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Election 2024: Updated seat projection for new European Parliament

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Election 2024: Updated seat projection for new European Parliament

Provisional results of the 2024 European elections as of June 10 at 11:38 a.m.

The above projection is based on:

  • final results from 12 EU member states: Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Slovakia;
  • provisional results from 14 countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden;
  • and pre-electoral data for Ireland.

Preliminary figures suggest an estimated turnout across the EU of 50,8%.

The projections of Parliament’s composition are based on the structure of the outgoing Parliament and its political groups, without prejudice to the composition of the next Parliament at its constitutive session.

All national parties without a current official affiliation and not part of “Non-attached” in the current Parliament are assigned to a holding category called “Others”, regardless of their political orientation.

Seat projections will continue to be updated and published on https://results.elections.europa.eu where you will also find national results, seats by political group and country, the breakdown by national parties and political groups, and turnout. You will also be able to compare results, check majorities or create your widget.

Source: Provided by Verian for the European Parliament

Carlos Alcaraz Outlasts Zverev to Claim First Roland-Garros Crown

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Spaniard Secures Third Major Title, Cements Place Among Tennis Elite

Paris, June 9th, 2024 — Carlos Alcaraz, the prodigious talent from Spain, clinched his first Roland-Garros title on Sunday, outlasting Germany’s Alexander Zverev in an epic five-set battle. With this victory, Alcaraz added the coveted Paris trophy to his growing collection, which already includes titles from the US Open and Wimbledon.

The 21-year-old emerged victorious with a scoreline of 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, after four hours and 19 minutes of grueling play. His triumph marks a significant moment for Spanish tennis, coming just two years after the legendary Rafael Nadal claimed his 14th French Open title.

Reflecting on his journey, a visibly emotional Alcaraz said, “Since I was a little kid finishing school and running just to put the TV on to watch this tournament, now I’m lifting the trophy in front of all of you. It’s been unbelievable, the support I receive. I feel like home.”

Breaking New Ground

Unlike Nadal, whose first trio of Grand Slam victories were all secured on the clay courts of Roland-Garros, Alcaraz’s third major triumph came on a different surface, underscoring his versatility and promise. At 21 years and one month old, Alcaraz became the youngest man to win a major on three different surfaces, surpassing Nadal’s record set at the 2009 Australian Open by 18 months.

Zverev, gracious in defeat, praised his opponent: “Third Grand Slam, 21 years old, it’s incredible. You won three different ones. It’s an amazing career already. You’re already a Hall of Famer and you’ve already achieved so much.”

The Final Clash

Their last major encounter, in the Australian Open quarter-finals earlier this year, saw Zverev triumph. However, the script was different in Paris. Alcaraz broke Zverev’s serve multiple times in the opening set, setting the tone for the encounter.

Zverev, riding a 12-match winning streak from his Rome Masters title, mounted a strong comeback in the second set, leveling the match after 96 minutes. But as the match extended into the third set, Alcaraz began to experience physical discomfort.

Despite receiving treatment for a left groin complaint, Alcaraz demonstrated remarkable resilience. He embraced the challenge, rallying from a two-sets-to-one deficit for the second consecutive match, reminiscent of his comeback against Jannik Sinner in the semi-final.

A Historic Achievement

In the deciding set, Alcaraz’s energy surged. He consolidated a break at 3-1 with a deft drop shot, igniting the crowd and cruising to a double break. The match concluded with Alcaraz securing victory, etching his name alongside his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, as a Roland-Garros champion.

Acknowledging the hard work and teamwork that propelled him to this triumph, Alcaraz stated, “It’s been incredible work the last month. We were struggling a lot with the injury. I’m really grateful to have the team that I have. Everyone in my team is giving their heart to make me improve as a player and as a person. I call you a team but it’s a family.”

A New Era in Men’s Tennis

This final was the first in Paris in 20 years that did not feature any of the ‘Big Three’—Nadal, Novak Djokovic, or Roger Federer. Alcaraz’s victory is a strong signal that he is poised to lead the new generation of tennis stars. As the seventh man in the Open Era and the first since Stan Wawrinka in 2016 to win Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces, Alcaraz’s future looks extraordinarily bright.

With his latest victory, Carlos Alcaraz has not only fulfilled his childhood dream but also solidified his place as a formidable force in tennis, embodying the spirit and determination of his idol, Rafael Nadal.

Dissolution of the French National Assembly by Macron: Context and Consequences

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Lahcen Hammouch
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Emmanuel Macron has decided to dissolve the National Assembly following a significant defeat for the presidential majority in the 2024 European elections. The decision comes against a backdrop in which the Rassemblement National (RN) won around 33% of the vote, significantly outperforming the other parties, including Macron’s party, represented by Valérie Hayer, which only received 15% of the vote.

Background to the decision

The dissolution of the French National Assembly was a direct response to the electoral rout of the presidential party. Under Article 12 of the French Constitution, the President of the Republic may dissolve the National Assembly after consulting the Prime Minister and the Presidents of the two Houses of Parliament, although he is free to do so even in the event of disagreement. This measure is often used as a tool to resolve political crises or to try to regain a more favourable parliamentary majority.

Strategic reasons

  1. Weakening of the Presidential Majority: The presidential majority suffered a stinging defeat in the European elections. The polls had predicted this debacle, indicating a rise in power of the RN. The dissolution therefore appears to be an attempt to reconstitute a new, more stable majority within the Assembly.
  2. Confronting the RN with the Reality of Power: Emmanuel Macron hopes that, if the RN gains a majority or a strong presence in the Assembly, the reality of managing public affairs will wear down their popularity. By potentially appointing Jordan Bardella as Prime Minister, Macron is betting on the political wear and tear the RN could suffer by taking on government responsibilities.
  3. Take back the political initiative: By dissolving the Assembly, Macron is attempting to regain the political initiative. This decision surprised not only his opponents but also some members of his own majority. It allows him to redefine the terms of political debate and mobilise his supporters for the next legislative elections.

Consequences and outlook

  1. New legislative elections : The dissolution leads to the organisation of new legislative elections, set for 30 June and 7 July 2024. These elections are crucial in determining the new composition of the National Assembly and, consequently, the country’s political direction for the coming years.
  2. Majority scenarios: According to the polls, the RN could win between 243 and 305 seats, which would put it close to or above the absolute majority of 289 seats. Emmanuel Macron’s party is predicted to win 117-165 seats, compared with 246 at present. These forecasts show a potential unprecedented cohabitation if the RN were to win a majority.
  3. Impact on the Government: Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, appointed five months ago, is also affected by this crisis. Although he remains in office for the time being, he could resign after the legislative elections if the majority is no longer on the presidential side, thus launching a new period of cohabitation or a change of prime minister.

Conclusion

The decision to dissolve the National Assembly is a bold political manoeuvre on the part of Emmanuel Macron, aimed at regaining a parliamentary majority and weakening the RN by confronting them with the reality of power. The new legislative elections in June and July 2024 will be decisive for France’s political future and Macron’s ability to govern effectively until the end of his term.

Amid ongoing Israeli incursions into Gaza, aid facilities shut ‘one after another’

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United Nations News
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Amid ongoing Israeli incursions into Gaza, aid facilities shut ‘one after another’

“Humanitarian facilities in Rafah are forced to close one after another…The flow of humanitarian aid supplies into Gaza, already insufficient to meet the soaring needs, has dropped by 67 per cent since 7 May,” reported the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, amid reports that kitchens, clinics and hospitals are shutting down.

Until Israeli troops seized and closed the Rafah border crossing in the very south of the Strip, it had been the key entry point for food, water, fuel and medicine into Gaza as well as the route for sick and wounded people to leave for treatment.

Powerless to help against famine threat

Echoing those concerns, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that there was little the agency “can currently do in Rafah, with stocks very low and mobility severely restricted”. 

According to WFP, the West Erez crossing in northern Gaza “is functional, but not reliable”. Gate 96 further south and the Erez crossing are also “inaccessible” and access is so “constrained” to southern parts of Gaza that it risks causing the same catastrophic levels of hunger witnessed in the north.

Tactical gain 

The development comes as the Israeli military said that it had secured “tactical control” of a narrow 13 kilometre (eight mile) stretch of land between Gaza and Egypt.

In a statement on Wednesday, an Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson reportedly claimed that rocket launchers had been used to attack Israel from the Philadelphi Corridor. 

A senior Israeli official also reportedly told national radio Wednesday that fighting in Gaza could be expected to last until the end of the year, at least.

Dire humanitarian situation

After nearly eight months of war, the entire population of Gaza of 2.2 million people is almost exclusively dependent on humanitarian assistance, including food.

Although desperately needed supplies have been delivered on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Abu Salem, or Kerem Shalom, crossing located close to Rafah, UN humanitarians have repeatedly stressed that it is not safe to fetch them amid ongoing hostilities, impassable roads, unexploded weapons, fuel shortages and delays at checkpoints.

“Adults and children are beyond exhausted from constant displacement, hunger, and fear,” WFP said in its latest situation update. “They are desperate for the war to end, as are humanitarian workers on the ground, who are largely displaced and dispersed along with the people they are meant to serve.”

Aid officials have frequently reiterated the responsibility of Israel as the occupying power to ensure that aid reaches those who need it, in line with international humanitarian law.

The UN food agency meanwhile confirmed that lifesaving aid relief and fuel from Egypt had crossed into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing. 

“This is an important step, but we need sustained access. We need all border crossings and crossing points within Gaza to be open,” it said, adding that although some commercial goods had reached the enclave, “people cannot afford the high prices”.

“We need more aid to enter through the south because people need dietary diversity, access to healthcare and water.” 

