Cholera outbreak is ‘serious threat’ to whole Middle East — Global Issues

Cholera outbreak is ‘serious threat’ to whole Middle East — Global Issues

Imran Riza, who is also Resident Coordinator, said in a statement that “swift and urgent action is needed to prevent further illness and death. UN agencies and non-governmental organizations partners are coordinating closely with health authorities to ensure a timely and effective response.” The outbreak was declared on 10 September…

Security Council calls for intensifying efforts to expand Yemen truce — Global Issues

Security Council calls for intensifying efforts to expand Yemen truce — Global Issues

Council members highlighted the tangible benefits of the agreement between the Government and Houthi rebels, now in its sixth month. They include a 60 per cent reduction in casualties.   Additionally, fuel coming through critical Huydadah port has quadrupled, while commercial flights from the capital, Sana’a, have allowed 21,000 people…

‘My children ask me, what is Syria?’ Za’atari refugee camp enters second decade — Global Issues

‘My children ask me, what is Syria?’ Za’atari refugee camp enters second decade — Global Issues

Adil Toukan came to Za’atari camp in April 2013, from the city of al-Sanamayn in the Daraa governorate in southern Syria, along with his wife and two young children. Since then, he and his wife have had three more children, who know nothing about their home country.  “My family and…

Execution of Gaza prisoners condemned by UN rights office — Global Issues

Execution of Gaza prisoners condemned by UN rights office — Global Issues

Five men were executed in the early hours of 4 September 2022, an act which, says the Office, was in stark violation of the State of Palestine’s own domestic law and its obligations under international law. Three were convicted of murder and two of “collaboration” with Israel. According to media…

Egypt prepares for flagship UN climate conference, in a year of unprecedented global weather shocks — Global Issues

Egypt prepares for flagship UN climate conference, in a year of unprecedented global weather shocks — Global Issues

Several COP27-related initiatives are underway in Egypt: they include projects related to sustainable transport, waste recycling, women’s health, the transition to clean energy, sustainable cities, adaptation measures in the water and agriculture sector, and the links between peace and climate. “The Egyptian Government recognizes the huge responsibility of organizing a…

One third of Gaza Strip population in need of psychological and social support — Global Issues

One third of Gaza Strip population in need of psychological and social support — Global Issues

Over three violent days in early August, until a ceasefire was reached on 7 August, Israeli Defence Forces launched some 147 air strikes against targets in Gaza while Palestinian militants unleashed around 1,100 rockets and mortars into Israel. Briefing the Security Council on 8 August, Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for…

Young Jordanians innovate to tackle food insecurity — Global Issues

Young Jordanians innovate to tackle food insecurity — Global Issues

Jordanians are dealing with multiple overlapping challenges including slow economic growth, high youth unemployment, water scarcity and increased cost of living. With 63 per cent of its population under the age of 30, Jordan has one of the youngest populations in the world, and youth engagement and mobilization is crucial…

Managing Israel-Palestine conflict ‘no substitute’ for meaningful political process — Global Issues

Managing Israel-Palestine conflict ‘no substitute’ for meaningful political process — Global Issues

“Such a strategy will require significant steps from all sides,” said Tor Wennesland.  It must involve strengthening the ability of the Palestinian Authority to engage with Israel on political, economic and security issues, as well as working towards the return of the legitimate Palestinian Government to the Gaza Strip, he…

Israeli suppression of Palestinian rights organizations ‘illegal and unacceptable’ — Global Issues

Israeli suppression of Palestinian rights organizations ‘illegal and unacceptable’ — Global Issues

During a raid last week, the Israeli army broke into and shut down the offices of seven Palestinian human rights and humanitarian groups operating in Ramallah, located in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).  “These actions amount to severe suppression of human rights defenders and are illegal and unacceptable,” the experts said,…

Rights experts urge Iran to end ‘systematic persecution’ of religious minorities — Global Issues

Rights experts urge Iran to end ‘systematic persecution’ of religious minorities — Global Issues

The experts said they are deeply concerned at the increasing arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of members of the Baha’i faith, as well as the destruction or confiscation of their properties, “in what bears all the signs of a policy of systematic persecution”.  These acts were not isolated, they added,…