To conclude, the climate report showed a contrast of hot conditions in the southern hemisphere, where it is currently summer, and unusual warmth in the northern hemisphere, which is typically experiencing winter.

Record-high temperatures were observed in sections of North and South America, northwestern and southeastern Africa, southeastern and far eastern Asia, western Australia, and Europe, either on a daily basis or throughout the month of February.

Alvaro Silva, a climatologist from WMO, stated that the unusual increase in temperature aligns with the ongoing trend of warming seen since June 2023. This is supported by seven consecutive monthly global temperature records, including January 2024.

The world’s ocean water temperatures are at a historic high. Although the El Niño phenomenon is responsible for rising temperatures in certain regions, the main long-term cause is human-induced climate change, according to a statement by [author’s name].

On the other hand, a significant portion of northwestern Canada and central Asia, as well as southern central Siberia to southeastern China, experienced unusually low temperatures during the final week of the month.

Meteorological winter ends in the northern hemisphere and summer ends in the southern hemisphere at the official end of February.

The United Nations refugee agency reports that Sudanese citizens are still seeking refuge in Chad.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) expressed growing alarm on Friday about the potential influx of refugees from Darfur into Chad in the upcoming weeks due to a concerning shortage of food and basic necessities.

Almost a year since the start of the civil war between rival militaries in Sudan, neighbouring Chad urgently needs more humanitarian aid and significant development investment, the agency reported, especially in its eastern areas which are hosting the refugee influx.

This financial venture will enable the nation to maintain its compassionate policy of welcoming refugees.

Kelly Clements, the Deputy High Commissioner for UNHCR, stated that officials in Chad are troubled by the prospect of an influx of Sudanese families facing starvation in the coming weeks. Clements is currently in the country to assess the ongoing efforts to provide aid.

The nation has made a promise to maintain its open borders, despite the vulnerability of this area. However, this decision will cause further challenges for Chad, which has generously provided a home for refugees from Sudan’s ongoing conflict – which has been ongoing for nearly a year – as well as refugees who have been residing there from previous crises.

State of emergency

The WFP stopped providing food supplies to certain refugee groups in the country last December due to insufficient funds. As a result, the government declared a state of emergency regarding food and nutrition security.

The delivery of food from Chad to Darfur, where there is a serious issue with safety and protection, has not been happening for more than a month, and efforts to send aid across the border have been put on hold.

Females and minors make up approximately 90 percent of the refugee population. Of those, 77 percent of women arrived in Chad without a companion, accompanied only by children.

According to UNHCR, numerous individuals have experienced gender-based violence, including rape, and currently require extensive assistance. While the agency offers medical and partial psychological aid, additional support is necessary.

According to Ms. Clements, there has been a decrease in arrivals over the past few months, but this could change abruptly. The current needs of the region have already surpassed the capabilities of humanitarian organizations, even without more arrivals. There is genuine concern that the border area may experience another difficult period before the arrival of heavy rains.

More than 553,150 new refugees from Sudan had been counted by mid-February, making the country the largest host of refugees fleeing Sudan since the brutal war between Government troops and RSF militia erupted in mid-April 2023.

Ten years ago, UNAIDS established Zero Discrimination Day, which we are celebrating today.

The UN agency focused on ending AIDS by 2030 warned that the advancement of equality and fairness for all individuals, regardless of their gender, sexuality, or HIV status, is in danger. This warning comes as Zero Discrimination Day is celebrated.

UNAIDS implemented the Day of Activism ten years ago.

However, while there have been advancements in certain societies, there has also been a rise in violations against the rights of women and girls, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups.

“The infringement upon rights poses a danger to liberty and democracy and has negative effects on overall wellness. Discrimination and stigma create barriers to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care, hindering efforts to end AIDS by 2030,” stated Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS. “Only by defending the rights of all individuals can we ensure the health of all.”

Forty years ago, at the beginning of the AIDS pandemic, the majority of countries viewed LGBTQ+ individuals as criminals. According to the agency, this is no longer the case as two thirds of countries have changed their stance.

38 nations globally have committed to eliminating stigma and discrimination associated with HIV, and as of today, there has been an increase of 50 million girls attending school since 2015.

According to UNAIDS, it is essential to continue showing support for women’s movements, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and promoting campaigns for racial and economic justice, as well as for addressing climate justice and ending conflict.

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The United Nations is on your side.

The United Nations proclaimed its support for the ongoing global fight for rights, stating that it stands alongside and in solidarity with these communities.

Throughout March, multiple events will take place to reinforce the importance of this lesson and urge action. The message: safeguarding health ultimately safeguards individual rights.

“Ms. Byanyima emphasized the importance of supporting universal rights in order to successfully reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create a world that is safer, more fair, more compassionate, and happier for all individuals.”

Source: news.un.org