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In South Asia, anemia threatens women’s health and economic future

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The warning, published jointly by the United Nations agencies and the regional socio-economic Saarc on Wednesday, underlines the status of South Asia as a “world epicenter” of anemia among adolescent girls and women.

It is estimated that 259 million already suffers from the condition, which alters the body’s ability to transport oxygen, contributing to chronic fatigue, poor maternal results and the reduction of educational and economic participation.

“” This is a call for Clarion actionSaid Sanjay Wijsekera, regional director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), which with the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) and Saarc have prepared the analysis.

“” When half of all adolescent girls and women in South Asia are anemic, it is not only a health problem – it is a signal that systems fail them.“”

A very large but avoidable condition

Anemia does not only affect women and girls – it contributes 40% of low -world birth weights in the world and affects children’s growth and learning, especially in the poorest households.

The economic assessment is amazing: Anemia costs in South Asia, around $ 32.5 billion a year, perpetuating poverty cycles and poor health.

However, the condition is avoidable and treatable. The proven solutions include iron and folic acid supplementation, regimes rich in iron and vitamins, better sanitation and stronger infections and maternal health services.

Experts stress that multisectoral collaboration is essential for sustained progress.

A nurse speaks to women of nutrients in the Sabarkantha district of Western India, many women and girls suffered from iron deficiency.

Crucial integrated efforts

In almost all countries, progress depends on the strengthening of health systems, the expansion of nutritional programs and the achievement of adolescent girls and women in marginalized communities.

Sri Lanka, where 18.5% of reproductive women are anemic, increases its national nutrition initiative, focusing on the most affected districts.

India and Pakistan also see encouraging signs. In India, high washing states integrate iron supplementation in school and maternal care programs. Pakistan has piloted community nutrition initiatives linked to reproductive health services, allowing early detection and monitoring care.

In Bangladesh, health initiatives in schools reach adolescents with fortified meals and health education, coordinates between the Ministries of Health, Education and Agriculture.

Community -based action operates

The Maldives and Bhutan prioritize early prevention through infant nutrition campaigns, food fortification and public awareness. Although smaller in the population, the two invest in the surveillance of anemia and inter -ministerial collaboration.

Nepal is distinguished by its fair results: since 2016, the country has reduced anemia in women of reproductive age by 7%, with larger decreases in poorer areas. His women volunteers of community health are essential, providing advice and references in remote regions and linking vulnerable households to public services.

The Kumari Gurung man, a public health nurse in the province of Karnali, attributes the achievements to a range of efforts focused on the community.

“Pregnant women receive eggs, chicken and nutrients thanks to programs like Sutkeri Poshan Koseli (Nutrition gift for new mothers), “she said. »Speption in cash also helps transport in hospitals, supporting safer births and better nutrition. “”

A nurse checks the weight of a pregnant woman and the vital signs in a clinic in Galigamuwa, Sri Lanka.

Everyone has a role

The end of anemia requires leadership and teamwork. Governments must lead, but communities, health workers, schools and families all play a role.

Stronger health systems, better data and coordinated actions in all sectors can help girls and women reach their full potential – build healthier communities and stronger economies.

“” Young people and mothers are at the heart of the development objectives of South Asia. Ensure that they are in good health, nourished and authorized is not only a moral imperative, it is a strategic investment in the future of our companies,“Said Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of Saarc.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Gaza: Hospitals rationing critical supplies, ambulances stalling

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Gaza: Hospitals rationing critical supplies, ambulances stalling

What little fuel remains is powering essential operations, but it is running out fast, and there are virtually no additional accessible stocks left, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said, citing reports from the UN relief coordination office, OCHA.  

“Hospitals are rationing. Ambulances are stalling. Water systems are on the brink. And the deaths this is likely to cause could soon rise sharply unless the Israeli authorities allow new fuel to get in,” said Mr. Dujarric.

“We need fuel urgently and we need it in large quantities to power the most essential parts, notably water desalination, hospitals and telecommunications,” he added, noting fuel has not entered the enclave in the last few months.

Khan Younis displacement

Meanwhile Israeli forces continue to attack civilian infrastructure in Gaza and issue new displacement orders.

On Tuesday, such orders were issued for parts of Khan Younis, specifically ordering those staying in tents to move, Mr. Dujarric reported.

The map published alongside the order indicates that some areas included had not been subject to displacement orders since before the March ceasefire, he said.

“The issuance of a displacement order does not relieve any party from the imperative to spare civilians, including those who are unable or unwilling to move.”  

Safeguard hospitals

Mr. Dujarric also reiterated the UN World Health Organization’s (WHO) call to protect the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, warning that the hospital is overwhelmed with trauma injuries at double its capacity.  

In a video message sent from the hospital on Monday, Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said the facility is running critically low on trauma supplies, essential medicines, equipment and fuel, and that staff are exhausted.

Humanitarian movements

Meanwhile, OCHA reported that humanitarian movements inside Gaza remain heavily restricted: only four out of 12 attempts on Monday to coordinate movements with the Israeli security authorities were fully facilitated, and just one delivered supplies.

