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World News In Brief: Deaths And Injuries Mount In Ukraine, Refugees From Sudan, Vanuatu Quake Response
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 11:42 pm | UN News
In Ukraine, the UN continues to provide aid and support to communities impacted by Russia’s full-scale invasion. More >>
Syria: Rights Investigators Call For Protection Of Evidence, Including Mass Grave Sites
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 11:40 pm | UN News
In a landmark mission to Syria, the UN probe into the most serious rights violations committed in the country since 2011 has called on caretaker authorities to take immediate measures to protect mass grave sites and preserve critical evidence. More >>
Humanity’s Fate Can't Be Left To Algorithms, UN Chief Tells Security Council
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 11:38 pm | UN News
The UN Secretary-General on Thursday urged the Security Council to act decisively to establish international guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI), warning that delays could heighten risks to global peace and security. More >>
Reconstruction And Vital Repairs Underway In Syria, As ‘Security Conditions’ Permit
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 11:36 pm | UN News
Around 1.3 million Syrians have received food aid in the past three weeks across Syria from the UN and partners, as the restoration of key services begins in some of the relatively stable areas of the country. More >>
Photography And The Spirit Of Community In Indigenous Philippines
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 11:29 pm | APEC
Filipino photographer and APEC Photo Contest second prize winner Jaime Singlador shares how his photography and outreach missions help him connect with people on a deeper level. More >>
Floating Petals Of Progress: An Award-Winning Tale Of Art In Bloom
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 11:26 pm | APEC
Follow the journey of Korean photographer Gilyoung Pyo whose image, Floating Solar Plant and Smart Farm, illustrates the harmony between innovation and nature. More >>
AHRC Writes A Letter To The Hon President Of The Democratic Socialist Republic Of Sri Lanka On Needed Justice Reforms
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 11:17 pm | Asian Human Rights Commission
Honorable Anura Kumara Dissanayake President Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Presidential Secretariat, Galle Face, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka. +94(0) 11 2 354 354 +94(0) 11 2 340 340 ps@presidentsoffice.lk December 19, 2024 Your Excellency, ... More >>
Era Of AI: IGF Closes With Call For Stronger Multistakeholder Action To Harness Digital Promise And Tackle Threats
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 11:11 pm | UN Department of Global Communications
Global leaders, private sector, civil society and technical community unite for comprehensive digital governance, strengthening the Global Digital Compact and declaring the Riyadh IGF Messages outcomes. More >>
Asia-Pacific Policymakers Call For Urgent Action To Bridge Financing Gaps For Sustainable Development
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 10:58 pm | UN ESCAP
Participants highlighted the staggering $4 trillion annual financing gap in developing countries worldwide, with leaders stressing the need for coordinated international support, enhanced domestic resource mobilization and greater private sector engagement. More >>
Australia: CMHA And PWDA Demand Justice And Urgent Reform Following Death Of Simon Cartwright At Silverwater Jail
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 10:55 pm | People with Disability Australia - PWDA
These inhumane acts, compounded by the glaring inadequacies in mental health supports, highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reform. More >>
Bolivia: Despite Progress, Tackling Overcrowding In Prisons Remains Pressing
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 10:52 pm | UN Treaty Bodies
During the mission, the SPT delegation visited 34 detention centres in six departments, including men’s and women’s prisons, centres for children in conflict with the law, police stations, psychiatric hospitals, drug rehabilitation centres, a children´s ... More >>
UN Committee On Migrant Workers Publishes Findings On Benin, Egypt, Peru And Seychelles
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 10:50 pm | UN Treaty Bodies
The findings contain the Committee’s main concerns and recommendations on the implementation of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, as well as positive aspects. More >>
Syria’s New ‘Flame Of Hope’ Must Not Be Extinguished: Guterres
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 10:30 pm | UN News
A flame of hope burns bright today in Syria – but if it’s not carefully managed by both Syrians themselves and the international community, it risks being extinguished. More >>
UN Urges Parties To Re-engage On Iran Nuclear Deal
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 10:28 pm | UN News
The head of UN political affairs called on Tuesday for urgent re-engagement to restore an international agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme. More >>
Avian Flu Reported In 108 Countries Across Five Continents, Says UN Health Agency
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 10:20 pm | UN News
Avian influenza has caused the deaths of more than 300 million birds worldwide and the virus “is increasingly crossing species barriers”, according to UN health officers. More >>
