You are here

Category: World

World Countries

Europe 

‘World’s deadliest sea crossing’ claimed six lives a day in 2018: UN refugee agency

Global Author
According to a new report from the agency, an estimated 2,275 individuals drowned or went missing in the Mediterranean in 2018. This is despite the fact that Europe saw the lowest number of refugees and migrants arriving for five years, at 139,300, principally Spain (65,400), Greece (50,500) and Italy (23,400). “Saving lives at sea is not a choice, nor a matter of… Read More
Pacific 

UN chief condemns deadly terrorist attack on church in southern Philippines

Global Author
In a statement issued by a UN spokesperson, the Secretary-General expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. According to media reports, twin bombings ripped through the Jolo Cathedral in the island province of Sulu, which is in the Philippines southern Bangsamoro region. The attack occurred during Sunday morning services… Read More
Pacific 

Myanmar Government side-lining democratic reform, resorting to military era repression: UN expert

Global Author
Ms. Lee, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, described the “democratic space” in Myanmar (including freedom of speech and association) as “fragile,” with religious and ethnic divisions remaining across the country, as well as the marginalization and discrimination of minorities: “I am greatly concerned that the enduring repressive environment is discouraging people from speaking out… Read More
Europe 

UN chief ‘commends’ leadership of Greece and former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as name dispute draws to final close

Global Author
Matthew Nimetz, the UN chief’s Personal Envoy who has been engaged with the process for nearly two-decades, also welcomed the ratification of the name-change,  commending “this visionary step” both sides had now taken. The UN chief said in a statement from his Spokesperson, that “the implementation of the Agreement will strengthen peace and security in the region and provide a fresh impetus to reconciliation… Read More
Europe 

Mediterranean migrant drownings should spur greater action by European countries, urge UN agencies

Global Author
The warning from UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the UN Migration Agency (IOM) comes after close to 170 people are believed to have drowned in separate tragedies off the Libyan and Moroccan coastlines late last week. Survivors’ testimonies indicate that more than 100 people died in one incident in Libyan waters on Friday 18 January, including 10 women – one… Read More
Europe 

Migrants and refugees face higher risk of developing ill-health, says UN report on displaced people in Europe

Global Author
“The refugees and migrants that come to Europe, they do not bring any exotic diseases with them – any exotic communicable diseases,” said Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “The diseases that they might have there are all well-established diseases in Europe, and also we have very good prevention and control programmes for these diseases,” she added. “This… Read More
Europe 

Another 170 migrants disappear in shipwrecks, UN agency reiterates call for an end to Mediterranean tragedy

Global Author
“The tragedy of the Mediterranean cannot be allowed to continue,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.  According to various NGOs, about 53 people died on the Alborán Sea, in the western part of the Mediterranean. One survivor is understood to have been rescued by a passing fishing boat after being stranded for more than 24 hours at… Read More
Europe 

UN refugee agency ‘deeply shocked’ at stabbing death of ‘deeply courageous’ Polish mayor

Global Author
Pawel Adamowicz, had been mayor since 1998, and according to Montserrat Feixas Vihe, UNHCR Regional Representative for Central Europe, “he received hate mail for his pro-refugee stance, but did not weaken in his belief that integration – which brings with it new talents, new skills, new colours, new languages, and a new mentality – was a winning proposition for everyone… Read More
Europe 

UN welcomes progress in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia naming dispute

Global Author
In a statement released on Friday, Mr. Nimetz congratulated the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia parliament and the country’s citizens – who approved the name change in a referendum held in September 2018 – for the move, and the democratic manner in which the process was undertaken: “this historic Agreement between two neighbours opens the door to a new relationship… Read More
Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial