August 12, 2022 No comments
Bangladesh and Cambodia slated for official UN human rights visits
INTERNATIONAL, 12 August 2022, Human Rights - The UN human rights office, OHCHR, announced on Friday that the High Commissioner will travel over the weekend to Bangladesh. At the invitation of the Government, Michelle Bachelet will visit Bangladesh from Sunday, 14 August, in the first-ever official trip by a UN Human Rights chief to the country. There, she will visit camps housing Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, as well as high-level officials, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed and other ministers, and the National Human Rights Commission along with representatives of civil society organizations. Lives ‘hanging in the balance’ Back in 2017, violent attacks in Myanmar triggered an estimated 745,000 Rohingya, including more than 400,000 children, to flee to Bangladesh. In June, Ms. Bachelet pointed out that the military continues...
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August 12, 2022 No comments
‘Immensely bleak’ future for Afghanistan unless massive human rights reversal, experts warn
INTERNATIONAL, 12 August 2022, Human Rights - The international community must dramatically increase efforts to urge the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to adhere to basic human rights principles, a group of UN independent rights experts said on Friday. “The future is immensely bleak for Afghans if more is not done by the international community to ensure the Taliban changes its modus operandi and complies with its human rights obligations,” they said in a statement. The experts recalled that following the Taliban takeover last August, they had appealed for the international community to take “stringent actions” to protect Afghans from violations such as arbitrary detention, summary executions, internal displacement, and unlawful restrictions on their human rights. Failure to deliver “One year later, we reiterate this call,” they said. “Despite making numerous commitments...
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August 12, 2022 No comments
From the Field: Young Fijians work with older generation for a sustainable future
INTERNATIONAL, 12 August 2022, Climate and Environment - On the island nation of Fiji, young people are working in solidarity with their elders, benefiting from their knowledge and experience to protect the fragile ecosystem. "Projects Abroad" youth volunteers conserving Fiji's beaches., by UNDP One such project involves young people conserving and protecting Fiji’s coral reef and the marine environment around the island. The programme, backed by the UN, seeks to marry the enthusiasm and drive of young people, with the wisdom and experience of older generations. Youth are learning age-old sustainable fishing techniques, as well as knowledge about living in harmony with the sea and nature, from their elders. Find out more here.
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August 12, 2022 No comments
140 aid workers killed in 2021 as UN humanitarian funding gap looms larger than ever – OCHA
INTERNATIONAL, 12 August 2022, Humanitarian Aid - The United Nations humanitarian agency (OCHA) warned on Friday that at nearly $34 billion, the funding shortfall for aid operations is the biggest it’s ever been. The news comes at a time when global needs are at an all-time high, with a record 303 million people in crisis worldwide. “UN appeals aim to reach 204 million of the most vulnerable. Never before have humanitarians been called to respond to this level of need and they are doing so in ever more dangerous environments,” said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke. ‘Largest gap’ in funding needs The cost of UN-coordinated relief projects this year are close to $50 billion dollars. Although financing pledges have reached their highest level ever– totaling more than $15 billion – needs...
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August 12, 2022 No comments
Lebanese youth learn to stand up to hate speech
INTERNATIONAL, 12 August 2022, Human Rights - Hate speech can have a devastating effect on mental wellbeing and self-confidence. The UN office in Lebanon is helping young people to rise above these attacks, and reject negativity from others. 21-year-old Dima El-Awar stands in front of the camera with confidence and ease. In addition to being a good speaker, a skill that every journalist attempts to master, Dima is keen on promoting positive speech and accurate information. Coming from Falougha, a small village in Mount Lebanon, Ms. El-Awar was hesitant to pursue her dream career in journalism because she thought she was not good enough for the job. “As a young girl, I always received hateful comments about my personality and clothing style. Some people...
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