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
Tunisia: civil society under siege
2/9/2026: A report by Human Rights Watch documents how the Tunisian government has systematically cracked down on civil society groups and their members since 2024. The judiciary has been under the control of the executive since 2022, when President Saied took expansive measures to crush judicial independence.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Tibet flood victims have a right to be heard
31/8/2026: Censorship and self-censorship are pervasive throughout China, particularly in Tibetan areas. Human Rights Watch has received reports that journalists in China have been barred from the Tibetan disaster zone and from interviewing families; they must rely on official information narratives.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Being serious about peace
30/8/2026: The path to self-determination of what is today independent Timor-Leste and Nepal’s emergence from a 10-year civil war are case studies of successful peace-building through intense UN involvement. Candidates for selection as the next UN secretary-general should take heed of the lessons learned.
Source: PassBlue
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