Africa 

Impunity driving violence in South Sudan, UN rights commission says

The report by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan details how perpetrators of the most serious crimes – including widespread attacks against civilians and extrajudicial killings – go unpunished, with senior Government officials and military implicated in serious violations.  “Over several years, our findings have consistently shown that impunity for serious crimes is a central driver of… Read More
Africa 

New mechanism must track and tackle ‘gross’ violations in Libya

“Libyan authorities, armed groups, smugglers, and human traffickers should not assume that the eyes of the international community have now left Libya,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said. “It is crucial that we redouble efforts to secure accountability for past violations and continue to monitor the reality on the ground to prevent future violations,” he said, echoing… Read More
Africa 

UN rights experts condemn Uganda’s ‘egregious’ anti-LGBT legislation

“The imposition of the death penalty based on such legislation is per se an arbitrary killing and a breach of article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),” the experts said, noting that Ugandan politicians had been made aware of this on previous occasions in recent years.  The harsh anti-LGBT laws approved by a majority of MPs last week, target… Read More
Africa 

DR Congo: Security Council warned of ‘considerable’ deterioration in restive east

Aware of the worsening situation involving multiple armed groups clashing with Government forces, and each other, a Security Council delegation visited the DRC earlier this month in solidarity with the people of DRC, and to mobilize the United Nations peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in the face of security, electoral and structural challenges. Abuses by militia “The intensification of the conflict… Read More
Africa 

UNICEF sounds alarm over fast-spreading cholera outbreaks in Africa

“The cholera outbreak in eastern and southern Africa isn’t just an outbreak; it’s an emergency for children,” the agency said. Calling for $171 million in funds to support 28 million people suffering in the region, UNICEF said tailored responses are already reaching many impacted, but more must urgently be done. Tailored life-saving responses The agency said the worst cholera outbreaks… Read More
Africa 

UN underlines support for Africa’s fight against terrorism

Leaders from across the continent joined ambassadors in examining how to counter terrorism and better prevent violent extremism through stronger cooperation between the UN and regional organizations.  The debate was chaired by President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique. The country, which holds the rotating Security Council presidency this month, has been battling a deadly insurgency in the north for more than… Read More
Africa 

Libya: Crimes against humanity committed since 2016 – rights probe

In the case of State security forces, human rights violations were committed to quash dissent and exploit vulnerable migrants, with no justice in sight, according to the latest report, from the Independent Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Libya. It documents the “widespread practice” of arbitrary detention, murder, torture, rape, enslavement and enforced disappearance in the country. In addition, the Mission states for the… Read More
Africa 

Southern Africa: Cyclone Freddy aftermath brings diseases, healthcare gaps

The devastation caused by the cyclone in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique has increased the spread of cholera and malaria, as well as malnutrition. Meanwhile, more than 300 health facilities have been destroyed or flooded in the three countries, limiting health care access. The cyclone’s destruction increased public health risks including a surge in the spread of cholera, malaria, malnutrition, COVID-19,… Read More
Africa 

Funding for African Union Somalia mission critical to security: UN political chief

Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo was speaking on Wednesday at a meeting at UN Headquarters to draw attention to the widening financing gap at the year-old operation. “Despite initial generous donor support, contributions have significantly declined, leaving the mission in a dire financial situation,” she said.  Contributing to progress  ATMIS builds on the work of a previous African Union (AU) mission, AMISOM,… Read More
Africa 

Tanzania confirms first-ever outbreak of deadly Marburg Virus Disease

Lab tests were carried out after eight people in the region developed symptoms of the “highly virulent” disease, including fever, vomiting, bleeding, and kidney failure. Five of the eight confirmed cases have died, including a health worker, and the remaining three are being treated. The agency also identified 161 contacts of those infected, who are currently being monitored. “The efforts… Read More