UN continues to raise concerns about attacks on Peacekeepers in Lebanon

UN continues to raise concerns about attacks on Peacekeepers in Lebanon

The United Nations says it remains concerned about the attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon, with the Secretary General warning that any attacks on peacekeepers "may constitute a war crime". On Sunday, the UN reported another attack on a Peacekeeping base in Lebanon. The fourth time in as many days. Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York.

October 15, 2024 32

World

UN says Lebanon’s shelters are full as fighting continues

The United Nations says almost all its shelters in Lebanon are full as people continue to flee their homes amidst increasing Israeli military strikes. Meanwhile, the world body is also painting a distressing picture in Gaza where at least six schools and one orphanage serving as shelters were hit in the last four days. Jody Jacobs reports from the UN Headquarters in New York.

October 7, 2024 11

Africa

Research into Polymer biodegradation studies

Dr Julia Puseletso Mofokeng, from the UFS’s Department of Chemistry, is doing research into biodegradable polymers for application in disposable product packaging. BLOEMFONTEIN, 1 October 2024: A researcher from the University of the Free State (UFS) is contributing to the fight against plastic pollution through her research into biodegradable polymers – large, chain-like molecules – as a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Plastic pollution is a global […]

October 2, 2024 34

South Africa

SA’s Ramaphosa says the current approach to world peace is unjust, unfair and unsustainable

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa says at a time when the threats to international peace and security are many and complex, the world’s security can no longer be placed in the hands of a few major powers. He attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa said the current approach to world peace is unjust, unfair, and unsustainable, and the UN Security […]

September 30, 2024 39

World

The State of Palestine demands UN resolution to end Israeli occupation

he State of Palestine has presented a draft resolution to the United Nations General Assembly, demanding that Israel end its "unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within one year. The Palestinian Ambassador, speaking to the Assembly on Tuesday, emphasized the need to address Israel's impunity. On Wednesday, the U.N. General Assembly approved the resolution, which calls for Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories within 12 months. […]

September 18, 2024 17

Africa

Sudan’s civilians urgently need protection: the options for international peacekeeping

By Jenna Russo, City University of New York In September 2024, the United Nations’ independent fact-finding mission to Sudan issued its first report. Citing grave human rights violations amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, the report called for the immediate deployment of an independent and impartial force to protect civilians. Nearly 18 months after the outbreak of fighting, the humanitarian situation in Sudan has become […]

September 18, 2024 7

Africa

WHO approves first Mpox vaccine for Africa

The World Health Organization has approved the use of an Mpox vaccine for the first time, which it says should facilitate “timely and increased access” for millions at risk in Africa where the latest outbreak has infected more than 20,000 so far this year. Matt Wells from UN news reports.

September 16, 2024 20

World

Six staff members of the United Nations killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres says what is happening in Gaza is unacceptable, and dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop immediately. An Israeli airstrike on a central Gaza school being used as a shelter for displaced Palestinians killed 18 people. Among those killed were six staff members of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA. The school was sheltering around 12-thousand displaced people, mainly women and children.

September 12, 2024 14

World

UN calls for urgent end to Gaza conflict

The United Nations Human Rights says ending the war in Gaza and averting a full-blown regional conflict is an absolute and urgent priority. The latest attack in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people after Israel struck a designated humanitarian zone. UN commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, says states cannot accept blatant disregard for international law. Reuters reports that

September 10, 2024 28