Europe 

Ukraine: End war so children can ‘regain their childhoods’

Some 13 months of often brutal fighting and attacks on civilians since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine began, have left millions displaced, with key civilian infrastructure in need of urgent protection. Ensuring nuclear safety Touring the area around Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the… Read More
Pacific 

First Person: The Indonesian power ranger

Known by her nickname, Ega was one of 15 women selected to participate in the UN Development Programme-supported Perempuan Inspiratif Mitra Polhut (Inspiring Women to Partner with Forest Rangers) initiative, which aims to protect the Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park and provide opportunities to nearby communities. © Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park Authority/CIWT Project Indonesia Fadlun Arrayan Bonde (Ega) “I… Read More
Europe 

Human rights in Ukraine still ‘dire’ amid wide-ranging violations: OHCHR

“The international armed conflict has led to a wide range of human rights violations affecting both civilians and combatants”, the executive summary states, adding that the Office has “verified numerous allegations of arbitrary deprivation of life, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment, and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).” During the reporting period, a total of 5,987 civilian casualties were recorded, with 1,605 persons… Read More
Pacific 

Rights expert urges India to stop crackdown on Kashmir activists

Her appeal follows the latest arrest of prominent rights defender Khurram Parvez, who has been in detention for more than a year on charges related to conspiracy and terrorism.   “Indian authorities appear to be intensifying the long-standing repression of Kashmiri civil society,” Ms. Lawlor said.  “The State must respect its human rights obligations and be held accountable where it violates… Read More
Africa East Africa World 

US threatens Uganda with possible sanctions over anti-gay law

The US White House has warned Uganda of possible sanctions if the newly passed anti-gay bill becomes effective. Ugandan lawmakers on Tuesday passed into law the stricter anti-gay bill which outlined harsher punishment for people who engage in same-sex activities. Penalties under the new legislation include a 10-year-jail term for anyone who engages in same-sex relationships or identifies as LGBTQ. There… Read More
Pacific 

Water, source of Samoa’s ‘cultural identity’ and national wealth: A UN Resident Coordinator Blog

As the UN Water Conference continues at UN headquarters in New York, Simona Marinescu, the UN Resident Coordinator in Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau explains why finding a solution to provide all people access to clean and safe water remains a priority for the UN.   “Water is life. No other definition captures quite so aptly what this essential element means… Read More
Africa East Africa Featured World 

What you need to know about Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ law

The new law has been condemned by the international community including the United States, the UK and other European nations. US secretary of state said in a statement that “The Anti-Homosexuality Act passed by the Ugandan Parliament yesterday would undermine fundamental human rights of all Ugandans and could reverse gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS. – Advertisement – We urge… Read More
Africa Ghana West Africa World 

Ghana jails five separatists following death of their leader

Ghana has sentenced five members of a banned separatist group Western Togoland Restoration Front (WTRF) to five years imprisonment. Each of them would serve the five years in prison with hard labour, a court judgment said. They were arrested in 2020 for attacking a police station and freeing inmates. The separatists also blocked roads in an attempt to prevent people… Read More
Africa East Africa World 

Ugandan lawmakers vote to pass stricter anti-LGBTQ law

Ugandan lawmakers on Tuesday passed into law a stricter anti-gay bill which outlines harsher punishment for people who engage in same-sex activities. Penalties under the new legislation include a 10-year-jail term for anyone who engages in same-sex relationships or identifies as LGBTQ. There was very little opposition to the bill in parliament, which has majority of members backing the controversial legislation.… Read More
Pacific 

Pakistan: 10 million deprived of safe drinking water in flood-affected areas

The crisis has left families in the flood-affected areas with no choice but to use potentially contaminated water. “Safe drinking water is not a privilege, it is a basic human right”, said UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil. “Yet, every day, millions of girls and boys in Pakistan are fighting a losing battle against preventable waterborne diseases and the consequential… Read More