Funding cuts curtail assistance to victims of sexual violence in DR Congo
5/9/2025: The UN has warned that the cash crunch affecting its human rights work has impeded a potential war crimes probe into sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Violations of international humanitarian law have been committed by all parties to the conflict.
Source: UN News
Iran unleashes wave of internal oppression
3/9/2025: Iran is waging a terrifying crackdown under the guise of national security in the aftermath of hostilities with Israel. Since 13 June, Iranian authorities have arrested over 20,000 people, including dissidents, human rights defenders, journalists, social media users, and foreign nationals.
Source: Amnesty International
UN calls for support to end displacement for millions of Syrians
2/9/2025: Around 850,000 Syrians have returned home from neighbouring countries since the fall of the Assad government in December. Many more have expressed their intention to return in the coming months and continued support will be needed.
Source: UN Refugee Agency
China unveils vision for equitable global governance
2/9/2025: At the conclusion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, President Xi Jinping called for “an equal and orderly multipolar world." His proposed Global Governance Initiative would include full and comprehensive adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
Source: Third World Network
Retreat from US global leadership on trade?
2/9/2025: President Trump's so-called "pocket rescission" appears to signal a gradual withdrawal from various multilateral bodies, including the World Trade Organization. Some observers believe that US withdrawal from international organizations could pave the way for a more meaningful global governance.
Source: Third World Network
Sudan: UN should extend arms embargo
29/8/2025: Human Rights Watch calls on the UN Security Council to renew and expand the arms embargo on Darfur to cover the whole of Sudan and impose sanctions against the warring parties’ leadership. UN officials have warned that civilians trapped in areas in North Darfur and the Kordofan region face starvation.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Trump seeks to undo Congress commitment to $5 billion aid
29/8/2025: The White House has announced its intention to cancel roughly $5 billion in US foreign aid that Congress already approved in previous fiscal years. This controversial measure, known as a “pocket rescission,” has not been attempted since 1977.
Source: Devex
The funding crisis can be an opportunity for global education
29/8/2025: Global aid for education is expected to fall by one-quarter by 2027, at a time when over 250 million children are out of school. This could be an opportunity for governments of low income countries to prioritize education as a core investment, and allocate adequate resources.
Source: Devex
Afghan journalism under siege
28/8/2025: Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban government has imposed a wide range of media restrictions, including a ban on women appearing on state-run television and radio, prohibitions on covering protests or interviews critical of the government. Most Afghan women journalists have fled the country.
Source: Inter Press Service
Was the attack on Gaza’s Nasser hospital a war crime?
27/8/2025: There has been widespread international outrage at Israel’s attacks on Nasser hospital in northern Gaza, on August 25. The second attack on the same location, minutes after the first, killed five journalists and several medical staff treating people injured. Journalists are marked out for special protection under the Geneva Conventions.
Source: The Conversation