UN tells the world: Stop making Africa look small
4/9/2026: By 164 votes to one, the UN General Assembly has endorsed a resolution promoting map projections that more accurately reflect the true size of continents – the culmination of an African-led campaign against the 16th-century Mercator projection. The US cast the sole vote against.
Source: UN News
AI promises judgment-free sexual health advice. What could go wrong?
3/9/2026: Across Africa, organizations and funders are increasingly exploring whether artificial intelligence can help overcome barriers that have long made it difficult for young people to access sexual and reproductive health information. But as AI carries the risk of inaccurate answers, the experiment raises serious questions.
Source: Devex
Nepal flood disaster puts climate justice under spotlight
4/9/2026: The disaster in Nepal has raised the question about who should bear the costs when the Himalayan nation contributes only a tiny fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions. The tragedy will accelerate pressure for loss and damage finance from countries carrying greater responsibility for climate change.
Source: DW
Africa’s aging autocrats fight to stay in power
28/8/2026: As some of Africa's longest-serving leaders grow older, they are using different tactics to extend their rule. But age, succession battles and public pressure pose new challenges.
Source: DW
Will there be accountability for war crimes in the US‑Iran war?
27/8/2026: The Trump administration has consistently claimed that international law doesn’t apply to the US, an opinion that may be tested in due course. Starting the war with Iran, and detail of its conduct, are both potential war crimes under international law.
Source: The Conversation
Call for accountability for Myanmar atrocities against the Rohingya
25/8/2026: Human rights organisations around the world have called on the UN Security Council to intensify efforts to seek accountability for past and ongoing crimes committed by the Myanmar junta against Rohingya communities. Over 1.2 million refugees remain in camps in Bangladesh.
Source: Human Rights Watch
DRC peace roadmap: Will the fighting finally end?
24/8/2026: A new roadmap sets out the conditions toward peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), building on the US-brokered framework signed in Doha last year. But disagreements over M23 rebels, Rwanda's role and security concerns remain, and could still derail the process.
Source: DW
The UN is reinventing its finances
24/8/2026: Deep cuts to aid budgets implemented by several major donor countries represent not simply a temporary funding shortfall but a structural challenge to global development. Across the UN system, agencies are experimenting with new financing models to mobilize additional capital.
Source: Devex
Rohingya crisis enters tenth year as funding cuts hit Cox’s Bazar
24/8/2026: Nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees are living in Bangladesh, including some 150,000 who have fled renewed violence in Myanmar since early 2024. A decade of international solidarity has saved lives and built critical systems. Now Oxfam is calling on the international community to restore predictable financing for these essential services.
Source: Oxfam International
Call to end pretrial detention of political opponents in Bangladesh
23/8/2026: Without being charged with any crime, hundreds of party officials and activists have been detained in prison in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina was forced to step down as prime minister in August 2024. Human Rights Watch is calling on the authorities to permit basic rights including bail and medical care.
Source: Human Rights Watch