Power for Africa: The boom of nuclear energy?
19/10/2023: Many African countries are eyeing nuclear power to solve electrification challenges, often in partnership with energy companies from China and Russia. Experts say this is the wrong direction, pointing to solar energy as a welcome alternative for the sunny continent.
Source: DW
Has the UN been letting the people of Myanmar down?
10/10/2023: In almost three years since the military coup in Myanmar, the UN system has been ineffective in responding to the excesses of the junta, according to a report by the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar. Resolutions denouncing atrocities adopted by the UN Security Council and the UN Human Rights Council have failed to end the bombing and burning of villages.
Source: The New Humanitarian
Pakistan threatens to deport Afghan refugees
12/10/2023: Over 700,000 Afghans fled to Pakistan after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, of which only 200,000 have been resettled. Human Rights Watch calls on the Pakistan government to withdraw its demand that all migrants living without legal status in Pakistan must leave voluntarily within 28 days or face deportation.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Ethiopia: Victims ‘left in limbo’ as rights probe mandate ends
13/10/2023: The final report of the UN-mandated Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia presents a detailed account of potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Tigray, Amhara, Afar and Oromia, pointing a finger at all parties involved. The Commission's mandate has now ended, leaving victims in limbo.
Source: UN News
China or US: Who’s delaying debt relief to developing world
11/10/2023: Today, 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more on interest payments than on education or health, according to the UN. China has been widely blamed for the delay in a global debt relief programme. Beijing disagrees and puts the onus on the US and lenders backed by it.
Source: DW
UN Human Rights Council puts abusers in guardian role
9/10/2023: Elections for new members of the UN Human Rights Council are anticipated in October. In 2023, only 30% of member countries were classified as "free" by the US think tank Freedom House. As the number of authoritarian regimes has grown globally, their presence on the Human Rights Council has increased.
Source: DW
Uganda charcoal ban ignites transition debate
2/10/2023: The Ugandan government's ban of commercial charcoal, whose burning releases high levels of carbon and other pollutants, has largely been welcomed by environmentalists. However, the policy has also highlighted the complexities of transitioning from dirty energies to cleaner sources. Only 45% of Ugandans, as of 2020, were connected to the domestic grid.
Source: African Arguments
Asian Development Bank to lend $100 billion more
2/10/2023: In response to the G20 call for multilateral development banks to find ways to stretch their resources, the Asian Development Bank has authorised a 40% increase in lending. The bank’s spending will still focus on ending poverty, but will also increase funding for climate work.
Source: Devex
Southeast Asia: Why is free speech not a priority?
2/10/2023: Southeast Asian countries are ranked among the worst in the world for standards of press freedom and media rights, according to a report by the Pew Research Center. A majority of respondents in three of the four surveyed Southeast Asian states agree with their governments that national "harmony" must come before free speech.
Source: DW
UNHCR welcomes US decision on refugee resettlement
30/9/2023: The UN Refugee Agency commends the United States for its decision to admit up to 125,000 refugees for resettlement over the fiscal year beginning October 2023, doubling the previous allocation. The Agency estimates that currently over 2 million refugees are in need of resettlement globally.
Source: UN Refugee Agency