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Gaza Live: United Nations General Assembly to vote on the resolution requiring the immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire

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The general meeting is in emergency session in New York and should soon vote on a resolution requiring an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages. The President of the Assembly, Phillémon Yang, said that with the paralyzed Security Council, it was time for the Member States to act and end the horrors in Gaza. While famine is looming through the strip, mass victims continue to be reported with desperate civilians trying to access food at Israel and distribution sites supported by the United States. Application users can follow our live cover here.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Yemen at breaking point as UN envoy urges action to end suffering

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Yemen at breaking point as UN envoy urges action to end suffering

Speaking via videoconference, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said the country remains trapped in a prolonged political, humanitarian and development crisis.

Yemen is so much more than the containment of a threat,” he said. “The cost of inaction is high.”

Mr. Grundberg stressed the urgent need for progress towards a sustainable political solution, calling on all parties to show the will to move beyond the current deadlock.

Meanwhile, over 17 million people, nearly half of Yemen’s population, are estimated to be suffering acute malnutrition.

Without sustained humanitarian support, six million more could face emergency levels of food insecurity, said Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General of UN humanitarian wing (OCHA), speaking on behalf of Humanitarian Affairs chief Tom Fletcher.

Economic hardships

Yemeni citizens continue to shoulder the impact of an economy in freefall,” said Mr. Grundberg, calling for more international support to alleviate the humanitarian and economic hardships they face.

Despite operating under extremely difficult conditions, humanitarian efforts in Yemen continue, but the UN’s response remains constrained and far from meeting the scale of need, according to OCHA.

Still, there are signs of progress. “There is real scope to make progress on the economy,” said Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, pointing to the reopening last May of a key road between Aden and Sana’a, closed for nearly seven years, which has restored a faster and more direct route for civilians and commercial traffic.

“With trust and the right tools, there remains hope,” said Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya.

Fragile frontlines

Marking one year since the arbitrary detention by Houthi rebels – or Ansar Allah – of dozens of aid workers, civil society representatives and diplomatic personnel, Mr Grundberg urged Security Council members to use their “powerful voices” to exert maximum pressure on the group for the unconditional release of the detainees.

While attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and counter measures by Western forces have largely abated since a cessation of hostilities agreement between the United States and the Houthi leadership, the group has launched several recent attacks targeting Israel, in solidarity with the Palestinian cause in Gaza.

With multiple frontlines still fragile and the risk of renewed fighting ever-present, the UN continues to work on a roadmap to help Yemen move beyond its divisions, secure a comprehensive ceasefire, implement critical economic measures and advance an inclusive political process.

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Schengen: Council approves declaration to commemorate 40th anniversary and renew its commitment for the common travel area

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Schengen: Council approves declaration to commemorate 40th anniversary and renew its commitment for the common travel area

The Council approves a declaration to mark the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement.

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Council and Parliament agree on simplified and more efficient handling of chemical assessment data

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Council and Parliament agree on simplified and more efficient handling of chemical assessment data

DISCLAIMER: Information and opinions reproduced in the articles are the ones of those stating them and it is their own responsibility. Publication in The European Times does not automatically means endorsement of the view, but the right to express it.

DISCLAIMER TRANSLATIONS: All articles in this site are published in English. The translated versions are done through an automated process known as neural translations. If in doubt, always refer to the original article. Thank you for understanding.

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Decades of memories and loss – searching for the missing in Syria

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Decades of memories and loss – searching for the missing in Syria

The Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) is the first entity of its kind established by the UN General Assembly in June 2023. It is dedicated to determining the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons in Syria and supporting survivors and families of the missing.

Here are five key things you need to know about the IIMP.

Dictatorship and disappearances

The IIMP was created to address the issue of missing persons in Syria, a country that has experienced significant turmoil and conflict over the past decades. 

Cages in which prisoners were apparently held are pictured at the infamous Sednaya prison in Damascus.

Fifty years of dictatorship and 14 years of civil war all but came to an end in Syria following the fall of the brutal Assad regime in December 2024. This allowed the IIMP to begin its work properly, most notably by gaining access to infamous detention centres where people were tortured, murdered or disappeared.

A message on the walls of Sednaya prison reads: 'Syria is free; we couldn't celebrate our victory with you, but we will not forget your pain.'

A message on the walls of Sednaya prison reads: ‘Syria is free; we couldn’t celebrate our victory with you, but we will not forget your pain.’

People went missing in Syria due to many reasons such as abductions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary deprivation of liberty, displacement, migration or military operations. It is not clear exactly how many missing persons there are, but it is thought to be in the tens of thousands.

Uncovering the truth

The institution’s primary role is to determine the fate and whereabouts of all missing people. This includes collecting and analysing information, conducting investigations, and working closely with families and survivors to provide them with the answers they seek. 