Tensions Escalating Over DPR Korea, Political Affairs Chief Warns Security Council
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 10:14 pm | UN News
The UN’s top political affairs official expressed grave concern over rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, urging the Security Council to uphold the objective of preventing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) – more commonly known as North ... More >>
Winter Rains And Aid Obstacles Worsen Ordeal For One Million Gazans
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 9:49 pm | UN News
Nearly one million Gazans risk spending winter without adequate shelter as UN agencies struggle to provide cold weather assistance, amid ongoing Israeli bombardment, repeated evacuation orders and restrictions on aid deliveries, they warned on Wednesday. More >>
Syria Faces Uncertain Future After Regime’s Collapse Amid Humanitarian Crises
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 9:46 pm | UN News
At a historic crossroads, just 11 days after the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria faces a fragile mix of hope and chaos, plagued by a volatile security situation and a worsening humanitarian crisis, top UN officials told the Security Council on Tuesday. More >>
WFP Delivers Aid To Over 800,000 In Sudan's Hunger Hotspots
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 9:44 pm | UN News
The World Food Programme (WFP) has intensified its emergency response in Sudan, delivering food assistance to more than 800,000 people in famine-affected and at-risk areas, even as conflict continues to escalate across the country. More >>
Migrants With Disabilities Facing Dual Neglect: UN Committees
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 9:40 pm | UN Treaty Bodies
Raising awareness in just one day is not enough to address the critical situation faced by migrants with disabilities. However, days like 18 December provide an opportunity to spotlight their struggle, especially since they are often overlooked in official ... More >>
South Sudan: UN Report Says Arbitrary Arrests And Detentions Remain Serious Concern
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 9:38 pm | UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
“I call on the South Sudanese authorities to release all individuals arbitrarily deprived of their liberty, and to bring those responsible for such violations and abuses to justice,” says UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. More >>
CDF Act Awareness For Central Makira Constituency Ends, Dubbed As ‘New Beginning’
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 9:35 pm | Solomon Islands MRD
Central Makira constituents dubbed the awareness as a ‘new beginning’ and the first of its kind for a government ministry to go down to the rural people and talk about an Act of Parliament. More >>
Türk Welcomes 2nd International Decade For People Of African Descent, Calls For Bold Action To Deliver Real Change
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 8:27 pm | UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
As the coordinator of the International Decade, Türk noted that another important objective is the elaboration and adoption of a draft UN declaration on the respect, protection and fulfilment of the human rights of people of African descent. More >>
Malaysian Politician’s Daughter Loses Defamation Suit Against Swiss NGO
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 8:20 pm | Bruno Manser Fonds
Swiss Court intervenes in defamation lawsuit against the Bruno Manser Fonds and dismisses the plaintiffs' main legal claims - partial rulings reserved. More >>
Will It Be Eke, Latu Or Someone Else Taking The Top Job In Tonga?
Saturday, 21 December 2024, 6:41 pm | RNZ
On Christmas Eve, MPs in Tonga will choose a new prime minister after the resignation of Hu'akavameliku Siaosi Sovaleni on December 9. More >>
Vanuatu Quake: UNICEF Aotearoa Launches Urgent Fundraising Appeal For 40,000 Children In Need
Friday, 20 December 2024, 6:59 pm | UNICEF Aotearoa NZ
UNICEF Pacific Chief of Vanuatu Field Office, Eric Durpaire, is deeply concerned about the rise in waterborne illnesses in children. More >>
NZ Rescuers Still Hopeful Of Finding Survivors Of Vanuatu Earthquake
Friday, 20 December 2024, 5:25 pm | RNZ
An Urban Search and Rescue crew is painstakingly clearing the rubble of a pancaked building, searching for survivors layer by layer. More >>
Surveillance, Aid, Responders And Evacuees Covered By RNZAF Vanuatu Flights
Friday, 20 December 2024, 2:37 pm | New Zealand Defence Force
Another evacuation flight is being planned for Saturday and the aircraft will also deliver more humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies as part of New Zealand’s support to Vanuatu following Tuesday’s 7.3-magnitude earthquake. More >>
‘Dying Hungry And In Pain’: An Increasingly Likely Outcome In Gaza
Friday, 20 December 2024, 11:50 am | UN News
The head of the UN aid coordination office in Gaza, Georgios Petropoulos, issued a harrowing update on the dire situation in the enclave on Thursday, describing it as "the most dangerous place on earth right now." More >>
Staggering Scale Of Sudan Crisis ‘Demands Sustained And Urgent Attention’
Friday, 20 December 2024, 11:08 am | UN News
A senior UN humanitarian official on Thursday issued an urgent plea for international support to alleviate the devastating toll of the ongoing war in Sudan, as millions remain in desperate need of aid and protection. More >>
