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Civilian deaths in conflict are surging, warns UN human rights office

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Civilian deaths in conflict are surging, warns UN human rights office

At least 48,384 individuals – mostly civilians – were killed in 2024, based on casualties recorded by OHCHR.

“Behind every statistic is a story. Behind every data point, a person,” said UN rights chief Volker Türk.

This alarming rise in civilian deaths exposes major failures to protect some of the most vulnerable in both peacetime and conflict situations, “painting a picture of a global human rights landscape in need of urgent action,” he said.

Human rights defenders

Just over 500 of those killed in 2024 were human rights defenders, with the number of journalists killed also rising by 10 per cent, comparing 2023 to 2024.

The level of targeting of human rights defenders and journalists remained alarmingly high: at least one human rights defender, journalist, or trade unionist was killed or forcibly disappeared every 14 days.

Detentions of rights defenders was most widespread in northern Africa, central, southern and western Asia. Killings were most prevalent in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Alarming rise in deaths of women and children

Violence against children and women in armed conflicts has been devastating over the past two years.

Between 2023 and 2024, approximately four times more children and women were killed in armed conflicts than during 2021–2022.

Women reported experiencing gender-based discrimination at more than twice the rate of men, and the poorest households were hardest hit, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

Discrimination does not exist in isolation,” said Mr Türk, as OHCHR’s findings revealed widespread and compounding discrimination, with nearly one in three persons with disabilities reporting having experienced discrimination, compared to fewer than one in five without disabilities.

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Office of the Rights of the United Nations `Horrified ” by fatal violence on the food distribution sites of Gaza

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The United Nations Human Rights Office (Ohchr) in the Palestinian territory occupied on Wednesday called on the Israeli army to cease the use of deadly force close to help convoys and food distribution sites.

He cited the “repeated incidents” of Palestinians who have hit or dissected themselves while looking for food, warning that such attacks could constitute war crimes under international law.

“We are horrified by repeated incidents, continuously reported in recent days through Gaza, and We call an immediate end to these insane killings“Said the office in a statement.

Hundreds killed

Since May 27, when the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an initiative supported by Israel and the United States began food distribution in southern Gaza-bypassing the system not directed by the non-Dirigés-hundreds have been killed and many others injured nearly four distribution points or while waiting to take help.

In one of the most deadly recent incidents, the Israeli army would have bombed a crowd while waiting for the United Nations restoration trucks in the south of Gaza on June 17, killing at least 51 people and injuring about 200 others, according to the Gazan health authorities.

One day earlier, three Palestinians were reportedly killed and several injured in a similar incident in the west of Beit Lahiya.

“” There is no information to suggest that people killed or injured were involved in hostilities or threatened to the Israeli army or the staff of the GHF distribution points, “said the OHCHR.

Protect civilians, humanitarian workers

The United Nations World Food Program (Wfp), which managed to send only 9,000 metric tonnes of food to Gaza in the last month – a fraction of what is necessary for 2.1 million people in need – echoes the appeal to immediate protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.

“Far too many people are dead while trying to access the food aid net to come,” said the agency statement.

“All violence leading to hungry people killed or injured while looking for vital aid is completely unacceptable.”

Massive scale required

The United Nations Agence on Emergency Food Help said that fear of famine and the desperate need for food caused large crowds to come together along the well -known transport routes, hoping to intercept and access humanitarian supplies during transport.

“” Only a massive increase in food distributions can stabilize the situationTo calm the anxieties and rebuild confidence in communities that more food arrives, “he said, calling urgently for safer convoy routes, faster authorizations, restored communication channels and additional border openings.

“The moment to act is now. Delays are expensive. We must be allowed to do our work safely, “said the agency.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Deal struck on improving transparency of funding of EU political parties

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Deal struck on improving transparency of funding of EU political parties

Council and Parliament have agreed to ensure greater accountability in the rules governing EU political parties and foundations. The provisional new rules will improve parties’ transparency, funding, and compliance with EU values. Source link

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Cohesion policy mid-term review: Council agrees positions to better address current and emerging challenges

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Cohesion policy mid-term review: Council agrees positions to better address current and emerging challenges

Council agrees negotiating positions to better address current and emerging challenges in the context of EU cohesion policy’s mid-term review.

