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Human rights breaches in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Egypt

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European Parliament
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Human rights breaches in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Egypt

The European Parliament adopted three resolutions on the human rights breaches in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Egypt.

Human rights situation in Afghanistan, in particular the persecution of former government officials

European Parliament strongly denounces the severe human rights violations in Afghanistan and warns that since the Taliban takeover of the country the frequency of human rights abuses has risen exponentially in the country. This includes the staggering oppression of women and girls, a policy of gender apartheid and the targeting of civil society organisations and human rights defenders.

MEPs call on Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to fully enforce their publically announced commitment to a general amnesty of former government officials and former National Security Forces members who are being subjected to arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture. They also demand reversing severe restrictions on the rights of women and girls in line with Afghanistan’s international obligations.

The Parliament also condemns the Taliban for their brutal persecution of Christians and other religious minorities as part of efforts to eradicate them from the country. MEPs call on the EU and member states to step up their support for Afghan civil society including by funding specific assistance and protection programmes for human rights defenders.

The text was adopted by 519 votes in favour, 15 against and 18 abstentions. It will be available in full here. (05.10.2023)

Egypt, in particular the sentencing of Hisham Kassem

MEPs demand the immediate and unconditional release of Hisham Kassem, sentenced in September to six months in prison and a fine on a charge of defamation and slander for an online post criticising former Egyptian minister Abu Eita. They urge Egyptian authorities to drop all politically motivated charges against him and call on the EU delegation and member states representatives to visit him in prison.

Ahead of the December 2023 presidential election in Egypt, Mr. Kassem has played a pivotal role in founding the Free Current, a coalition of liberal opposition parties and personalities.

MEPs underline the importance of holding credible, free and fair elections in Egypt and urge authorities to stop the harassment of peaceful opposition figures, including aspiring presidential candidates like former parliamentarian Ahmed El Tantawy,

MEPs also call on the Egyptian authorities to uphold the rule of law, freedom of expression, press, media and association and an independent judiciary. They demand the release of tens of thousands of prisoners arbitrarily detained for peacefully expressing their opinion.

The text was adopted by 379 votes in favour, 30 against and 31 abstentions. It will be available in full here. (05.10.2023)

The case of Zarema Musaeva in Chechnya

MEPs strongly condemn the kidnapping and politically-motivated detention of Zarema Musaeva, urging the Chechen authorities to immediately release her and provide her with proper medical care.

Ms. Musaeva, (the wife of former Chechen Supreme Court judge Saidi Yangulbaev and mother of human rights defender Abubakar and opposition bloggers Ibrahim and Baysangur Yangulbaev), was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of fraud and assaulting the authorities. MEPs consider this a retaliation for the legitimate human rights work and political views of her sons.

Condemning the brutal attacks on and repression of civil society, media and opposition in Chechnya, MEPs want the authorities to immediately end all forms of harassment. The Chechen government should conduct a transparent and thorough investigation into these attacks and hold those responsible accountable.

The resolution adopted by MEPs calls on the international community and the EU to respond to the extremely worrying human rights breach in Russia and in particular in Chechnya, and increase assistance to Chechen political prisoners and dissidents.

The text was adopted by 502 votes in favour, 13 against and 28 abstentions. It will be available in full here. (05.10.2023)

A man who died 128 years ago will be buried

By
Gaston de Persigny
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An American will be buried 128 years after his death. All this time, his mortal remains have been displayed behind a display case in a funeral home in Pennsylvania, SkyNews reports.

Stoneman Willie died in a local jail in 1895 of kidney failure. He ends up behind bars after being arrested for pickpocketing. When arrested, he presented himself under a false name, so his identity remained unknown for many years, and the authorities were unable to contact his relatives.

Willie was accidentally mummified by an undertaker who was experimenting with new embalming techniques.

Dressed in a suit with a bow tie, his body has lain in a casket at the funeral home for over a century. The deceased’s hair and teeth are intact from time, and his flesh resembles treated leather.

Now, with the help of unearthed historical documents, his identity has been identified and his name will be inscribed on his tombstone when his body is buried. This is scheduled to take place on October 7.

“We don’t call him mummy, we call him ‘our friend Willie,'” said funeral home director Kyle Blankenbiller.

Stoneman Willie’s casket was carried on a motorcycle hearse as part of a parade for the city. Thus, at last, the man will find eternal rest.

Experiment: A project in Denver gave away $1,000 to vulnerable people, what were the results?

