The Danish EU Presidency will work for a strong and resolute EU that takes responsibility for its own security and for strengthening its competitiveness. This calls for the EU to match words with action and deliver on the challenges it faces. The green transition is essential to building a more secure and competitive Europe.
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“Amid ongoing Israeli military operations, scores of people have reportedly been killed and injured, including while waiting for food,” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.
“Over the weekend, there were numerous reports of attacks hitting homes, as well as schools hosting displaced people,” it added.
OCHA noted that amid the “heavy constraints” on bringing in supplies and carrying out humanitarian operations across Gaza, people are going hungry.
“The World Food Programme (WFP) reports that one in five people faces catastrophic hunger, and more than 90,000 women and children urgently require treatment for malnutrition,” it said.
WFP has about 130,000 metric tons of food positioned in the region, ready to serve people in Gaza if improved access is granted.
OCHA reiterated calls on Israel to facilitate the access and entry of essential supplies into Gaza, through the available crossing points and corridors, to address people’s desperate needs. Fuel, in particular, is urgently needed.
“The UN and its partners call on the Israeli authorities, with utmost urgency, to allow the entry of fuel into Gaza. This is critically needed for life-saving operations – including hospitals, water and sanitation equipment, telecommunications, moving cargo from crossings, and operating community kitchens,” it said.
Mass displacement continues in the war-torn enclave.
On Sunday, the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders for parts of Jabalya and Gaza City, impacting around 150,000 people. Those forced to flee join thousands already crowded into shelters lacking water, sanitation, and medical care. Shelter materials such as tents and timber have not entered Gaza in 17 weeks.
Most of the territory remains under displacement orders, OCHA said, and Israel, as the occupying power, has a legal obligation to protect civilians.
Meanwhile, in war-torn Gaza, thousands of families remain trapped in a spiral of anxiety and despair as they search for their missing loved ones.
Among them is Anwar Hawas, a young woman in her twenties, searching desperately for Hadi, her 17-year-old autistic brother who has been missing for weeks.
“Every day I go out in the morning and return in the evening, hoping to find him,” she told UN News.
The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reports that more than 11,000 individuals are missing in Gaza since the war started on 7 October 2023, the majority among them women and children.
Briefing ambassadors in the Security adviceThe deputy secretary general for the Middle East, Khaled Khiari, said that more than 1,000 Palestinians had been killed since mid-June, many of them looking for help.
Citing figures from the Gazan health authorities, he indicated that the total number of Palestinian deaths since October 7, 2023 had exceeded 56,500.
“” The level of suffering and brutality in Gaza is unbearable“Said Mr. Khiari.The continuous collective punishment of the Palestinian people is unjustifiable.“”
Mr. Khiari cited several incidents involving the opening fires of the Israel Defense Forces (FDI) near food distribution points.
On June 17, at least 50 people were killed and 200 injured in Khan Younis when an FDI reservoir opened fire on a crowd while waiting for the United Nations World Food Program (Wfp) Help trucks.
Once again a week later, the TSAhal troops would have opened fire near the sites of the Gaza humanitarian foundation, this time killing 49 Palestinians and injuring 197 others.
“We strongly condemn the loss of lives and the injuries of the Palestinians in search of aid to Gaza,” said Khiari. “We call an immediate and independent investigation into these events and that the authors must be held responsible.”
He stressed that the UN “will not participate in any aid delivery modality which does not respect the fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality”, a feeling that other UN officials have also said on several occasions.
Mr. Khiari reiterated the strong condemnation by the UN of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups for their attacks in Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people and led more than 250 to be taken hostage. Fifty hostages, including a woman, remain in captivity.
“” Nothing can justify these acts of terror. We remain dismayed that hostages can be subject to in progress ill -treatment and that the hostage bodies continue to be retained“He said.
At the same time, He also condemned “the widespread murder and the injuries of civilians in Gaza, including children and women, and the destruction of houses, schools, hospitals and mosques”.
In occupied West Bank, Israeli raids and the violence of the settlers have increased.
