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1.3 million Sudanese return home, offering fragile hope for recovery
“The thousands of people seeking to return home are driven by hope, resilience and an enduring connection to their country,” said Othman Belbeisi, regional director of the International Organization of Migration (IOM).
While this development does offer hope, many of these people are returning to states and cities whose resources have been devastated by over two years of war.
Since conflict broke out in April 2023, over 12 million Sudanese have been forcibly displaced, representing the largest displacement crisis in the world.
One third of these displaced people have fled into neighbouring countries such as Chad and South Sudan, which are increasingly struggling to support the influx of refugees.
“Not only do [the returnees] mark a hopeful but fragile shift, they also indicate already stretched host countries under increasing strain,” said Mamadou Dian Balde, the regional coordinator for the UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR.
‘A race against time’
IOM emphasised that for these returns to accord with international law, they must be voluntary and dignified. Most of the 1.3 million Sudanese returnees are heading to Khartoum, Al Jazirah and Sennar states where the impact of the conflict is still very acute.
In Khartoum specifically, many buildings, including UNHCR office, are in ruins, and such public infrastructure as roads and power plants has been compromised or destroyed.
“Without urgent action, people will be coming back to cities that are in ruins. We are in a race against time to clear the rubble and provide water, power and healthcare,” said Abdallah Al Dardair, director of the Arab States for the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
Additionally, Khartoum is already housing many internally displaced people and others who had formerly sought asylum in Sudan before the war broke out.
Returnees also face danger from unexploded ordnance and high rates of gender-based and sexual violence against women and girls. To address the psychosocial and protection needs of these women and girls, safe spaces have been set up in Khartoum and Al Jazirah states.
Key to recovery
In highlighting the hope that these returns signal, Mr. Belbeisi emphasised that returnees must be seen as active participants in the recovery of conflict-ridden Sudan.
“Those heading home are not passive survivors. They are vital to Sudan’s recovery. Yes, the humanitarian situation is dire, but with the right support, returnees can revive local economies, restore community life and foster hope where it’s needed most,” he said.
However, humanitarian work in and around Sudan is drastically underfunded. Only 23 per cent of the estimated $4.2 billion dollars needed for the next year has been received, meaning that lifesaving services may have to be scaled back.
“More than evidence of people’s desire to return to their homeland, these returns are a desperate call for an end to the war so that people can come back and rebuild their lives,” Mr. Balde said.
EIT Urban Mobility supported companies among Europe’s 10 most promising startups in clean mobility
Within the TOP 10, four startups have been supported by EIT Urban Mobility:
- Futurail: automating rail to make it smarter, faster and greener (Portfolio company)
- Laka: protecting cyclists with smart insurance (Part of the VELOSAFE protect)
- Peregrine.ai: transforming urban logistics (Accelerator alumni)
- The Tyre Collective: capturing and monitoring tyre wear for the reduction of microplastics (Portfolio company)
Beyond the finalists, there was also a significant representation from EIT Urban Mobility-supported startups at the semi-final stage. With over 500 applications reviewed by more than 100 independent evaluators, reaching this phase alone is a significant achievement. It’s a testament to the commitment and innovation of each team and recognition of the relevance and impact of the solutions they’re building.
The 10 winning startups were ultimately chosen for their high impact potential, scalability, and contribution to a greener and smarter future.
Results from the special category prizes
Beyond the TOP 10, there were special category prizes up for grabs within nine defined categories. Selected by partners of the EUSP, there was also a great representation from EIT Urban Mobility-supported companies:
- Futurail for Rail Mobility (Portfolio company)
- Nivel for Shared Mobility & Travel Tech (ScaleTHENGlobal 2021)
- Tether for EV Battery Care & Life Cycle (Accelerator alumni)
- ex9 for Female Entrepreneurs (Rocket Up programme 2025)
The Tyre Collective took home the audience prize: a recognition of their work to reduce the amount of microplastics in the air coming from tyre wear. Recently, they also collaborated with EIT Urban Mobility, Eurometropole de Strasbourg and Ringway on a study investigating non-exhaust emissions, shedding light on the damaging effects of this unseen form of pollution.