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Iran-Israel crisis: UN rights office appeals for urgent de-escalation

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Iran-Israel crisis: UN rights office appeals for urgent de-escalation

Israel began targeting nuclear and military sites across Iran last Friday, prompting a barrage of retaliatory strikes on Israeli cities.

“The UN human rights office urges de-escalation and urgent diplomatic negotiations to end these attacks and find a way forward,” said Ms. Al-Nashif. “We are following closely and are aware of reports that many thousands of residents are fleeing parts of the capital, Tehran, as a result of warnings covering broad areas.”

Latest reports from the region indicate that more than 200 people have been killed in Iran and 24 in Israel to date. The violence continued unabated overnight in both countries. 

Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva at a scheduled meeting to discuss Iran’s rights record, the Deputy High Commissioner highlighted serious concerns that populated areas have been hit in the escalation.

“It is imperative that both sides fully respect international law, in particular by ensuring the protection of civilians in densely populated areas and of civilian objects,” she said. “We urge all those with influence to engage in negotiation as a matter of priority.”

Nuclear watchdog update

In a related development, the UN-backed nuclear watchdog said on Wednesday that two Iranian centrifuge production facilities had suffered major damage after being targeted.

“The TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Centre, were hit,” it said in an update. “At the Tehran site, one building was hit where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested. 

At Karaj, two buildings were destroyed where different centrifuge components were manufactured,” said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Speaking at the Council after the Deputy High Commissioner, Iran’s Permanent Representative of Iran, Ambassador Ali Bahreini, condemned the Israeli strikes: 

“There has been no violation worse than [the] 13 June act of aggression against Iran,” he said, pointing to “continuous blind attacks on residential areas, bombardment of vital supplies, explosion of drinking water resources and reckless strikes on nuclear facilities are immediately impacting the civilians and people of Iran.”

Such “deliberate targeting” of his country’s nuclear facilities risked exposing local communities to a “possible hazardous leak”, the Iranian ambassador continued. “This is not an act of war against our country, it is war against humanity.”

In a short statement to the Council from which Israel announced its withdrawal earlier this year, Mr. Bahreini called for accountability and international condemnation of the Israeli attacks. 

“This impunity must come to [an] end,” he said. “Israel activities are not just against one or two countries. It is acting against all humanity and their actions target all human rights.”

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Council agrees its position on a more modern payment service framework in the EU

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Council agrees its position on a more modern payment service framework in the EU

Today, member states’ representatives (Coreper) approved the Council’s stance on new rules to modernise the payment services environment in the EU, while reducing payment fraud and improving efficiency. Source link

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Iran-Israel Crisis: United Nations Rights Office calls for an urgent de-escalation

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Israel began to target nuclear and military sites across Iran last Friday, which caused a reprisal strike barrage on Israeli cities.

“The United Nations Human Rights Office urges de -escalation and urgent diplomatic negotiations to end these attacks and find a way to follow”, ” said Ms. Al-Nashif. “We follow closely and are aware of the reports according to which several thousand residents flee from parts of the capital, Tehran, following warnings covering large areas.”

The latest reports in the region indicate that more than 200 people have been killed in Iran and 24 in Israel to date. Violence continued tirelessly overnight in both countries.

Addressing Human Rights Council In Geneva at a meeting provided to discuss the Iran’s rights file, the assistant high-commissioner underlined serious concerns that populated areas were affected in climbing.

“It is imperative that the two parties fully respect international law, in particular by guaranteeing the protection of civilians in densely populated areas and civil objects”, ” She said. “We urge all those who have an influence to initiate negotiations in priority.”

Nuclear surveillance update

In a related development, the nuclear guard dog supported by the UN said on Wednesday that two Iranian centrifuge production facilities had suffered major damage after being targeted.

