General Assembly debates Russia’s veto of DPR Korea sanctions panel
This is the third time this year that the world body has met to examine veto use among the Security Council’s permanent members – China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States – including on the situation in Gaza regarding…
Myanmar: Middle class ‘disappearing’ amid uptick in brutal fighting
In a new report published on Thursday UNDP said that the middle class has shrunk by half, compared with before the 2021 military coup, and that three quarters of the country’s population is either living in poverty or “perilously close”…
UN underscores commitment to stay and deliver in Myanmar
The expansion of fighting throughout the country has deprived communities of basic needs and access to essential services and has had a devastating impact on human rights and fundamental freedoms, said Khalid Khiari, a UN Assistant Secretary-General whose portfolio straddles…
From Desperation to Determination: Indonesian Trafficking Survivors Demand Justice
Rokaya needed time to recover after illness forced her to quit as a live-in maid in Malaysia and return home to Indramayu, West Java. However, under pressure from her agent who claimed two million Rupiah for her initial placement, she…
First Person: Japanese town leads the way to a low waste society
UNIC Tokyo/Ichiro Mae Citizens recycling in Osaki, Japan Ms. Fujita moved to Osaki in 2021 to work with the municipality, business sector and local community to help prepare the town for a more sustainable future. Today, Osaki, with a population…
First Person: ‘Courageous’ 12-year-old reports relative after being raped in Madagascar
UN News spoke to Commissioner Aina Randriambelo, who described what efforts her country is making to promote gender equality and a better understanding of what constitutes sexual exploitation and abuse. UN News/Daniel Dickinson Commissioner Aina Randriambelo, Madagascar’s Chief Inspector of…
Indonesia is setting an example in managing forest fires.
In 2019, while conducting a routine patrol, volunteer firefighter Marlizar saw smoke coming from a quarter-hectare of peatland. He sent his colleague to their base in Teluk Maranti village, seven kilometres away, and bravely battled the fire alone. When Marlizar’s…
Holding individuals responsible is crucial in addressing the violation of human rights in North Korea.
During a verbal report to the Human Rights Council – the primary human rights authority under the United Nations – Deputy High Commissioner Nada Al-Nashif stated that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (commonly referred to as North Korea) has…
An expert on UN rights is calling for worldwide initiatives to stop the atrocities committed by the junta in Myanmar.
In February of 2021, there was a coup d’état in Myanmar where the military seized power and detained numerous government officials, political figures, and activists, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The acquisition led to…
The UN human rights chief calls the hurried implementation of Hong Kong’s new security law a backward action.
Volker Türk expressed deep disappointment at the hasty passage of significant legislation through the legislative body, despite valid concerns regarding its adherence to global human rights standards. This occurred in the former British colony, now a Special Administrative Region of…