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Human Rights Council hears alarming updates on executions in Iran and global civic space crackdown

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Human Rights Council hears alarming updates on executions in Iran and global civic space crackdown

At least 975 people were executed in Iran in 2024, the highest number reported since 2015, according to a report Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif, presented to the Geneva-based Council on Wednesday. 

Of the total executions, just over half were for drug-related offenses, 43 per cent for murder, two per cent for sexual offenses, and three per cent for security-related charges. At least four executions were carried out publicly. 

“These cases are marked by serious allegations of torture and due process violations, including lack of access to a lawyer,” said Ms. Al-Nashif. 

Violence and discrimination against women

At least 31 women were reportedly executed in Iran last year, up from 22 in 2023. Of the 19 women executed for murder, nine had been convicted of killing their husbands in cases involving domestic violence or forced or child marriage, areas in which Iranian women have no legal protections.

Some executions were reportedly linked to protests that began in September 2022 under the banner “Women, Life, and Freedom.”

Beyond executions, femicide cases surged, with 179 reported in 2024 compared to 55 the year before. Many stemmed from so-called “honour” crimes or family disputes, often involving women and girls seeking divorce or rejecting marriage proposals.

Ms. Al-Nashif also warned that the suspended Chastity and Hijab Law, if enacted, would pose a serious threat to women’s rights. Penalties for violations such as improper dress could include heavy fines, travel bans, long-term imprisonment, or even the death penalty.

In addition, of the 125 journalists prosecuted in 2024, 40 were women, many reporting on human rights and women’s rights issues.

Religious and ethnic minorities

“In 2024, the death penalty continued to have a disproportionate impact on minority groups,” Ms. Al-Nashif told the Council.

At least 108 Baluchi and 84 Kurdish prisoners were executed in 2024, representing 11 and 9 per cent of the total, respectively.

The report also raised concerns over the lack of official data on the socioeconomic conditions of ethnic and ethno-religious minorities and non-citizens, which hampers efforts to assess their situation and measure the impact of targeted policies and programmes.

Looking ahead

While Iran continued engagement with the Office of the UN High Commissioner and other human rights mechanisms, it denied access to the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“Our Office remains ready to continue and build on its engagement with the Iranian authorities on the range of issues highlighted in the report of the Secretary-General for the promotion and protection of all human rights,” Ms. Al-Nashif concluded. 

Global ‘Super Election’ cycle undermined democratic participation

In the Council’s afternoon session, Gina Romero, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, presented her report on how the 2023–2025 “super election” cycle has affected civic space around the world.  

In 2024, half of the world’s population elected their local, national and international representatives. While Ms. Romero’s report on this cycle does not assess the integrity of the elections, it identifies troubling global patterns of systematic repression of the exercise of peaceful assembly and association.

“The misuse of restrictive laws, smear campaigns, disinformation targeting civil society intensified globally in the super electoral cycle, undermining electoral participation and freedom of association,” she said.  

Political repression and violence

As criminal justice systems are used to repress the opposition, leaders and members of political parties faced undue restrictions and political persecution. Civil society activists and election observers have also faced harassment, arbitrary detention, torture and murder.  

“When political parties, civil society, and peaceful assemblies are suppressed, genuine political pluralism and competition cannot exist,” argued Ms. Romero. “I stress that these conditions are incompatible with free and genuine elections and risk legitimising undemocratic rule.”

Minority representation

Ms. Romero also underscored that women’s political leadership remains severely underrepresented, while LGBTIQ individuals and their organizations faced attacks during the super electoral cycle.  

Both groups experienced physical and online political violence, restricting their electoral participation and accelerating the decline of their rights after the elections.

Calls to protect freedoms  

Amid global crises and a rapid democratic decline, Ms. Romero emphasized the urgent need to protect the rights to peaceful assembly and association throughout the entire electoral cycle.  

She outlined key recommendations, including strengthening legal protections before elections, ensuring accountability afterward, regulating digital technologies and promoting non-discriminatory participation throughout.  

“Dissent is a fundamental element of democratic societies,” she concluded in Spanish. “Rather than being suppressed, it should be welcomed and permanently protected.” 

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“ Smart grid ” helps speed up the energy transition in Indonesia

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With the support of the United Nations, the electrical network on the central islands of Java, Madura and Bali – which house more than 160 million people – is now improved and modernized to adapt to fluctuating energy and wind energy loads.