Much of Syria has been left in ruins following 14 years of civil war.

Much of Syria has been left in ruins following 14 years of civil war.

Uncovering the circumstances of disappearances will involve a massive effort, from checking prison arrival registers where detainee’s names were recorded and their exit to parts unknown.

Evidence of torture and mass graves will have to be carefully chronicled.  Due process will have to uncover the elaborate former State network of secret police, prison and judicial officials who carried out orders and enabled the disappearance of thousands.

Supporting survivors and families of the missing

IIMP supports survivors and the families of the missing to cope with the uncertainty and trauma of having a missing loved one.

This includes offering psychological support, legal assistance, and facilitating communication between families and relevant authorities.

The institution looks for everyone who is missing in Syria regardless of their nationality, group, ethnicity, political affiliation, or the reasons and circumstances surrounding their disappearance.  

‘Titanic mission’

The head of IIMP, Karla Quintana, has described the task the body faces as “titanic,” not least because it is still not clear how many Syrians are missing.

Karla Quintana (right in white jacket), the head of IIMP, meets women whose loved ones are missing.

Karla Quintana (right in white jacket), the head of IIMP, meets women whose loved ones are missing.

Investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of individuals can be costly, so securing the resources to do so is a “major challenge” according to Ms. Quintana. If resources are limited it will hinder the progress of investigations.

Searching for, processing, and analysing information is time-consuming – especially in Syria, where conflict has made many areas inaccessible, records may be incomplete or destroyed, and some regions remain unstable and dangerous to work in.

Working with Syrians

IIMP says searching for missing persons in Syria must be “locally owned and internationally supported.” The body operates through a collaborative approach partnering with local and international organizations, government agencies, and civil society groups.

It also engages with communities to raise awareness about the issue of missing persons and to encourage the sharing of information that could aid investigations.

Expectations of this unprecedented UN mechanism are high as it could play a pivotal role in contributing to peace and justice in Syria.

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“ No ocean declaration without small islands ”: the delegates put pressure for inclusion at the end of the UN summit

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With the conference, known as the name A3, set to close on Friday, the issues could not be higher.

Li Junhua, the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs, said UN News Thursday, the last four days have been marked by a rare feeling of solidarity around the target of sustainable development 14 (ODD 14) – Protection of life underwater.

“This is the real testimony of the impact of this conference on the future of our ocean,” he added.

Project of signal signals Sensation of emergency

Bought since Monday on the Côte d’Azur Borde The adoption of a set supported by consensus aimed at securing the future of the world’s oceans.

Delegates are preparing to approve a political declaration alongside a set of radicals of voluntary commitments from participating countries – collectively known as Beautiful ocean action plan.

The declaration itself, entitled “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action”, underwent four cycles of intense intergovernmental negotiations at the UN headquarters in New York since January, as well as informal consultations with key delegations and civil society groups.

At the heart of the conference mission – Mobilize measures to safeguard and manage marine ecosystems permanently – The declaration, in the form of a project, reports a change in tone marked, emphasizing an unprecedented feeling of emergency.

He calls for immediate and transformative measures to protect the oceans, reflecting increasing concerns about climate change, loss of biodiversity and the depletion of marine resources.

© Coral Reef Image Bank / Tom Vierus

The inhabitants of the village of Galoa and their ancestors depend on the system of reefs for hundreds of years for subsistence and income.

In addition, the draft declaration describes measures to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable ocean economies. It also emphasizes the acceleration of the action, stressing that the ODD 14 remains one of the least funded United Nations objectives.

To advance global ocean initiatives, the draft declaration provides for significant and accessible funding and the completion of existing commitments under international agreements.

The project highlights the deep links of the ocean with climate and biodiversity, urging nations to fully implement Biological Diversity Convention. He also reaffirms the commitment to an international agreement, legally binding plastic pollutionEmphasizing a complete approach that addresses plastics throughout their life cycle.

The final negotiations are underway, and Tomorrow, we will report if the nations have reached a consensus to tackle the global ocean emergencytransforming decades of promises into significant marine protection.

He Safiya Sawney, special envoy and ambassador for the climate, Governade Government.

The small voices of the island are vital for oceanic politics

Among all stakeholders, small island nations have a key role in training the declaration. As a communities most vulnerable to the increase in seas and marine degradation, their first -hand experience and leadership are essential to develop an effective and inclusive ocean policy.

Safiya Sawney, Special Envoy and Ambassador for the Granada Climate, said UN News That it is happy to see the reference in the project of result on the antigua and bearded program for the development states of small islands, or Abas, which was adopted during the fourth international conference on the development states of small islanders in May 2024.

Ms. Sawney said that the inclusion of the Antigua and Barbuda agenda in the UNOC3 political declaration reports unity among the island nations. She pointed out that, despite many challenges, the small islands are determined to implement all the obligations under ABAS, demonstrating their determination to transform the commitments into action.

