World News in Brief: Gaza humanitarian update, more killings in Sudan, ending impunity in Myanmar

Multiple strikes overnight into Friday were reported in the Jabalya Al Balad and An Nazla neighbourhoods, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest update. As a result, around 900 people reportedly fled towards the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood and western Gaza City. Safe passage, more aid The UN and […]

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UN Chief Renews Ceasefire Appeal Amid Escalating Crisis in Gaza

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated his urgent call for a ceasefire in Gaza, warning of catastrophic consequences as Israeli military operations intensify. Speaking Thursday at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, Guterres emphasized the need to halt hostilities and secure the unconditional release of hostages. “It is vital to reach immediately […]

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UN Experts Accuse Russia of Systematic Sexual Torture in Occupied Ukraine

United Nations human rights experts have formally accused Russian forces of engaging in systematic sexual torture against civilians in occupied regions of Ukraine. The allegations were presented in a dossier delivered to the Russian Federation on Thursday by UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, and her colleagues. The report documents the abuse of […]

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UN Calls for Stronger Protections for People Displaced by Terrorism and Security Operations

During the eighth International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the United Nations urged member states to strengthen protections for individuals forcibly displaced by terrorism and related security measures. Ben Saul, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights while countering terrorism, emphasized that displaced persons—especially in low-income, conflict-affected regions—remain among the […]

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Kazakhstan Tries to Shoot the Messenger

On August 17, police in Kazakhstan detained veteran human rights defender Bakhytzhan Toregozhina and held her for several hours apparently in connection to a criminal investigation on charges of participating in a banned extremist organization. She was picked up following social media posts she had made in support of Marat Zhylanbaev, an opposition activist who has […]

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Statement by Commissioner Lahbib on Gaza famine

Famine is no longer a risk in Gaza. It is a reality. Children are dying from hunger and disease, while families are going days without food. Access to clean water and health has collapsed. The report published today by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the global reference for analysis of food and nutrition […]

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Survivors’ voices ‘integral’ to preventing terrorism

This year marks the eighth commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. It serves to honour victims and survivors, elevate their voices, raise awareness, and highlight global solidarity. “This International Day is not only one of remembrance; it’s a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to uphold the […]

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Gaza’s Children Are Starving as Famine Officially Declared: A Ceasefire Is No Longer a Choice— It’s a Moral Imperative

Gaza City, 22 August 2025 — For the first time in the region’s history, famine has been officially declared in Gaza City by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed body that monitors global hunger. The IPC warns that “catastrophic conditions” are expected to expand to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the […]

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Europe’s Media Freedom Milestone: Member States Urged to Act on EMFA Implementation

Brussels, 8 August 2025 — The European Union has entered a new era in media regulation with the official application of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), a landmark legislative framework designed to safeguard press freedom, editorial independence, and media pluralism across all Member States. The EMFA, adopted in response to growing concerns over political […]

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Jimmy Lai Faces Life in Prison as Closing Arguments Begin in Landmark Hong Kong Trial

Hong Kong — As closing arguments begin in the national security trial of Jimmy Lai, the 77-year-old founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, attention is turning not only to the legal complexities of the case but also to the humanitarian and health concerns surrounding his prolonged detention. Lai, who has pleaded not guilty […]

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