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Hacktivist group responsible for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in Europe taken down

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Hacktivist group responsible for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in Europe taken down

NoName057(16) has professed support for the Russian Federation since the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine. Since the start of the war, it has executed multiple DDoS attacks against critical infrastructure during high-level (political) events. The group has also exhibited anti-NATO and anti-U.S. sentiment. During a DDoS attack, a website or online service is flooded with traffic, overloading its capacity and thus making it unavailable. The hacktivist group has executed 14 attacks in Germany, some of them lasting multiple days and affecting around 230 organisations including arms factories, power suppliers and government organisations. Attacks were also executed across Europe during the European elections. In Sweden, authorities and bank websites were targeted, while in Switzerland multiple attacks were carried out during a video message given by the Ukrainian President to the Joint Parliament in June 2023, and during the Peace Summit for Ukraine in June 2024. Most recently, the Netherlands was targeted during the NATO Summit at the end of June.

To execute their attacks, the group recruited supporters through a messaging service. It is estimated that the hackers were able to mobilise around 4000 users who supported their operations by downloading malware that made it possible for them to participate in the DDoS attacks. The group also built its own botnet using hundreds of servers around the world that increased the attack load, causing more damage.

Coordination of the many international partners was crucial for the success of the operation. Through Eurojust, authorities were able to coordinate their findings and plan an action day to target the hacktivist group. The Agency ensured that multiple European Investigation Orders and Mutual Legal Assistance processes were executed. During the action day on 15 July, Eurojust coordinated any last-minute judicial requests that were needed during the operation.

Europol facilitated the information exchange, supported the coordination of the operational activities and provided extended operational analytical support, as well as crypto tracing and forensic support during the lent of the investigation, and coordinated the prevention and awareness raising campaign, released to unidentified yet offenders via messaging apps and social media channels. During the action day, Europol set-up a Command Post at Europol’s headquarters and made available a Virtual Command post for online connection with the in-person Command.

The investigation culminated in an action day on 15 July where actions targeting the group took place in eight countries. Authorities were able to disrupt of over 100 servers worldwide. Searches took place in Germany, Latvia, Spain, Italy, Czechia, Poland and France to gather evidence for the investigation. Additionally, authorities informed the group and 1100 supporters and 17 administrators about the measures taken and the criminal liability they bear for their actions. Seven international arrest warrants have been issued. Germany issued six warrants which are directed inter alia against suspects living in the Russian Federation. Two suspects are accused of being the main instigators responsible for the activities of NoName057(16). Photos and descriptions of some of the suspects can be found on the websites of Europol and Interpol.

The following authorities were involved in the actions:

  • Czechia: District Prosecutor’s Office of Prague 5; Police, National Counterterrorism, Extremism and Cybercrime Agency (NCTEKK)
  • Estonia: Estonian Police and Border Guard Board
  • Germany: Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Centre; Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA)
  • Finland: Prosecution District of Southern Finland; National Bureau of Investigation – Cybercrime Investigation Unit
  • France: Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office – National Jurisdiction against Organised Crime (JUNALCO) ; National Cyber Unit of the Gendarmerie nationale
  • Latvia: State Police of Latvia – International Cooperation Department & Cybercrime Enforcement Department
  • Lithuania: Prosecutor General’s Office of Lithuania; Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau
  • Netherlands: Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Netherlands and Police of the Netherlands
  • Spain: Investigative Central Court nr. 1 Audiencia Nacional; Audiencia Nacional Prosecutor´s Offices; National Police; Guardia Civil
  • Sweden: Polisen
  • Switzerland: Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland; Federal Office of Police fedpol
  • United States: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

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World News in Brief: Haiti funding cuts bite, civilian suffering intensifies in Myanmar, Belarus deaths in custody alert

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World News in Brief: Haiti funding cuts bite, civilian suffering intensifies in Myanmar, Belarus deaths in custody alert

Ongoing violence is compounding the country’s food crisis, disrupting local food production in critical areas such as the commune of Kenscoff and the Artibonite department, often considered the breadbaskets of Haiti.

While the UN and its partners are responding “wherever and whenever possible,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said this Wednesday that humanitarians have only been able to reach 38 per cent of the population they aim to support.

Multiple roadblocks

“This is due to ongoing violence and insecurity, severe underfunding of the response, and the obvious access challenges,” he said.

Over halfway through the year, Haiti is the least-funded of the many humanitarian appeals that the UN coordinates – despite shortfalls for food security in the country being at extreme levels – with just over two per cent of the $425 million needed this year received to date.