“Due to our cooperation with the UN, we now have a plan for an intelligent grid and we work to allow it to transparently integrate electricity from renewable energies in accordance with national priorities,” said Evy Haryadi, director of transmission and planning of the system to the public company Public Pt Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN). “This will represent a huge step forward in the decarbonization energy system of Indonesia. »»

As pointed out during a recent visit to Jakarta by the Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General on Climate Action and the Transition, Selwin Hart, the Smart Grid initiative – supported by the United Nations Office for Project Services (Peoples) – is an integral part of the broader assistance of the United Nations in Indonesia to ensure a fair energy transition.

Solar energy is widely used on the islands of Java, Madura and Bali.

This includes the work of the United Nations Development Program (Predict) Bring renewable energies to the distant islands not linked to the national network and the International Labor Organization (Ilo) to support the government in the development of green skills.

“The UN in Indonesia works in close partnership with the government to support its energy transition objectives in accordance with the Sustainable development objectives (SDD)), “Said Gita Sabharwal, coordinator of United Nations residents for Indonesia.” We provide rapid response solutions and technical expertise to help accelerate progress towards government objectives in green energy. »»

The country’s supply of electricity supply 2025-2034, launched in May, describes a strategic transition to a cleaner and investment-oriented energy future. It targets 42.6 GW of new renewable energy capacity and 10.3 GW of storage, while limiting a new Fossil fuel capacity to 16.6 GW. The plan is designed to align the climate commitments of Indonesia with the SDGs and improve national energy resilience.

The intelligent network and, at the base, the control center which manages the supply and demand for electricity, are crucial for this effort. The country expects an increase in the construction of renewable productions after the modernization of the Jamali control center is completed.

Historically, the electrical networks have been designed to receive electricity from sources with relatively constant production, such as coal, natural gas or hydroelectricity. However, some renewable sources work differently: solar plants only generate electricity when the sun shines and wind energy only when the wind blows. In a so-called “smart network”, the control center must be able to adjust the electricity supply of renewable energies and balance it with stable sources such as coal, depending on real-time weather conditions and consumption models. He will also use large -scale batteries to store excess electricity, for example, solar energy generated for particularly sunny periods.

Created in the early 1980s, Jamali Grid Control Center covered 79% of Indonesia’s production capacity. The design of the intelligent network system, delivered by UNOPS, allows the control center to incorporate renewable energy forecasting capacities and network analysis tools to support stability and safety, among other advanced features.

The detailed engineering design of the Jamali Main Control Center includes plans to consolidate five regional control centers in two to improve efficiency while maintaining redundancy. UNOPS has also completed the tender process and the selection of suppliers for the implementation of the design and strengthens the capacity of the PLN staff involved in the operations of the control center to effectively manage the new technology.

From design to implementation

Construction workers and engineers are now working hard on the PLN campus in Depok, just outside Jakarta, implementing the design provided by UNOPS. The completion of the control center is expected by the end of 2025. During this phase, UNOPS is responsible for monitoring the selected suppliers who build, install, configure and ultimately the commissioning of the new center.

Indonesia modernizes its electricity network.

“UNOPS has expertise and project management know-how to continue supporting us and ensuring the transparent and opportune delivery of the project, in accordance with original specifications,” said Haryadi de Pln. “At the same time, we strengthen our internal capacity to possibly resume the task.”

The work progresses on time. The new buildings are widely completed and the installation of the industrial surveillance system – central to the operation of the control center – is completed at around 40%. Based on the success of the initiative, discussions are underway to reproduce the design of the four control centers which manage the supply of electricity on other islands across the country.

UNOP supports this modernization as part of the Energy Transition Partnership of Southeast Asia (FTE), which provides technical expertise to the partner countries in the region to help their national energy commitments comply with Paris Agreement and the ODDs. FTE is a multi-donator partnership, supported by the governments of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and philanthropic donors. FTE operates in Indonesia, the Philippines and Viet Nam, as well as at the regional level of the Anase, and works in collaboration to mobilize and coordinate resources to facilitate a fair energy transition in the region.

“The upgrading of the control center promises to change the situation for the energy mixture of Indonesia,” said Sabharwal. “Our support is a striking example of United Nations assistance in intermediate income countries: working behind the scenes and providing basic technical expertise, we support the government of energy security by accelerating green transformation.”

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

UN rights office ‘horrified’ by deadly violence at Gaza food distribution sites

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UN rights office ‘horrified’ by deadly violence at Gaza food distribution sites

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory on Wednesday called on the Israeli military to cease the use of lethal force near aid convoys and food distribution sites.

