August 2023 – Page 4 – Career Meaning

Don’t let wastewater opportunities flow down the drain

In its new report, Wastewater: Turning problem to solution, UNEP warned that only 11 per cent of treated wastewater is reused while around half of the world’s untreated wastewater still enters rivers, lakes and seas. Furthermore, CO2 emissions from wastewater are substantial, hovering slightly below those from the global aviation industry. With the right…

Abolish ‘human exploitation’ once and for all, UNESCO chief urges

“It is time to abolish human exploitation once and for all, and to recognize the equal and unconditional dignity of each and every individual,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO. “Today, let us remember the victims and freedom fighters of the past so that they may inspire future generations to build just societies.” The…

Greece: Rights experts condemn ‘racist violence’ against asylum-seekers

That’s the message from the group of eight experts, including Ashwini K.P., the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, who urged Greece on Wednesday to investigate alleged violations against asylum-seekers. They said that they were “particularly concerned” by the failure of the country’s security personnel and coast guard to provide “prompt and effective” assistance…

From Death Valley to the Swiss Alps, extreme weather records hit new heights

Speaking in Geneva, WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis said that a new altitude record for the freezing point had been set a day earlier, climbing to 5,298 metres (17,381 feet) – well above Europe’s very highest peaks including Mont Blanc, at 4,811 metres (15,784 feet). WMO figures show that this is 115 metres above the previous record…

Afghanistan’s Taliban responsible for revenge killings, torture of former officials

A new publication from the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) presents “credible” reports that between 15 August 2021 and 30 June 2023, the country’s de facto authorities were responsible for 218 extrajudicial killings, 14 enforced disappearances, over 144 instances of torture and ill treatment, and 424 arbitrary arrests and detentions. ‘Betrayal of trust’ UN human…

Eastern DRC: UN food aid hangs in the balance amid severe funding crunch

The situation is particularly alarming in the east, where malnutrition has taken hold among 4.4 million people, exacerbated by compromised health services, lack of clean water, and an uptick in gender-based violence, highlighted Peter Musoko, WFP Country Director, during a press briefing in Geneva. “In my conversations with those displaced in eastern DRC, I was…

New financing tool aims to increase access to lifesaving mosquito nets

The so-called Revolving Facility is an initiative of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, a UN partner that invests $4 billion annually to stamp out these deadly diseases and strengthen health systems in more than 100 countries. The Revolving Facility will negotiate improved supply terms for health products using advanced market commitments,…

Water Action Agenda takes shape in Stockholm flowing on from landmark conference

World Water Week is taking shape from Monday in Stockholm, Sweden. This is an annual gathering of thousands of organizations and individuals – Government experts, UN officials, scientists and academics – who come together to rethink how water is being managed. Serious challenges loom Among them is the President of the General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi,…

Israeli-Palestinian death toll highest since 2005: UN envoy

It represents the highest number of fatalities since 2005 and reflects “concerning trends” seen in recent months throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory “Palestinians and Israelis are killed and injured in near daily violence – including just hours before this briefing when another fatal shooting attack killed an Israeli in the West Bank,” he said, speaking…

UN honours survivors of terrorism working for peace

Despite wide international condemnation of terrorism, victims and survivors of violence often struggle to have their voices heard, their needs supported, and their rights upheld. Most need long-term support – physical, psychological, social and financial. However, few Member States have the resources or the capacity to help those affected by terrorism fully recover, rehabilitate and…