In war-torn Sudan, more than 1,200 children under five have died in camps in the space of four months from a combination of measles and malnutrition, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
Sudan: Children dying amid healthcare system collapse
World News in Brief: Reparations for African diaspora, child deaths in Sudan, Libya update
That’s the message from UN human rights chief Volker Türk, who called for strong leadership and political will from States to heed the call of people of African descent for accountability and redress.
His comments followed the release of a new UN report which sets out a series of concrete steps for governments to make reparations from former colonists, a reality.
The proposed measures, which must be guided by people of African descent themselves, include public apology, education and awareness raising, restitution and compensation.
Up to 30 million people were violently uprooted from Africa for enslavement over the course of four centuries. After slavery ended, policies such as segregation and apartheid perpetuated racial discrimination.
Mr. Türk stressed that reparatory justice was “not just about addressing the wrongful acts of the past” but also about building societies that are truly inclusive, equal and free from racism.
Libya: Derna a ‘sad snapshot’ of the state of our world: UN chief
The thousands of people killed, injured or displaced by the floods in Derna, Libya, were “victims many times over” of conflict and climate change, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told world leaders gathered at the UN in New York on Tuesday.
Derna is a “sad snapshot of the state of our world”, Mr. Guterres said at the UN General Assembly, as humanitarians in Libya continue to assess needs in the wake of the disaster.
“The situation on the ground is catastrophic. I have been a humanitarian worker for over 19 years and this is one of the worst disasters that I have witnessed. The level of destruction is unfathomable”, said UN refugee agency (UNHCR) Assistant Chief of Mission, Rana Ksaifi, speaking to reporters, from Benghazi:
He said an estimated 30,000 people have been displaced in Derna alone. Christopher Laker, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in the country, said that 97 per cent of some neighbourhoods had been “washed away” as dams collapsed.
He highlighted the urgent need for maintenance of Libya’s water reservoirs and dams and said that UNDP teams would be supporting the authorities with infrastructure assessments.
Sudan: Children dying amid healthcare system collapse
In Sudan, more than 1,200 children under five have died in camps in the space of four months from a combination of measles and malnutrition, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
The children were refugees living in nine camps in Sudan’s White Nile state, according to UNCHR and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The refugee agency said that over 3,100 suspected measles cases and more than 500 suspected cholera cases were reported in the same period in the country, along with outbreaks of dengue and malaria.
Here’s UNHCR’s Chief of Public Health, Dr. Allen Maina:
“The situation has brought healthcare in the country to its knees, despite heroic efforts of local clinics and aid agencies to continue to provide much-needed health services.”
WHO said that 3.4 million children in the country were acutely malnourished, while up to 80 per cent of hospitals in conflict-affected states are out of action.
With the lack of access to treatment, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned that “many thousands of newborns” may die in Sudan by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the UN’s 2023 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan launched in May remains only 30 per cent funded.
Brussels, a destination for everyone: Family activities and parks to discover
Brussels, a destination for everyone: Family activities and parks to discover
Brussels, capital of Belgium, is an ideal destination for families looking for adventure and discovery. With its numerous parks and activities suitable for young and old, the city offers a multitude of opportunities for family fun.
One of the most popular places for families in Brussels is the Mini-Europe park. Located at the foot of the Atomium, this miniature theme park offers a unique experience by allowing visitors to discover the main monuments of Europe on a reduced scale. Children will be amazed by the faithful reproduction of the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum and the Tower of Pisa. In addition, Mini-Europe also offers interactive activities and games to entertain the youngest.
Another must-see place for families is the Museum of Natural Sciences. This museum houses an impressive collection of fossils, skeletons and stuffed animals. Children will be able to marvel at the dinosaur skeletons and discover the different animal species that inhabit our planet. Temporary exhibitions are also organized regularly, offering new discoveries with each visit.
For a fun and educational experience, the Children’s Museum is an ideal choice. This interactive museum offers exhibitions suitable for children aged 2 to 12, allowing them to discover different themes such as space, nature and the human body in a fun and sensory way. Children will be able to manipulate, touch and experiment to learn while having fun.
