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UN calls for reversal of US sanctions on Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese
They’re calling for the decision to be reversed, warning it could undermine the wider international human rights system.
The sanctions were announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday under a Presidential Executive Order.
Mr. Rubio alleged that Ms. Albanese had “directly engaged with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in efforts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute nationals of the United States or Israel, without the consent of those two countries,” which he called a “gross infringement” on national sovereignty.
The US and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute, the international treaty that established the ICC.
Dangerous precedent and unacceptable
Reacting to the announcement, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that the imposition of sanctions on Special Rapporteurs sets a “dangerous precedent.”
“The use of unilateral sanctions against Special Rapporteurs or any other UN expert or official is unacceptable,” he said on Thursday at his regular news briefing in New York.
He also highlighted the independent mandate and role of the Special Rapporteurs, noting that Member States “are perfectly entitled to their views and to disagree with” the experts’ reports.
“But we encourage them to engage with the UN’s human rights architecture,” he added.
Call for reversal
In a statement issued on Thursday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for the “prompt reversal” of the sanctions against the Human Rights Council-appointed Special Rapporteur “in response to work she has undertaken under the mandate” she is tasked with.
“Even in face of fierce disagreement, UN Member States should engage substantively and constructively, rather than resort to punitive measures,” he said.
The UN rights chief also called for an end to attacks and threats against mandate holders appointed by the council, as well as key institutions like the ICC.
“The solution is not less, but more, debate and dialogue on the very real human rights concerns they address,” Mr. Türk urged.
Cooperation, not reprisal
Jürg Lauber, President of the UN Human Rights Council, also voiced regret over the punitive move by the US.
In a statement, he highlighted that Special Rapporteurs “are an essential instrument” in fulfilling the Council’s mandate and urged all nations to “fully cooperate” with them.
“I call on all UN Member States…to refrain from any acts of intimidation or reprisal against them,” he said.
Independent Special Rapporteurs
Special Rapporteurs are appointed under what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.
They are independent experts appointed to monitor and report on human rights issues worldwide. These experts serve in their personal capacity, are not UN staff and receive no financial remuneration for their work.
They regularly report to the Geneva-based council as well as to the UN General Assembly in New York.
In addition to the mandate on the occupied Palestinian territory, mandates exist to monitor human rights in countries such as Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Afghanistan. In all there are 46 thematic and 14 different country-based mandates.
The UN calls for the reversal of American sanctions on the special rapporteur Francesca Albanese
They call on the decision to be reversed, warning that this could undermine the broader human rights system.
The sanctions were announced Wednesday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio under presidential decree.
Mr. Rubio allegedly alleged that Ms. Albanese had “directly engaged with the International Criminal Court (CIC) In the efforts to investigate, stop, hold or prosecute nationals of the United States or Israel, without the consent of these two countries “, which he described as” raw violation “of national sovereignty.
The United States and Israel are not parties to the status of Rome, the international treaty that established the ICC.
Call to inversion
In a statement published Thursday, the High Commissioner of the United Nations Human Rights Volker Türk called for the “rapid reversal” of sanctions against Human Rights Council-special container named “in response to the work she has undertaken under the mandate” that she is responsible.
“” Even in the face of fierce disagreement, the member states of the United Nations should engage substantially and in constructively, rather than using punitive measures“He said.
The head of the Rights of the United Nations also called at the end of attacks and threats against holders of mandates appointed by the Council, as well as key institutions such as the ICC.
“” The solution is no less, but more, the debate and dialogue on the very real concerns of human rights they answer“Exhorted Mr. Türk.
Cooperation, not reprisals
Jürg Lauber, president of the United Nations Human Rights Council, also expressed his regret in the United States punitive decision.
In a statementHe stressed that special rapporteurs “are an essential instrument” to fulfill the mandate of the Council and urged all the nations to “cooperate fully” with them.
“” I call all the member states of the UN … to refrain from any act of intimidation or reprisals against them“He said.
Independent special rapporteurs
Special rapporteurs are appointed under what is called the Special procedures of the Human Rights Council.