Myanmar: Intensifying conflict impedes humanitarian aid

Almost four months after Myanmar’s devastating earthquake, the UN is deeply concerned over the plight of civilians caught up in the country’s devastating and continuing conflict between the military regime and opposition armed groups.

As fighting intensifies, civilians are particularly vulnerable, with increasing attacks on infrastructure.

According to reports, an air strike hit a monastery in Sagan Township in Sagaing Region on 11 July, killing 22 people and injuring at least 50 others. The monastery had been providing shelter to displaced people who had fled nearby villages.

A displacement camp in North Shan State was also reportedly hit by an airstrike over the weekend.

‘Broader pattern’

“These incidents are part of a broader pattern of attacks affecting people across Myanmar,” said Mr. Dujarric, with frequent reports of people being killed, injured or displaced by violence.

Such insecurity also impacts the ability of humanitarian teams to reach people in need: with one in three people now facing acute hunger, and the current monsoon season having caused flooding, “the UN urgently calls on all parties to respect human rights and international humanitarian law,” he said.

Belarus: Rights experts urge probe into deaths in custody of opposition activists

Top independent human rights experts called on Belarus on Wednesday to launch urgent investigations into the deaths of several people jailed for political dissent.

The experts – who are known as Special Rapporteurs – highlighted the case of 61-year-old businessman Valiantsin Shtermer. He died in May 2025 while serving his sentence in a so-called “Correctional Colony” in Šklou.

Mr. Shtermer had been jailed for making critical remarks about Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite his serious medical condition, he was allegedly denied adequate care in prison.

Fifty-year-old opposition activist Vitold Ashurak meanwhile, also died shortly after being placed in an isolation in the same prison.

According to the Special Rapporteurs, Mr. Ashurak was a member of the Belarusian National Front who was jailed for violating public order during protests related to the disputed 2020 presidential elections.

We must not ignore these deaths

“These deaths must not be ignored,” said the experts, who added that there were strong grounds to believe that they resulted from abuse or neglect linked to the exercise of fundamental rights.

“It is of the utmost importance to thoroughly investigate the alleged instances of ill-treatment and neglect that resulted in the deaths of Shtermer, Ashurak, Puškin and other persons designated as political prisoners by human rights defenders,” the Human Rights Council appointed experts underscored.

“There are strong reasons to believe that these individuals lost their lives in retaliation for exercising their civil and political rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

The independent experts voiced concern that some opposition figures had been stigmatised and labelled as “extremists” or even “terrorists”.

Special Rapporteurs report regularly to the Human Rights Council. They are not UN staff and do not receive payment for their work.

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Standing Up for a Drug Free Future at Festival Afrodisiac in Brussels

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KINGNEWSWIRE / Press release / Brussels, July 17, 2025 — Against the backdrop of the Bois de la Cambre, the weekend of July 12–13 saw the vibrant Festival Afrodisiac come alive: a family-friendly cultural event in Belgium’s capital — heart of the EU institutions — celebrating African music, dance, gastronomy and solidarity. As children laughed in the village zone and families shared Afro-market delights, one stand rose above festive cheer to amplify a critical public-health message: the dangers of drug use.

A Cultural Celebration with Purpose

Founded in 2006 and now the largest cultural festival of the African diaspora in Brussels, Afrodisiac champions solidarity and awareness, dedicating its 2025 edition to “Les enfants du Congo, l’avenir d’un continent” — highlighting African children’s rights via art, workshops, performances and food stalls. This celebration takes on fresh resonance in Brussels, where the EU Commission, Parliament and Council symbolically reinforce messages of unity and well-being.

Truth About Drugs: Facts Meet Festival

The Truth About Drugs mobile exhibit — a new, state-of-the-art educational display made possible through the support of members of the International Association of Scientologists — was brought to life on site by Julie Delvaux, coordinator for Drug-Free World Belgium (Ditesnonaladrogue) and board member of the Foundation for a Drug-Free Europe.

From early morning setup to the final sunset, Julie and her dedicated team made a strong impression: over just two days, they engaged with hundreds of visitors through the immersive exhibit, inspired individuals to sign the drug-free pledge, and placed 1,286 educational booklets directly into the hands of families and community.

Julie Delvaux reflected:

“When teenagers tried the simulation glasses after our mini-conference, they literally said, ‘We won’t touch that stuff.’ Moments like that make it worth it.”

Julie Delvaux, PRESIDENT DITES NON A LA DROGUE BELGIQUE

From youth organization coordinators to educators, a firefighter, and medical professionals, many are seeking partnership opportunities to address the growing impact of drug-related issues in their respective fields. Staff at addiction clinics are also stepping up, distributing educational materials in waiting rooms as they see an increase in patients affected by substance abuse. Additionally, a former drug user has signed up to participate in the campaign by sharing her testimony, aiming to inspire others through her story.