It cited “repeated incidents” of Palestinians being shot or shelled while seeking food, warning that such attacks could constitute war crimes under international law.

“We are horrified at the repeated incidents, continuously reported in recent days across Gaza, and we call for an immediate end to these senseless killings,” the office said in a statement.

Hundreds killed

Since 27 May, when the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an initiative backed by Israel and the United States began food distribution in southern Gaza – bypassing the established UN-led system – hundreds have been killed and many more wounded near four distribution points or while waiting to pick up aid.

In one of the deadliest recent incidents, Israeli military reportedly shelled a crowd waiting for UN food trucks in southern Gaza on 17 June, killing at least 51 people and injuring some 200 others, according to Gazan health authorities.

A day earlier, three Palestinians were reportedly killed and several injured in a similar incident in western Beit Lahiya.

There is no information to suggest that the people killed or injured were involved in hostilities or posed any threat to the Israeli military or to staff of GHF distribution points,” OHCHR said.

Protect civilians, aid workers

The UN World Food Programme (WFP), which has managed to dispatch only 9,000 metric tons of food within Gaza over the past month – a fraction of what is required for the 2.1 million people in need – echoed calls for immediate protection of civilians and aid workers.

“Far too many people have died while trying to access the trickle of food aid coming in,” the agency said in a separate statement.

“Any violence resulting in starving people being killed or injured while seeking life-saving assistance is completely unacceptable.”

Massive scale-up needed

The UN emergency food relief agency said the fear of starvation and desperate need for food is causing large crowds to gather along well-known transport routes, hoping to intercept and access humanitarian supplies while in transit.

Only a massive scale-up in food distributions can stabilize the situation, calm anxieties and rebuild the trust within communities that more food is coming,” it said, calling urgently for safer convoy routes, faster permissions, restored communication channels and additional border openings.

“The time to act is now. Delays cost lives. We must be allowed to safely do our jobs,” the agency said.

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The power of football inspires the team effort towards the development objectives

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While the World Cup of the Football Club starts in the United States, on the other side of the world, the Japanese club Gamba Osaka reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development by becoming the first team of the country’s professional league to join the United Nations ” Football for goals initiative.

The initiative provides a platform to the world football community to engage with and promote the agreed international Sustainable development objectives (SDG).

The UN Maher Nasser (left) (on the left) and the Shinji of Gamba Osaka mark the membership of the Japanese club on the football initiative for goals.

Shinji Ito, director of external affairs of the football team, Gamba Osaka, said UN News at the United Nations Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka which supports the Sustainable development objectives (ODD) is important for his club.

“As a football club, we can work with supporters to change attitudes and behavior on issues such as the environment, climate, sustainability, health and disability, which are part of the SDGs.”

The multicolored ODD logo is in a good place displayed at the club stadium in Osaka, the second largest city in Japan, it appeared on the team kit and the players visited local schools to explain why the SDGs are important.

At the stage, efforts are made to encourage fans to separate recycling waste, a behavior which, according to Japan, must be highlighted and intensified. The paper cups have replaced plastic cups and the player’s team shirts are made from more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.

“We see an increased awareness of the importance of the SDGs,” said Ito. “We recognize that this is a long -term commitment and that a significant change takes place over 10 years or more.”

Team effort

Gamba Osaka is now listed on the Football initiative for the UN goals, making it a first for the professional game of Japan.

Taro Shinzato (left) visited the UN pavilion with Satoka Shinzato.

The initiative aims to inspire and guide all the people involved in sport who see the value of sustainability, confederations, national associations, leagues and clubs to players’ associations, groups of organized fans, as well as media and business partners.

This encourages them to rely on existing sustainability approaches and to implement strategies that lead to a change in behavior.

Launched in 2022, at a time when progress towards the SDGs was and continue to weaken, there are now some 370 entities registered.

“The world football industry is extremely influential and has the power to communicate with billions of people around the world,” said Maher Nasser, United Nations Commissioner at Expo 2025.

“Our members will inspire action by demonstrating how sustainable practices can be integrated into any business model, including sport,” he added.

Keep an eye on the ball

SDGs are part of the Japanese school program, so many young people are aware of their importance.

