Tuesday, April 28, 2026
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Gaza: Hospitals rationing critical supplies, blocking ambulances

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What little fuel remains is to feed the essential operations, but it is exhausted quickly, and there are practically no more additional accessible stocks, said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, citing reports from the United Nations Coordination Office, Ochha.

“Hospitals ration. The ambulances are stoned. The water systems are by the edge. And the deaths that is likely to cause could soon increase unless the Israeli authorities allow a new fuel to penetrate, “said Dujarric.

“We need fuel urgently and we need it in large quantities to feed the most essential parts, including water desalination, hospitals and telecommunications,” he added, noting that fuel has not entered the enclave in recent months.

Trip khan younis

Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to attack civil infrastructure in Gaza and issues new travel orders.

Tuesday, such orders were issued for certain parts of Khan Younis, specifically commanding those who stay in tents to move, reported Mr. Dujarric.

The card published in parallel with the order indicates that certain areas included had not been subjected to travel orders since the ceasefire in March, he said.

“The issuance of a displacement order does not relieve any part of the imperative to save civilians, including those who cannot or do not want to move.”

Backup hospitals

Mr. Dujarric also reiterated the United Nations World Organization (WHO) Call to protect the Nasser medical complex in Khan Younis, warning that the hospital is overwhelmed by trauma injuries to double its capacity.

In a video message sent from the hospital on Monday, Rik Peeperkorn, which is representative of the occupied Palestinian territory, said that the installation was extremely low on trauma supplies, essential drugs, equipment and fuel, and that the staff are exhausted.

Humanitarian movements

Meanwhile, OCHA reported that humanitarian movements inside Gaza remain strongly restricted: only four attempts out of 12 on Monday to coordinate movements with the Israeli security authorities have been fully facilitated and a single supply of supplies.

Four other attempts were rejected by the Israeli authorities, interrupting efforts to evacuate patients, recover disabled trucks or release debris.

Although the other four were initially approved, obstacles at ground level have finally undermined the ability to carry out the missions.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Srebrenica, 30 years on: UN officials and survivors call for truth, justice and vigilance

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Srebrenica, 30 years on: UN officials and survivors call for truth, justice and vigilance

“I have survived a genocide,” said Munira Subašić, whose youngest son – her favourite – and 21 other family members were murdered in the July 1995 Srebrenica massacre.

“And the world and Europe was just watching in silence.”

Now president of the Mothers of Srebrenica and Žepa, Ms. Subašić spoke at a special commemoration, urging global leaders not to forget the past and to deliver justice for the victims and survivors.

When you kill a mother’s child, you have killed a part of her,” Ms. Subašic said.

Europe’s worst atrocity since World War II

The 1995 genocide, perpetrated by the Bosnian Serb army, led to the killing of at least 8,372 men and boys, the displacement of thousands and destruction of entire communities in Srebrenica – which had been designed a “safe area” by the UN Security Council.

A small and lightly armed unit of Dutch peacekeepers under the UN flag were unable to resist the large Bosnian Serb force, which overran the town of Srebrenica.

The massacre has been formally recognized as genocide by both the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Last year, the General Assembly designated 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration for the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.  

An exhibition marking the 30-year anniversary of the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica is held at UN headquarters in New York.

Remember and honour the victims 

Speaking on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Chef de Cabinet Courtenay Rattray paid tribute to those who lost their lives and to the courage of their families. 

Today we remember and honour the victims. We pay tribute to the strength, dignity and resilience of the survivors,” he said.      

Mr. Guterres, in his message, said the international community must continue to stand against hatred, division, and denial.

Only by recognizing the suffering of all victims can we build mutual understanding, trust, and lasting peace,” he said. “We must ensure the voices of Srebrenica survivors continue to be heard – countering denial, distortion and revisionism.”  

The dangers of forgetting  

UN officials expressed concern over ongoing efforts to deny the genocide and glorify those convicted of war crimes. They warned that such narratives can fuel division and hinder reconciliation.

Education remains our strongest defence against the erosion of memory,” said Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly. “We must not only remember history, but learn from it so that tragedies like Srebrenica are never repeated.”

Learning from the past is especially important today – the Secretary-General noted that the same “dangerous currents” which led to the genocide in Srebrenica are present again in the world today.  

After Srebrenica, the world said – once again – ‘Never Again.’ Yet, hate speech is on the rise again, fuelling discrimination, extremism and violence,” Mr. Guterres said.