To enjoy moments of relaxation outdoors, Brussels parks offer numerous possibilities. The Brussels Park, located in the heart of the city, is an ideal place for a family stroll. Its vast green spaces, ponds and children’s games make it an ideal place for picnics and moments of relaxation. In addition, the park regularly organizes events and shows to entertain young and old.
The Parc du Cinquantenaire is another must-see place in Brussels. With its vast lawns, imposing monuments and majestic triumphal arch, this park offers an ideal setting for a family stroll. Children can play in the playgrounds, while adults can enjoy a moment of tranquility while contemplating the magnificent landscapes offered by the park.
Finally, for nature lovers, the Bois de la Cambre is a destination not to be missed. Located on the outskirts of the city, this vast wooded park offers many opportunities for family walks. Children can play in the playgrounds or ride bikes, while parents can enjoy the calm and natural beauty of the park.
Brussels is therefore an ideal destination for families looking for entertaining activities and moments of relaxation in the open air. With its parks and museums suitable for children, the city offers a multitude of possibilities to satisfy everyone’s desires. Whether for a day of discovery or a longer stay, Brussels will delight young and old and offer them unforgettable memories.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Syria: UN chief welcomes reopening of life-saving aid corridor
A large UN aid convoy was able to cross into northwest Syria on Tuesday following the reopening of a vital border crossing.
Break the silence on persecuted Christians
Presecuted christians – MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen held a conference and exhibition at the European Parliament on September 18th, to raise awareness about the persecution of Christians worldwide. He emphasized the need for the EU to take stronger action against violations of freedom of religion, particularly in Africa, where thousands of lives are lost due to this silence. The exhibition displayed harrowing photos of Christian persecution, and van Ruissen stressed that the EU must uphold its moral duty to protect freedom of religion effectively. Other speakers highlighted the importance of international engagement in addressing this issue and promoting fundamental freedoms for all.
Article published by Willy Fautre and the Newsdesk.
Persecuted Christians
A conference and an exhibition held by MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen in the European Parliament denounces the silence and the impunity surrounding the suffering of Christians around the world
The EU must take stronger action against the blatant violations of freedom of religion, which mostly affect Christians worldwide. This silence costs thousands of lives every year, especially in Africa. This deadly silence must be broken, MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen advocated on Monday 18 September at a conference and opening of an exhibition in the European Parliament.
The event attended by over a hundred people was followed by the visit of an exhibition in the heart of the European Parliament, organized together with Open Doors and SDOK (Foundation of the Underground Church). It showed shocking photos of victims of Christian persecution: among others, a photo of a Chinese believer who was hung by the police with his legs from a horizontal pole, now adorns the heart of the European Parliament.
Bert-Jan Ruissen:
“Freedom of religion is a universal human right. The EU claims to be a community of values but is now too often silent on serious violations. The thousands of victims and families must be able to rely on EU action. As an economic power bloc, we must hold all countries accountable that all believers are free to practice their religion.”
Ruissen pointed out that 10 years ago now, the EU adopted directives to protect freedom of religion.
“These directives are too much on paper and too little in practice. The EU has a moral duty to credibly protect this freedom.”
Anastasia Hartman, advocacy officer at Open Doors in Brussels:
“As we want to strengthen sub-Saharan Christians, we also want them to become part of a solution to the complex regional crisis. Enforcing freedom of belief should be high on the agenda, because when both Christians and non-Christians see their fundamental freedoms protected, they can become a blessing for the whole community.”
Bonus for killing a pastor
Nigerian student Ishaku Dawa recounted the horrors of the Islamist terrorist organisation Boko Haram: “In my region, 30 pastors have already been killed. Pastors are outlaws: the death of a pastor brings a bounty of the equivalent of 2,500 euros. One victim I knew personally “, the VU Amsterdam student said. “Think of the kidnapped schoolgirls in 2014: they were targeted because they came from a Christian school.”
Also speaking at the conference was Illia Djadi, Open Doors’ Senior Analyst on freedom of faith in Sub-Saharan Africa. He called for more international engagement.
