An estimated half a million people in Gaza are facing famine

An estimated half a million people in Gaza are facing famine

The gravity of the situation has prompted the UN to issue a warning of a potential famine. In response, the United States and other international governments have advocated for a surge in aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave. Given the closure of most border crossings into Gaza, they have resorted to airdrops as a means of delivering assistance. Particularly in the heavily affected northern region, many people are struggling to […]

March 7, 2024 25

World

‘There Can Be No Sustainable Development without Peace’, Deputy Secretary-General Tells Arab Forum

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks at the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development 2024, in Beirut: I congratulate the Government of the Sultanate of Oman for presiding. I also would like to thank the Executive Secretary of ESCWA [Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia], Ms. Rola Dashti, for bringing us together at a critical moment of our annual stocktake. Our world is facing complex challenges. In particular, the […]

March 6, 2024 7

World

NGO Approvals by a UN Committee Could Finally See ‘Long-Overdue’ Reform

The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, a little-known but powerful body that approves NGOs’ accreditation to the UN, is mired in politics and nearly dysfunctional. One organization, for example, promoting the rights of Dalits globally, took 15 years to get its acceptance. Now, a reform proposal by Costa Rica and the United Kingdom could upend the process for the better. Here, Dalit women taking part in a campaign preventing violence against […]

March 6, 2024 6

World

UN condemns death sentences in Ukraine

The UN human rights office has expressed concern at the sentencing to death of a Moroccan man and two Britons by a Russian proxy court in eastern Ukraine, saying such trials against prisoners of war amounted to a war crime. The UN says the three were part of Ukraine's armed forces, and therefore could not be described as mercenaries. The AFP news agency reports that Brahim Saadoun was a student […]

March 5, 2024 15

World

UN believes rape likely in October 7th Hamas attack

The United Nations special representative on sexual violence in conflict says it believes that women were raped during the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. Pramila Patten's remarks to the press at UN headquarters in New York follows her recent trip to Israel and the occupied West Bank. William Denselow reports from New York.

March 5, 2024 16

World

‘Flour Massacre’: Lifesaving Aid Becomes a Deadly Struggle in Gaza

A boy injured from the aid convoy tragedy that occurred in Gaza City on Feb. 29, which has been described as a “massacre” by Gazans, who accuse Israel of shooting at the frenzied crowd trying to get food. Israel denies the allegations and says the people were trampled to death. The photographer, Mohammed Hajjar, was at the scene seeking food for his extended family of 34 relatives before the catastrophe […]

March 4, 2024 10

World

Small Countries Are Crucial for the UN’s Long-Term Survival, and Singapore Leads the Way

Burhan Gafoor, ambassador of Singapore to the United Nations, photographed at the country’s mission, Feb. 12, 2024. Gafoor has over decades corralled resources and knowledge for small countries “to use their voice and UN votes effectively,” the author writes. The coalition is now poised to assert itself vigorously in negotiations leading to the Summit of the Future in September. The goal of that gathering, at the UN, is to revitalize […]

February 28, 2024 12

World

United Nations says Half a million in Gaza face starvation

According to the United Nations at least half a million people in Gaza are facing famine with the entire Palestinian enclave suffering from acute food shortages. UN officials say calls for more food aid have either been denied or have been ignored. The UN Security Council will discuss the issue of food security during a meeting. William Denselow reports from New York where the UN is headquartered.

February 28, 2024 11

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 […]

February 27, 2024 21