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A Campaign Rooted in Humanitarian Vision

The Truth About Drugs initiative is part of the Foundation for a Drug‑Free World, rooted in L. Ron Hubbard’s humanitarian philosophy: “The single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs.” His conviction that awareness can avert suffering informs Truth About Drugs’ global network — from schools to festivals like Afrodisiac.

The European Context: Stark but Surmountable

These efforts matter deeply. Across the EU, as per the European Union Drugs Agency, illicit drug use remains widespread: around 29% of 15–64‑year‑olds have used illegal drugs in their lifetime, and 8% used cannabis in the past year — around 22 million Europeans. Cocaine, the continent’s second-most used substance, reached approximately 3.5 million adult users last year, with usage concentrated among those aged 15–34.

IMG 2842 kopie 1

Recent wastewater data from Brussels and Antwerp show cocaine presence doubled in 2024 compared to 2023 — reaching almost 1.2 g per 1,000 inhabitants per day — underscoring rising stimulant trends on Belgian streets. Moreover, EU-wide monitoring highlights a disturbing increase in polysubstance abuse, often mixing cannabis, MDMA, synthetic opioids and tranquillizers.

Ivan Arjona‑Pelado, President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights, who oversees the different social campaigns Scientologist carry out throughout Europe commended the initiative:

“It’s inspiring to see young people and families choosing knowledge and responsibility over ignorance and danger. This campaign reflects a very practical way to safeguard our children’s future. We will continue to stand behind every initiative that brings truth and prevention directly to communities.”

In Brussels’ seat of European governance, where policies for the entire continent are shaped, grassroots action is proving equally resonant. The Truth About Drugs team’s exhibit at Afrodisiac bridged cultural celebration and public health, translating global drug trends into personal stories and empowering choices. As Brussels nurtures Europe’s future, so too do local campaigns champion its well-being — one informed decision at a time.

Backed and supported by the Church of Scientology and its ecclesiastical leader Mr David Miscavige, the Truth About Drugs campaign has become one of the world’s largest non-governmental drug education and prevention initiatives, active in over 180 countries and distributed in tens of thousands of schools, community groups, police departments and youth organizations. Its clear, fact-based materials have earned recognition from educators, law enforcement and government bodies worldwide, furthering L. Ron Hubbard’s vision of empowering people with knowledge as the best defense against drug abuse.

Gaza war: UN officials warn of unspeakable conditions as children bear the brunt

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Gaza war: UN officials warn of unspeakable conditions as children bear the brunt

Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, said there was no “vocabulary” left to adequately describe conditions on the ground.

“Food is running out. Those seeking it risk being shot. People are dying trying to feed their families. Field hospitals receive dead bodies, and medical workers hear stories firsthand from the injured – day after day after day,” he said.

Starvation rates among children reached their highest levels in June, with more than 5,800 girls and boys diagnosed as acutely malnourished.

“Last week, amid this hunger crisis, children and women were killed in a strike while waiting for the food supplements to keep them alive.”

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher briefs the Security Council

A classroom full of children, lost every day

UNICEF’s Executive Director Catherine Russell told ambassadors that an average of 28 children are killed in Gaza every day – “the equivalent of an entire classroom.”

Over the past 21 months, more than 17,000 children have been killed and 33,000 injured across Gaza.

Many of those children, she said, were struck “as they line up for lifesaving humanitarian aid – further proof that there is no safe place for civilians anywhere in Gaza.”

“Children are not political actors. They do not start conflicts, and they are powerless to stop them. But they suffer greatly, and they wonder why the world has failed them,” she added.

“And make no mistake, we have failed them.”

Critical infrastructure collapse

Gaza’s health system “is shattered,” Mr. Fletcher reported – only 17 of 36 hospitals and 63 of 170 primary health centres are even partially functioning; shortages mean up to five babies share one incubator.

Seventy per cent of essential medicines are out of stock, half of all medical equipment is damaged, pregnant women are giving birth without care, women and girls manage their periods without basic supplies.

Meanwhile, water production capacity has plummeted leaving the entire enclave (95 per cent) facing water insecurity.

“With clean water increasingly difficult to access, children have little choice but to drink contaminated water,” Ms. Russell said, noting that this is increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell briefs the Security Council

Aid impeded, fuel at trickle levels

Mr. Fletcher further described the scale of challenges to moving something as simple as a bag of flour into Gaza.