A family scattered

Mirela Osmanović, a young professional at the Srebrenica Memorial Center, was born after the genocide but lives with its impact. Two of her brothers were killed. Some of their remains were found, but parts of their bodies are still missing. Their absence, she said, weighs on her family daily.

My parents forbade themselves any joy while their sons, my brothers, lay somewhere in the ground, incomplete, scattered across mass graves – as if every smile would be betrayal, as if happiness might mean forgetting.”

The pain of this loss is always with her family even as the world promised that Srebrenica would never happen again.  

“We were given words, resolutions, statements, solemn promises of ‘never again,’” she said. “And yet, 30 years later, we are still asking what does ‘never again’ mean?”

A new generation, still asking questions

Ms. Osmanović speaks frequently with young people around the world who ask what happens when violence ends.

“What happens when the headlines fade, when the graves are found and facts are clear? Does justice follow?”

Her answer is that justice does not follow often enough.  

Justice if it comes too late or only on paper cannot restore trust. And peace without dignity is not peace at all.”

Years of commemoration

In 2015, UN News spoke to Adama Dieng, the Secretary-General’s special advisor on the prevention of genocide, who underlined the importance of remembering the Srebrenica genocide. 

Interview with former special advisor Adama Dieng.

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Srebrenica, 30 years later: UN officials and survivors call for truth, justice and vigilance

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“I survived a genocide,” said Munira Subašić, whose youngest son – his favorite – and 21 other family members were murdered during the Srebrenica massacre in July 1995.

“And the world and Europe looked at just in silence. »»

Now president of the mothers of Srebrenica and žepa, Ms. Subašić took the floor during a special commemoration, urging world leaders not to forget the past and to do justice to the victims and the survivors.

“” When you kill a mother’s child, you have killed part of her“Said Ms. Subašic.

The worst atrocity of Europe since the Second World War

The 1995 genocide, perpetrated by the Bosnian Serbian army, led to the murder of at least 8,372 men and boys, the displacement of thousands and the destruction of whole communities in Srebrenica – which had been designed “safe zone“By the UN Security advice.

A small unit slightly armed with Dutch peacekeeping soldier under the United Nations flag could not resist the great Bosnian Serbian force, which passed the city of Srebrenica.

The massacre was officially recognized as genocide by both International Court of Justice (Icj) and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (Icty).

Last year, the General Assembly appointed on July 11 as the International Day for Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica.

An exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica takes place at the UN headquarters in New York.

Remember and honor the victims

Speaking in the name of the UN Secretary General António GuterresThe chief of staff Courtenay Cetrayed paid tribute to those who lost their lives and the courage of their families.

“” Today, we remember and honor the victims. We pay tribute to the strength, dignity and resilience of survivors“He said.

Mr. Guterres, in his message, said that the international community should continue to stand against hatred, division and denial.

“” It is only by recognizing the suffering of all the victims that we can build a mutual understanding, a confidence and a lasting peace,“He said. We must make sure that the voices of Srebrenica survivors continue to be heard – counter denial, distortion and revisionism. »»

The dangers of forgetting

UN officials expressed themselves by continuous efforts to deny the genocide and glorify recognized people guilty of war crimes. They have warned that such stories can feed the division and hinder reconciliation.

“” Education remains our strongest defense against the erosion of memorySaid philled Yang, President of the General Assembly. “We must not only remember the story, but to learn so that tragedies like Srebrenica are never repeated. »»

Learning from the past is particularly important today – the secretary general noted that the same “dangerous currents” which led to genocide in Srebrenica are again present in the world today.

“” After Srebrenica, the world said – again – “never again”. However, the speech of hatred is again increasing, fueling discrimination, extremism and violence,“Said Mr. Guterres.

A dispersed family

Mirela Osmanović, a young professional of the Srebrenica Memorial Center, was born after the genocide but lives with its impact. Two of his brothers were killed. Some of their remains have been found, but parts of their body are always missing. Their absence, she said, weighs on her family daily.

“” My parents prohibited themselves from joy while their sons, my brothers, lying somewhere in the soil, incomplete, dispersed through mass pits – as if each smile was betrayal, as if happiness could mean forgetting. “”

The pain of this loss is still with his family even if the world has promised that Srebrenica would never happen again.

“We have been given words, resolutions, declarations, solemn promises of” never again, “she said. “And yet, 30 years later, we always ask what” never means “? »»

A new generation, always asking questions

Ms. Osmanović frequently speaks with young people around the world who ask for what is happening at the end of violence.

“What happens when the big titles are sounded, when the tombs are found and the facts are clear?” Does justice follow? ”

His answer is that justice does not follow often enough.