Khiari reported that a 15 -year -old boy and an elderly woman had been killed in separate incidents on June 25. The armed settlers also killed several Palestinians during attacks in Surif and Kafr Malik.
“” The climbing of violence in occupied West Bank is alarming“Said Khiari, warning that military operations and the expansion of settlers lead to deaths, movements and destruction.
Mr. Khiari concluded his briefing with comments on the wider region of the Middle East, in particular the recent push between Israel and Iran.
He praised the ceasefire agreement of June 24 between the two countries, announced by American president Donald Trump, and credited American and Qatari mediation.
“” We hope that this cease-fire can be reproduced in other conflicts in the region-nowhere is it necessary in Gaza,He said.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
It covers the period From December 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025, during which 986 civilians were killed and 4,807 injured – an increase of 37% compared to the same period the previous year.
“” The war in Ukraine – now in its fourth year – becomes more and more deadly for civilians »» said Danielle Bell, Head of the United Nations Human Rights Surveillance Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU).
“We continue to document the models of violence which are incompatible with the obligations under international humanitarian law.”
Most of the victims have occurred in areas under the control of the Ukrainian government, mainly due to Russian attacks using long -range explosive weapons in populated areas and short -range drones near first -line locations.
Almost half of all the victims were caused by missiles, strolling ammunition and air bombs in densely populated areas. At least three attacks involved the use of missiles with fragmentation warheads that have exploded over the ground and dispersed fragments in large open areas, killing and injuring many civilians at the same time.
The use of short -term drones leads to the increase in civilian victims, according to the report. Ohchr Check that 207 civilians were killed and 1,365 injured during these attacks.
Among the deadliest incidents, there was a Russian drone strike on a civil bus carrying employees of a mining company to work in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Eight women and two men were killed and 57 people were injured.
“The high number of civilian victims of the use of short -range drones, which allow operators to see their targets in real time, raises serious concerns,” said Bell said.
“” Our results strongly suggest the failure of the distinction between civil and military targets, and to take all the precautions achievable to verify the military nature of these targets – or worse, an intentional decision not to not.“”
During the same period, the Russian forces struck directly at least five hospitals. Some of the attacks have used several munitions of vagueness, suggesting a deliberate potential targeting of hospitals in violation of international humanitarian law.
Serious violations against prisoners of war (prisoners of war) also remain a major concern, according to the report. Ohchr has documented credible allegations according to which at least 35 prisoners of Ukrainian war and a Russian war prisoner was executed during the reference period.
The staff interviewed 117 recently released Ukrainian prisoners of war and two members of medical staff detained, almost all described as tortured and abused in captivity. This included severe blows, electric shocks, sexual violence, dog attacks and deliberate humiliation, often carried out by staff bearing hoods to hide their identity.
Ms. Bell said that the continuous brutalization of Ukrainian prisoners of war is not only inhuman, but a serious violation of international law.
“” These are not isolated incidents – they indicate well -documented models of generalized and systematic torture that require urgent and unambiguous responsibility, and measures to prevention“She said.
Meanwhile, more than half of the Russian prisoners of war and nationals of the third country held by Ukraine also reported abuse – in particular torture, ill -treatment, threats and internment in unofficial facilities – which have mainly occurred in places of public transport before arrival in official places of internment.
The report highlights ongoing concerns on human rights with Ukrainian civilians illegally held by the Russian authorities, mainly in occupied territory. Liberated people have described torture, ill -treatment and disastrous conditions of detention.
The Ukrainians, in the occupied territory, were faced with increased coercion to adopt Russian citizenship. Ohchr has documented more than 16,000 houses listed by the Russian occupation authorities as potentially “abandoned” and therefore at risk of being confiscated.
Displaced residents were faced with serious legal and logistical obstacles, as well as security risks, to recover their goods.
Another problem covered in the report is the recruitment and use of Ukrainian children “to sabotage the activities of growing gravity against Ukrainian military objectives”.
Children were recruited by unidentified actors, probably affiliated with Russia, according to Ukrainian authorities in the application of laws. Some of these young people have been killed or injured, while others face prosecution after being attracted by social media to commit a criminal fire or explosives.