He noted multiple layers of approvals that Israel requires, scanning, re‑loading, multiple handoffs, damaged roads, delays at holding points, insecurity and desperate civilians grabbing supplies off trucks.

Last week – after almost 130 days – some fuel entered Gaza, as Israeli authorities agreed to allow two trucks in per day, five days a week. However, petrol – fuel for ambulances and other critical services – has not been permitted.

Between 19 May and 14 July, just 1,633 aid trucks – about 62 per cent of loads submitted for clearance – entered Gaza, far below the average of 630 daily truckloads moved during the previous ceasefire, Mr. Fletcher said.

Appeals to Israel, Hamas – and the Council

Both officials pressed for immediate, safe, sustained, demilitarised humanitarian access through all available crossings, consistent fuel flows, protection of civilians at distribution points, and restoration of the UN‑led aid pipeline that briefly functioned during earlier pauses in fighting.

They also reiterated the UN’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza and called on all parties – including Hamas and other armed groups – to respect international humanitarian law.

Mr. Fletcher asked the Security Council to assess whether Israel, as the occupying power, is meeting its obligations to ensure food and medical supplies reach civilians.

“We hold all parties to the standards of international law in this conflict. We don’t have to choose – and in fact, we must not choose – between demanding the end to the starvation of civilians in Gaza and demanding the unconditional release of all the hostages,” he said.

“We must reject antisemitism – we must fight it with every fibre of our DNA. But we must also hold Israel to the same principles and laws as all other States.”

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EIB Global lends Armenia €50 million for development in Syunik province

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  • EIB Global provides loan for socio-economic development in Armenian province to improve critical infrastructure such as water supply, healthcare and education facilities.
  • Project is part of the Team Europe Initiative to support the socio-economic resilience of the Syunik Province.

The European Investment Bank’s development arm, EIB Global, is lending €50 million to the Republic of Armenia for key socio-economic projects in the country’s southernmost province. The new financing agreement was signed during the first-ever visit by an Armenian Deputy Prime Minister to the EIB Headquarters.

The Armenian government will use the funds to improve community livelihoods and foster growth, by increasing access to reliable potable water supplies, and improving access to quality education and health services in the region.

The region Syunik, which faces economic and infrastructural challenges, has been the focus of development efforts by both the Armenian government and the European Union. The project is part of the Resilient Syunik Team Europe Initiative.  Launched in 2023, the initiative aims to support the socio-economic resilience of the southern region of Armenia, which has been most affected by the 2020 hostilities and the arrival of around 120,000 Karabakh Armenians following the military escalation in September 2023.

“The financing we have agreed today is a powerful example of the European Union’s collective commitment to Armenia’s long-term development and stability,” said EIB President Nadia Calviño. “It means the provision of drinking water to 30,000 people, improved healthcare and vocational training as well as a focus on the inclusion of women. The Resilient Syunik Team Europe Initiative brings together the EU, ten Member States, and Switzerland, as well as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. At a time when we need more than ever to reinforce our partnerships – I welcome this model agreement wholeheartedly.”

“This investment reflects our steadfast commitment to Armenia’s sustainable development,” said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, who oversees EIB operations in Armenia. “By enhancing essential services in Syunik, we are helping to build resilience, promote inclusive growth, and support communities across the region in overcoming their challenges.”

“Today’s announcement is another proof of the EU’s commitment to promoting Armenia’s sustainable socio-economic growth in a Team Europe approach. A resilient and inclusive Armenian society is a priority under the Resilience and Growth Plan and investing in rural areas is crucial to empower communities and foster social cohesion. The EIB Global credit will go towards providing access to safe drinking water for over 30,000 people across Syunik and upgrading and expanding healthcare and educational facilities including polyclinics and vocational centres. Resilient Syunik continues to serve as a compelling example of how Team Europe, working in close partnership with local actors, can help foster opportunities, inclusion and long-term resilience,” said European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.

This framework loan agreement endeavours to support recovery efforts by allocating resources to essential public infrastructure, as well as addressing the basic infrastructure needs of displaced populations in Armenia’s southern region. The Government of Armenia, through its relevant ministries and the Syunik Governorate, is working in coordination to advance this agenda, with the aim of strengthening the region’s resilience. Today’s meetings with the President and Vice-President of the Bank were productive, and we were able to align on clear next steps aimed at expanding our cooperation. We are grateful for the readiness of our partners in Brussels and in the EIB to mobilize financial resources and technical expertise to support the objectives outlined in the Resilience and Growth Plan and the joint priorities defined by the EU-Armenia New Partnership Agenda,” said Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan.