“” Justice if it comes too late or only on paper cannot restore confidence. And peace without dignity is not peace at all. “”

Years of commemoration

In 2015, UN News spoke to Adama Dieng, the special advisor of the secretary general on the prevention of the genocide, who stressed the importance of remembering the genocide of Srebrenica.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

UN rights office urges restraint in Kenya as fresh protests turn deadly

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UN rights office urges restraint in Kenya as fresh protests turn deadly

Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani cited Kenyan police reports of at least 11 deaths, 52 injured police officers, and 567 arrests. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported slightly different figures: at least 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, 37 arrests, and two abductions.

Protests erupted in 16 counties, with police reportedly using live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons.

Ms. Shamdasani also noted reports of looting and destruction of public and private property in several locations.

Crisis escalation

This week’s violence follows the deaths of 15 protesters and hundreds of injuries during demonstrations on 25 June in Nairobi and elsewhere.

Those protests were initially triggered by the anniversary of last year’s anti-tax demonstrations, which left at least 60 deaths and dozens allegedly abducted by the police.

The protests on Monday marked the 35th anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba protests, which paved the way to multi-party democracy in Kenya.

Call for accountability

Ms. Shamdasani said that UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, “repeats his call for all reported killings and other alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law, including with respect to use of force, to be promptly, thoroughly, independently and transparently investigated.

She noted that Kenyan police announcement of an investigation into the 25 June incidents and added that the UN human rights office stands ready to support national authorities in their efforts, including on the investigations.

She stressed that under international law, law enforcement may only use lethal force when strictly necessary to protect life from an imminent threat.

High Commissioner Türk also renewed his call for calm, restraint, and full respect for the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

It is essential that legitimate grievances at the root of these protests are addressed,” Ms. Shamdasani said.

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EU report shows positive developments in rule of law

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EU report shows positive developments in rule of law

In its 2025 Rule of Law report, the Commission finds there is a positive way forward in many EU countries, where important reforms have been carried out in justice, anti-corruption, media freedom and institutional checks and balances. Some challenges remain, however, and further action is needed.

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EU report shows positive developments in rule of law

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EU report shows positive developments in rule of law

In its 2025 Rule of Law report, the Commission finds there is a positive way forward in many EU countries, where important reforms have been carried out in justice, anti-corruption, media freedom and institutional checks and balances. Some challenges remain, however, and further action is needed. Source link

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The insider’s guide: Debunking the Blue Book traineeship myths

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The insider’s guide: Debunking the Blue Book traineeship myths

Coming straight from the current Blue Book trainees of the European Research Executive Agency (REA), this is your chance to get a glimpse of the reality behind their Brussels experience. For all of those interested in kick-starting their career in the EU institutions – get ready, draft your motivation letters and let’s start this journey! 

Not only a policy hub

The Blue Book Traineeship offers a wide range of opportunities across various Directorates General (DGs), but this is not your only option – there are plenty of other institutions for your place of assignment. 

The DGs serve as policy departments, overseeing areas such as health, education, finance, research, and many more. For those seeking hands-on experience, there are six Executive Agencies, each responsible for managing funding for programmes such as Horizon Europe or Erasmus+

The European Research Executive Agency is responsible primarily for the field of research and innovation, helping build a greener Europe with inclusive societies. Working in one of the agencies gives you a broader perspective, allowing you to engage with EU-funded projects while observing their impact on policy.

Giusi, one of the current REA trainees, shares her experience: “I am a trainee in the Secure Society Unit managing EU-funded projects that focus on protection, secure EU borders, disaster resilience, and cybersecurity. I supported my team by contacting external experts that help us identify possible issues in EU-funded research projects. Additionally, I monitored projects’ data to understand their different development levels.”

A unique background plays in your favour!

The European Commission tackles topics across many fields, not solely focusing on foreign policy or law. This means that our colleagues come from all walks of life, and your unique background could be an advantage. Executive Agencies managing programmes such as Horizon Europe, often seek graduates in the fields of science and technology.  

Mila, a REA trainee with an engineering background, says it better: “I personally do not have a political science or law background, and my profile as an environmental engineer was key to securing my traineeship, as it perfectly matched with one of the available offers.” 

Fresh from university

Not enough work experience? Not a problem! Even though the traineeship is seen as highly competitive, you do not need extensive work experience to secure your spot. As the traineeship is designed to teach young professionals the ropes of working in the EU institutions, you will get to participate in many training workshops.

Maja, REA’s External Communication trainee shares: “Having less than a year of relevant work experience was enough to land the traineeship, as it is only one of the many selection criteria.”  