In its latest update, the UN food agency said that in the north, aid teams are distributing food parcels, wheat flour, hot meals and supporting bakeries.  

In central areas, WFP is prioritising hot meals to reach more people with fewer resources. It noted that faster assistance is now possible thanks to a recently introduced self-registration tool that allows people to update their location.

Just four bakeries now operate in Gaza City, and one recently opened in Jabalia, providing bread in the north. Out of the 17 bakeries WFP operates in Gaza, only 11 are functioning owing to the lack of fuel and other essentials.    

In Rafah the healthcare situation remains perilous, with only one hospital still functional, the World Health Organization said, referring to Al Emirati Maternity Hospital. This compares with three partially functional hospitals earlier this month. “An Najjar Hospital was evacuated on 7 May and Al Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah ceased operations on 27 May,” WHO said, following reports quoting the hospital’s director that this happened after two medical staff were killed when the hospital’s gate was hit. 

Other aid operations that have closed this week in Rafah reportedly include a field hospital and kitchen run by UN partners the Palestinian Red Crescent and World Central Kitchen.   

Al Mawasi strike

To date, at least 36,171 Palestinians have been killed and 81,420 injured in Gaza, OCHA said, citing Gazan health authorities, since Hamas-led terror attacks in southern Israel on 7 October prompted intense Israeli bombardment across the enclave. 

“Mass casualties” were also reported on Tuesday after an unconfirmed airstrike on a site for forcibly displaced people in the coastal Al Mawasi area, southwest of Rafah. The UN aid office cited the Gazan ministry of health, which reported 21 fatalities and 21 injuries.

 

 

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First Person: Guest editing UN News’s first live blog takeover

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United Nations News
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First Person: Guest editing UN News’s first live blog takeover

That’s happening on the opening day of the 17th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP17) to the game-changing Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, taking place from 11 to 13 June 2024.

From being a delegate at COSP16 to taking over UN News’s live blog at COSP17, the activist with Down syndrome said his mission is to amplify voices and drive change, including on this year’s themes of jobs, tech and humanitarian responses in times of crisis.

Here’s more from our guest editor ahead of COSP17:

“What I’m most looking forward to is connecting with others and meeting other people who care about the same things I do. Last year, I made new friends and shared stories, which was really cool.

I also looking forward to accessibility and inclusion. One thing that really stood out to me last year was how everyone talked about making things easier for people with disabilities. It was great to see so many people care about making the world a better place for us.

I’m from Canada and am passionate about disability rights. I’m a part of the L’Arche community in Toronto. L’Arche has nearly 160 communities in 37 countries around the world, fostering inclusive relationships where people with and without intellectual disabilities make each other’s lives better.

Nick Herd in the UN General Assembly Hall for COSP16.

Jobs, tech and humanitarian crises

This year, the focus at COSP17 is on tech, jobs and humanitarian crises through a lens of people with disabilities. Technology is changing the way we live and work, and it’s no different for people with disabilities.

We’re going to be discussing how advancements in technology can create new opportunities and support for individuals like us. From accessibility features in smartphones to assistive devices in the workplace, tech has the power to level the playing field and enhance our lives.

Unfortunately, conflicts and wars around the world disproportionately affect people with disabilities, and I’ve seen first-hand the challenges faced by individuals in L’Arche communities in conflict zones. COSP17 is going to be shedding light on these issues and advocating for better support and protection for those affected by conflict.

When it comes to jobs, finding and maintaining employment can be tough for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for people with disabilities. Discrimination, lack of accessibility and stigma are just some of the barriers we face. Through discussions, we’ll be working towards solutions to improve employment opportunities and ensure equal rights for all.

These issues are important to me and so is the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

How tech helps me as a person with a disability

Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing my life as a person with a disability, enabling me to connect, communicate and comprehend information more easily and independently. Here’s how:

Staying connected: Technology lets me stay connected with friends, family and the world around me. Whether it’s through social media, video calls or messaging apps, I can stay in touch no matter where I am. You can even follow me on Instagram!

Better communication: Tech tools like speech-to-text, text-to-speech and communication apps help me communicate more easily. They make it simpler for me to express myself and understand others, whether I’m chatting with friends or participating in meetings. For example, I’ll be using WhatsApp to stay connected with our L’Arche team while here at COSP17 in New York City.

Understanding information: Technology helps me understand information. With tools like screen readers, magnifiers and accessible websites, I can access and understand information more effectively, empowering me to learn, work and engage in various activities.

Nick Herd working as a creative consultant on the set of a short movie production for L’Arche Canada and the United States in March 2022.

Nick Herd working as a creative consultant on the set of a short movie production for L’Arche Canada and the United States in March 2022.

3 ways employment changed my life

As a person with a disability, jobs matter. What’s most important is being included.

My animated film Freebird was long-listed for an Academy Award in 2021. It was a big deal. It showed that people with disabilities can shine in the spotlight too. Working on the film as a creative director was a highlight of my career.

