First Person: Filipino elderly ex-prisoner’s joy of ‘sleeping and eating’
According to Government figures, the number of inmates are four times over the planned capacity, making the Philippines one of the most overcrowded penal systems in the world alongside countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti and Uganda….
Gaza: Guterres ‘shocked and saddened’ by deadly strikes on Al Mawasi, as WHO and partners aid medical response
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres said via his Spokesperson late on Saturday that he was “shocked and saddened by the loss of lives”. Israeli officials said the attack had been a “precision” strike targeting top Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif…
UN humanitarians report severe displacement and critical needs in Gaza City
He said the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and other partners were present on the trip. “The team said those displaced urgently need food, water, healthcare and protection,” Mr. Dujarric said during his daily…
Gaza: There is no alternative to UNRWA, Guterres declares
Speaking at a pledging conference for the agency, the UN chief outlined the countless challenges facing Palestinian civilians in Gaza who are “forced to move like human pinballs across a landscape of destruction and death”. “Hopelessness is the greatest ally…
Top official warns of weakened regional security following withdrawal from West African economic bloc by Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger
Leonardo Santos Simão, who heads the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), told the Security Council that by “renouncing ECOWAS”, the three military-led governments would be “relinquishing key benefits” including regional integration, freedom of movement, security cooperation…
DR Congo: Conflict escalation linked to deadly Mpox threat
For decades, conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC has triggered alarming levels of violence, mass displacement, widespread disease, gender-based violence and severe mental trauma, explained Dr Adelheid Marschang, Senior Emergency Officer at the World Health Organization (WHO). ‘Chronic and acute…
Sudan: UN-hosted talks on aid relief and civilian protection to continue in Geneva
Heavy conflict erupted last April between rival militaries over a proposed transition to civilian rule, following a military coup in 2021 and the 2019 ousting of long-time President Omar Al-Bashir. UN Geneva spokesperson Alessandra Vellucci confirmed that only one of…
Top aid officials call for greater solidarity and support for Haiti
Although the crisis has sparked immense needs, a nearly $680 million humanitarian plan launched in February is less than a quarter funded. “It is very clear for many people of Haiti that they are paying the heavy price of the violence, again, that has ravaged the country,” said Edem Wosornu, Director of…
Gaza: WHO chief highlights health risks of latest evacuation orders
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists the Al-Ahli and Patient Friendly Hospitals in northern Gaza are the latest facilities unable to function due to fighting nearby. He said patients from Al-Ahli have been evacuated to the Indonesian Hospital which is now operating at three times its capacity….
General Assembly demands immediate end to Russian aggression in Ukraine
The Assembly also called for an immediate end to attacks against Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure, following weeks of escalation. The resolution entitled Safety and security of nuclear facilities of Ukraine, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was adopted with 99…