They are independent experts appointed to monitor and report on human rights issues around the world. These experts are used in their personal quality, are not UN staff and do not receive any financial remuneration for their work.
They regularly fall under the Geneva -based council as well as the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In addition to the mandate on occupied Palestinian territory, mandates exist to monitor human rights in countries like Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Afghanistan. In all 46 ThemeAnd 14 mandates from different countries.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Libya: The UN requests restraint while military accumulation threatens renewed violence in Tripoli
In a statement Late Wednesday (local time), the United Nations support mission in Libya (Little vintage) expressed a deep concern concerning the continuous relationships of mobilization of the armed group in densely populated areas, urging all parties to refrain from the use of force and inflammatory rhetoric.
“” The mission strongly urges all parties to avoid any actions or political rhetoric which could trigger an escalation or lead to renewed clashes“He said.
Unsmil stressed that the protection of civil life and goods under international law remains a binding obligation for all political and security actors.
“” Officials of attacks on civilians will be held responsible“Said the mission.
Continue dialogue, not violence
The mission reiterated its support for the implementation of the security agreements developed by the truce and security and military arrangements committees, stressing that “Forces recently deployed in Tripoli must withdraw without delay.“”
He also pointed out that dialogue – and not violence – remains the only viable path to reach the lasting peace and stability in Tripoli and Libya.
The appeal comes in the midst of military movement reports in the capital and renewed clashes between armed groups, reflecting the persistent volatility that tormented Libya since the fall of former chief Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Political Impasse
The country remains divided between rival administrations to the east and west, unity efforts have stopped several times.
An undeveloped cease-fire signed in 2020 raised hopes for national elections, but progress has been hampered by a political dead end and sporadic epidemics of violence-in particular Tripoli.
In May, Clashes have broken out in several capital districtswho would have triggered the murder of an eminent militia leader. The fighting, which involved heavy weapons in densely populated areas, forced hundreds of families to flee and have tended the already fragile infrastructure of the city.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Hungarian Couple Leads Nationwide Revival of Moral Values with Award-Winning Documentary on Scientology Network
Antónia and Ferenc Novák, a Hungarian couple dedicated to strengthening moral values, are featured in Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network. Through the Flourish and Prosper Foundation, they empower youth and communities with The Way to Happiness, promoting integrity, respect, and responsibility. Their nationwide art contests and teacher seminars help address challenges like bullying and domestic abuse, reinforcing Hungary’s deep-rooted family and community values. As a European nation proud of its cultural heritage, Hungary is witnessing a moral resurgence thanks to local leaders like the Nováks.
KINGNEWSWIRE // Press release // Budapest, Hungary — In a country renowned for its deep cultural roots and strong sense of community, Antónia and Ferenc Novák are inspiring Hungarians to renew their moral foundations for a brighter future. The husband-and-wife team, featured in a new episode of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network, are leading a nationwide movement to restore integrity, respect, and compassion in everyday Hungarian life.
Long admired for its family-centered values, hospitality, and rich traditions, Hungary — like many European nations — faces modern social challenges that test its moral fabric. Recent reports show two-thirds of high school students have experienced bullying, while thousands of domestic abuse cases are recorded annually. Yet Hungary’s enduring strengths — a commitment to family, community, and respect for tradition — provide a strong foundation to address these issues with fresh solutions.
Motivated by a personal wake-up call when a student brought a gun to their son’s school, Antónia and Ferenc took action. They discovered The Way to Happiness, a common-sense guide to better living, authored by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, and saw in it a practical way to help young people make positive choices. Today, as Director and Deputy Director of the Flourish and Prosper Foundation, they lead creative initiatives reaching schools, teachers, and families across the country.
Their nationwide children’s art contest brings moral lessons to life through students’ creativity. Teacher seminars equip educators to foster integrity and responsibility in the classroom. Community outreach projects promote respect, honesty, and accountability — timeless values that resonate deeply with Hungary’s cultural heritage and European identity.
As a result of their tireless work, communities are witnessing a significant drop in youth violence and growing awareness of the need for kindness, honesty, and mutual support. The Voices for Humanity episode tells their remarkable story, available on demand at the Scientology Network, which broadcasts to over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages and has received more than 125 industry awards for its impactful programming.
