Month: December 2022
In Africa, UN chief sees continent full of ‘hope and potential’
“When I see Africa, I see hope and potential”, he told journalists at a press stakeout in Addis Ababa. “I see countries working together, including here at the AU, to foster peace and development.” Focusing on the huge untapped potential of African youth, he said their “limitless energy” and “new ways of thinking” could provide…
Read MoreSaudi Arabia: Quash death sentence for Jordanian convicted of drug offences, urge UN experts
“Under international law, States that have not yet abolished the death penalty may only impose it for the ‘most serious crimes’, involving intentional killing”, the UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts said in a statement, continuing to urge the Saudi Government to “abolish the death penalty for drug convictions”. Hussein Abo al-Kheir was arrested at the…
Read MoreLegacy of slavery still scars society, blocks progress says UN chief
In a message ahead of commemorations for the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, on 2 December, Mr. Guterres said that societies remain scarred by the historical suffering of enslaved Africans, and are unable to offer everyone the same development opportunities. Eradicate slavery now The UN chief also urged action to identify and recommit…
Read MoreAfrica’s advances in maternal, infant mortality face setbacks: WHO
New data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that by 2030 in sub-Saharan Africa, 390 women will die in childbirth for every 100,000 live births. This is more than five times higher than Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) targets – and well above the global average of 211. “For many African women, childbirth remains a…
Read MoreUNESCO: French baguettes, Chinese tea ceremony, join protected heritage list
They were inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, during a meeting taking place this week in Rabat, Morocco. Nineteen elements have been added to the list of priceless national treasures, which recognizes and promotes the diversity of cultural practices and know-how of enduring communities. Five other elements, including the…
Read MoreUN appeals for record $51.5 billion to help 230 million on the brink in 2023
The size of the appeal – 25 per cent higher than this year’s – reflects the fact that the total number in need is 65 million more than in 2022, the UN and partner organizations noted. ‘Shockingly high’ Needs are “shockingly high”, the UN’s top emergency relief official, Martin Griffiths, said, warning that it was very…
Read MoreProven solutions must be put in place to end AIDS by 2030: Guterres
“The world has promised to end AIDS by 2030”, said Secretary-General António Guterres in his official message, but “we are off track.” “Today, we risk millions more new infections and millions more deaths”, he added, calling on governments everywhere to make the “Equalize” slogan a reality. He said the “proven practical solutions” exist that can help…
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