Background and continued collaboration
Founded in 2017 by Karima Delli, Boston Consulting Group and ViaID, The European Startup Prize for mobility is an EU-founded acceleration and investment programme for sustainable mobility startups. This unique competition brings major EU institutions such as the European Parliament, European Commission, European Investment Bank, Europe’s Rail as well as major mobility corporations and tech giants.
Portfolio achievements
With two of Europe’s 10 most promising clean mobility startups for 2025 coming from EIT Urban Mobility’s portfolio – and two more having advanced through our programmes – this recognition marks a proud moment for both the startups and those who have supported their growth.
Want to explore the full impact of our portfolio? Click below for the complete list, including what each startup does and links to their websites and social media.
European Peace Facility: Council adopts the second bilateral assistance measure in support of the Albanian Armed Forces
The Council adopted the second assistance measure worth €15 million under the EPF that will benefit the Albanian Armed Forces. Source link
UN warns of escalating human toll in Ukraine amid relentless aerial attacks, mounting aid shortfall
“Nowhere is safe in Ukraine,” said Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe at the UN Department of Political Affairs.
Citing figures from the UN human rights office, OHCHR, he said civilian casualties reached a three-year high in June, with 6,754 civilians killed or injured in the first half of 2025 alone.
Russian forces launched over 5,000 long-range munitions against Ukraine so far in July, including a record-breaking 728 drones in a single day. Major cities such as Kyiv and Odesa have been hit by swarms of missiles and drones.
Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya echoed those words, saying “there is no safe place left in Ukraine” as the use of explosive weapons in populated areas has left cities reeling.
A rehabilitation centre for persons with disabilities in Kharkiv, maternity wards, schools and energy infrastructure have all come under fire in recent weeks.
Joyce Msuya, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefs the Security Council meeting on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.
Spiralling humanitarian situation
The humanitarian impact is worsening sharply, she continued.
“Nearly 13 million people need assistance, but limited funding means we can reach only a fraction of them,” Ms. Msuya warned. As of now, only 34 per cent of the $2.6 billion required for this year’s humanitarian response has been received.
Ukraine’s displacement crisis also continues to grow. Over 3.7 million people remain displaced within the country while nearly six million are refugees abroad. More than 26,000 people have newly registered at transit centres since April alone.
Strikes in Russia
The senior UN officials also expressed concern over reported civilian casualties from Ukrainian drone strikes inside Russia, including in Belgorod, Kursk and Moscow.
While the UN could not independently verify these incidents, Mr. Jenča reiterated that “international law clearly prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. We strongly condemn all such attacks wherever they occur.”
Concerns over nuclear safety
Attacks near Ukraine’s nuclear facilities have further alarmed the UN.
Earlier this month, drone strikes hit Enerhodar, where Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant staff live, and drones have been detected near other operating plants.
“Any nuclear incident must be avoided at all costs,” Mr. Jenča said.
ASG Miroslav Jenča (on screen) briefs the Security Council meeting on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.
Political momentum needed
While some diplomatic movement continues, including recent prisoner exchanges and talks in Istanbul, UN officials called for intensified political will towards a ceasefire.
“The heartbreaking and rising human toll of the past nearly three and a half years of war underscores the urgency of a complete, immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” Mr. Jenča said, “as the first step towards a just and lasting peace.”
Gaza First Person: ‘The best of humankind in a place abandoned by humanity’
Sonia Silva has been working in the embattled enclave since the beginning of November 2023, just one-month after the terror attack by Hamas and other armed groups in southern Israel that sparked the brutal conflict.
She spoke to UN News about the misery people have experienced in recent days.
“In my one year and eight months in Gaza, this past week has been by far the worst. The only comparable experience was the Rafah incursion in May 2024, when the border was closed, but this week has been significantly more intense.
I live in UNICEF accommodation in Deir Al-Balah, a city in central Gaza.
Sonia Silva, UNICEF Head of Office in Gaza.
When you drive from south to north in the Gaza Strip, it looks as if there has just been a major natural disaster. The level of destruction has reached an unprecedented scale, devastating civilian infrastructure and entire neighborhoods.