Iván Arjona Pelado, President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights, commended the Nováks’ achievements:
“Hungary has a proud tradition of family and community values that have carried it through centuries of change. The work of Antónia and Ferenc Novák stands as a testament to what everyday citizens can do to help revive and protect these core values for new generations. Their dedication is an example not only for Hungary but for all of Europe, showing that moral strengthening begins with each of us and spreads through education, art, and community spirit.”
Antónia and Ferenc’s story reminds us that positive change is possible when ordinary people stand up to strengthen the moral ties that bind families and communities together. With their movement growing, Hungary is proving once again that its greatest treasures are not only its historic landmarks or cultural achievements — but its people and their enduring commitment to living with integrity and respect.
Scientology is a recognized religion worldwide and is praised for its far-reaching humanitarian programs, which have reached new heights under the leadership of David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, whose vision continues to expand the Church’s global social impact.
Yemen deserves hope and dignity, Security Council hears
For over a decade, Yemen has endured conflict between Houthi rebels and government forces. Millions of lives and livelihoods remain at risk, and the conflict shows no sign of ending.
“The appetite for a military escalation remains,” Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, told ambassadors.
While violence remains an immediate threat, he noted that the economy has now become the “most active frontline” of the conflict: the national currency in free fall and purchasing power rapidly declining, poverty is a daily threat.
“The little money people do have in their pockets is either falling in value or literally falling apart,” he said.
Currently, 17 million people face food insecurity – a number that could rise to 18 million by September without swift and expanded humanitarian aid. More than one million children under the age of five are suffering from life-threatening malnutrition, putting them at risk of permanent physical and cognitive harm.
“We haven’t seen this level of deprivation since before the UN-brokered truce in early 2022,” said Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.
Regional instability deepens the crisis
Broader instability in the Middle East has further worsened Yemen’s situation, Mr. Grundberg said, pointing to recent attacks by Ansar Allah (as the Houthi rebels are formally called) on commercial ships in the Red Sea and retaliatory strikes by Israel on key Yemeni infrastructure, including ports and a power station.
“Yemen must not be drawn deeper into the regional crisis that threatens to unravel the already extremely fragile situation in the country. The stakes for Yemen are simply too high,” he said.
Nevertheless, he noted that the ceasefire between Iran and Israel did spark hope that momentum for negotiations in Yemen might resume.
Still, he stressed that Yemen’s peace process must solely depend on regional dynamics.
“Yemen must advance regardless, moving from simply managing shocks and volatility to developing practical steps that lay the groundwork for lasting solutions,” he said.
Negotiations must prevail
Without meaningful peace negotiations, Yemen’s humanitarian crisis will only deepen, Mr. Grundberg warned.
“A military solution remains a dangerous solution that risks deepening Yemen’s suffering,” he said.
He highlighted recent progress in Taiz governorate, where both parties agreed to jointly manage water supplies – a move that will provide safe drinking water to over 600,000 people.
This agreement also promotes sustainable water access, reducing reliance on humanitarian aid.
“While negotiations may not be easy, they offer the best hope for addressing, in a sustainable and long-term manner, the complexity of the conflict,” Mr. Grundberg said.
Call for international support
Mr. Grundberg called on the Security Council to continue prioritizing Yemen.
He also reiterated UN calls for all detained humanitarians, including UN staff, and called on donors to ensure sufficient funding to sustain aid organizations on the ground.
“Yemen’s future depends on our collective resolve to shield it from further suffering and to give its people the hope and dignity they so deeply deserve,” Mr. Grundberg said.
Hungarian Couple Leads Nationwide Revival of Moral Values with Award-Winning Documentary on Scientology Network
KINGNEWSWIRE // Press release // Budapest, Hungary — In a country renowned for its deep cultural roots and strong sense of community, Antónia and Ferenc Novák are inspiring Hungarians to renew their moral foundations for a brighter future. The husband-and-wife team, featured in a new episode of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network, are leading a nationwide movement to restore integrity, respect, and compassion in everyday Hungarian life.