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Newsroom
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Six months later, most of the beneficiaries of the project were higher off

It would not essentially purchase happiness, however each private expertise and scientific analysis present that when individuals have extra money, they’re extra possible to lead glad lives. That’s the premise of a social experiment in Denver, the place over the previous few months, a number of hundred of the metropolis’s most vulnerable individuals have been receiving money with no strings hooked up.

The outcomes to date are as follows: People who slept tough at the starting of the experiment, then – with extra money in their pockets – really feel safer, have higher psychological well being and revel in entry to extra secure and pleasant dwelling circumstances.

Mark Donovan, founder and government director of the Denver-based Basic Income Project, informed Insider he was “very encouraged” by the outcomes.

“Many participants reported using the money to pay off debt, fix their car, secure a home, and enroll in a course. These are all avenues that can ultimately lift participants out of poverty and allow them to to be less dependent on welfare programs,” he says.

Donovan based the Denver Basic Income Project in 2021. He’s an entrepreneur who made his cash from Wooden Ships, a clothes firm specializing in girls’s sweaters, and an funding in Tesla, which has soared throughout the pandemic. In 2022, he used a few of that cash, plus a $2 million contribution from the metropolis, and commenced distributing cash to different individuals.

Commentary on homelessness typically focuses on psychological well being and habit, that are seen as main components in the sharp improve in the variety of individuals sleeping tough. But as the Pew Charitable Trust famous in a latest evaluation, analysis “consistently finds that homelessness in a given area is determined by the cost of housing” (ie, hire, not time).

Six months later, most of those that acquired project cash were higher off—considerably higher off, in accordance to researchers at the University of Denver’s Center for the Study of Housing and Homelessness.

How the Universal Basic Income plan works in Denver

As of October final 12 months, greater than 800 individuals were enrolled in the primary earnings plan, however not everybody receives the similar stipend. There are three teams – one will get $1,000 a month for a 12 months; the different receives $6,500 upfront and $500 month-to-month thereafter; and a 3rd will get solely $50 a month.

While cautioning that that is solely an interim report of a year-long examine, the researchers nonetheless discovered stark and inspiring modifications in the materials well-being of the members. Those who acquired $500 or extra monthly were the most profitable. At the starting, lower than 10% of them lived in their very own home or residence, whereas after six months greater than a 3rd had their very own dwelling.

Guaranteed Income has additionally dramatically decreased seen homelessness. When the initiative began, about 6 % of individuals in the $1,000-a-month group were sleeping outdoors, and 6 months later that quantity had dropped to zero. The group that acquired a big lump sum additionally noticed a drop from 10% sleeping outdoors to 3%. Even those that acquired as little as $50 moved into a house, with the fee dropping from 8% to 4%.

In the $1,000-a-month group, 34% of members now dwell in their very own home or residence, in contrast to simply 8% half a 12 months earlier. For all teams, the variety of individuals sleeping in shelters greater than halved, and all reported an elevated sense of security in their present place of residence. Overall psychological well being additionally improved, though the $50 group reported barely extra stress and anxiousness than earlier than — and barely much less hope.

Other cities are additionally implementing the experiment

The undeniable fact that materials advantages were seen amongst all teams means that a minimum of a few of the enhancements could also be due to one thing apart from cash, equivalent to elevated entry to different providers throughout the examine interval (the researchers make no assumptions). Additionally, the examine relied on members self-reporting their scenario in trade for funds of up to USD 30.

But the outcomes match the expertise of different cities.

In San Francisco, a examine of 14 individuals receiving $500 a month discovered that two-thirds of those that were homeless at the starting discovered everlasting housing six months later. Smaller cities, equivalent to Santa Fe, have additionally experimented with money funds, as have rural areas, together with upstate New York. Philadelphia is even increasing the idea to different vulnerable teams, together with pregnant individuals.

Outside the United States, different nations are additionally discovering that the methodology of direct money help is proving to be a simpler technique of coping with some social issues than policing or the patronage of extra conventional support applications the place support is tied to circumstances.

Vancouver, Canada lately awarded about $5,600 to a bunch of greater than 100 individuals affected by poverty.

“Housing is improved, homelessness is reduced, spending and savings are increased over time, and it’s a net saving for the government and taxpayers,” Jiaying Zhao, an affiliate professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, informed The Guardian.