“The use of children to commit acts of sabotage or violence exploits their vulnerability and endangers their lives,” said Bell. “” He aggravates their sufferings by exposing them to violence, coercion and severe legal consequences.“”
Ohchr has also expressed his concerns about the situation of the elderly, mainly women, as well as disabled people, who remain disproportionate risks, especially in front line areas.
Many are unable to evacuate due to poverty and limited housing options, while those who can often face long stays in shelters that lack appropriate installations, or they are placed in institutional environment due to the absence of appropriate alternatives.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Loneliness is linked to around 100 deaths per hour – more than 871,000 deaths per year. On the other hand, strong social connections are associated with better health and a longer life, the United Nations Health Agency announced on Monday.
WHO Defines social connection as the way people relate and interact with each other. Loneliness is the painful feeling that occurs in the event of a gap between the desired and real social relations, while social isolation refers to the objective lack of social ties.
“At this age when connection possibilities are endless, more and more people are isolated and alone,” said Tedros adhanom ghebreyesusWho general manager.
While loneliness affects people of all ages, young people and people living in low and intermediate income countries are particularly vulnerable.
“Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone. Like technology reshapes our lives, we must make sure that it is strengthened – and not weaken them – human connection, “said Chido Mpemba, co -president of the WHO Social Commission, who published the report.
The report, From loneliness to social connection: draw the path of healthier societieshighlights concerns about excessive screen time and harmful online interactions, especially in young people and their negative mental health effects.
Several factors contribute to loneliness and social isolation, in particular poor health, low income and education, a single life, a lack of community infrastructure and adequate public policies, as well as certain aspects of digital technologies.
Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline and early death. Solitary people are twice as likely to undergo depression and can also face increased anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
Conversely, social connection offers protective advantages throughout life – reducing inflammation, reducing the risk of serious illness, promoting mental health and extending longevity.
The report presents a roadmap for global action focused on five key areas: politics, research, interventions, improvement of the measure and public commitment. Together, these aim to reshape social norms and build a movement for social connection.
Although the costs of social isolation and loneliness are high, the benefits of social ties are deep. Who urged governments, communities and individuals to make social ties a public health priority.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Ninety-nine percent of the repatriases were undocumented and 70% were returned by force, a strong increase in deported families-a change compared to previous months, when most returnees were young single men, according to to the United Nations agency.
This increase follows a decision by March by the Iranian government demanding that all undocumented Afghans leave the country.
Conditions deteriorated after the recent 12 -day conflict between Iran and Israel, which has arrang the level of daily refugees, from around 5,000 to almost 30,000Hcr) Representative in Afghanistan.
“They come on buses and sometimes five buses arrive both with families and others and people are released from the bus and They are simply perplexed, disoriented and tired and hungry too“He said UN NewsDescribing the scene during a visit to the border.
“It was exacerbated by the war, but I must say that it was part of an underlying trend that we have seen from the yields of Iran, some of which are voluntary, but a large part was also deportations. »»
Afghanistan, already struggling with economic collapse and the chronic humanitarian crisis, is not prepared to absorb such large -scale yields.
The plan of humanitarian needs and 2025 humanitarian responses provides for funding of $ 2.42 billion, but only 22.2% have been obtained to date.
“” The magnitude of yields is deeply alarming and requires a stronger and more immediate international response”Said Iom Director General Amy Pope, “Afghanistan cannot manage this alone.”
Meanwhile, UNHCR alongside partners works to meet the urgent needs of those who arrive – food, water, shelter, protection. However, its programs are also subject to high tension due to limited funding.
The agency had to considerably reduce its cash assistance to families repatriated to the border by $ 2,000 per family to only $ 156.
“” We are unable to help enough women and we also injure local communities“Added Mr. Jamal.
In response to a growing crisis, the UN Central emergency intervention fund (Deer) allocated $ 1.7 million to the World Food Program (Wfp) to support families affected by drought in the province of Faryab.