Jelle Creemers, director of the Institute for the Study of Freedom of Religion or Belief at the Evangelical Theological Faculty (ETF) Leuven, said,
“An EU policy that promotes freedom of religion is not only about individual freedoms but also helps fight injustice, actively supports threatened communities and is a foundation on which people can flourish. I hope this exhibition helps to remind us of the need and importance of this commitment.”
“Our Time for Leadership”: EP President Metsola at the World Leaders Forum
Thank you, President Shafik for that kind introduction.
Good afternoon everyone.
Let me say how honoured I am to be here, to be invited to one of the greatest universities in the world, to speak to you about leadership. About how the world needs Europe and the United States to keep stepping up. About how leadership is about people – about you – more than it is about institutions. And about how the geo-political realities we now face mean we are being called upon to plot a path to a future that is more uncertain than it was a few years ago.
I am the youngest ever President of the European Parliament. I am part of the generation, who were sitting on my parents lap as the Berlin Wall came down, who watched Tiananmen Square on grainy TV screens, who just remember the collapse of the USSR and unbridled joy of millions of Europeans finally free after half a century to determine their own destinies – who reaped all the benefits of the victory of liberal democracy in a new world.
In Europe and the US, mine is the last generation who remembers a world when liberal democracy was not a given. We believed that our way won – and that our victory would last forever. We believed that our way would define the new world order. When the world’s blocs were dismantled, we believed that democracy, freedom, rule of law, cooperation would herald a new age of global trade, of individual rights and liberties.
We believed we could outrun and outgrow any threats to our way of life. Perhaps we grew a little too complacent, a little too comfortable.
Last year we understood, in the most brutal of manners, just how painfully true that was. When Russian tanks rolled into sovereign independent Ukraine, looting, raping, murdering. The world changed. Forever.
We understood on that fateful day that we must lead in this new world. The United States and Europe have many faults, many things that need improving, but despite everything they stand as enduring symbol of our way of life – as a bastion of liberty and freedom, and if we do not fulfil our inherited duty to lead, then someone else, with a very different valueset to ours will.
That’s a responsibility that weighs heavily. We have and we must continue to take the decisions that necessary. Difficult decisions. Decisions like opening our doors and our markets to countries like Ukraine and Moldova or countries in the Western Balkans. Decisions like supplying weapons to Ukraine.
A little over twenty years ago, there was a huge discussion in Europe on whether ten countries should join the European Union. I was still a student, studying the ins and outs of politics, but with an ironclad belief in the transformational powers of Europe. It was never about creating everyone in the same likeness. Rather it was a core belief that in unity, even and especially in all our diversity, there is strength. It was about our security, about opportunity and the comfort of belonging. To us, it meant everything.
That is the spirit that drives our outlook today. Even with all our imperfections, there are still so many people around the world who live under the yoke of oppression for whom the European Union has not lost its shine. For whom the United States will always be a natural ally.
The geopolitical sands are shifting. We have Putin’s tanks on independent and sovereign Ukraine; Lukashenko persecuting, imprisoning, torturing people for their democratic beliefs; China that has risen with a value system that is different to ours; India on the rise; Afghanistan collapsing back into disarray; Iran stirring up the Middle East and propping up Russia; East and Central Africa at boiling point; and South America facing new and old economic challenges.
The EU and the US are two of the strongest economic blocs on the planet. Our transatlantic relationship is a vital artery of the global economy. But our true strength lies in something far deeper than that. We share a dream. We share values.
The world cannot thrive on imbalances. We need to build a global democratic alliance of trusted partners and friends.
The same responsibility that we felt and delivered when we were called upon to stand with Ukraine. We matched our rhetoric, with action, with real and tangible support. Together we enacted hard-hitting sanctions that have decreased Russia’s oil and gas revenues by almost 50%. And it is still decreasing. We have shown that we can react and adapt under an immense amount of pressure. That our way of life and our way of doing things does work, that our values matter, that it is worth it.