Source: Business Insider

Illustrative Photo by Aidan Roof: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-crew-neck-shirt-wearing-gray-hat-4071362/

Churches help refugees after “ethnic cleansing” in Nagorno-Karabakh

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Guest Author
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By Evert van Vlastuin (CNE.news)
Really sad and really heavy. That is how pastor Craig Simonian responds to the moment that Nagorno-Karabakh is emptied of Armenians. “No one is left there.” For centuries, the Armenians lived there, he says. They built their lives there and buried their relatives. “And in one week, it is over.” Simonian speaks to CNE.news from the Armenian capital Yerevan. Most of the refugees come to that city. That is logical, he says. “One-third of Armenians live here, so there is a big chance that people have their relatives here.” But they go to other towns and villages as well. “The populations of some places grow with 10 per cent.” Above that, the health care is best in the city, as are the schools and universities. Also, other towns and cities take in the refugees. He says the influx is “overwhelming” for the whole country. Where are the refugees located? “Anywhere and everywhere”, Simonian says. “People stay with relatives and in empty houses. House owners lower their rents as well. Others live in camps used during the summer and in school and church buildings.” Simonian thinks it would need about 40,000 houses to locate all the Armenians from the former Republic of Artsakh. He reckons that 120,000 Armenians lived in Nagorno-Karabakh. “108,000 of them had registered in Armenia in this week.” Building houses for them will be a challenge for the poor country. Mosques It is no less than an “ethnic cleansing” from the side of Azerbaijan, says Simonian. “People are driven away from their land. You can google “ancient Azeri map”, but you won’t find Nagorno-Karabakh on that. The Armenians have lived there for centuries. Also, in the Soviet Union, it was an autonomous oblast. It is not disputed land, and Artsakh is not a breakaway republic.” It makes Simonian angry that old monuments are destroyed in the region. “Our people have always built churches there. These were always used for worship. But the Muslim Azeris will knock them down or convert them into mosques.” The United Nations have been allowed to go to Nagorno-Karabakh, and their observers will show the fate of the ancient churches, the pastor expects. All this happened in the first Christian country in the world. “Yerevan is even older than Rome. Even two of Jesus’ disciples have been buried here as martyrs: Bartholomew and Taddeus.” The depopulation of Karabakh will not be the end, Simonian fears. “Armenia is amid strong powers. In the Turkish media, you hear stories about attacks from Armenia. This is pure silliness, but it happens. Turkish generals are also active in the Azerbaijan army. And the Russians have stopped protecting us; they now make energy deals with Azerbaijan. Armenia is not weighty enough to negotiate itself out of this.” Western sanctions Simonian has a dual Armenian-American citizenship. He served as pastor at an Evangelical church in New Jersey for twenty years. It strikes him that the Western world is not taking sanctions against Azerbaijan. “Some Congressmen are speaking about that but have not taken measures so far. Also, the European Union has used strong language but done nothing.” Simonian sees that the churches in Armenia are very active in helping the refugees. He does not know a church that is not caring for the displaced. “The 85,000 Evangelicals are perhaps responding quicker than the Apostolics because they are more active. But every refugee who goes to an Apostolic church will receive help.” Simonian sees that the events bring the churches closer together. He hopes this will lead to an Evangelical Alliance in his country. Simonian is connected to the Peace & Reconciliation Network of the European Evangelical Alliance. Many refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh are Protestants as well. “Stepanakert was the centre for the Baptists in this region.”
Photo: Craig Simonian. Photo private
A link to the original publication: https://cne.news/article/3697-churches-armenia-help-refugees-after-ethnic-cleansing-in-nagorno-karabakh

Weather-related disasters displace 43.1 million children in six years, UNICEF reports

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United Nations News
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Weather-related disasters displace 43.1 million children in six years, UNICEF reports

Weather-related disasters forcibly displaced a staggering 43.1 million children across 44 countries over the past six years, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Friday.

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Karabakh crisis: UN response continues

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United Nations News
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Karabakh crisis: UN response continues

UN teams on the ground in Armenia are providing vital support to help address the needs of over 100,000 refugees who recently fled the Karabakh region.

The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has continued its aid efforts by distributing essential relief items.  

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said a shipment of 180 foldable beds, hundreds of foam mattresses, beds, pillows, blankets, and more, transported by some 16 UNHCR-backed trucks, arrived on Thursday.

Dignity kits

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has also been actively distributing dignity kits to assist women and girls in maintaining proper hygiene after their displacement.  

So far, approximately 13,000 kits have been distributed.  

Additionally, the agency is actively supporting local service providers in preventing gender-based violence and providing training to partners on survivor-centred support.