“The Tesa Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Tehran have been affected,” he said in an update. “On the Tehran site, a building was affected where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested.

In Karaj, two buildings were destroyed when various centrifuge components were manufactured, “said the International Atomic Energy Agency (Aiea).

Speaking to the council after the assistant high-commissioner, the permanent representative of Iran, the ambassador Ali Bahreini, condemned Israeli strikes:

“There was no worse violation that [the] June 13 Act of aggression against Iran, “he said, pointing towards “Continuous blind attacks against residential areas, the bombing of vital supplies, the explosion of drinking water resources and reckless strikes on nuclear installations immediately have an impact on civilians and the inhabitants of Iran.”

Such “deliberate targeting” of the nuclear installations of his country has risked exposing local communities to a “dangerous leak possible”, continued the Iranian ambassador. “It is not an act of war against our country, it is war against humanity. »»

In a brief statement to the Council, hence Israel announced his withdrawal earlier this year, Mr. Bahreini called for responsibility and international conviction of Israeli attacks.

“This impunity must come [an] end, “he said. Israeli activities are not only against one or two countries. It acts against all of humanity and their actions target all human rights. »»

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

DR Congo: Human rights violations could amount to war crimes, UN experts say

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DR Congo: Human rights violations could amount to war crimes, UN experts say

Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council that the investigation and analysis undertaken by his office, OHCHR, had revealed “an apparent total disregard for the protection of civilians during and after military operations.”

The OHCHR’s Fact-Finding Mission in the eastern DRC is also investigating other alleged violations of international humanitarian law, “many of which may amount to war crimes,” he said.  

Arbitrary Arrests

After capturing cities and villages in early 2025, the M23 Rwanda-backed rebels arbitrarily arrested police officers and large numbers of other civilians, including children, the UN human rights office reported.  

According to witnesses, those captured were, and are, still being held in “inhumane conditions,” and many were forcibly recruited into the ranks of the M23.  

The Mission is also investigating alleged arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of suspected M23 supporters by the military intelligence arm of the DRC armed forces.  

Extrajudicial Killings

OHCHR also reported that members of the M23 carried out summary and extrajudicial executions, which likely amount to war crimes, said Mr. Türk.  

The Mission is also investigating alleged summary executions by members of the DRC armed forces and DRC-backed Wazalendo militias.  

UN human rights is also investigating reports of death threats, detention and other reprisals against human rights defenders, journalists, and members of civil society perceived as critical of the M23; including the alleged killings of at least two activists.  

Sexual Violence

The Mission received reports of “horrific” use of sexual violence by all parties as a means of reprisal against communities, relatives of perceived opponents, and people from other ethnic groups, said Mr. Türk.  

In North and South Kivu, nearly 40 per cent of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are children. The UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) estimated that during the most intense phase of the conflict, a child was raped every 30 minutes.  

Mr. Türk called on “all parties to the conflict to commit immediately to a ceasefire and resume negotiations, and to respect international humanitarian and human rights law.” 

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More Gazans killed trying to get food, healthcare near to ‘full disaster’

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Helpless in the face of hunger: Gaza families pray for deliverance – or death

 “We are walking the fine grey line between operational capacity and full disaster, every day,” said Dr Thanos Gargavanis, WHO trauma surgeon and emergency officer, speaking from the enclave.

The veteran UN medic’s comments came amid new reports on Tuesday morning that more Palestinians had been killed trying to access food, this time near an aid distribution site in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

The mass casualty event left “hundreds of casualties, completely overwhelming Nasser Medical Complex” in Khan Younis, said WHO’s Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, Dr Rik Peeperkorn.

No-go zone

Across Gaza today, health services are “barely available” and difficult to access, Dr Peeperkorn said, since more than 80 per cent of Gaza’s territory is under evacuation orders.

The shrinking humanitarian space makes every health activity way more difficult than the previous day,” Dr Gargavanis added.

Nasser Medical Complex is the largest referral hospital in Gaza and the only remaining main hospital in Khan Younis. It is situated within the evacuation zone announced by the Israeli military on 12 June.