These relationships and principles have stood the test of time, only if we continue to work together, to lead together, if we are to beat the tests of today. Too many of our people are still struggling to make ends meet, too many women still face the thickest of glass ceilings, too many of our young people still face a completely uncertain future. Climate change continues to have devastating impacts on lives, livelihoods and our environment. The digital revolution is developing faster than we are able to regulate it responsibly. We must continue to keep our people’s concerns at the centre of all our actions.
Our next steps will be defined on how able we are to remain competitive. How can we create jobs and futures with dignity. How can we push back against inflation wiping value of assets without making it impossible for young people to buy a home. How can we ensure that the digital transition makes it easier for our companies to innovate. One where sure, you might fail. But one that then also makes it easier for you to get back up again.
In the European Union, we have started putting the building blocks in place. Take for example our Chips Act, our Digital Services and Digital Markets Acts. We are now working on the world’s first comprehensive, pro-innovation Artificial Intelligence Act. In all these ground breaking pieces of legislation, we managed to find a balance between innovation and business to flourish, keeping people safe online and setting standards that the rest of the world will inevitably follow.
It has not been easy. The European Union, unlike the United States, is composed of twenty-seven sovereign countries, each with different regulatory frameworks, constitutions, languages and interests that do not always necessarily align. But it is precisely within this melting point of ideas, that we can find the best solutions that work for all.
Of course, investment requires funding – public funding. How do we grow our economies – and pay back our debts – how do we ensure that we have the ability and liquidity to fund the solutions that are demanded of us? The answer is real, sustainable, economic growth.
I have always seen the green transition as an integral part of that sustainable growth strategy. It is not just an obligation, but an investment in our economies too. But in order for it to work, it needs to place the human at its centre. It needs to be human-centric, it must provide real incentives and safety nets for industry and it must be ambitious enough to address the very real climate emergency we are in. It must meet the targets of the Paris Agreement. But it must also work for people.
When it comes to addressing climate change, we need to move away from a binary way of thinking. We can be the most climate ambitious continents and at the same time aim to be the most competitive, innovative and business friendly ones too. But the only way to do that…is to keep speaking to people – and more than speak – to listen. This is how we avoid people from retreating to the political fringes, which offer up easy answers to very difficult questions. It is up to us to be the drivers of a clean-tech revolution and I am convinced that we can do this in a way that leaves no one behind.
In fact, in the European Union we have already made significant headway. We have implemented a vast reform of our Emissions Trading System, which is a market-based solution incentivising companies to limit their emissions by putting a price on carbon. We also established a carbon border tax to create a level-playing field for our companies and agreed to establish a Social Climate Fund that will aid both companies and households limit their emissions.
These efforts are already bearing fruit. Since last year, we have had good increases of solar power and wind power instalments in Europe – 47% solar and 30% wind, to be exact. Despite problems with supply chains after a devastating pandemic and challenging economic conditions, Europe is well on the way to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Allow me a moment on defence.
The concept of security, if we have learned something over the past year and a half, necessitates a new perception. It is no longer just about conventional means of warfare. Putin has weaponised information, energy, food, even people, in an attempt to crush Ukrainian resistance and to weaken the West’s support. The time is now for the European Union and NATO to reinforce the pillars of their cooperation. It is about supporting peace, real peace with liberty. It is about protecting our people. It is about defending our values.
One appeal to you. I came here today to invite you to lead. To feel that sense of urgency. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks once wrote “Not all of us have power. But we all have influence, whether we seek it or not… There is quiet leadership of influence that seeks no power, but changes lives. In tough times we need it more than ever.”
The world needs what you, students have to offer. Your knowledge, your skill, your drive, your grit, your leadership. You will need to be prepared to encounter, like I did, a couple of cynics along the way. But every generation has been underestimated until it has proven itself in front of the world.
Whether it is in politics, in the medical field, in science, in tech, in academia, I wholeheartedly believe in your endless potential to help make our world a little bit better, a little bit safer and a little bit more equal. To bring our world a little closer to how it ought to be.
Friends, it is now our time for leadership and we cannot be found wanting.
Ethiopia – Mass killings continue, risk of further ‘large-scale’ atrocities
In Ethiopia, war crimes have continued unabated almost a year after a ceasefire was agreed between the country’s Government and forces from the northern Tigray region, UN-appointed independent rights experts said on Monday.
