UNICEF Says More Than 830,000 Children Return to West Bank Schools Amid Rising Insecurity
More than 830,000 children are returning to schools across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as the new academic year begins amid violence, displacement and restrictions affecting access to education. UNICEF said recent education-related incidents have disrupted schooling and increased risks for children, teachers and communities. The agency has warned that continued insecurity can have…
UN Security Council Renews Sudan Sanctions as War and Hunger Deepen
The UN Security Council has unanimously renewed the Sudan sanctions regime for one month, keeping targeted sanctions and the Darfur arms embargo in place while members continue discussions over the future of the measures. The decision comes as Sudan’s devastating war continues to drive displacement, hunger and humanitarian needs. The Security Council has been under…
WHO Reports Continuing Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to evolve, with sustained transmission requiring ongoing public-health action. WHO’s latest Disease Outbreak News update says the outbreak remains under close monitoring as health authorities and partners work to identify cases, trace contacts and strengthen infection…
Hong Kong Tiananmen Activists Sentenced to Prison as Amnesty Condemns Crackdown on Dissent
HONG KONG, CHINA (HRNW) — Amnesty International has condemned the sentencing of prominent Tiananmen activists in Hong Kong, warning that the prison terms represent a serious blow to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and the right to remember historical events. Hong Kong’s High Court sentenced lawyer Chow Hang-tung to seven years and three months in…
Zambia Accused of Using Passport Cancellations to Silence Government Critics
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA (HRNW) — Amnesty International has condemned the cancellation of passports belonging to several prominent Zambian government critics, warning that administrative powers are being used to restrict political dissent and freedom of movement. Among those affected are former Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia and former Permanent Representative to the African Union Emmanuel Mwamba, historian and…
Guatemala Closes Cases Against Indigenous Authorities After Years of Criminalization, Amnesty Says
GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA (HRNW) — Amnesty International has welcomed a Guatemalan judicial decision to close criminal proceedings against four Indigenous authorities who had faced prosecution following their participation in peaceful protests during the country’s 2023 national strike. The case involved Luis Pacheco, Héctor Chaclán and Basilio Puac of the 48 Cantones of Totonicapán and Esteban…
Deadly Bukavu Fire Kills at Least 26 Children as UNICEF Mobilizes Support
KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (HRNW) — At least 26 children were killed and another 25 injured after a devastating fire broke out in Bukavu, South Kivu, prompting UNICEF to mobilize support for affected children, families and communities. The fire occurred on September 10 and affected homes as well as two primary schools in the…
More Than 830,000 Children Return to West Bank Schools Amid Rising Insecurity, UNICEF Warns
AMMAN, JORDAN (HRNW) — More than 830,000 children are returning to schools across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as the new academic year begins amid violence, displacement, movement restrictions and growing threats to children’s right to safe education, UNICEF has warned. UNICEF reported that at least 224 education-related incidents were documented during the first…
WHO Strengthens Health Preparedness Across Africa as Ebola and Climate Risks Persist
The World Health Organization (WHO) is highlighting renewed efforts to strengthen health preparedness across Africa as countries confront Ebola risks, climate-related emergencies and other health threats. WHO’s Africa office reported new initiatives in recent days, including strengthened Ebola readiness at Kenya’s busiest land border and preparations for potential El Niño-related flooding. The agency also highlighted…
UN Warns Terrorist Propaganda Is Outpacing Efforts to Stop It
A new UN report has warned that terrorist groups are increasingly embedding propaganda into recruitment, fundraising and operational planning, allowing extremist messaging to spread faster than governments can respond. The report says terrorist organizations are adapting their communications strategies and exploiting digital platforms to reach potential supporters, raise money and facilitate activities. The UN warned…