Category Archives: Topics

events, News, Refugees and maigrents, Reports

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances: A Call for Justice and Accountability

Posted on by admin
30
Aug

Every year on August 30th, the world observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, a day dedicated to remembering those who have been secretly abducted or imprisoned, often by state agents, and whose fates remain unknown. This day, established by the United Nations, serves as a powerful reminder of the thousands of individuals who have vanished without a trace, leaving their families in a state of perpetual anguish.

Enforced Disappearances: A Grave Human Rights Violation

Enforced disappearances are not just acts of kidnapping; they represent a severe violation of multiple human rights, including the right to security, freedom from torture, and even the right to life. These disappearances are often used as tools of political repression, silencing dissent and instilling fear within communities. Governments or their agents, who perpetrate these acts, typically deny the detention of the victims or refuse to disclose their whereabouts, effectively placing them outside the protection of the law.

The Human Cost

For the families of the disappeared, the pain is immeasurable. They are left in a state of limbo, unable to mourn, uncertain whether their loved ones are alive or dead. This uncertainty can lead to prolonged psychological suffering, exacerbated by the lack of closure or justice. Moreover, enforced disappearances often leave families economically destitute, particularly when the disappeared person was the primary breadwinner.

A Global Issue

While enforced disappearances are often associated with dictatorial regimes, they are a global issue affecting numerous countries, including those in conflict zones or under authoritarian rule. The international community has recognized the severity of this crime, leading to the adoption of instruments such as the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which aims to prevent such violations and ensure justice for victims.

Brussels for Human Rights: Standing in Solidarity

At Brussels for Human Rights, we stand with the victims of enforced disappearances and their families, offering our unwavering support and solidarity. We call on governments around the world to fully implement international conventions, ensure accountability, and provide reparations to the victims and their families. On this International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, we urge the global community to unite in the fight against this heinous practice and to work tirelessly towards a world where no one has to live in fear of being disappeared.

Join Us in the Fight for Justice

We invite you to join us in raising awareness about enforced disappearances and advocating for stronger protections against this crime. Together, we can ensure that the voices of the disappeared are heard and that their families receive the justice they deserve.

Topics

Humanitarian Aid Efforts Underway in Flood-Stricken Myanmar

Posted on by mahmoud gaber
flood
28
Aug

On August 26, 2024, humanitarian teams in Myanmar began distributing emergency aid to families impacted by severe monsoon flooding in the Ayeyarwady Delta, a crucial rice-producing region where nearly half a million people may be affected.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reported that significant areas of farmland have been submerged, creating an urgent need for basic necessities such as food, clean water, and sanitation in the hardest-hit areas.

This disaster exacerbates an already dire situation across Myanmar, which has been suffering from escalating conflict, displacement, and severe threats to civilian safety following a military coup over three years ago.

WFP’s initial relief efforts target approximately 35,000 individuals currently taking refuge in evacuation centers within the Ayeyarwady Delta. The provided food packages include rice, fortified biscuits, and nutritional support aimed at preventing acute malnutrition, particularly among mothers and children.

Sheela Matthew, WFP’s Representative in Myanmar, expressed concern that the flooding may drastically reduce the region’s monsoon rice production, potentially endangering the food security of small-scale farmers.

Widespread Challenges

Matthew highlighted that the consequences of the flooding are expected to resonate not just within the Ayeyarwady Delta but across broader regions of Myanmar. As a result, WFP is working to mitigate potential food shortages.

According to the Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2024, even before the floods, 1.5 million people in the Ayeyarwady region were already in need of humanitarian aid – roughly one-quarter of the population. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) had previously reported that 18.6 million people nationwide were in need of assistance. The crisis has had a particularly devastating impact on children, with six million in need due to displacement, disrupted healthcare and education, food insecurity, malnutrition, and protection risks such as forced recruitment and psychological distress.

WFP’s Return to the Delta

This marks the WFP’s first aid mission to the Ayeyarwady Delta in nine years; the last intervention was in 2015 after widespread flooding. The organization has also extended support to 130,000 people in other flood-affected areas of Myanmar, including Bago, Kachin, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, and Sagaing. The WFP is also assessing needs in Rakhine and is prepared to respond as necessary.

Although many areas affected by the floods have also been impacted by ongoing conflict, the Ayeyarwady Delta and parts of Bago remain relatively conflict-free, allowing for focused relief efforts.

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Humanitarian Aid, Topics

#ActForHumanity: UN Calls for Action to End Violence Against Aid Workers on World Humanitarian Day

Posted on by mahmoud gaber
20
Aug

As the world marks World Humanitarian Day on August 19, the United Nations and its partners are sounding the alarm over the increasing violence against aid workers. The past year has been the deadliest on record, with 280 aid workers killed across 33 countries—a staggering 137% increase from 2022, when 118 were killed, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the rising violence and the culture of impunity that allows perpetrators to evade justice. He urged governments to exert pressure on all parties involved in conflicts to protect civilians and humanitarian workers alike. “We must all do more to protect and safeguard our common humanity,” Guterres emphasized.

The death toll for aid workers in 2024 is on track to surpass last year’s grim figures. As of August 7, 172 humanitarian workers had already lost their lives, with many deaths occurring during the first three months of hostilities in Gaza. Airstrikes in Gaza alone have claimed the lives of more than 280 aid workers since October 2023, most of whom were staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Additionally, violence in Sudan and South Sudan has significantly contributed to the rising death toll.

Joyce Msuya, UN Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, called the normalization of violence against aid workers “unacceptable and unconscionable.” She stressed the need for greater accountability, stating, “We reiterate our demand that people in power act to end violations against civilians and the impunity with which these heinous attacks are committed.”

This year’s World Humanitarian Day campaign, #ActForHumanity, aims to rally public support to pressure warring parties and world leaders to better protect civilians and aid workers caught in conflict zones. The observance also commemorates the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, which killed 22 humanitarian workers, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq.

Humanitarian organizations have collectively urged UN Member States to enforce greater protections for aid workers, their premises, and their assets, as outlined in UN Security Council resolution 2730, adopted in May 2024. They stressed that those who violate international humanitarian law must be held accountable, ensuring that justice is served for these atrocities.

The letter from humanitarian organizations affirmed their commitment to continue providing aid in crisis zones but highlighted the urgent need for a united stand to safeguard their staff, volunteers, and the civilians they serve.

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Economic Development, Topics

Youth Unemployment Hits 15-Year Low, But Challenges Persist for Young Workers, Says UN Labour Agency

Posted on by admin
16
Aug

The global youth unemployment rate has reached a 15-year low, according to the latest report by the UN International Labour Organization (ILO). However, young workers, especially in low-income countries and certain regions like Asia, the Pacific, and Arab States, are struggling to benefit from the post-COVID economic recovery.

Despite a global decline in youth unemployment to 13% in 2023—lower than pre-pandemic levels—the recovery remains uneven, with rising joblessness in East Asia, the Arab States, and Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The ILO’s report highlights significant disparities in job security, with only one in four young workers in low-income countries securing stable employment, compared to three in four in wealthier nations.

The report also sheds light on the challenges faced by young women, who are twice as likely as men to be “NEET” (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). Gender bias remains a significant issue, with the global NEET rate for young women more than double that of young men in 2023.

The ILO emphasizes that creating decent work opportunities is crucial for social justice and the global economy, especially in the face of demographic trends like Africa’s “youthquake.” The report calls for urgent action to address inequalities in the labour market and ensure that young people have the opportunity to build secure futures.

Key findings from the ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024 report include a shortage of high-skill jobs, particularly in middle-income countries, and the need for skills development to keep pace with evolving demands in green and digital industries. The ILO underscores that without equal access to education and decent work, millions of young people will miss out on a better future.


The original article

Economic Development, Humanitarian Aid, Refugees and maigrents, Topics

Global Hunger Setback by 15 Years: UN Report Warns of Growing Crisis

Posted on by mahmoud gaber
02
Aug

Published on July 24, 2024

The fight against global hunger has been significantly set back, with around 733 million people experiencing hunger in 2023—equivalent to one in eleven people globally and one in five in Africa, according to the latest UN State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report. This alarming trend suggests that progress toward the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger by 2030 is severely off track.

Key Findings:

  • Hunger Statistics: Between 713 million and 757 million people were undernourished in 2023, an increase of about 152 million since 2019.
  • Regional Disparities: Africa is the hardest hit, with 20.4% of its population facing hunger, while Asia remains stable at 8.1%. Latin America has seen slight improvements but still faces significant challenges.
  • Drivers of Hunger: Conflict, climate extremes, and economic downturns are the primary drivers of hunger, particularly in Africa.
  • Food Insecurity: In 2023, approximately 2.33 billion people globally were moderately or severely food insecure, nearly matching the numbers seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Economic Barriers: A staggering 2.8 billion people could not afford a healthy diet in 2022, with stark contrasts between high-income and low-income countries.

Progress and Challenges:

Despite some advances, such as increased exclusive breastfeeding rates and a slight reduction in stunting among children under five, global hunger levels have remained static for three consecutive years. Moreover, adult obesity continues to rise, projected to affect over 1.2 billion adults by 2030.

COVID-19 Impact:

The pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity, particularly in low-income countries. By 2022, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet reached its highest level since 2017 in these regions, highlighting the widening inequality caused by COVID-19.

Call to Action:

The report emphasizes the need for increased, cost-effective financing and a standardized approach to food security and nutrition. Transforming agrifood systems, addressing inequalities, and making healthy diets affordable and accessible are critical to achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger. UN agency heads stress that substantial investment is necessary to close the financing gap and enhance global food security efforts.

FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero highlights the urgency: “We need to understand that our agri-food systems are under increasing risk and uncertainty due to climate change…donors must adopt greater risk tolerance to activate effective finance.”

For more detailed insights, visit the original report on the United Nations website

Environment, News, Reports, Topics

Air New Zealand scraps 2030 carbon emissions target

Posted on by mahmoud gaber
30
Jul

Flag carrier cites lack of newer fuel-efficient aircraft and alternative jet fuels as reasons for not meeting the target.

Published On: 30 July 2024

Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies

Air New Zealand has abandoned its 2030 carbon emissions targets, citing the unavailability of newer fuel-efficient aircraft and alternative jet fuels.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran announced on Tuesday that potential delays in the airline’s fleet renewal plan posed “an additional risk to the target’s achievability.”

“The airline may need to retain its existing fleet longer than planned due to global manufacturing and supply chain issues that could potentially slow the introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft into the fleet,” Foran said in a statement. “Given so many levers needed to meet the target are outside our control, the decision has been made to retract the 2030 target and withdraw from the SBTi network immediately.”

The airline will also withdraw from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), which assists companies in reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.

New Zealand’s flagship airline is considering a new near-term carbon emissions reduction target that would better reflect the industry’s challenges related to aircraft and alternative jet fuel availability.

Air New Zealand Chair Therese Walsh reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Our work to transition away from fossil fuels continues, as does our advocacy for the global and domestic regulatory and policy settings that will help facilitate Air New Zealand, and the wider aviation system in New Zealand, to do its part to mitigate climate change risks,” Walsh said.

Air New Zealand initially aimed to reduce overall carbon emissions by 16.3 percent by 2030, compared to a 2019 baseline.

The announcement comes as airlines face longer routes due to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, increasing their demand for emissions-generating fuel.

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Environment, Topics

The Heat is On: UN Chief Urges Immediate Action to Combat Rising Temperatures

Posted on by mahmoud gaber
26
Jul

By Vibhu Mishra, July 25, 2024 – Climate and Environment

UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning on Thursday, calling for urgent global action to protect billions of people exposed to the devastating effects of extreme heat, as temperatures continue to rise unabated worldwide.

The call to action follows record temperatures and lethal heatwaves affecting regions from the United States and Europe to Africa’s Sahel and the Middle East, with several hundred fatalities recorded this summer alone. Notably, over 1,300 lives were lost to scorching heat during the Hajj pilgrimage.

“Billions of people are facing an extreme heat epidemic – wilting under increasingly deadly heatwaves, with temperatures topping 50 degrees Celsius around the world. That is 122 degrees Fahrenheit – halfway to boiling,” Guterres stated at a press conference at UN Headquarters in New York.

Protecting the Vulnerable

Highlighting the uneven impact of heatwaves, the UN chief emphasized that urban poor, pregnant women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, the sick, and the displaced are most at risk. These groups often reside in inadequate housing with limited access to cooling solutions.

UN estimates reveal that heat-related deaths among those over 65 have surged by 85% over the past two decades. Furthermore, while 25% of children currently face frequent heatwaves, this figure could rise to nearly 100% by 2050.

“We must respond by massively increasing access to low-carbon cooling, expanding passive cooling – such as natural solutions and urban design, and cleaning up cooling technologies while boosting their efficiency,” Guterres urged. He also called for increased financial support to shield communities from “climate chaos.”

Protecting Workers

Guterres underscored the need to enhance worker protections, noting that over 70% of the global workforce, or 2.4 billion people, are at significant risk from extreme heat. The situation is especially dire in Africa and the Arab regions, where over 90% and 80% of workers, respectively, are exposed. In Asia and the Pacific, 75% of workers are at risk.

Heat stress at work is projected to cost the global economy $2.4 trillion by 2030, up from $280 billion in the mid-1990s.

“We need measures to protect workers, grounded in human rights,” Guterres stressed. “And we must ensure that laws and regulations reflect the reality of extreme heat today – and are enforced.”

Boosting Resilience

The UN chief also highlighted the need to bolster the resilience of economies and societies, citing the adverse effects of extreme heat on infrastructure, crop yields, water supplies, health systems, and electricity grids. Cities, experiencing heating at twice the global average rate, are particularly vulnerable.

To tackle these challenges, Guterres called for comprehensive, data-driven action plans tailored to specific countries, cities, and sectors. “We need a concerted effort to heatproof economies, critical sectors, and the built environment.”

Fighting the Root Cause

Guterres reiterated the importance of addressing the broader impacts of extreme heat, including hurricanes, floods, droughts, wildfires, and rising sea levels. He stressed the urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and to enhance climate action to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

Governments, particularly G20 nations, the private sector, cities, and regions must urgently adopt climate action plans. Countries must also phase out fossil fuels and halt new coal projects.

“They must act as though our future depends on it – because it does,” Guterres concluded.

For more information, visit the UN’s official announcement.

Environment, Topics

Rising Heat in Europe and Central Asia Claims Nearly 400 Children Annually, Reports UNICEF

Posted on by mahmoud gaber
25
Jul

July 24, 2024 – Climate and Environment

Soaring summer temperatures across Europe and Central Asia are resulting in the deaths of nearly 400 children annually, according to a new analysis by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) released on Wednesday.

UNICEF’s data from 2021 reveals that 377 children died from heat-related illnesses in 23 countries within the region. Notably, half of these fatalities occurred within the first year of life.

“Around half of children across Europe and Central Asia – or 92 million children – are already exposed to frequent heatwaves in a region where temperatures are rising at the fastest rate globally,” said Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.

Health Complications from Rising Temperatures

De Dominicis warned that high temperatures can swiftly complicate a child’s health, posing serious and potentially life-threatening risks without timely care.

UNICEF’s findings highlight that heat exposure can adversely affect children even before birth, leading to pre-term births, low birth weight, stillbirths, and congenital anomalies. Heat stress can also directly result in death, impact infant growth, and pave the way for pediatric diseases.

Moreover, UNICEF reported that “extreme heat caused the loss of more than 32,000 years of healthy life among children and teenagers in the region.”

Urgent Recommendations

The year 2024 has experienced unprecedented high temperatures, with June marking the hottest month on record globally. This follows 13 consecutive record-setting months.

In response, UNICEF is urging governments in Europe and Central Asia to invest in “heat health action plans and primary healthcare to more adequately support heat-related illness among children.”

The agency recommends additional measures such as:

  • Implementing heat alert systems.
  • Ensuring educational facilities reduce temperatures in play areas.
  • Securing safe drinking water provision.
  • Equipping buildings to minimize heat exposure.
  • Establishing comprehensive strategies to mitigate heatwave impacts, particularly on children.

UNICEF is actively collaborating with governments and communities to “build resilience against heatwaves” by educating teachers, family members, and community health workers on combating heat stress.

For more details, visit the original announcement.

Woman

The Gambia: UN Celebrates Landmark Decision to Uphold FGM Ban

Posted on by mahmoud gaber
22
Jul

July 15, 2024 – Women’s Rights

In a significant victory for women’s and girls’ rights, senior UN officials have praised The Gambia for maintaining its ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). On Monday, Gambian lawmakers voted to reject a bill that aimed to overturn the 2015 law prohibiting this harmful practice, which involves the cutting or removal of external female genitalia.

FGM, typically performed on infants and young girls, can lead to severe immediate and long-term physical and psychological damage, including infections, childbirth complications, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Commitment to Rights and Well-Being

“Following the vote today by the National Assembly of The Gambia, we commend the country’s decision to uphold the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), reaffirming its commitments to human rights, gender equality, and protecting the health and well-being of girls and women,” the UN officials said in a joint statement.

The statement was issued by Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF; Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA; Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO; Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women; and Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Separately, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed hailed the decision on social media, calling it a “monumental achievement.”

Grassroots Efforts and Ongoing Advocacy

The officials praised the relentless efforts of survivors, activists, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups working to eradicate FGM. “Upholding the ban supports these grassroots initiatives, which are pivotal in ending all forms of violence, including harmful practices, against girls and women and delivering a safer and healthier future for girls and women in The Gambia and elsewhere,” they said.

They emphasized the fragility of progress towards ending FGM, noting that assaults on women’s and girls’ rights globally have jeopardized hard-won gains. “In some countries, advancements have stalled or reversed due to pushback against girls’ and women’s rights, instability, and conflict, disrupting services and prevention programmes,” they noted.

The Importance of Comprehensive Efforts

While legislative bans are critical, the UN officials insisted that they alone cannot end FGM. They highlighted that over 73 percent of girls and women aged 15 to 49 in The Gambia have undergone the practice, many before the age of five.

“It also underscores the importance of engaging with communities and grassroots organizations, working with traditional, political, and religious leaders, training health workers, and raising awareness effectively on the harms caused by the practice,” they said.

The officials stressed the urgency of supporting survivors, many of whom suffer long-term physical and psychological harm and need comprehensive care to heal.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to support the government, civil society, and communities in The Gambia in the fight against FGM,” the officials reiterated. “Together, we must not rest until we ensure that all girls and women can live free from violence and harmful practices and that their rights, bodily integrity, and dignity are upheld.”

For more details, visit the original announcement.