An independent UN human rights expert called on the Russian government to end its repression of human rights defenders. Mary Lawlor also urged the authorities to repeal ‘restrictive and discriminatory laws’ and reiterated her and other experts’ call launched in July against Russia’s ‘closure of civil society’. Read more

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy, the UN Secretary-General noted that “throughout the world democracy is regressing”. “Civic space is shrinking. Mistrust and misinformation are growing. And polarisation is undermining democratic institutions”. Read more

EU Frontex denounces mishandling of migrants by Greek authorities During an interview with the Guardian, Jonas Grimheden, the Fundamental Rights Officer of Frontex, reported the need to give greater attention to how the Greek authorities have been managing the influx of migrants and asylum seekers, who would apparently be deported from the country illegally. Human […]

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced a new initiative to find ways to revamp health systems in the African region. Read more

In the past five months, the number of people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia without reliable access to safe drinking water has risen from 9.5 million to 16.2 million. Read more

The UN Office for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed concern after photos and videos circulated on social media appeared to show metal cages constructed in the philharmonic hall of the devastated Ukrainian city of Mariupol, ostensibly to house prisoners of war (POWs) during an upcoming ‘show trial’.  Read more

The Russian invasion of Ukraine began almost six months ago and UNICEF has verified that at least 972 children have been killed or injured by the violence. This is an average of more than five per day, but UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell added that ‘we believe the real number is much higher’. Read more

Matilda Bogner, head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, called for more efforts to spare and protect civilians. The Mission has been in the country since 2014, when it began documenting violations stemming from fighting in the east of the country between government forces and mostly pro-Russian separatists. Read more

EU Attempts to save the Iran nuclear deal There could be a meeting point between the EU and Iran on the nuclear issue. In fact, Brussels has received Tehran’s response to the draft understanding promoted by the EU to save the 2015 agreement carried out by Obama, from which Trump however called out the US […]

The region is in the grip of a severe water crisis in all aspects – from drinking water to irrigation, food production and power generation – that is impacting on health and livelihoods. Read more