Buildings are no longer standing. People are living in destroyed houses, tents and on the streets.
Seeing humanity in this condition is scary and fills me with a sense of doom and fear.
Terrifying offensive
Deir Al-Balah is or had been different.
It’s one of the few places in the Gaza Strip where urban infrastructure remains. It has been somewhat spared, compared to other areas.
That is until last Sunday evening, when a terrifying offensive was unleashed on Deir Al-Balah.
I have yet to see the level of destruction over the last few days, but reports indicate it is significant.
A building was destroyed by a rocket blast only 100 metres from where I normally sleep.
But, for 72 hours my colleagues and I barely slept. The explosions and gunfire were incessant.
It is stronger than you.
Your body knows something is wrong and is in an upper state of alertness.
I was not scared, but I was deeply concerned about my national colleagues who were very close to the crossfire and who were trying to comfort young children.
Families evacuate from Deir Al-Balah in the Gaza Strip
I am fortunate because I am an international civil servant and am entitled to a break. Every 4 to 6 weeks, I get to leave, I get to rest, I get to recharge my batteries.
But, not my Palestinian colleagues and their families, who have lived through this for more than 21 months, who have lost everything, their loved ones and belongings.
They don’t get to switch off.
UNICEF staff vaccinate children against polio in September 2024.
The ongoing shortages of food are making things worse. It affects the entire population, including our frontline partners, our national colleagues and all the supporting staff.
What has struck me most about Gaza is that despite the hardship, colleagues keep going, colleagues keep teasing each other, colleagues who have lost everything show the utmost generosity and solidarity.
I would like to pay tribute to all of my colleagues and our partners who are hanging on to fragments of hope for a better life but still keep essential services running.
They are the best of humankind in a place abandoned by humanity.”
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1397 of 15 July 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses.
Pollution, fusion microbes, unknown rivers, risks for old ones: 4 key climatic problems
Ancient microbes awakened in the fusion of glaciers with toxic pollutants unleashed by floods, the dangers are no longer distant or theoretical. They are there and they grow.
THE 2025 border reportpublished by the United Nations Environment Program (Dive), highlights four critical areas where environmental degradation is believed with human vulnerability: inherited pollution, the melting of glacier microbes, unknown rivers and climatic risks for an aging population that develops.
The report depicts a living image of the way in which climate change not only modifies ecosystems, but also the exposure of communities – especially the most vulnerable – to new and intensifying dangers. Some problems can be local or relatively small problems today, but have the potential to become regional or global concerns if they are not addressed early, the report warned.
UNP Executive Director, Inger Andersen said that measures should be taken “to protect people, nature and economies against threats that will only develop each year.”
Here is what is at stake and why it matters to all of us:
The Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres visit the Annapurna base camp in Nepal in 2023. (File)
Melting glacier microbes
Climatologists say Many glaciers will not survive this century Unless measures take to slow down the merger rate caused by climate change. This means that those who live downstream will face a wave of floods alongside threats posed by reactivated microbes in a warming cryosphere or frozen parts of the earth.
Bacteria, fungi and viruses. Although most are dead, some are dormant and some are active. While global temperatures reach record heights, these microorganisms will become more active in many ecosystems. Even if the merger can be slowed down by attenuating greenhouse gas emissions, efforts must assess and prepare possible threats of potential pathogens.
It is also crucial to document and preserve Cryospheric microorganisms, which can shed light on the history of climate and evolution, help find therapies for diseases and develop innovative biotechnologies.
Aboriginal communities in the Amazon region in southern Colombia. (deposit)
Disassembly of dams
In the Colombian Amazon, river water levels fell up to 80%, restricting access to drinking water and food supplies, which led to close 130 schools, which increases the risk of recruitment, use and exploitation by non -state armed groups and the resulting of increased respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases acute among young people under the age of five.
Part of what worsens the problem in Colombia and other hot spots from around the world are the plethora of dams operating at a time when climate change is trigger the world. Drought maintains more than 420,000 children outside the school in Brazil, Colombia and Peru, according to a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).