The nearby Al-Amal Hospital – operated by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) – continues to provide services to patients already there, but it is unable to admit anyone else because of ongoing military operations.

“It is what we call a completely minimal functional hospital,” Dr Peeperkorn said.

Deadly impact of fuel shortages

Only 17 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are currently partially functional, medical supplies are critically low and no fuel has entered the Strip for more than 100 days.

The latest mass casualty event is just the latest involving Gazans trying to access aid amid ongoing severe restrictions placed on the amount of aid allowed into the Strip by Israel.

On Monday, more than 200 patients arrived at the Red Cross Field Hospital in Al Mawasi – the highest number received by the facility in a single mass casualty incident. Of that number, 28 patients were reportedly declared dead, WHO’s Dr Peeperkorn said.

Just one day earlier, on 15 June, the same hospital received at least 170 patients, who reportedly had been trying to access a food distribution site.

“The recent food distribution initiatives by non-UN actors every time result in mass casualty incidents,” WHO’s Dr Gargavanis insisted.

© UNICEF/Mohammed Nateel

A boy receives medical care after being caught in a missile attack in Gaza.

Private aid plan fallout

Since late May, the UN and humanitarian partners have been sidelined in Gaza as a new aid distribution model backed by Israel and the United States began operations under the framework of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which uses private military contractors. 

The WHO trauma surgeon highlighted a “constant correlation” between the locations of food distribution spots and the mass casualty incidents in Rafah, in Khan Younis and along the Netzarim corridor.

Asked about the type of injuries sustained by those seeking aid, and who is responsible, Dr Gargavanis stressed that WHO is not a forensic agency.

“We’re not in a position to clearly identify from the nature of the injury” who has caused it, he said. “What we can say, though, is that we’re talking of gunshot wound injuries, and we’re talking of very few incidents of shrapnel injuries.”

The UN has repeatedly warned that the new aid distribution system does not meet humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality. The global body has also called for aid restrictions to be lifted.

Dr Peeperkorn insisted that the WHO must be facilitated to move supplies into Gaza in a cost-effective manner “via all possible routes” to prevent further shutdowns of medical services. He said that 33 WHO trucks with supplies are waiting at Al Arish in Egypt to be granted passage into the enclave, with another 15 standing by in the occupied West Bank.

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The DeepTechers Programme | EIT

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The DeepTechers Programme | EIT

DeepTechers Programme Announced: Accellerating Talent, Tech and Global Impact 

EIT Hub Israel has announced the launch of The DeepTechers – a three-day programme taking place in Munich from 21 to 23 October 2025. Designed for professionals building and scaling deep tech ventures, it brings together key players from venture capital, corporates, academia and accelerators to foster international collaboration and innovation. 

With curated matchmaking, strategic workshops and expert mentorship, the programme equips participants with tools and connections to build long-term partnerships. Sessions will include over 30 organisations such as BMW, Siemens, Audi, Infineon, Roche, Festo and AstraZeneca, providing hands-on insights into commercialisation, internationalisation, regulation and funding in deep tech. 

Shaping the Future of Deep Tech 

The event focuses on high-impact deep tech sectors including quantum technologies, robotics, smart manufacturing, semiconductors, medical devices, energy solutions and space technologies. These emerging fields has transformative potential in addressing global challenges. 

This initiative is aligned with the Deep Tech Talent Initiative (DTTI) – a pioneering programme aiming to skill one million people in deep tech across Europe. As part of the New European Innovation Agenda, DTTI helps address the continent’s talent gap and supports the green and digital transition.

Funding Opportunities

The programme is open to senior-level professionals from the deep tech ecosystem. Registration runs from 10 June to 18 August 2025. The programme fee is €2 000, with partial or full funding available through EIT Global Outreach based on participant category. Professionals from non-EIT affiliated organisations may apply for scholarships covering up to 100% of programme costs. Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to programme impact through post-event activities, such as blog posts, testimonials or community follow-ups.

Apply here

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