US must uphold judges’ right to speak freely about race and gender bias: rights expert

US must uphold judges’ right to speak freely about race and gender bias: rights expert

Special Rapporteur Margaret Satterthwaite voiced serious concerns that a Supreme Court Justice in the state of North Carolina, Anita Earls, was investigated for comments made regarding the potential role that implicit biases based on race, gender, and political affiliation can play in the Court’s decision-making. “Like other citizens, judges are entitled to freedom of expression, provided they conduct themselves…

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Guterres appoints independent UNRWA review panel

Guterres appoints independent UNRWA review panel

The independent Review Group – appointed in consultation with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini – will examine whether the agency is doing everything it can to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations of serious breaches when they arise. It will be led by former French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna, who will work with three research organizations: the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in…

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UN force steps up patrols after weekend of bloodshed in Abyei

UN force steps up patrols after weekend of bloodshed in Abyei

Heavily armed assailants attacked civilians in the villages of Malual Aleu, Banton, Awolnhom, Abathok, Majbong, Awal, and east of Rumamier, using rocket-propelled grenades and mortars, reportedly over a land dispute. At least 37 people are reported to have been killed and several others injured, including women and children. Villages were also set on fire and…

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Youth-led ‘emergency rooms’ shine rays of hope in war-torn Sudan

Youth-led ‘emergency rooms’ shine rays of hope in war-torn Sudan

Emergency response rooms are finding innovative approaches to providing rapid assistance to millions facing war in Sudan. Teams of volunteer medical staff, engineers and other emergency experts across the country are addressing civilian needs amid the current bout of violence and insecurity stemming from clashes with rival military forces in April 2023. So far, ERRs have…

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Gaza: Rafah now a ‘pressure cooker of despair’ as exodus south continues

Gaza: Rafah now a ‘pressure cooker of despair’ as exodus south continues

The warning from the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, comes nearly four months since Israel commenced a devastating bombing campaign in response to Hamas-led terror attacks on 7 October that left some 1,200 people butchered in southern Israeli communities and more than 250 taken hostage. “In recent days, thousands of Palestinians have been fleeing to…

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Unprecedented drought emergency demands urgent action

World News in Brief: Drought in Ethiopia, peacekeepers wounded in DR Congo, deadly strike on Ukraine aid workers

Drought is ravaging communities in Afar, Amhara, Tigray and Oromia, as well as the Southern and South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region. Severe water shortages, dried pastures and reduced harvests are impacting millions of people and livestock, with reports of food insecurity and rising malnutrition.  Among those who are particularly vulnerable are people affected by the…

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WFP pleads for aid access in Sudan, amid reports of starvation

WFP pleads for aid access in Sudan, amid reports of starvation

WFP described the situation as dire, noting that almost 18 million people across the country are currently facing acute hunger.  An estimated five million are experiencing emergency levels of hunger due to conflict in areas such as Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan. Obstacles to aid delivery  “The situation in Sudan today is nothing short of catastrophic,”…

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Following in Pelé’s footsteps, Vinícius Junior appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

Following in Pelé’s footsteps, Vinícius Junior appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

During her visit, Director-General of the UN education, science and culture body, UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay presented the 23-year-old winger with a letter of appointment, acknowledging his exceptional achievements on the pitch and his unwavering commitment to promoting equal educational opportunities in Brazil. I want to be acknowledged not only as a great player, but also…

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Afghanistan: UN forced to make ‘appalling choice’ following ban on women nationals

Afghanistan: Taliban’s crackdown on women over ‘bad hijab’ must end

The incidents, which have surged since early January, are purportedly linked to violations of the Taliban’s stringent dress code for women. The Human Rights Council-appointed experts called on de facto authorities to comply with Afghanistan’s human rights obligations, including under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The Taliban crackdown…

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