The Democratic Party Faces Its Day Of Reckoning
Friday, 20 December 2024, 6:25 am | Independent Media Institute
After decades of malfeasance and deception, it has become evident that the corporate Democratic Party cannot serve as the lone opposition party to the corporate Republicans. The American people need a viable political party that represents the interests of ... More >>
Rescue Teams Continue Hunt For Survivors After Vanuatu Earthquake
Thursday, 19 December 2024, 9:49 pm | RNZ
There are conflicting reports of the official death toll - with members of the public voicing frustrations online. More >>
Samoa Citizenship Restoration Act: New Zealand approves 49 applications, more expected
Thursday, 19 December 2024, 9:35 pm | RNZ
New Zealand Internal Affairs office confirmed the it received 154 applications, 71 of them from Samoa, and over 100 more applications are expected this week. More >>
Gaza Death Trap: MSF Report Exposes Israel’s Campaign Of Total Destruction
Thursday, 19 December 2024, 7:34 pm | MSF Australia
Amid continued attacks, siege, and blockade, Israel is destroying conditions of life in Gaza. More >>
RNZAF Continues More Flights To Support Vanuatu Response
Thursday, 19 December 2024, 7:12 pm | New Zealand Defence Force
Also on board were Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular staff and six New Zealand Defence Force personnel, including medics and staff, who will assist with planning the emergency response and evacuation of New Zealanders. More >>
‘We Must Not Normalise The War In Ukraine,’ Warns Country Coordinator
Thursday, 19 December 2024, 10:10 am | UN News
On Wednesday UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale briefed the press after visiting the war-ravaged eastern Donetsk region, sharing harrowing accounts of human resilience amid the chaos of Russia’s ongoing invasion. More >>
Occupied Palestinian Territory: Security Council Hears Of Ongoing Violence, ‘Relentless’ Israeli Settlement Expansion
Thursday, 19 December 2024, 9:04 am | UN News
The United Nations continues to voice major concern over hostilities and Israeli settlement expansion in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), the Security Council heard on Wednesday. More >>
Syria: UN Envoy Concludes Talks In Damascus, Citing Hope For Democratic Future
Thursday, 19 December 2024, 8:59 am | UN News
The UN Special Envoy for Syria concluded talks in Damascus on Wednesday, expressing optimism that the fall of the Assad regime could mark the start of a peaceful and democratic transition for the shattered country, while acknowledging challenges remain. More >>
World News In Brief: Migrants Day, Hunger In The Arab World, Arbitrary Arrests In South Sudan
Thursday, 19 December 2024, 8:21 am | UN News
Migration patterns continue to be shaped by conflicts, climate disasters, and economic pressures, with 2024 marking record levels of internal displacement, the UN reported on Wednesday, marking International Migrants Day. More >>
Gaza Death Toll Passes 45,000 As UN School Suffers New Deadly Strike
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 9:20 pm | UN News
Authorities in Gaza reported on Monday that more than 45,000 people have been killed in the enclave in the last 14 months, as humanitarians condemned new deadly airstrikes across the war-torn Strip, including on a UN school-turned-shelter. More >>
UN Announces Plan To Address Political Impasse, Overdue Elections In Libya
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 9:18 pm | UN News
A new UN plan for Libya aims to overcome political deadlock, put the country back on the path to long-awaited presidential elections and renew the legitimacy of its institutions, the Security Council heard on Monday. More >>
Migrant Workers ‘Indispensable’ To Global Economic Growth: UN Labour Agency
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 9:16 pm | UN News
International migrants comprised 4.7 per cent of the labour force in 2022 – an indication of the crucial role they play in the global economy, the UN labour agency ILO said in a report published on Monday. More >>
Syria Crisis: ‘Key Priority’ Is Preserving Evidence Of Crimes, Say UN Investigators
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 9:15 pm | UN News
The historic shift of power in Syria and the possibility of finally accessing evidence of horrific human rights violations could bring accountability closer than ever – if only proof can be preserved - a top UN investigator said on Tuesday. More >>
In Damascus, Top UN Envoy Stresses Need For Credible, Inclusive, ‘Syrian Owned’ Transition
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 9:12 pm | UN News
The UN’s top Syria envoy has held talks in Damascus with the head of the new administration as well as the prime minister of the caretaker Government, stressing the imperative for a “credible and inclusive Syrian owned and led political transition.” More >>
Korea Sets Ambitious Priorities For APEC 2025: Building A Sustainable Tomorrow
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 9:07 pm | APEC
Korea’s approach emphasizes three interconnected pillars: Connect, Innovate, and Prosper, designed to foster resilience, sustainability and inclusivity across the Asia-Pacific region. More >>
Fiji: Ordinary Consumers Anew Struggle With Chicken Prices
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 9:06 pm | Consumer Council of Fiji