EIB Global has worked closely with the Armenian authorities and local stakeholders to develop this project. In addition to the EIB loan, the European Union and Eastern Partnership Technical Assistance Facility (EPTATF) provide essential support to both project preparation and implementation.

Background information

About EIB Global

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.

EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices across the world.

Photos of EIB headquarters for media use are available here.

About the Resilient Syunik Team Europe initiative

The Resilient Syunik Team Europe Initiative, formally launched in January 2023, is the joint undertaking of the European Union, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and ten EU Member States Austria, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden, with Switzerland also joining as an external partner. With a combined financial envelope of €150 million, the initiative brings together over 40 ongoing projects focusing on social and economic development, municipal services, local infrastructure and environmental and energy resilience.

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Syria: The UN chief asks for de -escalation as Sweida’s violence intensifies, Israel strikes Damascus

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The reports believe that sectarian violence in the city mainly of the Druze of Sweida, south of the capital, killed more than 200.

Israel explained its attacks at the heart of the capital and on pro-government forces in Sweida as a defensive movement in favor of the Druze community, which has a significant presence in Israel and the Golanian occupied by Israeli.

The strikes of the Ministry of Defense in Damascus also struck an area near the presidential palace, according to reports and the Syrian authorities.

According to her threat to attack the Syrian military operations which take place in the south of the capital, Israel said that she would intensify strikes.

Syrians “stolen” of peace opportunity

“” The secretary general is alarmed by continuous climbing of violence in Sweida“And” unequivocally condemns any violence against civilians, “said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Wednesday.

It was the second day In a line that the United Nations chief intervened to highlight the growing civil balance sheet and the “relationships of arbitrary murder and acts which have the flames of sectarian tensions and steal the people of Syria of their opportunity of peace.”

Guterres also condemned the “climbing air strikes” of Israel on Sweida, Daraa and the center of Damascus, as well as “reports on the redeployment of forces by the FDI in the Golan”, the highly disputed mountainous region along the border of the two countries.

The UN also called on Israel to cease any violation of sovereignty and respect for Syria 1974 Constant of forces.

The UN chief also reiterated the need to support “a credible political transition, ordered and inclusive in Syria in accordance with the key principles of Resolution 2254 of the Security Council. “”

Plunging his condolences to the people of Syria, the secretary general reiterated his appeal to an immediate de -escalation of violence measures to facilitate humanitarian access.

Civilians

Dujarric said that UN humanitarian workers warned that “fatal hostilities continue to endanger civilians, with continuous reports of significant displacement and damage to critical infrastructure, including water, electricity and telecommunications networks,” said Dujarric.

Access to Sweida and affected areas remains seriously limited due to insecurity and road closures, and civilians are unable to reach shelters.

The United Nations humanitarian coordinator in Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, said that the UN and its humanitarian partners planned to assess the needs and provide essential assistance to Sweida as soon as the conditions allow.

Mr. Dujarric stressed that medical services in Sweida and the governorate neighboring Daraa are too wide and that hospitals are almost at full capacity.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) sent emergency medical supplies to Daraa, deliveries to Sweida have not yet succeeded due to the fighting.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

From diamonds to dirt: the youth of Sierra Leone brings the earth back to life

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But now, certain parts of the land have been restored. Cultures are starting to flourish and the bees are buzzing once again.

People responsible for this change are a group of melines – former taxi and minors, people who have barely completed high school and some higher education diplomas. The unifying factor? Most have young people on their side.

“” There is life beyond mining [but] We all grew up with the mentality that Diamond is the only solution“Said Sahr Fallah, Chairman of the Kono Youth Council.

More than 44% of 1.3 billion people aged 15 to 24 are employed in agrifood systems. However, this group often does not have the same access to resources as older generations. In addition, they are sidelined in conversations that could change this systemic exclusion.

© Unicef / Olivier Asselin

Young men work on a diamond extraction site near Koidu, Sierra Leone. (deposit)

“” Most of the time, what we see is that young people are included in political processes, but it’s a bit tokenist. They do not have the impression that their voice really counts, “said Lauren Phillips, deputy director of the organization of food and agriculture (Fao).

Decent work = economic growth

THE High -level political forum On sustainable development in New York was summoned this week and next, to discuss progress – or its absence – to the whole agreed world Sustainable development objectives (ODD), one of which guarantees decent work for all.

Despite this commitment, more than half of the world workforce remains in informal employment, according to the secretary general report on the SDGs released Monday. This means that they do not have adequate social or legal protections.