The latest report from the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia documents atrocities perpetrated “by all parties to the conflict” since 3 November 2020 – the start date of the armed conflict in Tigray – including mass killings, rape, starvation, destruction of schools and medical facilities, forced displacement and arbitrary detention.
Commission Chair Mohamed Chande Othman said that violent confrontations were now “at a near-national scale” and highlighted “alarming” reports of violations against civilians in the Amhara region as well as on-going atrocities.
“The situation in Oromia, Amhara and other parts of the country – including ongoing patterns of violations, entrenched impunity, and increasing securitization of the State – bear hallmarked risks of further atrocities and crimes,” he warned.
Amhara: ‘mass arbitrary detention’
In the Amhara region, where the Government announced a state of emergency last month, the Commission said that it was receiving reports of “mass arbitrary detention” of civilians and “at least one drone strike” carried out by the State.
Multiple urban centres in the region are under curfew, and a militarized “Command Post” system without civilian oversight has been deployed. The Commissioners said “such structures are often accompanied by serious violations”.
“We are deeply alarmed by the deteriorating security situation in Amhara and the continued presence of risk factors for atrocity crimes,” they said.
Humanitarian needs in the region have surged. In early August WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the people of Amhara “could not bear another conflict”, emphasizing that almost two million required health assistance – a situation made even more complex by the influx of refugees from war-torn Sudan.
Tigray: intergenerational trauma
Turning to Tigray, Commissioner Radhika Coomaraswamy warned that rape and sexual violence against women and girls by Eritrean forces was “ongoing” in the region.
“The ongoing presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia is a clear sign not only of an entrenched policy of impunity, but also continued support for and tolerance of such violations by the Federal Government,” she said.
The Commissioner highlighted the trauma brought on by atrocities in Tigray, which is “likely to persist for generations”.
‘Flawed’ justice process
The Commissioners called for a “credible” process of truth, justice, reconciliation and healing, while pointing out the shortcomings of the consultation process initiated by Ethiopia’s Government.
Their report maintained that Ethiopia’s Government has “failed to effectively prevent or investigate violations” and has instead launched a “flawed” transitional justice process where victims “remain overlooked”.
The Commission
The International Commission was established by the UN Human Rights Council in December 2021 to conduct an impartial investigation into violations committed in Ethiopia since the start of the conflict in Tigray in November 2020.
It is composed of three human rights experts appointed by the President of the Council, who are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work.
Read more:
Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia to Conduct First Visit in the Country
South Sudan: Key electoral questions ‘remain unanswered’
As South Sudan prepares to hold its first-ever elections in December, resolving critical outstanding issues requires political will for compromise, the UN envoy to the country said on Friday.
With 15 months to the end of the transition period, “time is of the essence” for getting the election process settled, UN Special Representative for South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom told the Security Council.
“Critical questions remain unanswered. Resolving them does not require material resources, only the political will to reach compromise and consensus,” he said.
These include decisions on the type of the election, voter registration issues, delineating constituencies, and management of electoral disputes.
While there has been modest progress, such as initial discussions on election budgets and the passing of a national elections act, important institutions including the National Elections Commission and political party registration system, have not been set up.
Elections will be on time: Kiir
Mr. Haysom told ambassadors that President Salva Kiir had made a clear commitment that South Sudan will not return to war and that the elections will be held on time.
At a major public event, President Kiir also said that all parties must work to end the era of perpetual transition, Mr. Haysom added.
In July 2011, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan following a referendum.
However just two years later, a political face-off between two factions erupted into full-blown armed conflict, exposing weak institutions and leading to a major humanitarian crisis and immense suffering.
The country’s leaders signed a new peace agreement in September 2018, including a timeline for national elections.
Ceasefire ‘largely holding’
Mr. Haysom, also the head of the UN Mission in the country (UNMISS), said that it is looking at a two-phased approach to support the elections.
This would include capacity building and expanding political space, followed by supporting the ballot process itself.
