February 24, 2021 No comments
Myanmar: Stop harassment of workers, UN agency urges military
INTERNATIONAL, 24 February 2021, Peace and Security - The United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) has called on the military in Myanmar to end the harassment and intimidation of workers by security forces, and ensure that they can exercise their rights to freedom of expression, in a climate free of violence and fear. In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said it received allegations that police and military are conducting door-to-door searches for trade unionists at their dormitories and hostels in the Hlaingtharyar industrial township, in the country’s largest city, Yangon. It is alleged that the acts of harassment and intimidation are “largely targeted” at young female workers working in the private sector industries of Yangon, who are living far away from their families in the...
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February 24, 2021 No comments
British actor Gugu Mbatha-Raw named latest UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
INTERNATIONAL, 24 February 2021, Migrants and Refugees - British actor Gugu Mbatha-Raw was on Wednesday appointed a global Goodwill Ambassador with the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. Ms. Mbatha-Raw highlighted the need to support refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to work in support of refugees and help amplify their voices. I am always amazed by their courage and strength in the face of such seemingly insurmountable odds and it’s a real honour to play a part in sharing their stories”, she said. “The Covid crisis has made us all aware of the fragility of the lives we build and the importance of doing all we can to support those who have had to leave the place they call home”, she added. “The crisis has also taught...
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February 24, 2021 No comments
COVID-19 imperils ‘historic advances’ in children’s access to school meals: UN report
INTERNATIONAL, 24 February 2021, Health - Hard-won gains in efforts to provide millions of the world’s most vulnerable children with nutritious food, through free daily meals at school, are at risk due to the coronavirus pandemic and its fallout, a UN World Food Programme (WFP) report said on Wednesday. According to WFP’s report, State of School Feeding Worldwide, 370 million children in 199 countries and territories were suddenly deprived of school meals, when schools closed due to the pandemic. That meal was for many their only nutritious food of the day. David Beasley, WFP Executive Director, highlighted the importance of what's been lost: “That one meal a day is often the reason hungry children go to school in the first place. It’s also a powerful incentive to make sure...
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February 24, 2021 No comments
Supermodel Natalia Vodianova joins UNFPA to tackle stigma and advance women’s health
INTERNATIONAL, 24 February 2021, Women - The UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, on Wednesday appointed supermodel, philanthropist, and impact investor Natalia Vodianova as its newest Goodwill Ambassador, in an effort to empower women and girls, including fighting stigma surrounding menstruation. “For too long, society’s approach to menstruation and women’s health has been defined by taboo and stigma”, said Ms. Vodianova, stressing that the situation “has undermined the most basic needs and rights of women.” Today, we’re very excited to announce that supermodel and philanthropist @NataSupernova has been appointed as a @UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador ? Learn more and join us in welcoming her to the @UN family: https://t.co/6B9I2X2tb5 #StandUp4HumanRights pic.twitter.com/PuDYRiRDfy — UNFPA (@UNFPA) February 24, 2021 In her new role with UNFPA, officially known as the UN Population Fund, Ms. Vodianova will seek to help culturally redefine...
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February 23, 2021 No comments
Experts accuse Iran of rights violations in shooting down Ukraine airlines flight
INTERNATIONAL, 23 February 2021, Human Rights - Iran committed multiple human rights violations in shooting downing Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Flight PS752 last year and in the aftermath of the deadly attack, two independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council said on Tuesday. Agnes Callamard, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, and Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the country, have consistently expressed concern over the 8 January 2020 incident. Flight PS752 was heading from Tehran to Kiev when it was struck down by two missiles fired by the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), killing all 176 people on board. Iran said the military personnel mistook the civilian aircraft for a US missile. The strike took...
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