“” Dethered work must be at the heart of macroeconomic planning, climate and diesel transitions and social recovery strategies“Said Sangheon Lee, director of employment policy at the International Labor Organization (Ilo).

Do not ignore young people

Like other vulnerable groups, young people face unique challenges in the food sector. More specifically, they often lack land rights and find it difficult to act collectively to protect their interests.

“If you do not look at the data with an age or sex objective, you actually miss a part of the story,” said Ms. Phillips.

Among these assets are terrestrial titles – which the elderly can be reluctant to transmit due to insufficient social protections. Young people are also less able to access the credit so that they can invest in themselves and their families.

Betty Seray Sam, one of Kono’s young farmers, said her family never came to her when they were going through a crisis – they knew she had no money and a child to support.

Young farmers load tomatoes on trucks in Nubaria, Egypt.

But now, thanks to an agricultural job in Kono, she can support her family in times of crisis.

“” This project had a corrugated effect for young people in terms of not only improving their livelihoods, but also means of subsistence of their families“Said Abdul Munu, president of Mabunduku, an organization of community farmer in Kono.

Bee

Providing training to young people in Agrifood systems is absolutely essential to ensure that they can practice sustainable agriculture.

In Chegutu, Zimbabwe,, Fao helped establish schools of bee farmers where young people learn to support the apiaries through practical training activities.

“The idea is that one of the apiaries can be transformed into a classroom where young people from different parts of a neighborhood can come as a school,” said Barnabas Mawire, specialist in natural resources at FAO.

This training has helped support young local beekeepers to go beyond the production of local honey and on a small scale to a full-fledged business model which has the potential not only to fight poverty, but to create local wealth.

Evelyn Mutuda, the young representative of entrepreneurs in Chegutu, aspires to plant jacaranda who, according to her, will improve the quality of bees honey and allow beekeepers to export beyond local markets.

“We want to maximize all the profits so that we can become better and larger,” said Ms. Mutuda.

From Facebook to Tiktok

Being able to train work associations is one of the key factors for decent work. This type of collective action is even more important for young people in Agrifood who often do not have the share capital to adopt a real change in policy.

“Young people are just starting, linking their groups but also with people outside their group. These obligations are important … because there is power in number, “said Ms. Phillips.

She also noted that young people form these links on geographic distances, often using technology. Agricultural influencers on Instagram and Tiktok, for example, are increasingly shaping conversations in the sector.

Ms. Phillips also noted that it was important to consider collective action for youth as intergenerational.

“Although the report focuses on young people, it does not ignore the fact that young people live in families … There are many things that speak of the need for solidarity between generations,” said Ms. Phillips.

Young optimism

The next generation will be the food keepers we eat, so integrating them into this system is now essential for food safety and future sustainability.

“” Many young people integrate tradition into innovation, creating sustainability and community resilience“Said Venio Nala Ardisa, a representative of young people in the Aboriginal peoples in Asia, during an online parallel event during the high -level forum.

Angeline Manhanzva, one of the beekeepers of Chegutu, said that the opportunity to become a beekeeper has changed her life. One day, she dreams of having her own bee farm.

“I will be an elderly person who has so much wealth and who will be able to buy his own large land to keep my hives and treat my own honey.”

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Unprecedented Afghan returns are “a test of our collective humanity”

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Roza Otunbayeva, the special representative of the Secretary General for Afghanistan, called on a visit to the border of Islam Qala with Iran on Tuesday where she witnessed the daily influx of tens of thousands of returnees.

She also met repatriated families, aid and regional partnersde factoofficial.

Alarm ringtones should ring

“” Which should be a time of positive return for families who fled conflicts decades ago are rather marked by exhaustion, trauma and deep uncertainty »» said Ms. Otunbayeva, who also directs the United Nations assistance mission in Afghanistan (Unama).

“The volume of yields-many abrupt, many involuntary-should trigger alarm ringtone in the world community,” she added.

“” It is a test of our collective humanity. Afghanistan, already struggling with drought and a chronic humanitarian crisis, cannot absorb this shock alone. »»

Overloaded local communities

Since January, more than 1.3 million have been largely forced to return to Afghanistan – a country where 70% of the population lives in poverty.

Women and children face the most serious risks, UNAA said, when they come back not only to disastrous economic difficulties, but to a context where their access to basic services and social protections remains seriously limited.

The UN has repeatedly highlighted the aggression against women’s rights under the domination of the Taliban, including prohibitions affecting higher education, employment and freedom of movement.

Reinstatement of critical support

The yields occur at a time when humanitarian operations remain terribly sub-financed, forcing distressing choices between food, refuge and safe passage.