Against this backdrop, the ceasefire agreed in 2018 is “largely holding” across the country, he added, although communal tensions and sporadic fighting between security forces and groups that did not sign the peace accord continue to present obstacles.
Humanitarian situation
Also briefing the Security Council, Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations at the UN relief coordination office (OCHA) said that the situation in South Sudan together with the crisis in neighbouring Sudan and limited funding are “deeply complicating” the humanitarian picture.
At the start of this year, over than 9.4 million people in South Sudan – 76 per cent of its population – relied on aid due to violence climatic shocks.
But the outbreak of conflict in Sudan forced over 260,000 people to flee across the border, including many South Sudanese refugees themselves.
“The massive influx of returnees and refugees comes on the backdrop of limited funding, that has imposed a huge burden on already stretched support services, leaving insufficient capacity to meet the wide range of needs,” she said.
Rising hunger
The Sudan crisis has also had knock-on effects on South Sudan’s trade and economy, leading to sharp food price increases and rising hunger.
Ms. Wosornu urged donors to step up support to the 2023 humanitarian response plan for South Sudan, which has raised less than half its requirements for the year.
“We have a responsibility to support the aspirations of South Sudanese to fend for themselves and live a peaceful and dignified life,” she said.
“It is our hope that with the steadfast support and investment of the international community, South Sudan will make the progress it deserves.”
The culinary specialties of Mechelen: a delight for the taste buds
The culinary specialties of Mechelen: a delight for the taste buds
The town of Mechelen, located in Belgium, is renowned for its rich culinary tradition. The inhabitants of this charming town have preserved traditional recipes and ancestral cooking techniques, giving rise to unique and delicious gastronomic specialties. In this article, we invite you to discover the culinary treasures of Mechelen, which are a real delight for the taste buds.
One of Mechelen’s most famous specialties is “Gouden Carolus”, a locally brewed beer. This internationally renowned beer is produced in the Het Anker brewery, which has existed since the 15th century. Gouden Carolus is a high quality beer, brewed with carefully selected ingredients. It is known for its rich and complex taste, which is the result of a meticulous brewing process. Beer lovers should not miss tasting this local specialty during their visit to Mechelen.
When it comes to cuisine, Mechelen is famous for its meat dishes. One of the city’s most iconic dishes is stoofvlees, a beef stew simmered in a dark beer-based sauce. This specialty is prepared with love and patience, letting the meat simmer for hours until tender and flavorful. Stoofvlees are often accompanied by crispy fries, making it a comforting and delicious dish.
Another popular meat dish in Mechelen is “pensen”, a typical Belgian pork sausage. This sausage is prepared with pork blood, minced meat, onions and spices, which gives it a unique and intense flavor. Pansies are often served with mashed potatoes and a mustard-based sauce, creating a perfect marriage of flavors.
The town of Mechelen is also famous for its high-quality dairy products. Mechelse koekoek cheese is one of the region’s most popular culinary treasures. This cheese is made from local cow’s milk, and is known for its creamy texture and delicate taste. It can be enjoyed alone, with bread or used in different recipes, adding a touch of flavor to any dish.
The inhabitants of Mechelen also have a passion for sweets. “Mechelse koekjes” are small, traditional biscuits that are very popular in the city. These cookies are made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar and butter, but they are incredibly tasty. They are often served with a cup of coffee or tea, for a well-deserved gourmet break.
Finally, Mechelen is known for its numerous fresh produce markets, where locals can purchase high-quality local produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, and baked goods are abundant in these markets, providing locals and visitors with a wide variety of choices for preparing delicious meals at home.
In conclusion, the culinary specialties of Mechelen are a real treat for the taste buds. Whether you’re a meat, beer, cheese or sweet lover, this charming town has something for everyone. Traditional recipes and ancestral cooking techniques are carefully preserved, giving rise to unique and delicious dishes. During your visit to Mechelen, don’t miss the opportunity to savor these culinary treasures and treat yourself.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Libya floods aftermath: Response continues amid the wreckage
UN teams are working tirelessly to deliver vital assistance to communities devastated by the unprecedented floods that hit eastern Libya.
