World news summary: UNRWA staff killed in Gaza, updates on Central African Republic, terrorism in Türkiye, journalists face financial reprisals
“We can confirm that one UNRWA the car was attacked in Deir Al-Balah,” a spokesman confirmed. “So far, we have had one report UNRWA employee was killed.”
Since the deadly Hamas-led invasion of Israel a year ago sparked the ongoing war, nearly 48,000 people in Gaza have been killed in Israeli attacks, including 230 UNRWA staffhumanitarian workers and other journalists.
Six UNRWA staff were among the 34 killed in September when two Israeli airstrikes hit a shelter turned school in Gaza.
‘Positive momentum’ in the Central African Republic
Central African Republic (CAR) with the support of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country (MINUSCA), is gaining positive momentum from the recent dissolution of active armed groups, according to the United Nations Special Envoy to the country.
Talking to Security Council on Wednesday, Valentine Rugwabiza, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of CAR, emphasized the importance of renewing the Mission’s mandate.
MINUSCA was established in September 2014 in CAR following an outbreak of violence between mainly Muslim Séléka group and the anti-Balaka movement was predominantly Christian.
Civilian, top priority
Its tasks include: protect civilians like “maximum priority” in addition to supporting humanitarian operations, protecting and promoting human rights as well as disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation of combatants from neighboring countries.
CAR has struggled to decisively end armed rebellions and recurring violence since the start of the civil war in 2013.
Appreciating recent progress, Ms. Rugwabiza reported the dissolution of six armed groups and three factions of armed groups that signed the CAR’s Political Agreement, which “remains in force and leads to disarmament and discharged their warriors, with the participation of some of them.” in the national armed forces”.
Ms. Rugwabiza also highlighted local elections as a “key component” of the Agreement, “offering a unique opportunity to enhance governance at the decentralized level”.
Preparations for local elections also continue to progress thanks to the Government’s sustained commitment and MINUSCA’s multidimensional support.
Guterres strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Türkiye
The Secretary General has Strongly condemn the terrorist attack at the headquarters of an aerospace company based near the capital Ankara, leaving five people dead and 22 injured.
According to media reports, Wednesday’s attack was carried out by two suspects, a man and a woman, who were later “neutralized” by security forces.
So far, no organization has claimed responsibility for the attack, which began with a large explosion at the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries’ facilities, while the attackers opened fire on both sides. inside and outside the building.
United Nations Chief António Guterres sent his deepest condolences to the victims and their families, and wished a full recovery to those injured.
A statement issued by his Spokesperson’s Office said: “The United Nations stands in solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Türkiye.
UNESCO warns of the growing threat to press freedom through abuse of financial laws
In an interview with UN NewsAn expert from the United Nations cultural agency that monitors press freedom has highlighted growing threats to freedom of expression for media workers.
Guilherme Canela, UNESCOThe head of the department for freedom of expression and safety of journalists, emphasized on Wednesday that attacks against journalists through the abuse of finance and financial laws are on the rise.
This emerging trend has been revealed in UNESCO’s latest research, which tracks how these laws are used to harass and silence journalists.
Financial penalties
The research identified 120 cases of journalists being targeted for financial or tax-related allegations over the past 20 years, with 60% of these cases occurring in the past three years.
This sharp increase shows a growing trend in using financial law as a tool of legal harassment, especially against journalists covering corruption, elections and key moments different from democracy.
Mr. Canela emphasized that this tactic not only punishes individual journalists – often with heavy fines or imprisonment – but also erodes public trust in the press. Importantly, the study also notes the potential for under-reporting, as many cases are shrouded in judicial secrecy. This suggests the true scale of the problem may be even larger, he added.