Ounbayeva also underlined the critical need for immediate reintegration assistance, as initial evidence shows that stabilization of return communities requires urgent subsistence programs and community infrastructure investments.

She warned that without rapid interventions, fundraising, pressure market pressure and cyclic migration will lead to devastating consequences.

These could include the additional destabilization of populations of repatriated and hosts, renewed displacement, mass movements and the risk of regional stability.

‘We cannot afford an indifference’

She urged donors, development partners and regional governments not to turn away and abandon Afghan repatriases.

“What we are witnessing are the direct consequences of unavoidable global responsibilities,” she said. “We must act now – with resources, with coordination and resolution.”

Meanwhile, the UN in Afghanistan calls for an integrated approach that humanitarian needs need while increasing assistance in the return areas.

At the same time, regional dialogue – including with Iran, Pakistan and the Central Asian states – must be prioritized to stop disorderly yields and maintain the principle of voluntary, dignified and safe repatriation.

“Afghanistan’s stability depends on shared responsibility: we cannot afford an indifference,” said Otunbayeva. “The cost of inaction will be measured in lost lives and rolled conflicts.”

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

World News in Brief: Haiti Mite financing cutting, civil suffering intensifies in Myanmar, Belarus Deaths in Custody Alert

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The current violence aggravates the country’s food crisis, disturbing local food production in critical areas such as the municipality of Kenscoff and the Artibonite department, often considered as the bread packets of Haiti.

While the UN and its partners respond “everywhere wherever and as far as possible”, the UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said on Wednesday that the humanitarian workers could only reach 38% of the population they aim to support.

Several roadblocks

“This is due to the current violence and insecurity, the serious under-funding of the response and the obvious access challenges,” he said.

Halfway, Haiti is the the least funded Among the many humanitarian calls that the UN coordinates – despite the gaps for food security in the country at extreme levels – with just over $ 425 million necessary to date this year.

Myanmar: Conflict intensification obstructs humanitarian aid

Almost four months after the devastating earthquake of the Myanmar, the UN is deeply concerned about the fate of civilians caught in the devastating and continuous conflict of the country between the military regime and the country’s armed groups.

As the fighting intensifies, civilians are particularly vulnerable, with increasing attacks against infrastructure.

According to information, an air strike struck a monastery in the canton of Sagan in the sagaing region on July 11, killing 22 people and injuring at least 50 others. The monastery had offered a shelter to displaced people who had fled nearby villages.

A travel camp in the state of North Shan would also have been struck by an air strike during the weekend.

‘Wider diagram’

“These incidents are part of a wider scheme of attacks affecting people through Myanmar,” said Dujarric, with frequent reports of people killed, injured or moved by violence.

Such insecurity also has an impact on the ability of humanitarian teams to achieve people in need: with one in three people confronted with acute hunger, and the current monsoon season has caused floods, “the UN urgently calls on all parties to respect human rights and international humanitarian law,” he said.

Bélarus: Rights experts urge Probe on death deaths of opposition activists

Top Human Rights Experts called Belarus Wednesday to launch urgent investigations into the death of several people imprisoned for political dissent.

Experts – who are known as special rapporteurs – have stressed the case of the 61 -year -old businessman Valiantsin Shtermer. He died in May 2025 as he served his sentence in a so-called “correctional colony” in Šklou.

Mr. Shtermer had been imprisoned for having made critical comments on the large -scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Despite his serious state of health, he would have been denied sufficient care in prison.

The fifty -year -old opposition activist, Vitold Ashurak, also died shortly after being placed in isolation in the same prison.

According to special rapporteurs, Ashurak was a member of the Belarusian National Front who was imprisoned for having violated public order during demonstrations linked to the presidential elections disputed in 2020.

We must not ignore these dead

“These deaths should not be ignored,” said the experts, who added that there were solid reasons to believe that they result from abuse or negligence linked to the exercise of fundamental rights.

“It is of the utmost importance to investigate in -depth in the alleged cases of ill -treatment and negligence which led to the death of Shtermer, Ashurak, Puškin and other people designated as political prisoners by human rights defenders”, the defenders “, the defenders”, the defenders “, the defenders”, the defenders “, the defenders”. Human Rights Council The appointed experts stressed.

“There are great reasons to believe that these people have lost their lives in retaliation for having exercised their civil and political rights, including rights to freedom of expression and the Pacific Assembly.”

Independent experts expressed their concern that certain opposition figures had been stigmatized and labeled as “extremists” or even “terrorists”.

