Africa 

Millions of children in crisis hotspots ‘on the brink of famine’, warns UNICEF

All of these countries and regions are experiencing “dire humanitarian crises” while also grappling with intensifying food insecurity, the coronavirus pandemic and, with the exception of the Central Sahel, “a looming famine”, according to the UN agency.   “For countries reeling from the consequences of conflicts, disasters and climate change, COVID-19 has turned a nutrition crisis into an imminent catastrophe,”… Read More
Africa 

End arrests of political opponents in Uganda: UN independent experts

The concerns, raised by the experts on Tuesday, come amid an uptick in violence ahead of Uganda’s 14 January presidential election and includes reports of the death of an opposition politician’s bodyguard along with injuries sustained by three journalists hit by tear gas canisters on Sunday. “We are gravely concerned by the election-related violence, the excessive use of force by… Read More
Africa 

25,000 refugees in unsettled Tigray region receive urgent UN food supplies

“Families, women, men, children — even new-borns — have been cut off from supplies and essential services for many weeks, so this distribution was urgently needed,” said Ann Encontre, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Representative in Ethiopia. In coordination with federal Ethiopian authorities, a convoy of 18 trucks delivered nearly 250 metric tons of corn soya blend, grains, pulses… Read More
Africa 

Niger: UN chief urges security forces to protect civilians during polls

In a statement by his spokesperson, issued on the eve of the polls, Secretary-General António Guterres commended the Government and people of the west African nation for working to ensure timely elections despite significant security and humanitarian challenges, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  Mr. Guterres also called on all stakeholders “to ensure that the elections are held in a safe, peaceful… Read More
Africa 

UN chief urges peaceful, credible elections in Central African Republic

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres urged all actors “to refrain from any action, including violence, hate speech and incitement to violence, that could threaten human lives and undermine the electoral process and national stability.”  As Central Africans prepare to take part in the general elections on 27 December, @antonioguterres calls on all stakeholders to ensure… Read More
Africa 

Central African Republic: UN rights office warns of ‘escalating violence’ ahead of Sunday poll 

“We are deeply alarmed by reports of escalating violence stoked by political grievances and hate speech, resulting in the forced displacement of civilians, including to neighbouring countries”, Liz Throssell, a Geneva-based spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said in statement on Wednesday.  Instability in CAR dates back decades, and violence has displaced hundreds… Read More
Africa 

Young Champions of the Earth: turning plastics into paving in Kenya

Nzambi Matee who runs Gjenge Makers in Kenya has been named as a UNEP Young Champion of the Earth for 2020. , by UNEP Nzambi Matee’s invention not only keeps plastic out of landfill sites, it also offers a cheaper alternative to conventional concrete paving slabs. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) says every minute, a million plastic bottles are purchased… Read More
Africa 

UN chief condemns attacks against peacekeepers in the Central African Republic

The attacks on peacekeepers from the UN mission in the country (known by its French acronym MINUSCA) and national security forces took pace in Dékoa, Kémo Prefecture, and Bakouma, Mbomou Prefecture.   In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute a war crime.  Mr. Guterres “calls on the Central African… Read More
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