Lebanon: Another peacekeeper dies in new attack

Two other peacekeepers also sustained injuries in the incident and are receiving medical treatment at a UNIFIL facility. The force said that an investigation is underway “to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to this tragic incident…The violence must end.” It is not clear where the shelling originated, but the development comes amid intensifying exchanges […]

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Report by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, June 2026: UK statement to the OSCE

Thank you, Mr Chair. High Commissioner, thank you for your report. The United Kingdom remains a strong supporter of your mandate and of the dedicated professionals who carry it out across the OSCE region. Your report once again demonstrates the importance and value of your office, and underlines the continuing impact you and your team […]

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Office of Public Affairs | Statement from the Civil Division on U.S. District Court Ruling in Rhode Island

The Civil Division issued the following statement on a recent ruling in the District of Rhode Island: “Department of Justice attorneys are properly held to the highest standards of ethical conduct. In a May 13, 2026 order, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island accused Civil Division attorneys of misrepresenting or withholding […]

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UN mission reports rising tensions along the Blue Line in Lebanon

Once gathered around the famous horseshoe-shaped table, Member States urged de-escalation by both sides and reiterated the obligation to protect civilians and respect the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL. Although the force’s mandate is scheduled to end on 31 December, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has insisted that peacekeepers would be needed in Lebanon beyond that date. He […]

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A very strong El Niño may be approaching. Here’s what it could mean for the world’s weather

El Niño is a recurring climate event with impacts across the globe. It has three phases: one cold (known as La Niña), one neutral, and one warm (El Niño). In 2026, spring in the northern hemisphere took place in a neutral phase, which followed a relatively mild La Niña. Short-term forecast models indicate that by […]

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AI listens in to help protect wildlife

Strolling through a forest, you may notice that the air is filled with sound. Birds sing, insects and small mammals rustle through the undergrowth, and at dusk bats squeak as they communicate with each other. These soundscapes contain a wealth of information about which animals are present, how many there are and how healthy an ecosystem may […]

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Office of Public Affairs | Alaska Man Who Received Images of Child Pornography and Possessed AI-Generated Images of Child Sexual Abuse Sentenced to Prison

An Alaskan man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison and 20 years of supervised release for trafficking in child pornography, including images of pre-pubescent children.  Anthaney O’Connor, 32, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on July 31, 2025, to receipt of child pornography, also known as child sexual abuse material or “CSAM.” According to court […]

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Haiti: UN rights office welcomes new judicial units to tackle gang violence and impunity

Launched by the Haitian government at the end of May, they are expected to address complex corruption cases, including the illicit trade of arms and money laundering.   The development comes after courts have been attacked, vandalised and occupied by gangs, while magistrates and justice officials have been the victims of attacks and death threats from these groups.  The country – which has faced long-standing significant challenges due […]

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Office of Public Affairs | Owners of Nationwide Nail Salon Business Plead Guilty to Tax Crimes

A Texas man and woman pleaded guilty on Monday to operating a significant under-the-table cash payroll at their nationwide nail salon business. According to court documents and statements made in court, Vinh Q. Ho, 53, and Thanh Lan Do, 34, owned and managed a business comprised of over 60 high-end nail salons across the United […]

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