Deep-sea must not turn into ‘Wild West’ of rare minerals exploitation, agency head says

Marking its 30th anniversary, ISA is the world’s authority on the deep-sea beyond national jurisdiction. Washington may have passed an order on deep-sea licensing in international waters earlier this year, but the authority’s chief Leticia Carvalho said the United States, which is not an ISA member, “is going at it alone”. “The rest of the […]

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Torture, threats and arbitrary arrests: UN warns of ‘serious abuses’ against Afghans forced to return

These abuses include threats, cases of torture, mistreatment and arbitrary arrest and detention, according to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The report said these violations were committed against Afghans “based on their profile” and targeted women, media workers and civil society […]

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Nigeria: Amid record hunger and surging insecurity, emergency food assistance to stall entirely

While WFP has been able to hold hunger at bay across northern Nigeria in the first half of 2025, funding shortfalls are jeopardising such efforts, with lifesaving programmes set to grind to a halt by the end of July.   Without immediate funding, millions of vulnerable people will be left without food assistance as WFP’s […]

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EU and China Reach Tentative Agreement on Rare Earths Amid Broader Trade Tensions

At a high-stakes one-day summit in Beijing, the European Union and China reached a preliminary agreement to ease export restrictions on rare earth elements, a move welcomed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as vital to restoring trust in bilateral trade relations. The curbs, introduced by China in April 2025 amid escalating trade […]

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Russian Passenger Plane Crashes in Amur Region, Killing All 49 On Board

A Russian passenger aircraft operated by Angara Airlines has crashed in the Amur region of the country’s Far East, killing all 49 people on board. The Antonov An-24, a Soviet-era twin-engine turboprop, disappeared from radar on July 24 while attempting a second landing approach near Tynda, a remote town close to the Chinese border. The […]

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Taoiseach Micheál Martin Begins Two-Day Visit to Luxembourg for Bilateral Talks

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has arrived in Luxembourg for a two-day official visit, where he will meet with Prime Minister Luc Frieden to discuss key economic and geopolitical issues. The visit builds on the strong bilateral relationship between Ireland and Luxembourg, following Frieden’s visit to Dublin in September 2024. The leaders will focus on: Ireland and […]

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African Continental News Brief – 24 July 2025

DR Congo: UN Says Rwanda-Backed M23 Blocked Human Rights Probe The United Nations has accused the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, of obstructing a UN fact-finding mission’s access to areas under its control in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) stated this denial is “seriously hampering” efforts […]

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Minister O’Donovan Announces €293,252 in Funding for Local Festivals and Summer Schools Across Ireland

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD has approved €293,252 in funding to support 64 small-scale local festivals and summer schools taking place throughout Ireland in 2025. The funding is part of the Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme, designed to assist cultural events that may not qualify for support from […]

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Irish Government Allocates €24.33 Billion to Transport Under National Development Plan Review 2025

The Department of Transport has been awarded €24.33 billion under the National Development Plan (NDP) Review 2025, marking a major investment in Ireland’s transport infrastructure over the next five years. The funding was welcomed by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, Minister of State Seán Canney, and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, who emphasized its transformative […]

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Minister Jim O’Callaghan Publishes First Comprehensive Review of Ireland’s Civil Legal Aid Scheme

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan TD has released the first full review of Ireland’s Civil Legal Aid Scheme since its inception in 1979, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of access to justice in the country. The review, conducted by an Independent Review Group chaired by former Chief Justice Frank […]

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