Despite war, surrogacy in Ukraine keeps flourishing
Before Russia’s invasion, Ukraine was an international surrogacy hub. Relatively low cost and a favorable legal framework led to thousands of babies born every year thanks to Ukrainian surrogate mothers, many of them for overseas parents. Despite the war and…
EU to hit Chinese electric vehicles with increased tariffs
The European Commission said Wednesday it plans to impose increased duties of up to 38% on imported Chinese electric vehicles starting in July, escalating a trade dispute that Brussels sees as part of an effort to protect EU-bloc manufacturers. The…
Life in DPR Korea still ‘daily struggle devoid of hope’ warns human rights chief
Ambassadors held an open meeting on human rights in the country, commonly known as North Korea, convened by Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. China and Russia opposed the meeting and called for a…
Gaza: Hamas, Israel committed war crimes, claims independent rights probe
This was among the conclusions listed in the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, released on Wednesday. “Amid months of losses and despair, retribution and atrocities, the only…
Ukraine Recovery Conference: UN sounds alarm over humanitarian funding
Speaking on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said the UN and partners were continuing to deliver “critical humanitarian assistance”, focusing on communities on the frontlines, but there is “growing concern about the decrease in humanitarian funding…
Australian-led study issues food security warning over plant breeding skills shortage
Sydney — Australia’s national science agency warns a lack of scientists specialized in plant breeding could lead to ‘dire’ food security implications around the world. Researchers say plant breeding is a critical science that underpins the global production of food,…
Russian officials report deadly Ukrainian attack on Belgorod, while Russia attacks Kyiv
Officials in Russia’s Belgorod region said Wednesday that Ukrainian shelling killed at least one person and wounded three others. Vyacheslav Gladkov, the regional governor, said on Telegram the attack hit the town of Shebekino, which is located close to the…
Zelenskyy declares Europe ‘must be a continent without war’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered an emotional address Tuesday to lawmakers at Germany’s Bundestag, speaking about Europe’s long history of war that has denied peace to generations of Europeans. “That is why the dream of a Europe that must be…
At G7, Biden to push plans for frozen Russian assets, Chinese overcapacity
At the Group of Seven summit this week, U.S. President Joe Biden will seek agreement on using interest from frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine’s war effort. He will also push for unity in tackling global challenges such as infrastructure…
Thousands of children in Gaza at risk of dying from lack of food, medical care
The United Nations children’s agency says the lives of thousands of children in southern Gaza are at risk because of the escalation of the Rafah offensive. “Horrific images continue to emerge from Gaza of children dying before their families’ eyes…