Africa Ghana West Africa World 

Ghanaian author and feminist Ama Ata Aidoo dies

Celebrated Ghanaian author and playwright, Ama Ata Aidoo, has died aged 81, her family said on Wednesday. In a statement, her family said “our beloved relative and writer” passed away after a short illness, requesting privacy to allow them to grieve. The renowned feminist was one of Africa’s famous authors whose works focused on African women. Ama Ata Aidoo was also… Read More
Pacific 

Fresh diplomatic gains must match action on the ground in Syria to end war

“It is vital that the recent diplomatic moves are matched with real action,” said Geir Pedersen, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria, briefing the Security Council on recent political and humanitarian developments. A range of diplomatic initiatives have quickened the pace towards finding solutions on, among other things, continuing a direct dialogue with the Government of Syria, including such… Read More
Pacific 

Racism which scars societies, must be stamped out, forum for people of African descent hears

“Racism and xenophobia continue to spoil our communities, like scars that spoil the fabric of society. The hatred and violence they engender persist, demanding our collective efforts to eradicate racial violence in all its forms,” he told the second session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.  Transforming injustice  Mr. Kőrösi said overcoming this requires recognizing our shared… Read More
Europe 

UN humanitarians complete first food distribution in Khartoum as hunger, threats to children intensify

WFP’s Country Director in Sudan, Eddie Rowe, told reporters in Geneva that in a major breakthrough, the agency distributed food assistance to 15,000 people in both Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) controlled areas of Omdurman, part of the Khartoum metropolitan area, beginning on Saturday. Speaking from Port Sudan, Mr. Rowe highlighted other recent food distributions, in Wadi Halfa… Read More
Europe 

Ukraine: UN delivers aid to millions, as civilian suffering continues

“The escalating war is taking a heavy toll on civilians who live close to the front lines, people who cannot go back to their homes, and people across the country living under almost daily threats of attacks,” said Jens Laerke, from the UN’s humanitarian affairs office, OCHA. More than a year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, mine contamination and… Read More
Pacific 

Despite ‘slightly’ improved food security in Yemen, hunger stalks millions

“The United Nations and its partners made strides in rolling back the worst food insecurity last year, but these gains remain fragile, and 17 million people are still food insecure in Yemen,” said David Gressly, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the country. Compared to the same period in 2022, the levels of acutely malnourished people rose in 2023,… Read More
Pacific 

Weather experts predict ‘near normal’ season, with 5 to 9 potential hurricanes

The US National Hurricane Center acts as WMO’s Regional Specialized Meteorological hub, based in Miami, Florida. There is a 40 per cent chance of a near-normal season, 30 per cent possibility of an “above-normal season”, and also 30 per cent of a below-normal season, according to forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center. The hurricane season covering the Atlantic region, including… Read More
Pacific 

UN representative alarmed by sexual violence against women and girls in DRC

“Allegations of grave cases of sexual violence against civilians, including children, in particular affecting IDPs fleeing conflict in the eastern DRC, is a matter of profound concern which requires immediate action,” said the top UN official who advocates for women and girls impacted by sexual violence. The representative spoke of how she was “deeply troubled” by some attacks which have… Read More
Pacific 

Extreme weather caused two million deaths, cost $4 trillion over last 50 years

According to WMO, weather, climate and water-related hazards caused close to 12,000 disasters between 1970 and 2021. Developing countries were hit hardest, seeing nine in 10 deaths and 60 per cent of economic losses from climate shocks and extreme weather.   WMO said that Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States suffered a “disproportionately” high cost in relation to the… Read More
Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial