First UN aid convoy reaches Syria’s quake-hit northwest since disaster — Global Issues

First UN aid convoy reaches Syria’s quake-hit northwest since disaster — Global Issues

“Aid, life-saving aid, is desperately needed by civilians wherever they are irrespective of borders and boundaries,” he told journalists in Geneva. “We need it urgently, through the fastest, most direct, and most effective routes. They need more of absolutely everything.” According to UN aid coordinating office, OCHA, six trucks carrying…

‘We must put people first’ urges Guterres in race to save lives — Global Issues

‘We must put people first’ urges Guterres in race to save lives — Global Issues

In a heartfelt appeal based on his years of visiting the devastated area, as Secretary-General and previously as head of the UN refugee agency UNHCR, Antonio Guterres said that what had been a “centre of solidarity is now an epicentre of suffering.” ‘Nightmare on top of nightmare’ “People are facing nightmare…

full scale of disaster still unfolding, UN humanitarians warn — Global Issues

full scale of disaster still unfolding, UN humanitarians warn — Global Issues

According to the Government of Türkiye, at least 3,381 people died and more than 20,000 were injured after a 7.8 magnitude quake struck close to the southern city of Gaziantep early on Monday, followed by another 7.5 magnitude earthquake several hours later. Almost 6,000 buildings have reportedly collapsed in the…

UN rights chief appeals for Israelis and Palestinians to end ‘illogic of escalation’ — Global Issues

UN rights chief appeals for Israelis and Palestinians to end ‘illogic of escalation’ — Global Issues

“Rather than doubling down on failed approaches of violence and coercion that have singularly failed in the past, I urge everyone involved to step out of the illogic of escalation that has only ended in dead bodies, shattered lives and utter despair,” he said in a statement.   Record killings…

Iraq must seize ‘brief window of opportunity’ to turn tide of instability — Global Issues

Iraq must seize ‘brief window of opportunity’ to turn tide of instability — Global Issues

Highlighting recent achievements and challenges ahead following a year of tensions and political discord, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said the hope is that the confirmation of the new Government will provide an opportunity to structurally address the many pressing issues. ‘Glass half full’  “Effecting meaningful change will take time, as this can…

Resolution of ‘racism’ complaint brought by Qatar against UAE and Saudi Arabia — Global Issues

Resolution of ‘racism’ complaint brought by Qatar against UAE and Saudi Arabia — Global Issues

The ad hoc Conciliation Commission was established by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in the wake of a diplomatic crisis between the neighbouring Gulf nations, nearly eight years ago.   “I hope that the consensus found by Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia to discontinue…

Saudi Arabia a strategic partner in UN support for Palestine refugees, amid concern over escalating violence — Global Issues

Saudi Arabia a strategic partner in UN support for Palestine refugees, amid concern over escalating violence — Global Issues

In a first since 2020, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini visited Saudi Arabia on 28 and 29 January at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   Longtime Saudi solidarity with Palestine refugees topped the agenda of his talks with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Waleed ElKhereji, and the Supervisor-General…

human rights abuses must be addressed, says UN probe — Global Issues

human rights abuses must be addressed, says UN probe — Global Issues

The UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya was established by the Human Rights Council in June 2020, to investigate alleged abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed in Libya since 2016. The panel’s latest official visit to Libya which ended on Sunday heard testimony from victims’…

UNICEF warns children are paying ‘the highest price’ as violence escalates — Global Issues

UNICEF warns children are paying ‘the highest price’ as violence escalates — Global Issues

“Children continue to pay the highest price of violence,” the statement declared. “As the situation remains very volatile, UNICEF fears that an increasing number of children will suffer.” Just a few weeks into the new year, seven Palestinian children and one Israeli child had been killed and many more injured. Since 26…