Nigeria: Farmers Struggle as Armed Violence Disrupts Agriculture in Kwara’s Southern District

Farmers in Kwara State’s southern senatorial district are increasingly threatened by insecurity, as armed groups and herders disrupt agricultural activities across seven local government areas. Communities face dual threats: criminal gangs conducting roadside ambushes and kidnappings for ransom, and armed herders who graze cattle on farmlands, often attacking farmers who resist. The region is a […]

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Rights Group Condemns Erosion of Freedoms in Hong Kong Due to Chinese Pressure

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned the dismantling of civil liberties in Hong Kong since the introduction of China’s National Security Law on June 30, 2020. In a statement released Sunday, the organization criticized Beijing’s continued pressure on the region, warning of a profound deterioration in political and civil freedoms. “In just five years, the […]

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EBRD Grants €25 Million Loan to PBZ Leasing to Support Croatian MSMEs and Green Investment

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has extended a €25 million loan to PBZ Leasing for on-lending to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Croatia. The facility is designed to improve access to finance for the private sector, with 30% earmarked for green assets, including energy-efficient technologies and equipment. The initiative supports […]

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Taoiseach Micheál Martin Begins Four-Day Visit to Japan

Tokyo, 1 July 2025 – Taoiseach Micheál Martin begins a four-day official visit to Japan today, focusing on strengthening Ireland–Japan bilateral relations, trade, and cultural cooperation. During his time in Tokyo, the Taoiseach will meet with Prime Minister Ishiba to advance the 2022 Joint Leaders’ Statement and discuss shared global priorities. He will also officially […]

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Minister Donohoe Confirms Ongoing Role for Home Building Finance Ireland Following Statutory Review

Dublin – 30 June 2025 – Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has confirmed the continued necessity of Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI) following the publication of its third statutory review under Section 24 of the HBFI Act. The review assessed HBFI’s relevance in today’s market conditions and its effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate to support […]

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Human rights can be a ‘strong lever for progress’ in climate change, says UN rights chief

Speaking at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, High Commissioner Volker Türk asked Member States whether enough was being done to protect people from the escalating impacts of climate change. “Are we taking the steps needed to protect people from climate chaos, safeguard their futures and manage natural resources in ways that respect human rights […]

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Home Depot Expands B2B Footprint with $5.5 Billion Acquisition of GMS

Atlanta – Home Depot has announced a $5.5 billion acquisition of GMS Inc., a leading specialty building products distributor, through its subsidiary SRS Distribution. The move significantly strengthens Home Depot’s presence in the professional contractor market. The deal is aimed at accelerating Home Depot’s strategy to grow its B2B business, particularly among digital-first professional customers […]

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Ireland: HSE Confirms €2.3 Million Investment to Enhance Cancer Services in South West

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has announced a €2.3 million investment to improve cancer services across the south west of Ireland, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional healthcare delivery. The funding will be directed toward enhancing diagnostic capacity, expanding treatment services, and increasing staffing levels in key oncology units. The investment is expected […]

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Afghanistan: Surging returns from Iran overwhelm fragile support systems, UN agencies warn

Ninety-nine per cent of the returnees were undocumented, and 70 per cent were forcibly returned, with a steep rise in families being deported – a shift from earlier months, when most returnees were single young men, according to the UN agency. The rise follows a March decision by the Iranian Government requiring all undocumented Afghans […]

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After the big development pledges in Seville, UN says action starts now

That’s where the Sevilla Platform for Action (SPA) comes in – a major step to begin implementing the Seville Agreement without delay. It features over 130 concrete actions to support the renewed global financing framework that world leaders just adopted at the international conference. They will help countries mobilise resources for an SDG investment push, build developing […]

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