Child protection

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has conducted training for social workers specializing in child protection within emergency settings.  

It has established the first of two planned support centres in the primary municipality receiving refugees, Goris.  

UNICEF is also working to improve psychological support services and child protection case management.

Green energy

Likewise, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) is investing in green energy solutions to meet the needs of vulnerable refugees and their host communities.

Protect children at all times and at all places, UN envoys tell nations

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United Nations News
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Protect children at all times and at all places, UN envoys tell nations

In 2022, the UN verified 27,180 instances of grave violations targeting children – use in conflict, killing and maiming, rape and sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools, and denial of humanitarian assistance, said Virgina Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict.

Among these violations, over 2,300 children suffered from multiple abuses, and the total number included 2,880 violations that had occurred before 2021 but were only verified last year.

Displaced at greater risk

Briefing countries at the General Assembly’s Third Committee, Ms. Gamba underscored the increased vulnerabilities of displaced children.

Displacement often leads to violations and abuses against children, such as recruitment, abductions, sexual violence, and trafficking.

Additionally, the displacement of children disrupts their access to health and education while denying them humanitarian assistance.

Climate-related factors, such as environmental disasters and the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance, further exacerbate these dangers.

All under 18 ‘children’

Special Representative Gamba called upon nations to recognize all individuals under the age of 18 as children and to provide them with special protection, as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

She highlighted the specific vulnerabilities faced by those aged between 13 and 18.

“Often treated as adults or subjected to counter-terrorism measures at the risk of having their own rights as children curtailed,” she said.

Ms. Gamba also urged greater efforts to collect accurate data and close information gaps to ensure the protection and assistance of all children, including those with disabilities.

The clock is ticking

Najat Maalla M’Jid, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, also addressed the Committee, emphasizing that children bear a higher price not only during conflicts and humanitarian crises but also amid political instability and economic hardships.

She expressed concern that progress toward ending violence against children by 2030 is slipping away, and called for urgent and effective measures to reverse this trend.

On her part, she has been actively working to advance child protection from violence through advocacy, advisory, and bridge-building roles with countries and communities.

“My engagement with Member States has highlighted the transformative impact and high return on investing in cross sectoral child protection and violence prevention services that are accessible to all children, irrespective of their status,” Ms. M’Jid stressed.

Rethinking travel and tourism

Her report to the General Assembly focused on protecting children in the context of travel and tourism.  

While crucial for global communities and development, this sector also presents child protection challenges.

She emphasized the need for the revival of the sector post-COVID-19 to prioritize sustainability in environmental, economic, and social aspects, as well as freedom from child violence.

Ms. M’Jid called on societies to adopt a zero-tolerance stance against the exploitation of children in various roles within the travel and tourism industry.

“Children may be in the open, selling souvenirs on the street or beach, carrying luggage or waiting tables. They may work behind the scenes, washing dishes or cleaning guests’ rooms. Or they may be completely hidden from sight in massage parlours, brothels or even their own homes, where they endure sexual exploitation.”

The sector has an “unprecedented opportunity” to embed child protection throughout its value chains and destinations as it rebuilds after the pandemic, she stressed, emphasizing that this opportunity must not be missed.

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Leuven, a green and sustainable city: the ecological initiatives that make this city a model

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NewsdeskTET
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Leuven, a green and sustainable city: the ecological initiatives that make this city a model

Located in Belgium, the city of Leuven is often presented as an example in terms of sustainable development. Indeed, this city has implemented numerous ecological initiatives that allow it to be at the forefront of environmental sustainability. In this article, we will explore the different actions implemented by the city of Leuven to make it a model green city.

First of all, soft mobility is a priority for the city of Leuven. Indeed, the city strongly encourages the use of public transport and alternative modes of travel such as cycling. The public transport network is very developed and allows you to travel easily throughout the city. In addition, the city has set up numerous cycle paths which allow residents to cycle safely. Leuven has also established pedestrian zones in the city center, thus encouraging travel on foot.

Regarding energy, the city of Leuven is committed to a transition towards renewable energies. It encourages residents to install solar panels on their roofs and has introduced financial incentives for those who do so. Additionally, the city has invested in wind energy by installing wind turbines in the surrounding area, thereby contributing to the production of clean energy. Leuven has also set up an urban heat network, powered by renewable energy sources, which makes it possible to heat buildings in a more ecological way.