Long admired for its family-centered values, hospitality, and rich traditions, Hungary — like many European nations — faces modern social challenges that test its moral fabric. Recent reports show two-thirds of high school students have experienced bullying, while thousands of domestic abuse cases are recorded annually. Yet Hungary’s enduring strengths — a commitment to family, community, and respect for tradition — provide a strong foundation to address these issues with fresh solutions.
Motivated by a personal wake-up call when a student brought a gun to their son’s school, Antónia and Ferenc took action. They discovered The Way to Happiness, a common-sense guide to better living, authored by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, and saw in it a practical way to help young people make positive choices. Today, as Director and Deputy Director of the Flourish and Prosper Foundation, they lead creative initiatives reaching schools, teachers, and families across the country.
Their nationwide children’s art contest brings moral lessons to life through students’ creativity. Teacher seminars equip educators to foster integrity and responsibility in the classroom. Community outreach projects promote respect, honesty, and accountability — timeless values that resonate deeply with Hungary’s cultural heritage and European identity.
As a result of their tireless work, communities are witnessing a significant drop in youth violence and growing awareness of the need for kindness, honesty, and mutual support. The Voices for Humanity episode tells their remarkable story, available on demand at the Scientology Network, which broadcasts to over 240 countries and territories in 17 languages and has received more than 125 industry awards for its impactful programming.
Iván Arjona Pelado, President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights, commended the Nováks’ achievements:
“Hungary has a proud tradition of family and community values that have carried it through centuries of change. The work of Antónia and Ferenc Novák stands as a testament to what everyday citizens can do to help revive and protect these core values for new generations. Their dedication is an example not only for Hungary but for all of Europe, showing that moral strengthening begins with each of us and spreads through education, art, and community spirit.”
Antónia and Ferenc’s story reminds us that positive change is possible when ordinary people stand up to strengthen the moral ties that bind families and communities together. With their movement growing, Hungary is proving once again that its greatest treasures are not only its historic landmarks or cultural achievements — but its people and their enduring commitment to living with integrity and respect.
Scientology is a recognized religion worldwide and is praised for its far-reaching humanitarian programs, which have reached new heights under the leadership of David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, whose vision continues to expand the Church’s global social impact.
‘Very limited time to react’: Texas flash floods expose challenges in early warning
The UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that the tragedy highlights growing global challenges around extreme rainfall, warning dissemination and community preparedness.
Flash floods are the most lethal form of flooding, responsible for over 5,000 deaths annually and 85 per cent of all flood-related fatalities worldwide, according to WMO data, and result in economic losses of more than $50 billion annually.
“Unlike slow-onset river floods, flash floods leave very limited time for reaction,” the agency said in a news release on Wednesday.
“That makes accurate short-term forecasting and community preparedness essential.”
One-day precipitation totals from NASA’s IMERG multi-satellite precipitation product show heavy rainfall over central Texas on July 4, 2025.
Months of rains in hours
Overnight 3 into 4 July, torrential rains – up to 46 centimetres (about 18 inches) in a matter of hours – sent a wall of water surging through Kerr County’s Guadalupe River basin at around 4 AM, catching many residents and vacationers off guard.
The US National Weather Service issued timely alerts – including a flash flood watch more than 12 hours in advance, upgraded to a flash flood emergency about three hours before impact.
The warnings were disseminated by Weather Radio, emergency management systems and television and radio stations, but many people, including hundreds of children at summer camps, were not reached in time.
Floodwaters surged dramatically as the Guadalupe River rose nearly 8 metres (about 26 feet) in about 45 minutes.
Among the hardest hit was the all-girls summer camp, Camp Mystic, along the river, where at least 27 campers and counsellors died, according to media reports. Texas state authorities report that more than 160 people remain missing.
The disaster has triggered one of the largest search-and-rescue efforts in state history.
More frequent and severe floods
Flash floods are not new, but their frequency and intensity are increasing in many regions due to rapid urbanization, land-use change and a warming climate.
“A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture and so this means that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent,” WMO said.
