Ukraine: Obstacles to global grain shipments remain
22/8/2022: A month after Russia and Ukraine agreed on a sea corridor to resume global exports of grain, only four vessels have entered the ports of the Odesa region. High insurance premiums threaten the release of Ukrainian grain into world markets.
Source: DW
UN negotiations to decide the fate of the oceans begin
15/8/2022: The final negotiations for a Global Ocean Treaty are in progress. To be considered a success, the meeting must pave the way for 30% of the oceans to be protected from destructive activities lby 2030.
Source: Greenpeace International
To end illegal fishing, we need transparency now
18/8/2022: Insufficient monitoring, loopholes, and weaknesses in China’s regulatory framework makes possible illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and human rights abuses on an industrial scale. Ocean ecosystems are heading toward total collapse.
Source: Devex
Rushdie joins call for freedom of expression in India
17/8/2022: International writers have called on the authorities in India to respect human rights and release those imprisoned for dissidence. Since the 2019 general election pressure has increased on the media to toe the line of the Hindu nationalist government. Salman Rushdie signed the letter before the recent attack on him.
Source: Inter Press Service
European envoys praise Kenya’s electoral commission
17/8/2022: Nine ambassadors and high commissioners from European countries and Canada have jointly lauded Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for the way it conducted the August 9 General Election. The ambassadors said the open election has set a standard for the African continent.
Source: The East African
Millions more children to benefit from malaria vaccine
16/8/2022: UNICEF has awarded a contract to GSK for 18 million doses of the first ever supply of a malaria vaccine. In 2020, nearly half a million children died from malaria in Africa alone.
Source: UNICEF
Taliban’s catastrophic year of rule in Afghanistan
11/8/2022: Since taking control of Afghanistan a year ago, Taliban authorities have imposed severe restrictions on women’s and girls’ rights, suppressed the media, and arbitrarily detained, tortured, and executed their perceived opponents. These abuses have imperiled international efforts to address the country’s dire humanitarian situation.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Ethiopia expands Renaissance Dam production
11/8/2022: Ethiopia has activated the second turbine of the Grand Renaissance Dam, even as Egypt protested that dispute resolutions relating to the dam remain pending. The dam on the Blue Nile should improve access to electricity in Ethiopia which is currently just under 45 percent.
Source: The East African
UN reports crimes against humanity in Myanmar
9/8/2022: Rape and other forms of sexual violence, and crimes against children, have been perpetrated by Myanmar security forces and armed groups, according to a new UN report. Evidence is being shared with the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court.
Source: UN News
Rwanda: human rights should be priority on Blinken trip
8/8/2022: The US Secretary of State’s forthcoming visit to Rwanda offers an opportunity to raise concerns about a wide range of alleged state-sponsored violations of human rights, both within and across Rwanda’s borders.
Source: Human Rights Watch