Taro Shinzato, who supports the Nagoya Grampus 8 rival team, visited the United Nations Pavilion at Expo 2025, saying: “When we think of the SDGs, we focus on the environment and lasting life in Japan. We may not think enough of SDGs in other countries, which is very important because we all share the same land. ”

Football for goals

  • Goal football was launched in July 2022.
  • The initiative has 370 members of more than 120 countries.
  • The six regional FIFA confederations are members.
  • Each member has committed to integrate sustainable practices into their operations and to promote the SDGs.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

UN rights office ‘horrified’ by deadly violence at Gaza food distribution sites

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UN rights office ‘horrified’ by deadly violence at Gaza food distribution sites

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory on Wednesday called on the Israeli military to cease the use of lethal force near aid convoys and food distribution sites.

It cited “repeated incidents” of Palestinians being shot or shelled while seeking food, warning that such attacks could constitute war crimes under international law.

“We are horrified at the repeated incidents, continuously reported in recent days across Gaza, and we call for an immediate end to these senseless killings,” the office said in a statement.

Hundreds killed

Since 27 May, when the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an initiative backed by Israel and the United States began food distribution in southern Gaza – bypassing the established UN-led system – hundreds have been killed and many more wounded near four distribution points or while waiting to pick up aid.

In one of the deadliest recent incidents, Israeli military reportedly shelled a crowd waiting for UN food trucks in southern Gaza on 17 June, killing at least 51 people and injuring some 200 others, according to Gazan health authorities.

A day earlier, three Palestinians were reportedly killed and several injured in a similar incident in western Beit Lahiya.

There is no information to suggest that the people killed or injured were involved in hostilities or posed any threat to the Israeli military or to staff of GHF distribution points,” OHCHR said.

Protect civilians, aid workers

The UN World Food Programme (WFP), which has managed to dispatch only 9,000 metric tons of food within Gaza over the past month – a fraction of what is required for the 2.1 million people in need – echoed calls for immediate protection of civilians and aid workers.

“Far too many people have died while trying to access the trickle of food aid coming in,” the agency said in a separate statement.

“Any violence resulting in starving people being killed or injured while seeking life-saving assistance is completely unacceptable.”

Massive scale-up needed

The UN emergency food relief agency said the fear of starvation and desperate need for food is causing large crowds to gather along well-known transport routes, hoping to intercept and access humanitarian supplies while in transit.

Only a massive scale-up in food distributions can stabilize the situation, calm anxieties and rebuild the trust within communities that more food is coming,” it said, calling urgently for safer convoy routes, faster permissions, restored communication channels and additional border openings.

“The time to act is now. Delays cost lives. We must be allowed to safely do our jobs,” the agency said.

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How Hungarian Scientologists Are Leading Environmental Change

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How Hungarian Scientologists Are Leading Environmental Change

KINGNEWSWIRE // PRESS RELEASE // In a time of growing ecological distress, the need for a values-based approach to environmental action has never been more urgent. Recognizing this, the United Nations Environment Programme launched the Faith for Earth Initiative — a global effort to engage religious and spiritual communities as essential partners in protecting the planet. At the heart of this initiative is a simple but profound idea: that moral guidance and inner transformation are just as critical to sustainability as science and technology. We find this vision to become more and more vividly brought to life in Hungary, where a movement inspired by The Way to Happiness, a common-sense moral code authored by L. Ron Hubbard, is mobilizing Scientologists and local citizens alike to take meaningful, practical steps toward environmental restoration — one clean-up, one conversation, one act of responsibility at a time.

A Clean Planet Begins with a Clear Conscience

On World Environment Day 2025, the Church of Scientology in Budapest hosted a roundtable titled “The Present and Future of Environmental Protection from the Perspective of Science and Religion.” Scientists and spiritual leaders from diverse traditions — Adventist, Catholic, Hindu, and Scientologist — came together in a rare and meaningful dialogue.

The discussions revealed a shared understanding: true environmental sustainability requires more than policy reforms or green technologies. It demands a transformation in how people think, live, and take responsibility. A Scientologist speaker emphasized that real change starts when individuals decide to live ethically — not out of fear, but out of care.

A concept from the principle “Safeguard and improve your environment,” from The Way to Happiness resonated throughout the event:

“The idea that one has a share in the planet and that one can and should help care for it may seem very large and, to some, quite beyond reality. But today what happens on the other side of the world, even so far away, can effect what happens in your own home.” L. Ron hubbard

In a world that often promotes convenience over conscience, this message struck a chord — reminding participants that caring for the environment is ultimately a personal choice, repeated day after day.