“A large part of our heritage, our culture, our economy, is derived from the ocean,” she said, ” So for us, you cannot have an ocean declaration without sids. “”

“No compromise with nature”

As for the negotiation process on the draft declaration, Ms. Sawney said that Grenada and other delegations in the Alliance of Small island States (AOSIS) said they were taking advantage of the force and experience of past climatic talks and the contribution to the ocean space.

“Part of healthy multilateralism is to know that you have to compromise,” she admitted, but also adding that “The only thing we cannot compromise, however, is nature».

To ensure that “we are able to succeed together to support this ocean program”, she suggested that “some countries need to do more than others”. She added that The developing states of small islands ask these countries to show their leadershipNot only by discrepancies or funding, but by a “real action”.

Ocean coordination mechanism secretariat

Representatives of 14 Caribbean countries sign the declaration of action in blue: the vision and the Caribbean roadmap for our ocean during a high -level launch event during the 3rd United Nations Conference on the Ocean (UNOC3) in Nice, in France.

Caribbean governments acting together

Note themselves “large ocean nations” at UNOC3, the small development states of the island bring together their weight not only to participate but shape the world ocean agenda, said Sawney. Among these efforts, the Caribbean governments wanted to demonstrate political unity and regional ambition throughout the conference.

On the day of the opening of the UNOC3, the vision of action blue: Caribbean 30 × 30 for the ocean was officially launched. It reflects an urgent call for the political leaders of the Caribbean to advance the collective regional advocacy aligned with the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversityas well as SDG14.

“By entering UNOC3, we approved 12 Governments of the Caribbean, including independent states and territories, and we had an additional signature and expression of interest of three different governments,” said Sawney.

Change the tide of the release

Recalling the 2008 Caribbean Challenge initiative, which advanced the protection of around 49,000 km of maritime zones in the region, Ms. Sawney said that part of what the newly launched vision is doing is reminding the international community that “we will continue to work, we will continue to appear and we really love their help”.

Describing the Caribbean as “limited by capacity”, it, however, highlighted the excessive dependence of the region on external aid, experts and capacity.

“We are trying to change the tide,” she said, stressing the importance of letting donors know that the region is very invested in strengthening its own capacity and possession of its own implementation.

Seeing a OC3 as an important opportunity to get through this message, Ms. Sawney said that the Caribbean islands were not just waiting for the end of the conference, but what happened afterwards.

“The real work begins after all this is over,” she concluded with hope.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

2025 European Heritage Awards winners announced

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2025 European Heritage Awards winners announced

Awards ceremony at the European Cultural Heritage Summit

The Grand Prix laureates and the Public Choice Award winner – each receiving €10 000 – will be announced during the ceremony taking place at the iconic Art Deco building Flagey in Brussels on 13 October, during the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2025.

About the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards

The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards have been running since 2002. They were set up by the European Commission, and are run by Europa Nostra. The action is co-funded under the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. 

For 23 years, the Awards have been a key tool to recognise and promote the multiple values of cultural and natural heritage for Europe’s society, economy and environment.

Three of this year’s winners come from countries that are not associated to Creative Europe, namely the Holy See, Moldova, and the United Kingdom. As they cannot benefit from the EU’s programme, they are honoured by Europa Nostra with a separate ‘Europa Nostra Award’ instead.

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2025 European Heritage Awards winners announced

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2025 European Heritage Awards winners announced

DISCLAIMER: Information and opinions reproduced in the articles are the ones of those stating them and it is their own responsibility. Publication in The European Times does not automatically means endorsement of the view, but the right to express it.

DISCLAIMER TRANSLATIONS: All articles in this site are published in English. The translated versions are done through an automated process known as neural translations. If in doubt, always refer to the original article. Thank you for understanding.

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Scientology volunteers provide rescue training and community care in Senigallia

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Kingnewswire / Press release / Senigallia, Italy – June 12, 2025 – After 12 days of awareness -raising actions, inspiration and direct support for the community, the emblematic yellow tent of Volunteer ministers of Scientology finished his stay in Senigallia. From June 1 to 12, the tent was installed in a good place in the Palazzesi gardens, welcoming citizens, sharing tools for life and delivering a simple and powerful message: ” we can do something ».

As part of a world tour that crosses the continents, the yellow tent has already brought hope and practical solutions to dozens of Italian cities, from Rome to Milan, from Naples to Bologna, and once again proven its impact during its passage in this very appreciated Adriatic city.

