Free societies are good for business says UN rights chief, wrapping up visit to Kyrgyzstan
Speaking in the capital Bishkek, Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights acknowledged the country’s recent economic growth but cautioned that narrowing space for civil society and press freedom could undermine progress. “For societies to thrive, they need to…
Sudan: Civilians targeted as hostilities intensify in the capital
The office has condemned the escalating violence as the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their former ally, the paramilitary group – Rapid Support Forces (RSF) –continues to impact civilians. Credible reports indicate that RSF fighters and allied militias…
Gaza: ‘Dramatic escalation’ as bombardments intensify and displacement surges
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that leaflets were dropped over Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in the shattered-north, as well as eastern Khan Younis in the south, ordering residents once again to leave their…
UN staff member killed in central Gaza blast, five others injured
The UN is verifying and confirming the details, including the circumstances that led up to the incident at the compound,, but it was not due to “any action” that was being taken by UN personnel to remove “unexploded ordinance”, the…
Haitian media struggle to survive in face of attacks, revenue collapse
The Caribbean island nation is facing humanitarian, economic and political crises in addition to the break-down of law and order. In the last week, three media houses were targeted, in what appears to be a change in gang tactics in…
Violence triggers record displacements in Haiti’s capital
Gang violence, displacement and instability have long gripped Port-au-Prince and other parts of the country, but attacks over the past two months have shattered even the few remaining gang-free areas, leaving communities increasingly vulnerable. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport in…
Cyprus talks show ‘new atmosphere’ between divided island’s leaders: Guterres
There’s a positive “new atmosphere” surrounding the discussions, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday. Speaking in Geneva after a second day of informal talks, the UN chief underscored his commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of the Cypriots –…
LIVE NOW: ‘Abject fear’ returns to Gaza, Security Council hears, as UN calls for urgent renewal of ceasefire and hostage releases
The UN Security Council met in New York on Tuesday on the Middle East crisis, exactly two months since the start of the fragile Gaza ceasefire and hostages deal came into effect. That’s been shattered by deadly Israeli airstrikes overnight…
Syria: Relative of Assad regime’s disappeared speaks of anguish in search for truth and justice
Obeida Dabbagh’s brother Mazen, and nephew Patrick – both Syrian-French nationals – were arrested by Air Force Intelligence officials in November 2013. Held for years and tortured, there were falsely declared dead in 2018 “years after they disappeared,” Mr. Dabbagh…
Funding shortages risk undermining a ‘watershed moment’ for Syria
In a video message to the conference Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition, organized by the European Union in Brussels, he underlined the gravity of the situation. “This is a watershed moment,” said the UN chief,…