Four more attempts were rejected by Israeli authorities, halting efforts to evacuate patients, retrieve disabled trucks or clear debris.  

Although the remaining four were initially approved, ground-level impediments ultimately undermined the ability to carry out the missions.

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UN calls on Taliban to end repressive policies

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UN calls on Taliban to end repressive policies

Adopted with 116 votes in favour, 12 abstentions and 2 against (Israel and United States), the resolution highlighted the multifaceted crises confronting Afghanistan nearly four years after the Taliban’s return to power, calling for greater international support for the Afghan people and a renewed push for human rights, peace and stability.

It emphasised the need for a coherent approach among humanitarian, political and development actors, and raised alarm over the “grave, worsening, widespread and systematic oppression” of all women and girls in Afghanistan, calling on the Taliban to swiftly reverse policies that exclude them from education, employment and public life.

The text further called for adherence to Afghanistan’s obligations under international law, including human rights and humanitarian principles.

Security and economic concerns

The 193-member General Assembly reiterated its “serious concern” over continuing violence and the presence of terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida, Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) and their affiliates ISIL-Khorasan and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, and “demanded” that Afghanistan not be used as a safe haven for terrorist activity.

Beyond security, the resolution stressed Afghanistan’s severe economic collapse, widespread poverty and spiralling humanitarian crisis, urging Member States and donors to scale up principled, sustained assistance.

It also highlighted the growing threat of natural disasters such as floods and droughts, which worsen food insecurity and economic fragility.

Sustainable and lasting peace can be achieved only through long-term social, economic and political stability, which requires full respect for civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights as well as commitment to inclusive and representative governance,” the resolution stated.

Result of the UN General Assembly vote on the draft resolution on Afghanistan.

Needs surge amid refugee returns

The resolution comes at a time of intensified strain on Afghanistan’s overstretched humanitarian system.

According to UN agencies, waves of returns from Pakistan and Iran – including both refugees and those in refugee-like situations – have increased pressure on services, especially in border provinces ill-equipped to absorb new arrivals.

These returns, many of them involuntary or under duress, have heightened protection risks and left thousands of families in urgent need of food, shelter and basic services.

The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Afghanistan – which seeks $2.4 billion to assist nearly 17 million people – is only 22 per cent funded as of early July, raising concerns among aid officials about maintaining life-saving programs in the months ahead.

The resolution called on all donors and stakeholders to “reconsider any decisions that may lead to reductions in such assistance, taking into account the potential adverse humanitarian consequences for the most vulnerable populations.”

Governance and accountability

The Assembly also reiterated concern over the lack of political inclusion since the Taliban takeover in August 2021.

It raised alarm over extrajudicial punishments, such as reprisals and summary executions, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions, including those targeting former members of the security personnel.

While the Assembly acknowledged the Taliban’s limited steps to reduce opium cultivation, it stressed the need for comprehensive counter-narcotics measures and efforts to combat organized crime and illicit arms trafficking.

UN General Assembly votes on the draft resolution on Afghanistan.

UN General Assembly votes on the draft resolution on Afghanistan.

A call for collective responsibility

The resolution expressed appreciation to major refugee-hosting countries – particularly Pakistan and Iran – and called for more equitable burden-sharing and international cooperation to support displaced Afghans and the communities that host them.

It underlined the importance of creating conditions for the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons, as well as their sustainable reintegration.

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The UN calls on the Taliban to end repressive policies

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Adopted with 116 votes in favor, 12 abstentions and 2 against (Israel and United States), The resolution highlighted the crises with multiple facets faced with Afghanistan almost four years after the return of the Taliban in powercalling for greater international support for the Afghan people and a renewed push for human rights, peace and stability.

He underlined the need for a coherent approach among humanitarian, political and development actors, and Alarm increasingly on “serious, aggravated, widespread and systematic oppression” of all women and girls in AfghanistanCalling the Taliban to quickly reverse policies that exclude them from education, employment and public life.

The text also called for membership of Afghanistan’s obligations under international law, in particular human rights and humanitarian principles.

Economic security and concerns

The general assembly of 193 members reiterated its “serious concern” in the face of continuous violence and the presence of terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isil / Da’esh) and their affiliates Isil-Khorasan and Tehrik-E-Taliban Pakistan, and “asked” that Afghanistan has not been used as an earthly activity.

Beyond security, the resolution highlighted the severe economic collapse of Afghanistan, generalized poverty and the humanitarian crisis in a spiral, urging Member States and donors to develop principles and sustained aid.

He also highlighted the growing threat of natural disasters such as floods and droughts, which worsens food insecurity and economic fragility.

“” A sustainable and lasting peace can only be obtained by social, economic and political stability in the long term, which requires full respect for civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights as well as commitment to inclusive and representative governance, ”said resolution.

Result of the United Nations General Assembly on the draft resolution on Afghanistan.

Needs an increase among refugee yields

The resolution comes at an era of intensified pressure on the overloaded humanitarian system of Afghanistan.

According to UN agencies, returns waves Pakistan and Iran – including refugees and those of refugee type situations – have increased pressure on services, especially in the border provinces poorly equipped to absorb new arrivals.