“We came to contribute to the well-being of the community starting with the individual,” said the volunteers. “We have listened, helped and showed people that they are not alone. Hundreds of people have visited the tent to ask questions, receive advice or learn new ways to face the daily challenges of life. »»

In just 11 days, 1,681 people visited the Senigallia exhibitionand many have registered in volunteerwhich provide practical tools allowing individuals to better face the difficulties of life. 306 new courses were launched During the exhibition, which demonstrates the lively interest of the community for personal development and practical help. By way of comparison, during a recent step at Modena1,050 people visited the tent and 176 courses have been recorded, which shows the growing momentum of movement across Italy.

Table of contents

Help in the event of a disaster meets daily empowerment

Volunteer ministers (VM) are not strangers in Senigallia. In 2022, after devastating floods, more than 50 VM arrived from all over Italy and provided more than 1,000 hours of volunteer service, ranging from the cleaning of houses and streets to emotional aid.

“Our mission is to help Senigallia’s society starting with each individual,” said Samuel Arenaone of the team leaders. “We believe that by helping only one person, we improve the whole community. »»

“Our message is that whatever the negative situation that a person is faced, it is possible to remedy it,” added Mr. Arena.

The work of VMs is based on a practical training program founded in the late 1970s by the founder of the Church of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard.

Thanks to 19 courses that improve life, communication, ethics, conflict resolution, study techniques and much more, volunteers help others overcome their personal and social difficulties.

“Being a voluntary minister means providing real and effective help to people,” said Mario Caradonnaa experienced worker.

“Whether it is to remove the mud after a flood or teach someone to study, the objective is to provide practical help that changes lives. »»

“Help is given to each person, even in daily life,” said Caradonna.

Beyond emergencies: help for daily life

The yellow tent was not only intended for help in the event of a disaster, it also served as a community center for empowerment and human relations.

“Our commitment does not stop in emergency situations,” said Gloria forneVolunteer Minister of Scientology. “We clean the public parks, we help families in difficulty, we meet all needs. »»

“For example, if a child has school difficulties, we have a course that teaches him to study, which helps both the child and his family,” she added.

Institutional recognition

The Italian senator Remigio Ceroni visited the yellow tent during its inauguration and congratulated the volunteers for their civic commitment:

“One of the forces of Italy is its network of volunteers who freely give their time for the good of all,” he said. “I want to salute the important contribution of the volunteer ministers of Scientology here in Senigallia during the recent emergency situation. »»

European impact, World Mission

With more than 200,000 volunteers Active worldwide, this movement is one of the largest independent aid networks in the world. In Europe, and in particular in Italy, their constant presence during natural disasters and in the context of daily community projects reflects their long -standing commitment to improve the lives of people.

Iván Arjona-Peladorepresentative of the Scientology to European and United Nations institutions, stressed the broader meaning of this tour:

“These volunteers represent the revival of the greatest strength of humanity: the desire to help. At a time when many feel helpless, the yellow tent reminds us that action, knowledge and compassion can even illuminate the darkest corners of life. She embodies our motto: We can do something. »»

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

At least eight drown in Red Sea as smugglers force migrants overboard

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At least eight drown in Red Sea as smugglers force migrants overboard

At least eight people are feared dead and 22 others are missing after smugglers stopped a boat carrying around 150 passengers likely bound for Yemen on 5 June.

“These young people were forced into impossible choices by smugglers who show no regard for human life,” said Celestine Frantz, the UN migration agency’s Regional Director for the East, Horn and Southern Africa. “We are doing everything we can to support the survivors and prevent further loss along this deadly route.”

Rescue mission

Search and rescue operations supported by the International Organization for Migration, IOM, have recovered five bodies from the sea near Moulhoulé in northern Djibouti. The confirmed death toll stands at eight but this is expected to rise as search efforts continue.

IOM said that in the days following the incident, many of those rescued were found in the desert by the UN agency’s mobile patrols. They are now receiving urgent medical care at a local hospital and psychosocial support at the IOM-run Migrant Response Center in Obock, Djibouti.

Thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa risk their lives every year to reach the Gulf States via Yemen where they hope to find work.

So far this year, 272 people have been confirmed dead on the Eastern Mediterranean migrant route which includes the Djibouti to Yemen leg. This includes both land and sea routes, according to IOM data.

“This latest tragedy is part of a series of fatal maritime incidents off the coast of Djibouti, underscoring the urgent need for stronger protection mechanisms for migrants along the migration route between the Horn of Africa and Yemen,” IOM said.
Warning that this latest deadly incident is part of a growing crisis, the UN agency has called for increased international support to strengthen search and rescue operations and expand access to safe migration pathways.

Libya focus

In a related development, IOM reported on Tuesday that the bodies of 10 migrants had washed ashore near Marsa Matrouh in Egypt.

The dead are believed to have set sail from the Libyan coast which is often used by people smugglers to traffic migrants across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.

More than 32,000 people are known to have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea since 2014 “with an unknown number still missing”, IOM’s Missing Migrants Project said.

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