Africa 

From the Field: Weathering climate change in Sudan

Women farmers in Sudan are being encouraged to take a more active role in their communities. The livelihood of many farming families is under threat due to the cumulative effects of conflict, economic and political instability, coupled with increased water consumption from population growth and agricultural development; climate change is the latest threat. Women in Sudan’s southern White Nile State,… Read More
Africa 

Early action saves lives, as Tropical Cyclone Freddy hits Mozambique

Accurate early warnings and early action on the ground helped limit loss of life over the course of the cyclone, UN officials said. UN agencies delivered a host of supplies ahead of the approaching cyclone and are providing assistance to those in need. Currently, strong winds and high seas are threatening Mozambique with dangerous and exceptional rainfall levels. Critical preparations… Read More
Africa 

DR Congo: Senior UN rights official calls on authorities to stop ‘appalling’ violence

The UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Ilze Brands Kehris, concluding a 10-day visit to the country on Wednesday, reported a resurgence of attacks by armed groups and the devastating toll on communities alongside the need for action. “The violence must stop,” she said, encouraging authorities to redouble their efforts to counter rising hatred and implement targeted initiatives to promote… Read More
Africa 

Somalia: UN official underlines need to advance women’s participation in public life

Ms. Gbeho said she has welcomed the Federal Government’s continued commitment to implementing the women, peace, and security agenda, as demonstrated by the launch of a new national action plan on Security Council resolution 1325.  The landmark document, adopted more than 20 years ago, reaffirms women’s role in peacebuilding and conflict prevention and resolution.  Action on equality  Describing the action… Read More
Africa 

Local elections chance to advance peace in Central African Republic: UN envoy

Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza reported on recent progress by the Government, including in election preparations and security sector reform.  Political engagement with the leaders of armed groups remains essential and is starting to yield modest results, she added, pointing to the dissolution of four armed groups who were signatories to the February 2019 Peace Agreement.  Commendable steps  The CAR authorities… Read More
Africa 

Mali: Three UN peacekeepers killed in explosive attack

The incident took place that morning near the village of Songobia, in central Mali, as their supply convoy was heading to its base in Sévaré. El-Ghassim Wane, the head of MINUSMA, condemned the attack and offered his deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased peacekeepers. “This is another tragic illustration of the complexity of our operational environment… Read More
Africa 

Rights experts say peaceful transition in South Sudan crucial, amid ‘immense suffering’

“The suffering across the country remains immense,” Commissioner Barney Afako said at a press conference in Juba, the capital. “South Sudanese women and girls continue to face unspeakable sexual violence.” On the penultimate day of a five-day visit, the Commission took stock of reports from civil society and stakeholders in Juba and Upper Nile state, where the UN runs Protection… Read More
Africa 

Guterres in Africa: End political stalemate in Libya now, UN chief urges leaders

“What is urgently needed is the political will to break the protracted political stalemate and achieve progress on multiple fronts,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the latest meeting of the High-level Committee on Libya, taking place in Addis Ababa. Progress is sorely needed towards holding elections and advancing gains in security, national reconciliation and human rights, he said, adding… Read More
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