Waste management is also a priority for the city of Leuven. It has set up a selective waste collection system, with specific containers for glass, paper, plastic, etc. In addition, the city encourages home composting by providing free composters to residents. Leuven has also established a waste reduction policy by promoting the use of reusable products and limiting the use of single-use plastic.

Environmental protection is also a major concern for the city of Leuven. It has invested in preserving green spaces and created many urban parks where residents can relax and enjoy nature. In addition, the city has established a tree planting policy, aimed at increasing plant cover and improving air quality. Leuven also encourages biodiversity by developing urban gardens and supporting projects to protect fauna and flora.

Finally, the city of Leuven is actively involved in raising environmental awareness. It regularly organizes events and awareness campaigns to inform residents about environmental issues and encourage them to adopt environmentally friendly behavior. Additionally, the city is working with schools to integrate environmental education into school curricula.

In conclusion, the city of Leuven is a model in terms of environmental sustainability. Its numerous ecological initiatives, such as the promotion of soft mobility, the transition to renewable energies, waste management and environmental protection, make Leuven a green and sustainable city. Residents of Leuven can be proud to live in a city that is actively taking steps to preserve the environment and ensure a more sustainable future.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Media Freedom Act: MEPs tighten rules to protect journalists and media outlets

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European Parliament
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MEPs want to ban all forms of pressure against journalists, such as forcing them to disclose their sources - Photo by Sam McGhee on Unsplash

In response to growing threats to media freedom and the industry’s viability, MEPs adopted their position on a law to strengthen the transparency and independence of EU media.

In its position on the European Media Freedom Act, adopted by 448 votes in favour, 102 against and 75 abstentions on Tuesday, Parliament wants to oblige member states to ensure media plurality and protect media independence from governmental, political, economic or private interference.

MEPs want to ban all forms of interference in the editorial decisions of media outlets and prevent external pressure being exerted on journalists, such as forcing them to disclose their sources, accessing encrypted content on their devices, or targeting them with spyware.

The use of spyware may only be justified, MEPs argue, as a ‘last resort’ measure, on a case-by-case basis, and if ordered by an independent judicial authority to investigate a serious crime, such as terrorism or human trafficking.

Ownership transparency

To assess media independence, Parliament wants to oblige all media, including micro-enterprises, to publish information on their ownership structure.

Members also want media, including online platforms and search engines, to report on funds they receive from state advertising and on state financial support. This includes funds from non-EU countries.

Provisions against arbitrary decisions by big platforms

To ensure that content moderation decisions by very large online platforms do not negatively affect media freedom, MEPs call for the creation of a mechanism to manage content takedown orders. According to MEPs, platforms should first process declarations to distinguish independent media from non-independent sources. Media should then be notified of the platform’s intention to delete or restrict their content alongside a 24-hour window for the media to respond. If after this period the platform still considers the media content fails to comply with its terms and conditions, they can proceed with deleting, restricting or referring the case to national regulators to take the final decision without delay. However, if the media provider considers that the platform’s decision does not have sufficient grounds and undermines media freedom, they have right to bring the case to an out-of-court dispute settlement body.

Economic viability

Member states have to ensure that public media have adequate, sustainable and predictable funding allocated via multiannual budgets, MEPs say.

To ensure media outlets do not become dependent on state advertising, they propose a cap on public advertising allocated to a single media provider, online platform or a search engine at 15% of the total advertising budget allocated by that authority in a given EU country. MEPs want the criteria for allocating public funds to media to be publicly available.

Independent EU media body

Parliament also wants the European Board for Media Services – a new EU body to be created via the Media Freedom Act– to be legally and functionally independent from the Commission and able to act independently from it. MEPs also push for an independent “expert group”, representing the media sector and civil society, to advise this new Board.

Quote

“We must not turn a blind eye to the worrying state of press freedom worldwide and in Europe,” rapporteur Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE) said ahead of the vote. “Media is “not just any business. Beyond its economic dimension, it contributes to education, cultural development and inclusivity in society, protecting fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and access to information. With this bill, we reach an important legislative milestone to safeguard the diversity and freedom of our media landscape and our journalists and protect our democracies”.

Next steps

After Parliament adopted its position, negotiations with Council (which agreed on its position in June 2023) on the final shape of the law can now begin.

Responding to the concerns of citizens

With its position adopted today, Parliament responds to demands of citizens put forward in the conclusions of the Conference of the Future of Europe, notably in proposal 27 on media, fake news, disinformation, fact-checking, cybersecurity (paragraphs 1,2), and in proposal 37 on citizens’ information, participation and youth (paragraph 4).