The Texas disaster joins a string of recent catastrophic floods. In 2022, flash floods in Pakistan killed over 1,700 people and displaced millions. In 2024, floods in Europe, the Middle East and Africa saw $36 billion in economic damages.
And just this week, a flash flood along the Nepalese-Chinese border swept away the main bridge linking the two countries.
In September 2022, Pakistan was hit by devastating flooding which left large swathes of the country under water.
Supporting countries
To help countries predict such hazards, WMO operates the Flash Flood Guidance System, a real-time forecasting platform used in over 70 countries. It integrates satellite data, radar, and weather models to detect local flash flood threats and supports training programs to build national capacity.
Beyond technology, the agency plays a convening role by building national capacity, certifying experts, and facilitating real-time coordination between forecasting agencies and disaster managers.
The UN warns to deepen the health crisis in Gaza in the midst of mass incidents
Through the Gaza Strip, while people are desperately looking for food, mass incidents are reported almost daily, the UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, journalists during his regular briefing in New York, told journalists.
Hospitals, already under a huge stump, find it difficult to face and the lack of essential supplies – including fuel and drugs – exerts even greater pressure on overloaded teams.
The war also had a devastating impact on health workers. According to the Gazan health authorities, more than 1,500 medical staff have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
Medical supplies arrive – but much more is necessary
The World Health Organization (WHO) said 11 trucks carrying medical aid, including surgical supplies, assistance devices, orthopedic instruments and other essential medical items, had entered the band on Tuesday.
These supplies should be distributed in various Gaza health establishments.
“The health needs remain immense. Many more medical supplies are necessary. We are urgently called on the entry without hindrance of fuel, food and health aid in Gaza through all possible routes, “said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is a general manager, in an article on social media.
Mr. Dujarric echoes this message, calling for the opening of all passages and corridors “to ensure coherent, frequent and large -scale distribution for people in need, wherever they are.”
Risk of disease increasing
In the context of access challenges, the spectrum of epidemics of fatal diseases also increases.
In northern Gaza, 10 water wells have ceased to operate due to the lack of fuel, and 25 others only partially work and could stop.
“Shorter pumping hours, reducing water production and limited collection of solid waste provides fertile land for diseases to spread – especially in vulnerable people, including children, the elderly and pregnant women,” said Dujarric.
No hygiene item has entered Gaza since early March 2025, he noted, added that the continuous shortage of cleaning and sanitation supplies seriously affects the health and stacking of an effective medical response.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
UN warns of deepening health crisis in Gaza amid mass casualty incidents
Across the Gaza Strip, as people desperately search for food, mass casualty incidents are reported almost daily, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, told reporters at his regular briefing in New York.
Hospitals, already under immense strain, are struggling to cope and lack of essential supplies – including fuel and medicines – is placing even greater pressure on overstretched teams.
The war has also had a devastating impact on health workers. According to Gazan health authorities, more than 1,500 medical staff have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
Medical supplies arrive – but much more is needed
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 11 trucks carrying medical aid, including surgical supplies, assistive devices, orthopaedic instruments and other essential medical items, had entered the Strip on Tuesday.
These supplies are set to be distributed to various health facilities across Gaza.
“The health needs remain immense. Much more medical supplies are needed. We urgently call for the unimpeded entry of fuel, food, and health aid at scale into Gaza through all possible routes,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO General-Director, said in a post on social media.
Mr. Dujarric echoed that message, calling for the opening of all crossings and corridors “to ensure the consistent, frequent and large-scale distribution of aid to people in need, wherever they are.”
Disease risk rising
Against the backdrop of access challenges, the spectre of deadly disease outbreaks is also rising.
In northern Gaza, 10 water wells have stopped functioning due to lack of fuel, and another 25 are operating only partially and could soon shut down.
“Shorter pumping hours, reduced water production and limited solid waste collection provide fertile ground for diseases to spread – especially among vulnerable people including children, older people and pregnant women,” Mr. Dujarric said.
No hygiene items have entered Gaza since early March 2025, he noted, added that the ongoing shortage of cleaning and sanitation supplies is severely affecting health and impeding an effective medical response.