The Council strongly urges supermarkets to exercise fair pricing practices that do not exploit consumers during this critical time of the year. Free market economics should not come at the expense of the public’s well-being and their ability to ... More >>
Amidst Cogea Anniversary Reflections, FCOSS Fact Corrects Forestry
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 9:03 pm | Fiji Council of Social Services
On this anniversary, FCOSS also takes this opportunity to address inaccuracies in recent statements made by the Ministry of Forestry and the Fiji Government regarding the Cogea Relocation Project, which has been spearheaded by FCOSS. More >>
The BBC's Complicity In Historical Erasure: Britain's Unfinished Business With The Naga Nation
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 8:52 pm | Naga International Support Center - NISC
By carelessly designating the Naga Homeland as Indian territory, the BBC not only misrepresents history but actively participates in the ongoing erasure of Naga sovereignty – a sovereignty that predates both British colonialism and Indian independence. More >>
19th Internet Governance Forum Sets Out Vision For Inclusive, Equitable Digital Future
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 8:48 pm | UN Department of Global Communications
This year’s Forum convened against the backdrop of the recently adopted Global Digital Compact which envisions a secure, human-centered digital future. More >>
Seize Momentum For Justice Created By Application For ICC Arrest Warrant Against Myanmar Junta Leader: UN Expert
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 8:46 pm | UN Special Procedures - Human Rights
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar said this was an important moment for victims of the 2017 attacks against the Rohingya, who have waited for justice for far too long. More >>
Palau Customs Launches E-Payment System For Seamless Customs Duty And Tax Payments
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 8:37 pm | ASYCUDA Pacific Regional Office
The development of this system over the last few months marks a significant milestone in Palau’s efforts to integrate digital solutions into its customs procedures, ultimately benefiting the trade community and contributing to the nation’s economic ... More >>
Services Still Down Nearly 24 Hours After Vanuatu Quake
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 8:19 pm | RNZ
At least 14 people are confirmed to have been killed. More >>
The Seventh Edition Of Time Space Existence Is Set To Open In Venice On 10 May
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 7:16 pm | European Cultural Centre
An international and eclectic group of architects, urban planners, designers, academic institutions, and multidisciplinary creatives will come together to reimagine new ways of living and rethink architecture through a wider lens. More >>
New Zealand Defence Force Support To Vanuatu
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 6:23 pm | New Zealand Defence Force
Crew on a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-8A Poseidon today conducted a surveillance flight over key infrastructure sites in Port Vila, such as the airport, runway and port, as well as immediate surrounding islands. More >>
VANUATU: Save The Children Gravely Concerned For Children And Families In Vanuatu After Multiple Earthquakes
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 5:10 pm | Save The Children
The Govt of Vanuatu has confirmed at least 14 people have been killed & hundreds more injured, after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Vanuatu, 37km from the capital, Port Vila, just after midday on Tuesday, Dec 17, followed by a magnitude 5.5 earthquake ... More >>
ICHRP Condemns AFP Attacks Against Two Farmers In Quezon & Calls For Their Release
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 3:34 pm | ICHRP
Villanueva and another farmer named Genero were subsequently arrested by 85th IB soldiers, who accused them of being supporters of the NPA. The farmers’ whereabouts remain unknown. More >>
Türk Welcomes 2nd International Decade For People Of African Descent, Calls For Bold Action To Deliver Real Change
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 11:50 am | UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk: To secure the full rights and freedoms of people of African descent, States and all of us must effectively confront the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, dismantle systemic racism and deliver reparatory justice. More >>
Around 90,000 Children Impacted By Cyclone Chido In Mozambique
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 11:00 am | UN News
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique over the weekend, bringing torrential rains and powerful winds that caused devastation for communities in Cabo Delgado province. More >>
Harm Reduction Equals Public Health Win In Thailand
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 8:31 am | CAPHRA
Nancy Loucas commends the Thai Special Committee's commitment to a transparent and inclusive study of e-cigarette laws. "This balanced approach, considering all stakeholders' perspectives, is crucial for developing effective tobacco harm reduction policies," ... More >>
What Is Driving State-Sponsored Attacks On Citizens Abroad?
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, 5:58 am | Independent Media Institute
Kidnappings and killings of citizens by their own governments abroad are becoming increasingly common. The normalization of this trend will erode the sovereignty of all nations, as well as the safety of their citizens. More >>
