insert_link Business / Economics WTO urges reform amid global economic challenges The World Trade Organization pushed for reform at a high-level ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi on Monday, warning that economic headwinds and geopolitical tensions are threatening global commerce and multilateral trading systems. The WTO's 13th ministerial conference, scheduled to run until Thursday in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is the first in two years. The AFP news agency reports that the WTO is hoping for progress, […] todayFebruary 27, 2024 13
insert_link World Israeli offensive threatens Gaza relief, says Guterres United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has warned that an all-out Israeli offensive on Rafah would spell the end of UN-led humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza. todayFebruary 27, 2024 39
insert_link Environment Japan to release more Fukushima water into Pacific Japan will begin a fourth discharge of treated, radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean from Wednesday. The owner of the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant, TEPCO, has been releasing the water in batches since August last year. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo. todayFebruary 27, 2024 13
insert_link World Rights experts call for arms embargo on Israel The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and experts have warned countries against the “transfer of weapons or ammunition to Israel” as this could violate international humanitarian law if these weapons are used contrary to the Geneva Conventions, referring to Israel’s alleged failure to adhere to international law in Gaza. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch says Israel has failed to comply with the International Court of Justice order […] todayFebruary 27, 2024 6
insert_link Health / Medical On the 10th anniversary of Zero Discrimination Day UNAIDS calls for the protection of human rights as a path to protecting health for all Zero Discrimination Day was established by UNAIDS ten years ago to advance equality and fairness for everyone regardless of gender, age, sexuality, ethnicity or HIV status. However, progress is in peril. Attacks on the rights of women and girls, of LGBTQ+ people, and of other marginalized communities are on the rise. And when laws, policies, practices or norms enshrine punishment, discrimination or stigma for people because they are women, or are LGBTQ+, or […] todayFebruary 27, 2024 27
insert_link World RNC Chair out, as Trump asserts more control over the Republican party U.S. Presidential presumptive candidate for the Republicans Donald Trump is getting more and more involved in campaign politics. The Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel is leaving her post -- making room for more Trump loyalists. Caroline Malone reports. todayFebruary 27, 2024 11
insert_link World TEPCO to begin fourth treated water discharge from Fukushima plant Japan is set to begin a fourth discharge of treated, radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean from Wednesday. The owner of the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant, TEPCO, has been releasing the water in batches since August last year. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo. todayFebruary 27, 2024 22
insert_link Opinion Pieces The Key to Security Council Reform Is Fewer Permanent Members, Not More The Security Council meeting on Dec. 8, 2023, on the war in Gaza. The author, a former United Nations under-secretary-general, proposes that amid the current intensified negotiations on Council reform, member states could “recognize that France and Britain no longer qualify geopolitically to be two of five permanent members of a post-colonial Council.” JOHN PENNEY/PASSBLUE By Ian Martin via PassBlue As the United Nations approaches its Summit of the Future in September, the […] todayFebruary 27, 2024 13
insert_link World US Supreme Court hears social media law cases The US Supreme Court is hearing two cases that could drastically alter laws governing social media companies and what Americans see on their platforms. It comes after Texas and Florida enacted laws to prevent firms removing content from sites. The Court is expected to issue its opinion in June. Nick Harper reports from Washington. todayFebruary 27, 2024 5