Working together is also crucial. Collaboration is key in my acting gigs. Working with others helps us all come up with better ideas and make great things happen.

Equally important is being able to express myself. As an artist and freelancer, having a job means I can bring my unique perspective to the table. It lets me be myself and show what I can do, which is pretty awesome.

Dignity and disability

Every single person deserves to feel safe and respected in their life. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, whether you have a disability or not – being treated badly is never okay. Whether it’s at school, work or anywhere else, bullying, mistreatment and neglect should never be tolerated.

In tough times like emergencies, disasters or wars, it’s super important for governments to do everything they can to keep us safe. They have to follow the rules set by the world to make sure everyone is okay.

It’s crucial to remember that no one should ever be forgotten or left out. We all have the right to be protected and valued.

Nick Herd (right) and his colleague Warren Pot from L’Arche Canada are interviewed at the United Nations.

Nick Herd (right) and his colleague Warren Pot from L’Arche Canada are interviewed at the United Nations.

Human rights for all

Why do humanitarian rights matter to me as a person with a disability? Human rights are not just words on paper; they are essential for people like me to live fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society. I can think of three reasons why.

Getting the help I need: Humanitarian rights ensure I can access essential resources and support services, like healthcare, education, jobs and tools tailored to my needs, helping me to live with dignity and independence.

Feeling included: These rights promote inclusivity by fighting against discrimination based on disability. They ensure fair treatment for everyone, combating stereotypes and stigma. With humanitarian rights, society becomes more welcoming, where everyone’s contributions are valued.

Speaking up for change: When it comes to conflicts, we know that people with disabilities are hit harder in wars. As part of L’Arche, we have communities in places like Haiti, Bethlehem and Ukraine that experience this. Belonging to the supportive community of L’Arche gives us solidarity, strength and resilience to come together during these difficult times. With the support of humanitarian rights, we can make sure that people with disabilities aren’t forgotten when things get tough.

Rights and opportunity

Living a dignified life means having all the rights that make us human. Everyone should have the right to make choices for themselves, like what they want to do or where they want to go. We all deserve a safe place to call home and enough food to eat every day.

COSP17 starts on Tuesday at UN Headquarters.

COSP17 starts on Tuesday at UN Headquarters.

Communication is super important too! It’s crucial that people talk to us in ways we understand. That way, we can express ourselves and be understood by others. And it’s not just about talking. Everyone should have the same chances to get healthcare, go to school and find a job they love.

Governments play a big role in making sure these rights are protected, and it is so important to have our voices heard. People with disabilities deserve the support they need to live a happy, fulfilling life.

COSP is all about making sure that everyone, no matter their abilities, has a fair chance in life. It’s a place to create change for the better.

Let’s work together to make sure everyone has the rights and opportunities we deserve.

See you on 11 June when I take over the UN News live blog. We’re going live at 8am. I hope you will join us!”

Stay tuned to UN News here.

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European elections 2024: publication of results and other information for media | News

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European elections 2024: publication of results and other information for media | News

Provisional European election results can only be published after 23.00 CEST, when the last voting polls in Italy have closed. Before, Parliament will publish a first set of available national estimates around 18.15 CEST, and a first projection of the new Parliament is expected around 20.15-20.30 CEST (indicative time), based on national estimates, exit polls and pre-electoral voting intentions.

A second seat projection, at around 23.15-23.45 CEST (indicative time), will include the first provisional results from some EU member states, and estimates for the rest.

Updated projections will follow, as Parliament’s services receive information from national authorities. The last updated projection is expected at around 01.00 CEST.

Find here a detailed schedule of estimates and provisional results. All data will be available on the official election results website.

Media briefings at 11.00 and 17.00

Parliament’s press service will brief media at 11.00 and 17.00 from the Parliament’s hemicycle, turned into a pressroom, on the latest information about the election night, as well as on useful data about the Parliament and the organisation of the European elections. Both briefings can be followed in person and via webstreaming.

EbS will run a special programme on the elections starting at 17.30.

On Monday 10 June at 11.00, there will be another briefing on provisional election results and next steps, followed by a press conference by spokespersons of the political groups.

Statements by lead candidates and political groups’ leaders

Representatives of the EP political groups and European parties’ lead candidates for the position of Commission President will speak to the media during the evening. Political groups will also have their press teams available to respond to media requests and facilitate contacts. Find their contact details here.

Political group leaders or representatives are scheduled to address the media around 21.30 (indicative timing, to be confirmed) in reverse order according to their size in the current parliament:

  • The Left: Marc Botenga
  • ID: not confirmed
  • ECR: Assita Kanko
  • Greens/EFA: Philippe Lamberts
  • Renew Europe: Iskra Mihaylova
  • S&D: Pedro Marques
  • EPP: Manfred Weber

Lead candidates for the European Commission Presidency will take the floor following the announcement of provisional results, from around 23.45, in the following order:

  • EPP: Ursula von der Leyen
  • PES: Nicolas Schmit
  • Renew Europe Now: Valérie Hayer (tentative)
  • European Greens: Bas Eickhout
  • European Left: Walter Baier

Audiovisual material on voting from all EU member states is available on EBS and the EP’s Multimedia Centre, including statements from the lead candidates and group leaders voting in their constituencies.

Country-by-country information on the European elections

You can find individual pages on each of the EU member states with details on how the European elections are organised, lists, candidates, including MEPs who are running again for election and previous elections results, via this link.

Media access to the Parliament on election night

Only accredited journalists (holding an EU inter-institutional pass or accreditation to Parliament) will have access to Parliament’s premises on election night. Journalists may collect EP media passes on Sunday 9 June at the Accreditation Centre in front of Parliament (Esplanade Solidarność, office 01F035) from 8.00 and until 23.00.

The Simone Veil entrance (SPINELLI building) will be open from 10.00 to 02.00, while the entrance at rue Wiertz (SPINELLI building) will stay open all day and night.

Only those journalists who were assigned a place in the hemicycle will be able to work from there. The meeting room in front of the plenary chamber (3C050 in the SPAAK building) will also be set up as a press working area, and journalists may also work from the press room in the SPAAK building, on the ground floor.

More than 1 000 media representatives from all over the world will follow election night from the EP in Brussels. Regarding languages, around 148 interpreters will ensure there is interpretation of the event to and into all EU languages, as well as international sign language.

New EP Events mobile app

All journalists covering the European elections on site are encouraged to download the new “EP events” app (available in Google Play and App Store) to get timely information on their phones about everything happening in the Parliament before, during and after the elections, as well as practical information, including passcodes for Wi-Fi connection, opening hours, maps, contacts, links and technical information for audio-visual media.

Parking facilities

Parliament’s carpark will be free for media to use on election night – on presentation of valid media accreditation at the entrance. There will be no need to use the IZIX App that is used during normal parliamentary weeks. It will close at 02.00.

Catering services

The cafeteria next to the hemicycle (SPAAK building, third floor) will be open from 11.00 until the closure of the EP premises (kitchen closes at 22.00).

The press bar on SPAAK’s ground floor will be open from 17.00 to 23.00.

Parliament’s self-service restaurant in the SPAAK building, twelfth floor, will also be open between 12.00 and 23.00, offering sandwiches, salads and warm meals.

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Sudan: ‘Noose of war’ tightens on civilians in El Fasher, UN official warns

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United Nations News
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UN’s rights chief horrified by Sudan escalation as famine draws nearer

Fighting between the Sudanese army and the rival military Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been battling for more than year, recently intensified in the North Darfur city. 

Civilians are under attack from all sides, and the news of reported casualties and human rights abuses are appalling, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan Clementine Nkweta-Salami said in a statement. 

‘Deeply worrying reports’ 

“Families, including children and elderly people, are being prevented from leaving the city as they search for safety,” she said.

“We are receiving deeply worrying reports that medical facilities, displacement camps and critical civilian infrastructure have been targeted by parties to the conflict.” 

Ms. Nkweta-Salami added that many parts of El Fasher have been left without electricity or water and a growing proportion of the population has limited access to food, healthcare and other basic necessities and essential services. 

Appeal to the parties 

“After more than a year of brutal conflict, families have exhausted their scarce resources and their resilience is being eroded with each day of violence,” she said. 

The top UN aid official in the country stressed that all parties must avoid using explosive weapons in populated areas and take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. 

“Wars have rules that must be respected by all, no matter what,” she said.  

Conflict displaces millions 

Meanwhile, the war has displaced more than seven million people inside Sudan, more than half of them children, according to the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, citing data from the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM).

This is in addition to the estimated two million who have fled to neighbouring countries since the conflict erupted in April 2023. 

The UN and partners continue to step up efforts to respond to rising hunger and food insecurity in Sudan. Some 18 million people across the country are going hungry, and five million are on the brink of famine. 

Food on the move 

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reported that 1,200 metric tonnes of food supplies for some 116,000 people are being transported across the Darfur region and nearing final destinations in Central Darfur and 12 locations across South Darfur, including displacement camps in Nyala.  

The supplies are from a WFP convoy that crossed into Sudan from Chad last week. 

Food distributions are also ongoing for 135,000 people in South Kordofan state as WFP reiterated that aid must safely reach vulnerable communities. 

“No bullets. One rose for each child.”These were the powerful words of 10-year-old Majd during a psychosocial session delivered by UNICEF and partners.

‘Catastrophic consequences’ for children and mothers

Separately, WFP alongside the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), issued a stark warning of the significant deterioration in the nutrition status of children and mothers due to the war.

“Sudan is facing an ever-increasing risk of conflict-induced famine that will have catastrophic consequences, including the loss of life, especially among young children,” they said on Thursday.

Recent analysis conducted by the agencies highlights how the conflict is worsening the drivers of child malnutrition, which include lack of access to nutritious food, safe drinking water and sanitation as well as increased risk of disease.

The situation is further compounded by the massive displacement of people fleeing to safety. Furthermore, humanitarian access has been severely impacted by the fighting.

Childhood malnutrition crisis

The UN agencies said child malnutrition is at emergency levels. In Central Darfur, acute malnutrition is estimated to be at 15.6 per cent among under-fives and close to 30 per cent at the ZamZam camp in North Darfur, home to thousands of internally displaced people.

Acute malnutrition is life-threatening, they explained, as malnourished children are up to 11 times more likely to die than their well-nourished counterparts. 

Levels of malnutrition are particularly worrying among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, they added, pointing to a screening carried out last month by medical charity Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, in the ZamZam camp.

Over 33 per cent of pregnant and breastfeeding women there are malnourished, indicating that they are likely sacrificing their own needs to feed their children. 

Next generation at risk

“This situation poses an incredible risk not only for the health of mothers, but also for the next generation of Sudan’s children,” they said. “As much as 30 per cent of child malnutrition begins in utero, so children born to malnourished mothers are likely to be already malnourished themselves.”

The agencies fear that the situation for children and mothers will only worsen over the coming months, noting that the rainy season, which starts in June, will cut off communities and raise disease rates.

“Sudan is also entering the lean season, a time between harvests when food stocks traditionally run low,” they added.  “This is particularly pertinent this year as reports are already indicating that agricultural production in 2023 was below normal due to insecurity and displacement.”

The agencies called for immediate, unimpeded and consistent access to communities who are suffering the worst effects of the conflict, through all possible crossline and cross-border routes.

They also appealed for a de-escalation of the situation in El Fasher, a nationwide ceasefire and  a scale-up in donor support, warning that “the window to avert the worst is rapidly closing”. 

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Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: 5 fast facts

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United Nations News
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Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: 5 fast facts

The landmark legally binding treaty entered into force on 3 May 2008, marking a major milestone in the effort to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights for all.

Ahead of the 17th Conference of States Parties (COSP17) that starts on 11 June, here are five fast facts about the Convention and how it continues to impact the lives of 1.3 billion men, women and children living with disabilities around the world:

A four-year-old boy plays in a learning centre in Bratislava, Ukraine.

1. Why the world needs the Convention

People with disabilities face discrimination and the denial of their human rights around the world. Society’s barriers are the problem, not individual impairments.

That’s why the Convention exists.

The Convention is a human rights treaty that sets out how to make a world disability inclusive.

The goal is to create an enabling environment so that people living with disabilities can enjoy real equality in society.

A nine-year-old child plays seesaw with her friends in an inclusive playground at her school in the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan.

A nine-year-old child plays seesaw with her friends in an inclusive playground at her school in the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan.

2. Protected rights

The Convention emphasises that people living with disabilities must have their dignity respected and their voices heard and should be involved in making decisions that affect their lives. That includes all rights, from freedom of speech and education to healthcare and employment.

The treaty tells countries to remove obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in all fields, from technology to politics.

It addresses those barriers, including discrimination and accessibility, and also calls for equality for women and girls. In addition, the treaty maps out ways countries around the world can remove barriers preventing people with disabilities from fully enjoying all their rights.

Despite all technical difficulties of leaving home, Dmitry Kuzuk does his own shopping and leads independent life in Moldova. (file)

Despite all technical difficulties of leaving home, Dmitry Kuzuk does his own shopping and leads independent life in Moldova. (file)

3. How the treaty is enforced

There are several ways the Convention is enforced, respected and implemented.

Individuals can bring petitions to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to report breaches of their rights.

“The mere existence of the Convention gives persons with disabilities and their organisations the ability to say to their governments ‘you have accepted these obligations’ and insist that they be met.” said Don MacKay, chair of the committee that drafted the treaty.

The 18-member Geneva-based committee can also undertake inquires of grave or systematic violations of the Convention and monitors whether rights are being properly applied, online and off in times of peace and of war and other crises.

A young boy attends a panel discussion on health and wellbeing at an event held on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day at UN Headquarters. (file)

UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras

A young boy attends a panel discussion on health and wellbeing at an event held on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day at UN Headquarters. (file)

4. A seat at the table

A key to progress is bringing people whose rights are affected to the table.

This year, hundreds of delegates from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are coming to New York to take part in the latest Conference of State Parties, COSP17, to be held in June 2024, one of the largest global meetings on disability rights.

Since the time the treaty was negotiated, the perspectives and input of people living with disabilities are being heard at meetings at the UN and in countries around the world.

The bigger table at UN Headquarters now accommodates accessibility requirements, including wheelchair access, hearing loops usage, documentation in Braille, large print or sign language usage.

Music legend and UN Messenger of Peace Stevie Wonder addresses the General Assembly's high-level meeting on disability and development in 2013. (file)

Music legend and UN Messenger of Peace Stevie Wonder addresses the General Assembly’s high-level meeting on disability and development in 2013. (file)

5. In the spotlight

Global celebrities like the singer-songwriter and UN Messenger of Peace Stevie Wonder, who is visually impaired, have also added their voice.

“Someone being sighted doesn’t mean that they should be blind to those things in the world that we need to fix,” Mr. Wonder said, noting that there are 300 million visually impaired people around the world.

“We really are abled persons with different abilities. We have to have inclusion.”

Watch UN Video’s Stories from the UN Archive on how the music icon challenged assumptions about Braille: here.

“I think there are certain sort of stereotypes that we hear about autism, and I’ve learned very quickly through meeting people who either were parents of autistic children or meeting people with autism that those sort of stereotypes don’t really exist,” actor Dakota Fanning told UN News in a conversation about her role as Wendy, who is autistic, in the film Please Stand By.

“So, I felt that I didn’t I want to further the stereotypes and that I wanted to really portray her as I would portray any other young woman,” she said.

Nick Herd in the UN General Assembly Hall for COSP16. (file)

Nick Herd in the UN General Assembly Hall for COSP16. (file)

“I have lived with discrimination for part of my life,” said Canadian activist, actor and talk show host Nick Herd, who was born with Down syndrome.

“When I was young, and growing up, I was bullied because of my disability, but now I can use that voice, from the child that I was, to be heard, louder and louder. I can shout it on the top of a building or off a mountain, bigger than the UN so that persons with disabilities are included at the table.”

Giles Duley has dedicated his work as a photographer to document the impacts of war. He himself was severely wounded in Afghanistan and continues to fight on all fronts to heal his own wounds and those of others.

© Giles Duley/Legacy of War Foundation

Giles Duley has dedicated his work as a photographer to document the impacts of war. He himself was severely wounded in Afghanistan and continues to fight on all fronts to heal his own wounds and those of others.

“In war, those with disabilities are often represented as victims, denied equality in humanitarian support and excluded from peace processes,” said renowned photographer Giles Duley, the first UN Global Advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations.

“It is time for change, and if we work together, we have the strength and opportunity to create that change.”

Who’s on board?

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was opened for signature in 2006. Here’s who is on board:

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, waiting to be signed by representatives of Member States in 2006. (file)

UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, waiting to be signed by representatives of Member States in 2006. (file)

  • As of today, 191 nations and UN observers have ratified the treaty, and 106 have ratified its Optional Protocol
  • Since the Convention entered into force in 2008, the UN and its agencies have worked towards amplifying its provisions
  • The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to leave no one behind in its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • The Summit of the Future intends to realign international cooperation to be inclusive across the board
  • Check out the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy
  • The Convention and its Optional Protocol established annual meetings of treaty signatories – the “Conference of States Parties” (COSP) – to monitor implementation and discuss current themes and trends, with this year’s COSP17 focusing on jobs, tech and humanitarian emergencies at a meeting at UN Headquarters from 11 to 13 June 2024
  • Learn about the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities here
  • Follow past and present annual Conferences of States Parties (COSP) here

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World Oceans Day event highlights immediate protection measures needed

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United Nations News
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Milos Prelevic prelevicm - unsplash

UN World Oceans Day, celebrated on Friday at UN Headquarters in New York, focused on “opening minds, igniting senses, and inspiring possibilities” to protect marine life worldwide. 

A powerful video was shown echoing the theme, awaken new depths, warning of immediate protection needs and cautioning that there is no time for an “out of sight out of mind” sense of complacency.

In a statement marking the Day – which falls officially on Saturday – UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the ocean sustains life on Earth and the problems are essentially man-made.

“Climate change is triggering rising seas and threatening the very existence of small island developing states and coastal populations”, he said.

Mr. Guterres also mentioned that ocean acidification is destroying coral reefs, with sea temperatures reaching record levels leading to extreme weather events. Overfishing and other factors are contributing to the destruction of the world’s marine ecosystems.

The President of the General Assembly, Dennis Francis, attended the event and voiced similar concerns about the current state of the ocean.

“There is so much still to learn about oceans – and, importantly, to reverse the damage being caused to our precious lifeline resource.”

Mr. Francis said that the ocean is our strongest ally against climate change and therefore “it is our joint responsibility to course correct – and recommit to sustainably manage the ocean’s precious resources – so as to ensure their availability intergenerationally.”

The Secretary-General and General Assembly President said they are expecting reflections on and actions toward ways to restore and protect our oceans as the Summit of the Future in September 2024 and next year’s UN Oceans Conference approach.

State of the Ocean Report

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released a State of the Ocean report earlier in the week pushing policymakers to think about “the ocean we need for the future we want.”

The report detailed threats to the ocean and trends that could help identify drivers of change.

