Russia, China taking space into dangerous territory, US says
Washington — Russia and China are edging ever closer to unleashing space-based weapons, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for America’s ability to defend itself, U.S. military and intelligence agencies warn. Adding to the concern, they say, is what…
Less ‘sleeping like sardines’, as Philippines adopts Nelson Mandela Rules for jails
The Nelson Mandela Rules, which are named after the former South African president who was unjustly incarcerated for 27 years, are playing a key part in prison and penal reform in the Philippines. Ahead of Nelson Mandela International Day marked annually on 18…
Haiti: Displaced women face ‘unprecedented’ level of insecurity and sexual violence
A new report by UN Women reveals the dire living conditions and lack of security faced by some 300,000 displaced women and girls amid ongoing political instability, escalating gang violence and the threat of the current hurricane season. In constant danger Women and…
Security Council debates Gaza crisis, as civilian suffering continues unabated
Addressing ambassadors on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Chef-de-Cabinet Courtenay Rattray warned that on top of the dire situation in the war-ravaged enclave, the spectre of further regional spillover is increasing by the day. End collective punishment Reiterating his…
Over 1,000 attacks on healthcare in Occupied Palestinian Territory since October
In a press briefing, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative for the West Bank and Gaza, told journalists there are currently no functional hospitals in the enclave’s southernmost city of Rafah, following Israel’s recent offensive there. The availability of hospital beds…
Russia says Ukraine targeted border regions with 5 aerial drones
Russia’s defense ministry said Wednesday the country’s air defenses destroyed five Ukrainian aerial drones, including attacks on the Bryansk, Belgorod and Voronezh regions. Officials in Bryansk and Voronezh said on Telegram there were no casualties or damage from the downed…
Nigeria to resume crude oil refining in August, industry authorities say
Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria plans to resume local refining of crude oil in early August, national petroleum authorities announced Monday. The resumption would end years of idleness at Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, and analysts say that if successfully implemented, it would…
IMF should work with Kenya to account for public funds, says rights group
Nairobi, Kenya — Advocacy group Human Rights Watch called Tuesday for greater accountability of public funds in Kenya, framing it partially as a human rights issue. Kenyans have taken to the streets for four consecutive weeks to protest the high…
DPR Korea: Forced labour is institutionalized and dangerous, warns UN rights office
In a report based on 183 interviews with victims and witnesses of forced labour who managed to escape DPRK and now live abroad, OHCHR cited one person’s testimony that if a daily work quota was not met, workers would be…
UN and EU humanitarians appeal for more support for Haiti
“What Haitians want the most is peace, that will allow them to return to school, to farm their fields, to access basic services such as going to a hospital,” Edem Wosornu, Operations and Advocacy Director with the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said…