Rejected before? Keep trying!

If you have tried applying multiple times and never got selected – this is your sign to try again! You would be surprised how many of the Blue Book trainees have landed their traineeship after multiple attempts.

Álvaro landed his external communication position at REA on his third try: “When the second rejection arrived, I decided to explore other options to gain further professional experience that could improve my applicationAfter undergoing a one-year traineeship in Italy, I decided to apply again and finally got the chance to be a Blue Book Trainee. As we say in Spanish – ¡A la tercera va la vencida! (English translation: Third time’s a charm!)”

Not an EU expert? You can learn on the job

With many political science graduates applying for the traineeship, it might seem that a good understanding of EU institutions is necessary to be a successful applicant. That could not be further from the truth! There is no better place to expand your knowledge of the EU than from within.

Elisa, a biomedical science graduate, is currently a trainee at REA: “I had no idea that someone like me, with no prior knowledge of these institutions, could have a place there. But after talking to colleagues, I discovered that many people in scientific-oriented Directorates-General and Agencies have similar backgrounds, often with PhDs in STEM fields.”

Don’t miss out!

Applications for the March 2026 session are open from 15 July 2025 until 29 August 2025. Don’t let the myths deceive you and use your story to your advantage. Fingers crossed!

Curious about the European Research Executive Agency? Find out more on LinkedIn, X or Mastodon.

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Bulgaria ready to use the euro from 1 January 2026

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Bulgaria ready to use the euro from 1 January 2026

The EU has given the final green light for Bulgaria to introduce the euro on 1 January 2026. Joining the euro area will bring tangible benefits to Bulgarian citizens and businesses: no more currency exchange costs, increased price transparency, easier cross-border payments and access to finance.

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Bulgaria ready to use the euro from 1 January 2026

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EU report shows positive developments in rule of law

The EU has given the final green light for Bulgaria to introduce the euro on 1 January 2026. Joining the euro area will bring tangible benefits to Bulgarian citizens and businesses: no more currency exchange costs, increased price transparency, easier cross-border payments and access to finance. Source link

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UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan as displacement, hunger and disease escalate

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World News in Brief: ‘Massive’ needs in Sudan, DR Congo aid shortfall, support for Congolese refugees and Angola cholera relief

The situation is particularly dire in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province, which has witnessed some of the worst episodes of the ongoing conflict between rival militaries.

Those remaining in El Fasher are facing “extreme shortages” of food and clean water, with markets repeatedly disrupted, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the regular news briefing in New York.

Across the city, nearly 40 per cent of children under five are suffering from acute malnutrition, including 11 per cent with severe acute malnutrition.

Most of the surrounding water infrastructure has also been destroyed or rendered non-functional due to minimal maintenance and fuel shortages, Mr. Dujarric added.  

El Fasher displacement

Since April 2023, an estimated 780,000 people have been displaced from El Fasher town and the nearby Zamzam displacement camps, including nearly 500,000 in April and May of this year.

Famine conditions have been confirmed in the area since last August.

About three-quarters of Zamzam camp’s residents fled to various locations across Tawila, where the UN and its partners have scaled up critical humanitarian assistance.

Cholera outbreak continues

Mr. Dujarric further warned that the breakdown of water and sanitation services, combined with low vaccination coverage, has sharply increased the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera.

So far this year, Sudan has reported more than 32,000 suspected cholera cases.

According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) cholera cases continue to rise across Darfur, with over 300 suspected cases and more than two dozen deaths reported in South Darfur state last week alone.

“Conflict and collapsing infrastructure continue to drive the spread of the disease and impede response efforts,” Mr. Dujarric stressed.

Unprecedented and complex crisis

Since war erupted between the former allies-turned-rivals, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed and more than 12 million forced to flee their homes – including approximately four million as refugees in neighbouring countries.

The crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of extreme vulnerability, as the country remains highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and disasters.

From severe droughts to deadly floods, the compounded effects of conflict and environmental instability are pushing communities to the brink, leaving them struggling to survive. Famine has already been declared in some parts of the country, putting millions of lives at risk.

Lack of resources hamstring response

Despite growing needs, the $4.2 billion humanitarian response plan for 2025, which aims to assist around 21 million of the most vulnerable people, remains only 21 per cent funded, having received $896 million received so far.

Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, underscored the gravity of the situation in El Fasher.

Civilians in the area remain cut off from aid and face the risk of starvation, he said in a post on social media.

Appealing for an urgent humanitarian pause, he warned that that “every day without access costs lives.” 

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