World News in Brief: ‘Horrifying’ attack on Ukrainian village, autonomous weapons ban, Sudan crisis

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United Nations News
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World News in Brief: ‘Horrifying’ attack on Ukrainian village, autonomous weapons ban, Sudan crisis
© UNICEF/Mykola Synelnykov - Many municipal recreation facilities like gyms, tennis courts and swimming pools have been severely damaged or destroyed in Kyiv and Kharkiv (file).

The top UN humanitarian official in Ukraine has condemned a Russian strike on Thursday that ripped apart the small rural village of Hroza in the Kharkiv region, killing dozens of civilians.

“The images arriving from the locality, home to just above 300 people, are absolutely horrifying,” UN Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown said in a statement issued shortly after the attack.

Speaking on behalf of the UN and the humanitarian community, she expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

“Our thoughts are also with the people of Ukraine, who had to witness today, once again, another barbaric consequence of Russia’s invasion,” she added.

Ms. Brown recalled that intentionally directing an attack against civilians or civilian objects is a war crime, as is intentionally launching an attack knowing that it would be disproportionate.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced his strong condemnation of the attack, his Spokesperson said in a statement.  

“Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law and they must stop immediately,” it said.

UN and Red Cross heads urge autonomous weapons ban

Machines which can kill without a human controlling them must be prohibited by international law, UN chief António Guterres said on Thursday.

In a joint appeal with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, the leaders urged countries to establish specific prohibitions and restrictions on autonomous weapon systems “to preserve human control over the use of force” and protect humanity.

“Our concerns have only been heightened by the increasing availability and accessibility of sophisticated new and emerging technologies, such as in robotics and Artificial Intelligence technologies, that could be integrated into autonomous weapons,” Mr. Guterres and Ms. Spoljaric said.

They insisted that allowing autonomous weapons to be controlled by machine learning algorithms – “fundamentally unpredictable software which writes itself”– was unacceptable, while all other autonomous weapons needed to be subjected to clear restrictions and placed under human supervision.

The UN and Red Cross chiefs stressed that years of multilateral discussions have laid the groundwork for countries to negotiate a new, legally binding treaty by 2026. 

States ‘can and must do more’ to counter religious hatred: UN rights chief

Religious hate speech is “unfolding unchecked” on and offline, while gaps in national policy frameworks are letting it slip through the cracks, UN rights chief Volker Türk said on Thursday.

Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Mr. Türk said that countries “can and must do more” to counter this scourge:

“Training initiatives for law enforcement officers and the judiciary, faith-based actors, teachers and media professionals in combating religious hatred need to be part of a comprehensive approach which integrates faith literacy, better understanding and sensitivity and clear measures to address discrimination.”

The UN human rights chief expressed hope that the dialogue at the Council would be a first step towards a policy “blueprint” for countries to combat religious hatred in line with international human rights law. Mr. Türk also said that his Office would also seek to involve major social media companies and look at their implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. 

Human rights impacts of religious hatred have come under close scrutiny at the Council since an urgent debate on the topic and a resolution adopted in July called on States to take action, following a Quran burning in Sweden in June.

Humanitarians appeal for ‘much more’ international solidarity for Sudan

In war-torn Sudan, half of the population or almost 25 million people require humanitarian aid and protection, but there are not nearly enough funds to help them.

The UN’s top humanitarian official in the country, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, told reporters in Geneva about the consequences of the organisation’s $2.6 billion appeal for Sudan remaining just one-third funded. 

“We’re seeing high incidences of malnutrition. The health systems are struggling. We need additional resources for dialysis machines. We have a recent cholera outbreak,” she said.

“Additional resources will make sure that we are able to provide the medical equipment as well as the medicines, we’re able to expand our WASH [water, sanitation and hygiene] capacity on the ground and we’re able to provide the much-needed protection for the women, children and the most vulnerable of the population.”

In addition to “much more solidarity” from the international community, Ms. Nkweta-Salami said that humanitarians need better access and safety for their operations, as well as less interference from the parties to the conflict.

She stressed that on both main routes for bringing in aid, across the border from Chad and through Port Sudan, humanitarians have to negotiate “with all armed groups” and have faced blockages and looting. 

The UN official deplored the fact that aid workers’ efforts have been hampered despite an agreement concluded in Jeddah in May where the parties committed to providing unimpeded humanitarian access.

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