It warned that the rate of ocean warming has doubled in 20 years and that coastal species are suffocating due to decreased oxygen levels in the ocean, among other things.

One of its conclusions is that “ocean literacy practice and research is a strategic ally to optimize resources, accelerate behavioural change and improve the implementation of ocean conservation programmes and sustainability practices.”

Soundcloud

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Calls to action

Speakers at UN Headquarters on Friday included marine biologist and oceanographer Sylvia Earle, who said finding ways to share the importance of protecting our ocean with the world can lead to vital action to also preserve coastal wildlife.

“Now is the time for governments, businesses, investors, scientists and communities to come together in defence of our ocean,” UN Secretary-General Guterres said.

In a similar call to action, General Assembly President Francis said we should “redouble our efforts to support and advance ocean action, build much-needed capacity in [small island developing states]and other developing countries – and promote innovative financing solutions that drive transformation and scale up resilience.”

Eco-friendly and affordable battery for low-income countries

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Newsdesk
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Eco-friendly and affordable battery for low-income countries


A battery made from zinc and lignin that can be used over 8000 times. This has been developed by researchers at Linköping University with a vision to provide a cheap and sustainable battery solution for countries where access to electricity is limited. The study has been published in the journal Energy & Environmental Materials.

Reverant Crispin and Ziyauddin Khan, researchers at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics. Image credit:

Reverant Crispin and Ziyauddin Khan, researchers at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics. Image credit: Thor Balkhed/Linköping University

“Solar panels have become relatively inexpensive, and many people in low-income countries have adopted them. However, near the equator, the sun sets at around 6 PM, leaving households and businesses without electricity. The hope is that this battery technology, even with lower performance than the expensive Li-ion batteries, will eventually offer a solution for these situations,” says Reverant Crispin, professor of organic electronics at Linköping University.

His research group at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, together with researchers at Karlstad University and Chalmers, has developed a battery that is based on zinc and lignin, two cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials. In terms of energy density, it is comparable to lead-acid batteries but without the lead, which is toxic.

Stable battery

The battery is stable, as it can be used over 8000 cycles while maintaining about 80% of its performance. Additionally, the battery retains its charge for approximately one week, significantly longer than other similar zinc-based batteries that discharge in just a few hours.

Although zinc-based batteries are already on the market, primarily as non-rechargeable batteries, they are predicted to complement and, in some cases, replace lithium-ion batteries in the long run when the feature of rechargeability is properly introduced.

“While lithium-ion batteries are useful when handled correctly, they can be explosive, challenging to recycle, and problematic in terms of environmental and human rights issues when specific elements like cobalt are extracted. Therefore, our sustainable battery offers a promising alternative where energy density is not critical,” says Ziyauddin Khan, a researcher at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics at LiU.

Cheap and recyclable

The issue with zinc batteries has primarily been poor durability due to zinc reacting with the water in the battery’s electrolyte solution. This reaction leads to the generation of hydrogen gas and dendritic growth of the zinc, rendering the battery essentially unusable.

To stabilise the zinc, a substance called potassium polyacrylate based water-in-polymer salt electrolyte (WiPSE) is used. What the researchers at Linköping have now demonstrated is that when WiPSE is used in a battery containing zinc and lignin, stability is very high.

“Both zinc and lignin are super cheap, and the battery is easily recyclable. And if you calculate the cost per usage cycle, it becomes an extremely cheap battery compared to lithium-ion batteries,” says Ziyauddin Khan.

Scalable

Currently, the batteries developed in the lab are small. However, the researchers believe that they can create large batteries, roughly the size of a car battery, thanks to the abundance of both lignin and zinc at low cost. However, mass production would require the involvement of a company.

Reverant Crispin asserts that Sweden’s position as an innovative country enables it to assist other nations in adopting more sustainable alternatives.

“We can view it as our duty to help low-income countries avoid making the same mistakes we did. When they build their infrastructure, they need to start with green technology right away. If unsustainable technology is introduced, it will be used by billions of people, leading to a climate catastrophe,” says Reverant Crispin.

The research was primarily funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation through the Wallenberg Wood Science Centre, the Swedish Research Council, Åforsk, the Swedish government’s strategic research area on advanced functional materials (AFM) at Linköping University, and Vinnova through Fun-Mat II. The long-term collaboration with Ligna Energy AB within the SESBC center is funded by the Swedish Energy Agency.

Article: Water-in-Polymer Salt Electrolyte for Long-Life Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc-Lignin Battery, Divyaratan Kumar, Leandro R. Franco, Nicole Abdou, Rui Shu, Anna Martinelli, C. Moyses Araujo, Johannes Gladisch, Viktor Gueskine, Reverant Crispin & Ziyauddin Khan; Energy & Environmental Materials 2024, published online 7 May 2024. DOI: 10.1002/eem2.12752

Written by Anders Törneholm 

Source: Linköping University



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