UN space agency vigilant over threat posed by ‘near-Earth objects’ — Global Issues

UN space agency vigilant over threat posed by ‘near-Earth objects’ — Global Issues

NEOs are asteroids or comets that come relatively close to the Sun, to about 50 million kilometres from Earth’s orbit. Some of them, ‘potentially hazardous objects’ (PHOs), come even closer – in interstellar terms – with a minimum distance of less than 7.5 million kilometres. Measuring more than 140 meters…

Syrians facing ‘ever worsening’ conditions, top UN officials warn — Global Issues

Syrians facing ‘ever worsening’ conditions, top UN officials warn — Global Issues

“The violence and suffering of the Syrian people remind us of what is at stake as diplomatic efforts continue on Syria,” said Najat Rochdi, UN Deputy Special Envoy for the country. “Ultimately, we need a nationwide ceasefire in line with Security Councilresolution 2254.” Worsening crisis Briefing on current conditions, she…

Guterres condemns Israel’s recent advancement of plans to build in occupied West Bank — Global Issues

Guterres condemns Israel’s recent advancement of plans to build in occupied West Bank — Global Issues

A strongly worded statement by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General reiterates that settlements are a flagrant violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions. Antonio Guterres, it says, urged the Government of Israel to halt and reverse the expansion of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, to immediately and completely…

Top UN official urges Israeli, Palestinian leaders to ‘put on the brakes’ — Global Issues

Top UN official urges Israeli, Palestinian leaders to ‘put on the brakes’ — Global Issues

“The choice is clear,” said Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO). “Either continue along the downward spiral of violence and provocations leading to a political vacuum or turn towards constructive dialogue linked to concrete actions that can create hope and a political horizon.”…

Displacement soars amid shrinking humanitarian access — Global Issues

Displacement soars amid shrinking humanitarian access — Global Issues

“We’ve already seen over 560,000 people crossing into neighbouring countries…[and] nearly two million people displaced internally,” said Raouf Mazou, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, following a visit to Sudan. Since conflict erupted there on 15 April when rival militaries clashed, more than half a million people have reached neighbouring…

‘Dire year’ for children caught in conflict, as hospital and school attacks double — Global Issues

‘Dire year’ for children caught in conflict, as hospital and school attacks double — Global Issues

Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba unveiled the Secretary-General’s latest annual report, for 2022, which showed there were 27,180 grave violations overall, an increase from the previous year. The recorded violations only refer to verified information, with the likely toll much higher, and cover four categories: recruitment…

Preventing ‘contagion of atrocities’ hinges on responsibility to protect — Global Issues

Preventing ‘contagion of atrocities’ hinges on responsibility to protect — Global Issues

“The lives of millions depend on that responsibility being given meaning,” Special Adviser on responsibility to protect (R2P) issues George Okoth-Obbo said, introducing the Secretary-General’s latest report and speaking on his behalf. “This annual debate is a reminder to us not to drift from our commitment, our duty, our responsibility…

Torture as a weapon of war must cease, rights experts demand — Global Issues

Torture as a weapon of war must cease, rights experts demand — Global Issues

Today, more than 100 armed conflicts are raging worldwide, devastating communities, winding back development, and leading to grave violations of human rights. Ranging from severe beatings to sexual humiliation and rape, torture iswidely used as a means of war. And often, torture involves the use of tools or instruments, mock…

Security in eastern DR Congo continues to worsen, Security Council hears — Global Issues

Security in eastern DR Congo continues to worsen, Security Council hears — Global Issues

“So far, the ceasefire between the M23 and the FARDC has held up relatively well and has contributed to some security gains”, said UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Pobee. “The relative calm in Rutshuru territory, for example, allowed more than 45,000 people from the Bishusha group to return home”,…