Funds will provide cash assistance to some 8,000 families in the region, where more than a third of the rural population is already faced with acute food insecurity or emergency levels.
“Acting ahead of the risks provided to prevent or reduce humanitarian impacts on communities is more important than ever,” said Isabelle Moussard Carlsen, chief of Ochha Afghanistan, adding “When humanitarian action worldwide and in Afghanistan is underfunded … We must make the most of each dollar. »»
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Speaking at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, High Commissioner Volker Türk asked Member States whether enough was being done to protect people from the escalating impacts of climate change.
“Are we taking the steps needed to protect people from climate chaos, safeguard their futures and manage natural resources in ways that respect human rights and the environment?” asked delegates at the ongoing session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
His answer was simple – we are not doing nearly enough.
Mr. Türk emphasised that while climate change presents dire risks human rights – especially for the most vulnerable – it also can be a strong lever for progress.
Central to this is a “just transition” away from environmentally destructive activities.
“What we need now is a roadmap that shows us how to rethink our societies, economies and politics in ways that are equitable and sustainable,” he said.
One of the main avenues through which the Council – UN’s highest intergovernmental body on human rights – examined the connection between human rights and climate change was the right to decent work.
“Because of climate change, the very human right of decent work is fundamentally challenged today,” said Moustapha Kamal Gueye, a senior official at the International Labor Organization (ILO).
He warned that 80 million full-time jobs will no longer exist in 2030 if the world continues its current climate trajectory. More than 70 per cent of the global workforce – 2.4 billion workers – will be exposed to excessive heat at some point on the job.
These alarming statistics underscored the urgent need for robust social protection systems, including social security, for workers as the climate crisis continues to intensify, Mr. Gueye said. Less than 9 per cent of workers in the 20 most climate-impacted countries have any form of social protection.
“From a climate resilience perspective, nations are far from achieving the human right to social protection,” Mr. Gueye said. “Investments in social protection need to be scaled up, and this must move from shock-responses to institutionalised and rights-based approaches.”
On a more hopeful note, he added, a shift towards low-carbon economies can potentially generate over 100 million new jobs by 2030. However, he cautioned that, that these jobs may not emerge where others are lost, reinforcing the need for strong safety nets and planning.
Elisa Morgera, the UN special rapporteur on human rights and climate change, also presented her latest report, which calls for “defossilization” of economies. Phasing out fossil fuels, she said, is the most effective way to reduce climate impacts while protecting human rights.
Of course, this is not a simple task, as Ms. Morgera noted that fossil fuels have invaded all parts of our lives and economies.
“Fossil fuels are everywhere: in our food systems, in our ocean and in our bodies, including in our brains – in many cases without us knowing or choosing for them to be in our lives,” Ms. Morgera said.
Ms. Morgera – who is mandated and appointed by the Human Rights Council, and is not a UN staff member – also stressed the need to “defossilize knowledge,” noting how fossil fuel interests have distorted public understanding and attacked climate defenders.
While geopolitical divisions may slow progress, she insisted that action can begin now at every level. “We can nourish hope and share concrete learning that can inspire a course correction, within the current decade, toward a safe climate for all.”
Mr. Türk concluded his remarks reinforcing that a just transition must ensure no one is left behind.
“If we don’t safeguard people’s lives, their health, their jobs and their future opportunities, the transition will replicate and exacerbate the injustices and inequalities in our world,” he said.
Mr. Gueye echoed that message: “The global climate agenda is a human story and it is about human rights. The ambition that nations and the global community seek cannot be confined to numerical targets and indicators – it must fundamentally be about people.”
Construction of the EU’s first net-positive emissions building has begun in Seville, Spain. It will go beyond carbon neutrality by offsetting CO₂ from the atmosphere, mainly through generating solar energy that far exceeds its own operational needs. It will take around 2 years to complete. Source link
Construction of the EU’s first net-positive emissions building has begun in Seville, Spain. It will go beyond carbon neutrality by offsetting CO₂ from the atmosphere, mainly through generating solar energy that far exceeds its own operational needs. It will take around 2 years to complete.