As such, there is an increasing need to withdraw dams and other obstacles to the rehabilitation of river ecosystems, an increasingly initiated process by local communities, indigenous peoples, women and young people. Rivers and rivers can recover remarkably once the barriers have disappeared, but other stressors, from climate change pollution, must be treated in parallel. Understanding the results of restoring obstacles is necessary not only to guide future moves, but also to shed light on decisions on existing and future obstacles.
The elderly suffer disproportionately from the consequences on climate change.
Climate risks for the elderly
The elderly face increased risks in extreme days and suffer more from continuous environmental degradation. As a global meteorological organization (Wmo) Predicting an increasingly hot weather, the elderly suffer disproportionately, as shown in the growing number of deaths and diseases in the midst of recent heat waves in the world.
At the same time, the aging global population increases: the world share of people over 65 will drop from 10% in 2024 to 16% by 2050. Most of them will live in cities, where they will be exposed to heat and extreme air pollution and will experience more frequent disasters.
The elderly are already more at risk, therefore effective adaptation strategies will have to evolve to protect these older populations.
A family outside their flood damaged the house in N’Djamena, Chad. (deposit)
Inherited pollutants
The floods have paralyzed communities in all regions of the world as the number of extreme weather events climb. Among the hidden dangers are the inherited pollutants that have been secreted in the soil over time and released in the form of extreme precipitation and floods wash sediments and debris.
The 2010 Pakistani floods, the floods in the Niger Delta in 2012 and the Hurricane Harvey off the coast of Texas in 2017 are all examples when flood waters have aroused sediments, releasing heavy metals and Persistent organic pollutants.
The evaluation of sediment to understand the dangers, rethink the protection against floods to rely on solutions based on nature and investments in the natural sanitation of contaminated sediments are all options to solve this problem.
Read the Full Frontiers report here.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Niger: Déclaration de la Haute Représentante au nom de l’Union européenne
L’UE a publié une déclaration dans laquelle elle salue la libération de plusieurs prisonniers politiques au Niger, mais regrette la détention de Mohammed Bazoum et d’autres personnalités ainsi que de représentants de la société civile. Source link
Gaza: More deaths reported as starvation spreads
In an update on Friday, OCHA said that the starvation crisis is deepening across the enclave, with the local health authorities announcing that two more people had died from starvation the previous day.
Hunger and malnutrition increase the risk of illnesses that weaken the immune system, particularly among women, children, older people and persons with disabilities or chronic diseases, with deadly consequences.
Food scarcity also impacts pregnant and breastfeeding women, increasing the risk of their babies being born with health complications and affecting mothers’ ability to breastfeed.
Aid constrictions
The small trickle of supplies making it into the Strip is nowhere near adequate to address the immense needs as Israeli authorities continue to impose constraints on humanitarians and hamper their response.
Out of 15 attempts to coordinate humanitarian movements inside Gaza on Thursday, four were outright denied, three were impeded, one was postponed and two others had to be cancelled by the organisers, with only five missions facilitated.
Even though the limited amount of fuel received yesterday was fully allocated to community kitchens, healthcare and water and sanitation facilities, the fuel shortage continues as the quantities entering Gaza remain insufficient to maintain essential facilities.
UN preparations
Despite severe constraints, UN teams are prepared to ramp up aid delivery and address these severe needs as soon as they are allowed to do so.
For the UN to accelerate the delivery of food aid, health services, clean water and waste management, nutrition supplies and shelter materials, Israel must open its crossings, allow fuel and equipment in and permit humanitarian staff to operate safely.
The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, said in a social media post on Thursday that “we must save as many lives as we can – and we have a plan.”
The plan he shared with Member States outlines the necessary steps to stop the horror and alleviate constraints on humanitarian operations.
Mr. Fletcher has also written to the head of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the aid distribution model backed by Israel and the United States, reiterating that the UN is ready to engage with any partner to provide desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.
He stressed that any such partnership must adhere to the globally accepted principles of humanity, impartiality neutrality and independence, with aid going where needs are greatest and without discrimination and that humanitarians answer to civilians in need, not the warring parties.
Mr. Fletcher also said that he welcomes dialogue on how to reach as many people as possible to alleviate suffering without causing harm.
