drive wildlife conservation at a time when pollution, climate chaos, habitat loss and exploitation of nature are putting a million plant and animal species at risk of extinction. No ‘silver bullet’…

Read More
Security Council reiterates call for immediate and safe aid delivery to Gaza

Security Council reiterates call for immediate and safe aid delivery to Gaza

Members issued a statement on Saturday expressing their deep concern over reports that “more than 100 individuals lost their lives, with several hundred others sustaining injuries, including gunshot wounds…in an incident involving Israeli forces at a large gathering surrounding a humanitarian assistance convoy southwest of Gaza City.” They noted that an Israeli investigation is underway….

Read More