Will China help resolve lower-income countries’ debt crisis?
8/2/2023: It is by now clear that many low- and middle-income countries will have to restructure their debt. This situation is quite unlike the debt crisis of the 1980s, now involving a multitude of creditor groups, including China, which is the newest and largest entity, with the least experience of debt relief.
Source: Devex
UN Secretary-General calls for rights-based governance in 2023
6/2/2023: In presenting his 2023 roadmap to the General Assembly, the Secretary-General has called on member states for a transformation in policy, grounded in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He affirmed that a rights-rooted approach is central to achieving a more peaceful and sustainable world.
Source: UN News
Germany mulls sending refugees to Africa
10/2/2023: The German government has installed a special representative to make deals with African and other countries to help with asylum procedures. The country needs more regular migration into its job market on the one hand, whilst wanting to reduce irregular migration significantly.
Source: DW
African leaders meet to seek peace and security
11/2/2023: The annual assembly of the African Union will shortly be held in Addis Ababa. Aspirations to adjust from fighting colonialism to encouraging economic integration are struggling. There have been four successful coups in West Africa and an unsuccessful attempt in Niger since 2020.
Source: The East African
Will UN reform happen this year? Don’t hold your breath
1/2/2023: Everyone talks about reforming the UN Security Council but change remains elusive after decades of debates. This past year, the voices for expanding the Council became louder, yet few can agree on how to do it.
Source: PassBlue
Myanmar’s neglected crisis demands a different response
1/2/2023: The UN system’s response to the crisis in Myanmar has been toothless, contributing to ineffective aid. A principled way to meet the overwhelming humanitarian needs in Myanmar is to provide support directly to local community-based organisations.
Source: The New Humanitarian
International poll shows one in three would emigrate
3/2/2023: Pollsters at Gallup International have discovered that 36% of people around the world would prefer to live in another country. Poor urban populations in many parts of the world are desperate to leave for a better place.
Source: DW
Zimbabwe proposes law that threatens rights and civic space
2/2/2023: A bill that threatens civic society organizations working on human rights in Zimbabwe has been presented to President Mnangagwa for signature. The proposed bill will restrict civic space and access to humanitarian support services.
Source: Amnesty International
Myanmar junta extends state of emergency
1/2/2023: Myanmar's state of emergency has been extended by a further six months, coinciding with the announcement of new sanctions by the US and its allies. The UN special investigator on Myanmar has warned that the military junta plans to seek legitimacy by orchestrating a "sham" election this year.
Source: DW
Senior UN leaders show support for Afghan women
31/1/2023: A UN delegation has visited Afghanistan in response to a series of Taliban decrees that have stripped women of the means to actively participate in society. The country is reliant on international aid which in turn is reliant on respect for human rights.
Source: Inter Press Service