The Better World Movement: A Moral Code in Motion

This principle is lived out visibly in the work of the Jobb Világ Mozgalom (Better World Movement), founded by Attila Kis-Balázs, a Hungarian Scientologist whose commitment to environmental action is rooted deeply in The Way to Happiness.

What began as a solo effort — picking up litter as a child — grew into a vibrant national volunteer movement. Today, hundreds of people take part in clean-up events organized across Hungary. And while the work is practical, the spirit behind it is unmistakably ethical.

The Way to Happiness gave me clarity. It showed me that doing good is not just idealistic — it’s essential. When people feel they can make a difference, they do.” — Attila Kis-Balázs

Each clean-up is guided by principles such as:

  • “Set a good example.”
  • “Safeguard and improve your environment.”

These ideas aren’t theoretical — they are put into practice through monthly events that are joyful, inclusive, and deeply fulfilling.


How It Works: Inspired Action for a Cleaner Hungary

In Hungary, The Way to Happiness has become much more than a book — it’s the ethical backbone of a growing environmental movement. At its heart is Attila Kis-Balázs, a lifelong Scientologist whose personal story is as compelling as the cause he champions.

Long before founding the Jobb Világ Mozgalom (Better World Movement), Attila was just a boy walking the streets of his town, quietly picking up litter. “It didn’t feel like a big act,” he recalls. “But it felt right.” That small gesture, repeated over the years, would later evolve into something far greater: a coordinated national effort to clean and care for Hungary’s public spaces — with kindness, joy, and purpose.

The turning point came when Attila read The Way to Happiness. Its simple but powerful principles — especially “Help take care of the planet” and “Try not to do things that others will have to clean up” — gave him the moral clarity he was seeking. “It connected the dots for me,” he says. “It wasn’t just about cleaning up trash. It was about being the kind of person who leaves the world better than they found it.”

Motivated by this ethical framework, he began organizing clean-up events, initially among friends and family. But word spread quickly, and the gatherings began to grow. Today, the Better World Movement mobilizes hundreds of volunteers across Hungary, creating a ripple effect that’s visible not only in cleaner parks and streets, but also in the renewed spirit of the communities involved.

The Moral Code That Guides the Movement

The impact of the Better World Movement can be felt most clearly during one of its weekend clean-ups. There’s no fanfare — just people of all ages showing up with gloves, bags, and a sense of purpose. The atmosphere is light-hearted, often accompanied by music, laughter, and impromptu conversations between strangers. The work is real — collecting waste, sorting recyclables, restoring green spaces — but what strikes first-time participants is the sense of unity.

Events usually last two to three hours and are followed by informal shared meals or discussions. The idea is not just to clean but to connect. “We’ve had people come for the first time just out of curiosity,” says one longtime volunteer. “But they leave with a sense that they’ve done something important. That feeling brings them back.”

Municipalities have taken notice too. Local governments often partner with the movement, suggesting locations in need of attention. A custom-developed app helps coordinate efforts and encourages citizens to propose new sites. But what really fuels the continuity is the emotional reward — the quiet pride of having made something better.

While the movement isn’t limited to Scientologists, many of its most consistent volunteers are inspired by The Way to Happiness. They speak of the book not as a set of rules, but as a guide for living with integrity. For them, picking up a piece of trash isn’t just an act of service — it’s a way of expressing respect for life and for others.

A Global Example for Faith-Driven Action

The Hungarian initiative is part of a wider awakening across faith communities worldwide. The UNEP’s Faith for Earth Initiative supports exactly this kind of values-driven action: efforts that bring spiritual conviction into practical, planet-saving work.

Iván Arjona, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the European Union and United Nations, sees the Better World Movement as a model for how individual ethics can ripple outward to societal change:

“What makes The Way to Happiness so effective is that it speaks to the person — not in abstract terms, but in real-life guidance. When people align their actions with their values, change becomes unstoppable.”

From the streets of Budapest to the halls of international dialogue, the message is gaining ground: lasting change begins with people — and people guided by a moral code can indeed change the world.

In a time when global challenges can feel overwhelming, the Better World Movement and The Way to Happiness offer something rare: a sense of control, meaning, and real, practical ways to make the world better — one action at a time.

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Guterres Renews calls for the ceasefire of Israel-Iran

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“” I reiterate my call to an immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire“Said Mr. Guterres a declaration in which he strongly invited to any other internationalization of the conflict.

