Blanket internet shutdown violates rights in Uganda
15/1/2026: On January 13, Uganda’s telecommunications regulator ordered all mobile network operators and internet service providers to suspend public access, two days before the general elections. Human Rights Watch says that blanket shutdowns undermine fundamental rights and threaten election integrity.
Source: Human Rights Watch
US Congress backs Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
13/1/2026: The US Senate and House of Representatives have included funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in their foreign assistance appropriations bill. This is a welcome development for the global health community, given that about six months ago, the Trump administration said it would cut all funding for the organization.
Source: Devex
World Food Programme appeals for an end to man-made famines
12/1/2026: According to the World Food Programme’s 2026 Global Outlook, 318 million people around the world face crisis levels of hunger or worse. Current forecasts put the agency's funding at just under half of its needed US$ 13 billion budget, while more complex operating environments are making it harder and more dangerous to deliver food aid.
Source: World Food Programme
Iran’s internet blackout concealing atrocities
12/1/2026: Since January 8, the Iranian authorities have imposed a country-wide internet blackout, which has severely hampered efforts to corroborate unlawful killings of protesters. Iranian civil society organizations and the media have reported that the death toll has reached the thousands.
Source: Human Rights Watch
UN bodies named in US withdrawal
9/1/2026: The US intention to withdraw from a host of UN bodies includes programmes tackling the climate crisis, trade, gender and development. Here is a list of the 31 UN entities targeted and how they are making a positive difference to people, communities and nations, worldwide.
Source: UN News
UN human rights chief ‘deeply disturbed’ over right to protest in Iran
9/1/2026: The UN human rights chief has called for an independent and transparent investigation into reports of deaths and widespread arrests during ongoing nationwide protests in Iran, amid mounting concerns over the use of force by security forces. Multiple news outlets have reported nationwide internet and communication shutdowns.
Source: UN News
Richest 1% have emitted a fair annual share of carbon dioxide in 10 days
9/1/2026: Oxfam is calling on governments to slash the emissions of the super-rich and make rich polluters pay for the damage caused by climate change. Those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis – including communities in poorer and climate-vulnerable countries – will be the worst impacted.
Source: Oxfam International
Myanmar: critical hearings in Rohingya genocide case
8/1/2026: In 2019, Gambia filed a case before the International Court of Justice alleging that Myanmar’s atrocities against the Rohingya in 2017 constitute genocide. During the three-week hearings to commence on January 12, the parties are expected to present their arguments and supporting evidence about whether Myanmar violated the Genocide Convention.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Myanmar vote a ‘facade’ to entrench military rule
8/1/2026: An independent human rights expert has urged the international community to reject the electoral process organised by Myanmar’s military government, after the first round of voting revealed widespread coercion, exclusion and violence. Two further rounds are scheduled for 11 and 25 January.
Source: UN News
Trump abandons international climate, biodiversity and energy bodies
8/1/2026: President Donald Trump has cut ties with 66 international bodies, dismantling US involvement in global efforts to fight climate change and safeguard biodiversity, as well as wider multilateralism. They include the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Source: Dialogue Earth