These yields, including many involuntary or under stress, have increased risks of protection and have left thousands of families with an urgent need for food, shelters and basic services.

THE 2025 humanitarian needs and response plan for Afghanistan – who is looking for $ 2.4 billion to help nearly 17 million people – is Only 22% funded In early July, raising concerns among help managers concerning the maintenance of rescue programs in the coming months.

THE The resolution called on all donors and stakeholders to “reconsider all decisions that could cause discounts In such aid, taking into account the potential humanitarian consequences for the most vulnerable populations. »»

Governance and responsibility

The Assembly also reiterated concerns about the lack of political inclusion since the Taliban takeover in August 2021.

He made the alarm on extrajudicial sanctions, such as reprisals and summary executions, forced disappearances and arbitrary detentions, including these targeting the former members of the security personnel.

Although the Assembly has recognized the limited stages of the Taliban to reduce the culture of opium, it underlined the need for measures included and efforts to combat organized crime and illicit arms trafficking.

The UN General Assembly votes on the draft resolution on Afghanistan.

A call for collective responsibility

The resolution expressed its assessment to the main countries of accommodation for refugees – in particular Pakistan and Iran – and has called for more equitable loading and international cooperation to support displaced Afghans and the communities that host them.

He stressed the importance of creating conditions for the safe, worthy and voluntary return of refugees and people displaced internally, as well as their lasting reintegration.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

“ Cooperation is the greatest innovation in humanity ”, declares the UN chief at the Brics summit

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Speaking during the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he underlined the human impact of environmental devastation and climate change. And as environmental disasters are increasing, sustainable development objectives are also left behind.

“” All over the world, lives and livelihoods are torn and gains in sustainable development leave in tatters as disasters accelerate“Said Mr. Guterres.

“” The impact on human health is excruciating … Vulnerable and poor pay the highest price. »»

Brics was founded by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2006. South Africa joined in 2011 and Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has joined the group since. Collectively, these eleven states represent more than half of the world’s population and around a third of world GDP.

Artificial intelligence must benefit all

On Sunday, Mr. Guterres addressed a session on the strengthening of multilateralism, financial economic affairs and artificial intelligence, where he called for efforts to “minimize risks and maximize the potential” of revolutionary technology.

“” Artificial intelligence resumes economies and societies. The fundamental test is to know how wisely we will guide this transformation, how we minimize the risks and maximize the potential of good“He said.

To maximize the potential, the secretary general argued that AI cannot be “a club of a few but must benefit everyone”, calling for the “real voice” of developing countries to include in global AI governance.

He also declared that human rights and equity were to be the guiding principles that shape any international governance structure for AI.

“We cannot govern effective AI-and equitably-without confronting deeper structural imbalances in our global system,” he said.

Collaboration is the key

UN Secretary General António Guterres underlined the need for peace in the midst of conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar.

He called for an urgent reform of global institutions, noting that bodies like the Security advice And international financial systems have been “designed for a bygone age, a overwhelming world, with a revolving system of power relations”.

“The reform of the Security Council is crucial,” he said, also highlighting calls from the recent development conference for development in Seville.

The priorities include greater votes for countries in the development of global governance, the effective restructuring of debt and triple multilateral bank loans – in particular in terms of concession and local currency.

Call to reform

Mr. Guterres concluded his remarks highlighting the power of cooperation and confidence.

“” At a time when multilateralism is undermined, let us remind the world that cooperation is the greatest innovation in humanity“He said.

“” Let us leave at this time – and reform and modernize multilateralismIncluding the UN and all systems and institutions to make it work for everyone, everywhere. »»

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Ukraine: UN refugee agency helps repair homes amid ongoing conflict

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Ukraine: UN refugee agency helps repair homes amid ongoing conflict

In the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, housing remains one of the country’s most urgent humanitarian and recovery challenges. The destruction has been widespread and ongoing.

According to the latest Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, 13 per cent of Ukraine’s housing stock has been damaged since February 2022, impacting an estimated 2.5 million families.

More than buildings 

In coordination with Ukrainian authorities and partners, UNHCR has invested over $114 million in durable housing solutions since July 2022, supporting both durable home repairs and emergency shelter assistance.

“By helping repair houses and apartments, we are enabling people to stay in or return to their homes – places that hold profound meaning, often passed down through generations,” said Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR’s representative in Ukraine.  

“These are not just buildings. These are treasured spaces where couples raised their children, families celebrated milestones, cared for older relatives and built their lives together,” she said.

UNHCR’s support includes a range of solutions: contracting local builders, providing construction materials or offering cash assistance to homeowners. 

Repairs may include roofs, windows, insulation and in some cases, major reconstruction. The agency also helps restore common areas in apartment buildings.

Emergency shelter and long-term needs

UNHCR also provides emergency shelter kits – tarpaulin, wooden boards, nails and other materials – to help protect homes from further weather damage.  

Since 2022, more than 470,000 people have received such kits.

With millions still internally displaced – many from areas under temporary occupation and with little prospect of return – UNHCR supports broader shelter options, including restoring social housing, repairing rural homes and refurbishing collective centres for the most vulnerable. 

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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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