World news summary: Human rights abuses in Ethiopia must end, El Fasher crisis update, UN stands with Niger
This call follows an update from OHCHR which analyzes the human rights situation in Ethiopia from January 2023 to January 2024.
Mr. Türk called on the parties involved in the conflict to “pause” their actions and resolve their differences peacefully.
A bloody civil war between Government forces and northern rebels broke out in late 2020 leading to serious human rights violations on all sides, including war crimes. Despite the 2022 ceasefire, violations in and around the Tigray region continue.
“It is essential that authorities take all feasible steps to protect civilians, prevent further violations and ensure full investigations to bring to book those responsible,” he said. accountable to justice”.
The update revealed that 1,351 civilians were killed in attacks in 2023 believed to have involved Government forces, Eritrean troops, anti-Government militias and other unidentified parties.
OHCHRThe update recognizes the Government of Ethiopia’s efforts to promote transitional justice and prevent violence against women and children, and notes its willingness to engage in discussions aimed at resolving the conflict in the Amhara region – an area where serious human rights violations and abuses occurred in 2023.
The update said these efforts require strong additional commitments.
Sudan: UN relief chief warns of situation getting worse
United Nations humanitarian affairs chief Martin Griffiths warned on Thursday that the humanitarian situation in and around El-Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur region “is getting worse by the hour”.
In a post on X, Mr Griffiths said he was hopeful for Thursday Security Council This solution will help alleviate the suffering of civilians in Sudan. The resolution calls on the paramilitary Rapid Security Force (RSF) in Sudan to implement it ended the siege of Al Fryer.
The RSF has been locked in a battle for control of the country with the forces of the military transitional government since April 2023.
El Fryer is the last remaining city in Darfur in Government hands.
The UN emergency relief coordinator said civilians “must be protected, aid must reach them and the fighting must stop now”.
Aid access is dwindling: WFP
During a Friday noon briefing at United Nations Headquarters, Deputy Spokesperson for Secretary-General Farhan Haq said that the World Food Program (WFP) in Sudan are emphasizing the need to feed people before rain completely limits their ability to access remote areas.
He said WFP reported that a convoy carrying aid for about 160,000 people entered Darfur from Chad this week and was heading to Central, East and West Darfur.
Mr. Haq also noted that WFP food distribution to more than 50,000 people in South Darfur and 200,000 people in Aj Jazirah State is underway.
“This is the first distribution since the conflict spread to the state capital Wad Medani and other areas in Sudan’s breadbasket in December,” he said.
UN Regional Directors declare ‘strong commitment’ to stand with the people of Niger
This week, a delegation of United Nations Regional Directors was in Niger for the first leg of a high-level delegation to the Central Sahel in Africa.
The visit is part of efforts to strengthen relations with the government and promote deeper integration in the fields of humanitarian, sustainable development and peace.
The delegation was led by the United Nations Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel, Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, and the Regional Director for Africa at the United Nations Development Coordination Office, Yacoub El-Hillo.
They held talks with Prime Minister Lamine Zeine and other members of the Government, including Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangaré.
Mr. Mar Dieye reiterated the United Nations’ “strong and strong commitment” to stand with Niger, noting that the country and the Sahel are in the process of reinventing their future.
‘History is unfolding’
“What is happening in Niger is history happening and being recreated,” he asserted.
Prime Minister Zeine emphasized the urgency of achieving tangible impacts in engineering projects by 2026, especially in the areas of irrigation, security, food sovereignty and energy. Other priorities include youth, education, climate change and water management.
Separately, Mr. El Hillo emphasized the need to restore the partnership between Niger, its people and the United Nations.
“We want to see how we can adapt and change the way we work to suit Niger’s priorities,” he said.
For its part, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) announced a $9 million investment to strengthen energy infrastructure in Niger to meet the growing demand for sustainable and reliable energy.
The UN delegation was in Niger from June 9 to 13 and will travel to Mali and Burkina Faso starting next week.