Special rapporteurs regularly report to the Human Rights Council. They are not UN staff and do not receive payment for their work.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

First Person: How many more children must die before the world acts?

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United Nations News
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First Person: How many more children must die before the world acts?

Juliette Touma, the director of communications for the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, has visited Gaza several times during and before the war and has been reflecting on the children she has met there and in other conflict zones.

“Adam has been on my mind lately, more so than usual.

I met Adam years ago in the Yemeni port city of Hudaydah, back then under siege and heavy bombardment. In the very poor hospital ward, there lay Adam, 10 years old, weighing just over 10 kilogrammes. He could not speak, he could not cry. All he could do was make a hoarse sound of breathing. A few days later, Adam died from malnutrition.

A malnourished child inside a hospital in Sana’a, Yemen.

Deadly malnutrition

A couple of years before that, my colleague Hanaa calls from Syria late at night. She was in tears and could barely say a word. Hanaa eventually told me that Ali, a 16-year-old boy had died. In yet another town under siege, caught up in a war not of his making, he had also died from malnutrition.

The following morning, my supervisor, an epidemiologist, said “for a boy of 16 to die of malnutrition, that says a lot. He’s practically a man. It means there’s no food at all in that part of Syria.”

Back in Yemen in one of the few functioning children’s hospitals in the capital Sana’a, I was walking through the children’s ward during the peak of a cholera outbreak. Boys 15 and 16 years old, struggling to stay alive.

They were so weak and emaciated, they could barely turn around in their beds.

These images and stories haunted me over the years as they have for several among us who worked in severe hunger or famine-like situations.

The author plays with students enjoying the "summer fun weeks" games in an UNRWA school in the Gaza Strip in 2023. (file)

The author plays with students enjoying the “summer fun weeks” games in an UNRWA school in the Gaza Strip in 2023. (file)

Fatal hunger grows in Gaza

In 2022, when I had the great pleasure of going in and out of Gaza, I would visit children in UNRWA schools. Immaculately dressed, healthy looking, smiling, eager to learn, jumping up and down in the school playground to the sound of music.

Back then, Gaza was already under a blockade for more than 15 years. Food was, however, available on the markets through imports via Israel and locally farmed produce. UNRWA was also giving food aid to over one million people.

Images of Adam and Ali were quickly pushed to the back of my memory until a few weeks ago when they suddenly reappeared.

A growing number of children are being screened for malnutrition in Gaza.

A growing number of children are being screened for malnutrition in Gaza.

Babies can survive, but will they?

Our Gaza teams started sending alarming photos of emaciated babies. The rates of malnutrition are rapidly increasing, spreading across the Gaza Strip. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 50 children died of malnutrition since the siege began on 2 March.

UNRWA has meanwhile screened over 242,000 children in the agency’s clinics and medical points across the war-torn Strip, covering over half the children under age five in Gaza.  One in 10 children screened is malnourished.

Ahlam is seven months old. Her family was displaced every month since the war began, in search of non-existing safety. Shocked and her body weakened, Ahlam is severely malnourished. Like many babies in Gaza, her immune system has been damaged by trauma, constant forced displacement, lack of clean water, poor hygiene and very little food.

Ahlam can survive, but will she?

Bombs and scarce supplies

There are very little therapeutic supplies to treat children with malnutrition as basics are scarce in Gaza. The Israeli authorities have imposed a tight siege blocking the entry of food, medicines, medical and nutritional supplies and hygiene material, including soap.

While the siege is sometimes eased, UNRWA (the largest humanitarian organisation in Gaza) has not been allowed to bring in humanitarian assistance since 2 March.

Last week, Salam, another malnourished baby, died. She was a few months old. When she finally reached the UNRWA clinic, it was too late.

Meanwhile, eight children queuing for therapeutic support against malnutrition were killed when the Israeli forces hit the clinic they were in. One of my colleagues who drove past the clinic a few minutes later told me she saw mothers looking out into the abyss, weeping in silence, just like Adam did.

How many more babies must die before the world takes action?

Why should babies die of malnutrition in the 21st century, especially when it’s totally preventable?

At UNRWA, we have over 6,000 trucks of food, hygiene supplies and medicines outside Gaza waiting for the green light to go in.

The aid will mainly help little girls like Ahlam. UNRWA also has more than 1,000 health workers who can provide boys and girls with specialised nutritional services.

Amid the daily livestream of horrors we get from Gaza on our screens, one cannot help but ask how many more Ahlam’s and Salam’s have to die before taking action?

How much longer until a ceasefire is reached so that bombs stop falling on emaciated and dying children?”

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