TikTok’s US reprieve comes as other countries limit social media use
Singapore — TikTok’s short-lived shutdown in the United States has opened a wider debate in other countries regarding access to popular social media platforms by children. TikTok went dark temporarily Sunday in the U.S. after a new law banning it…
In Syria, top UN envoy highlights international backing for political transition
Special Envoy Geir Pedersen is on his second visit to Syria since 8 December and told reporters in Damascus he had engaged with a broad spectrum of Syrians, including the caretaker authorities. He conveyed optimism about the international community’s commitment…
Lebanon: Food insecurity deepens following conflict, new report reveals
Developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Ministry of Agriculture, the report reveals that the impact of hostilities on agriculture and the economy will likely slow recovery. Some 1.65 million people are now…
Myanmar crisis: Civilians killed in airstrikes as Rohingya risk dangerous journeys
Between 15 and 17 January, airstrikes and clashes in the southeast reportedly resulted in nine deaths and left 31 others injured. In Rakhine state, three airstrikes in Mrauk-U Township on 18 January reportedly killed 28 people and injured a…
Colombia: Catatumbo killings highlight fragility of peace process
Clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and a rival armed group, EMBF, erupted last week in the remote northeastern region, leaving dozens dead, including former combatants, peace signatories, social leaders, and human rights defenders. Many victims were targeted individually,…
Support for Haiti needed now ‘more than ever’, Security Council hears
Maria Isabel Salvador updated ambassadors on the situation in the Caribbean country, where a political transition process to restore democratic institutions continues against a backdrop of ongoing gang violence, mainly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. “At this crucial time, Haiti needs…
Release of ship’s crew, ‘a step in the right direction’: UN Yemen envoy
The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, seized the MV Galaxy Leader in November 2023 as part of attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea they instigated in support of the Palestinian cause in Gaza. The 25 sailors on…
Trump to Putin: End ‘ridiculous’ war against Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump emphatically told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Wednesday to “STOP this ridiculous War!” against Ukraine or the United States would soon impose new “high levels” of taxes, tariffs and sanctions on any Russian exports to…
Trump highlights partnership investing $500B in AI
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday talked up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building…
Namibia doctors fight cervical cancer
WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA — The cervical cancer rate in Namibia is 37.5 for every 100,000 women, about three times higher than the rate worldwide. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and doctors in Namibia are advocating greater access…