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UN News
Source: UN News |

Security and economic woes plague West Africa, as key elections loom

West Africa and the Sahel continue to grapple with a confluence of political, security and humanitarian crises as countries prepares for pivotal elections in 2025, the UN special envoy for the vast region told ambassadors in the Security Council on Friday

Leonardo Santos Simão, highlighted upcoming presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau, and the adoption of constitutional reforms amid a strained political environment in Gambia. He also commended recent successful elections in Ghana and Senegal, noting the signing of a “Peace Pact” by all presidential candidates in Ghana and the smooth…

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Source: International Rescue Committee (IRC) |

Libya: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) urges scaled-up support to Sudanese refugees amid growing numbers and escalating needs

New IRC assessment surveying Sudanese refugees arriving into Libya highlights critical shelter, employment, and protection challenges

Over 70% of Sudanese refugees face inadequate housing, contributing to economic instability and limiting access to essential services. 56% of households identify employment as a top priority. Safety concerns affect 50% of respondents, with women and children particularly vulnerable to violence and exploitation. Documentation issues, high fees, and overcrowded schools…

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) |

A lifeline amidst drought: How the Zambia Red Cross is bringing hope to families on the forefront of the climate crisis

Over 5,200 households have benefited, with access to essential farming supplies—maize, okra seeds, and fertilizers—that offer them a way to revive their livelihoods

In Zambia, where the agricultural landscape once flourished, fields are now desolate. Crops wither under relentless drought brought on by El Niño, leaving 84 districts in crisis. The Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS), in partnership with the IFRC, is providing a vital lifeline, delivering not just aid, but hope. Some…

United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
Source: United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) |

Eastern Equatorian persons with disabilities demand equal rights and end of discrimination

Muroga James Adris, representing the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, argued that this vulnerable group must be taken properly into account by local authorities

The Union of Persons Living with Disabilities in Eastern Equatoria have raised concerns about their rights not being adequately protected. To address the issue, the entity advocates for an awareness-raising drive to reduce discrimination and stigmatization. “I am raising my voice on behalf of women with these difficulties. We want…

United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
Source: United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) |

Resourceful women in “hidden place” Cithou ask for school, healthcare and justice

Uniformed and civilian peacekeeping staff were welcomed with open arms and residents eager to share their stories

Cithou, a small village 30 kilometers from Kuajok, is aptly named “the hidden place.” Isolated by muddy roads caused by devastating floods, it’s a place that few have seen or heard of. That, however, is set to change, following a first ever visit by peacekeepers serving with the United Nations…

United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)
Source: United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) |

Young women lead community advocacy for human rights

The young women focused on six key human rights issues related to decent work, education, housing, health, disabilities and the environment

As part of the UN in Libya Ra’idat programme, thirty-five young women from the south, east and west of Libya, including persons with disabilities, discussed how human rights can be leveraged to develop community-focused advocacy campaigns to drive change. Working in groups to design their own campaigns, the young women…

United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
Source: United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) |

Achai Deng: Human rights are girls’ and women’s right

In South Sudan, where almost three quarters of the population are under the age of 30, these young people face a wide array of avoidable hurdles, with girls and women disproportionately affected

Achai Deng, a South Sudanese Human Rights Officer in Aweil, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) believes that the country’s youth hold the key to peace – if they are adequately empowered. That, she thinks, is particularly important for women and girls. “We need our youth…

United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
Source: United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) |

Head of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) commends resumption of Tumaini talks between parties to the 2018 peace deal and holdout groups

He commended the National Elections Commission for committing to developing a clear electoral operations timeline and reiterated their call for immediate preparations for voter registration

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan has commended parties to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and holdout groups that did not sign the deal for resuming talks in Nairobi, Kenya, under the Tumaini Initiative. “This has given the South Sudanese…

United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
Source: United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) |

16 Days of Activism: Efforts underway in Torit to address sexual exploitation and abuse

The UNMISS team in Eastern Equatoria is closely working with the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare to protect individual rights and address human rights abuses, aiming to create a safer and more gender-responsive environment for all

“I assure you, we will drive change against sexual exploitation, as our mothers and sisters are bearing the brunt of these injustices,” said Elias Taban Elias, the Guild President of the Torit Health Science Institute. As Eastern Equatoria State commits to the global mission of eliminating all forms of violence…

United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)
Source: United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) |

Libyan youth from the west and south together discuss ways to prevent hate speech and the path to elections

Over two days, the participants worked in teams to unpack the pressing issues of hate speech and political obstacles, collaborating with UN officials to devise innovative solutions

A group of 28 young men and women from the western and southern regions of Libya convened in Tripoli to discuss preventing hate speech and the challenges facing the political process among Libyan youth as part of the Mission’s YouEngage programme. Over two days, the participants worked in teams to…