“All additional military interventions could have enormous consequences, not only for people involved but for the whole region and for international peace and security as a whole,” he warned.

He condemned “the tragic and unnecessary losses of lives and injuries to civilians and damage to critical civil houses and infrastructure”.

Fatal climbing

The crisis broke out on Friday when Israel began to target nuclear and military sites across Iran, which prompted Tehran to launch reprisals on Israeli cities.

Since then, more than 250 people have been killed in both countries, according to the media.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (Aiea), which has been monitoring Iran’s nuclear program for decades, said that it had received information that two centrifuge production facilities were struck on Wednesday.

The Tesa Karaj Workshop and the Tehran Research Tehran were previously under its follow -up and verification as part of an international agreement of 2015 known as The Complete Complete Action Plan (JCPOA).

“On the Tehran site, a building was affected where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested,” said the agency A tweet. “In Karaj, two buildings were destroyed when various centrifuge components were manufactured.”

Last week, IAEA after a resolution declaring that Iran did not comply with its non-proliferation obligations.

The text noted Iran’s “many failures” to provide the agency with a complete and timely cooperation concerning nuclear materials and unconcluded activities in several unsuccessful places in the country.

Diplomacy reigns supreme

As the Middle East crisis deepens, the secretary general stressed that “Diplomacy remains the best and the only way to respond to concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and regional security problems. “”

He stressed that “THE Charter of the United Nations remains our shared frame to save people from the scourge of war», Undering all Member States to fully comply with the document and international law, including international humanitarian law.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Make midwives universally accessible and save millions of lives, WHO urges

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Make midwives universally accessible and save millions of lives, WHO urges

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this sort of large-scale life-saving is possible, if midwifery care is universally accessible and consistent with international standards.

Expanding and investing in midwifery models of care is one of the most effective strategies to improve maternal and newborn health globally,” said Dr. Anshu Banerjee, director for maternal, child and adolescent health and ageing at WHO.

In a recently released report, WHO outlined how individual countries, with the support of the international community, can mobilise relevant stakeholders and institute policies which support midwives.

Midwifery models of care

Midwives worldwide work diligently to provide a continuum of care to women, including care surrounding sexual and reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care.

Emphasizing personalized and culturally conscious approaches, midwifery is especially helpful in reducing access barriers for women in rural or conflict-affected regions where hospitals may not be accessible.

“Skilled midwives help women trust in their bodies, their abilities and their care…ensuring women are consistently part of decision making and have access to the information they need,” said Ulrika Rehnstrom Loi, a midwifery expert at WHO.

The WHO report emphasised that midwifery models of care are especially important as concerns of over-medicalisation in childbirth become more pronounced.

“In a world where childbirth is increasingly medicalised, [midwives] offer a person-centered evidence-based approach that respects the physiological process of birth, restores dignity and autonomy to maternity care,” said Anna Ugglas, Chief Executive of the International Confederation of Midwives.

Implementing a global imperative 

Currently, the world faces a global shortage of around one million midwives. Concentrated and cross-sectoral action is needed to reverse this shortage.

“Midwifery models of care are not just smart solutions — they are a necessity,” Ms. Ugglas said.

The WHO report outlined that increasing the number of midwives worldwide requires policy action across many sectors, including health and education, in addition to advocacy campaigns.

In Morocco, the Association of Midwives conducted an awareness campaign which distributed flyers and cultivated partnerships with women and civil society organizations.

This campaign ultimately led to legislation in 2016 which defined what midwifery was, the first of its kind in Morocco.

Like the Moroccan example indicates, the report said that policymaking, advocacy and implementation must all happen simultaneously and that each country must adopt an approach which is specific to their context.

“[Midwifery] approaches improve outcomes, maximize resources and can be adapted to all countries,” said Dr. Banerjee.

Case study in rural midwifery

A campaign in the West Bank led by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, the Palestine Committee of Norway and the Palestinian Ministry of Health worked to address the challenges that women in rural areas face when accessing care.

Through coordinating with hospitals and community members, the campaign expanded midwifery services to six regional hospitals and 37 villages between 2013 and 2016. This led to a 20 per cent decrease in unplanned caesarean sections and a 21 per cent decline in preterm birth rates.

And these were just the short-term effects, but Mr. Banerjee said that expanded midwifery access can have longer-term effects too.

“[Midwifery models of care] also enhance women’s and families’ experiences of care – building trusted partnerships for health at this critical stage of life.” 

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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