May 04, 2024 No comments
‘Our voices need to be included’: Trinidadian youth make case for strong role in climate negotiations
INTERNATIONAL, 4 May 2024, Climate and Environment - Trinidad and Tobago is described as one of the “frontline States”, those nations that are most severely affected by the impact of the climate emergency, and youth activists are among the most prominent voices in the country calling for stronger action to combat the crisis, both at home and abroad. Small island developing States are particularly vulnerable to climate change consequences, such as rising sea levels and heavy rains that cause flooding, increasing ocean temperatures that affect coral reefs and fishing and frequent hurricanes destroying homes and livelihoods. These countries often suffer from fragile economic conditions and don’t have the means to help their citizens to cope with these problems. In the face of such uncertain conditions,...
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May 04, 2024 No comments
‘Moral obligation’ of Haitian NGO worker to carry on despite kidnapping of two children
INTERNATIONAL, 4 May 2024, Peace and Security - A woman whose two children were kidnapped on the way to school in Haiti has said she feels a moral obligation to continue her work supporting displaced people despite the trauma the family has experienced The Caribbean island nation continues to endure extreme insecurity, with widespread and incessant violence as rival gangs fight each other and the police for control of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The violence, which includes kidnapping for ransom, is playing out against a backdrop of political and economic crises as well as poverty and underdevelopment. Chantale Valcourt leads CAPAC, a national non-governmental organisation (NGO) that supports vulnerable populations, especially women and girls, and partners with the World Food Programme (WFP). “My two daughters, who are 11...
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May 03, 2024 No comments
Pillay: Israel is helped by ‘powerful States’ in violation of Palestinians’ rights
INTERNATIONAL, 3 May 2024, Human Rights - When tensions erupted in East Jerusalem in April 2021 at the beginning of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, daily clashes involving Palestinians, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces led to spiraling violence and death. In response, the Human Rights Council set up a top panel of independent rights experts to investigate reports of violations of international law. When tensions erupted in East Jerusalem in April 2021 at the beginning of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, daily clashes involving Palestinians, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces led to spiraling violence and death. In response, the Human Rights Council set up a top panel of independent rights experts to investigate reports of violations of international law. Today, more than ever amid the...
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May 03, 2024 No comments
Guterres demands better protection for journalists on environment beat
INTERNATIONAL, 2 May 2024, Culture and Education - Friday marks World Press Freedom Day and UN Secretary-General António Guterres is highlighting an uptick in violence faced by journalists covering environmental issues, which has made the profession increasingly dangerous. The UN chief said journalists and media professionals “have a key role in informing and educating” the public about the world’s current environmental and climate emergency which stands as a threat to future generations. It is through this work that people can have a greater understanding of environmental factors affecting the world and advocate for change, he said. However, based on recent UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reports, journalists, especially environmental journalists, face violent attacks, and even death, for simply doing their job. “Dozens of journalists covering illegal mining, logging, poaching...
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May 03, 2024 No comments
UN agencies warn of imminent starvation risk in Sudan’s Darfur region
INTERNATIONAL, 3 May 2024, Peace and Security - UN agencies issued a joint warning on Friday that time is running out to prevent starvation in Sudan’s Darfur region due to intensifying clashes around the northern capital of El Fasher, which are hindering efforts to deliver life-saving aid. Since fighting erupted last April between rival militaries, Sudan has witnessed shocking levels of violence, plunging the country into a devastating humanitarian and protection crisis. Close to 25 million people – more than half the population – are estimated to need assistance, with approximately 17.7 million people facing “acute” levels of food insecurity. The crisis, described as being of “epic proportions” by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), is exacerbated by limited access to vulnerable communities due to...
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