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UN’s Hidden Missions: From Clearing Land Mines to Teaching Sex Ed to Monks

June 19, 2025, 11:45 pm

The enormous system of the United Nations has addressed everything from handing out life-saving humanitarian assistance to offering vital peacekeeping missions in war-torn regions since its creation in the aftermath of World War II.

With the international organization nearing 80 years of age, doubts regarding its relevancy and effectiveness have grown sharper from critics and advocates alike. Recent foreign assistance reductions by the U.S. and the recalculation of humanitarian contributions by other nations have brought the U.N. to task.

It has long attempted to emphasize its singular function as the confluence of world leaders, with a grand mandate to avoid another global war.

United Nations Working Quietly Across 150+ Countries

Staffers do not claim, however, that the U.N. does nothing but answer to civilians’ needs on battlefields and argue over resolutions within the Security Council.

“The things that are not on the radar of anyone, that nobody sees every day, that’s what we do everywhere, in more than 150 countries,” said Diene Keita, executive director for programs at the U.N.’s population agency.

1. Empowering Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Chad

U.N. agencies sponsor programs around the globe aimed at women, connected to education, financial literacy, job opportunities and more. Among the most delicate services offered are those for gender-based violence victims.

In Chad, the U.N. Population Fund has a number of programs to rehabilitate women and girls who have endured that trauma. Halima Yakoy Adam was one of them: At 15, she was abducted to a Boko Haram training camp in Nigeria, where she and a handful of other girls were compelled to be suicide bombers. Adam escaped with grave injuries; the others were killed in explosions.

Through U.N. activities on Lake Chad islands, Adam benefited from health and reproductive care as well as vocational training. She is currently a paralegal in her community helping other women and girls.

“We are not created to stay,” Keita said of U.N. agencies’ long-term presence. “So this is embedded in what we do every single day. We have that humility in knowing that we make a difference, so that people do not need us the next day.”

2. Helping Refugees Rebuild Lives in Mexico

Photos of refugees along U.S. and European borders depict the migration crisis globally. Less noticed are refugees resettled in communities beyond American and European cities that mirror their homelands and cultural backgrounds.

Since 2016, the U.N. refugee agency has assisted in integrating over 50,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in Mexico. They entered southern Mexico and were resettled to industrial cities upon being vetted and granted asylum by the government.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees transports, orients and provides access to healthcare, education and other social services. Over 650 firms have committed themselves to training and hiring these individuals, whose work has generated a $15 million contribution annually to the Mexican economy, according to the U.N.

By U.N. estimates, 94% of these working-age refugees found formal employment within a month of arriving in the country and close to 90% of school-age children enrolled in school. The U.N. program also offers what staffers characterize as clear routes to Mexican citizenship.

“Mexico has become a country where people forced to flee can find the stability they need to restart their lives with dignity,” Giovanni Lepri, the top U.N. refugee agency official in Mexico, said in March. “A strong asylum system and legal framework allows an effective integration of asylum-seekers and refugees.”

3.Clearing Land Mines in Post-Conflict Regions

U.N. agencies are deployed across the length and breadth of different stages of war, from distributing food, water and medicines in an active war zone to the legendary “Blue Helmets” the military troops sent to assist nations to exit from conflict.

There is less spotlight on what is done after the dust settles. One of those efforts, the United Nations Mine Action Service, was founded in 1997 to enable projects designed to reduce the danger of unexploded ordnance in nations years and sometimes decades after conflict. The U.N. estimates that on average a person is killed or wounded by land mines and other explosive ordnance every hour.

It was in January when a 21-year-old Syrian man was picking olives in a Syrian orchard with two friends when they saw a clear mine on the ground. Their panic led them to attempt to leave, but while one of them stepped on a land mine, it exploded and chopped off one of his legs above the knee.

A month earlier, in Cambodia, a rocket-propelled grenade that was reportedly over 25 years old exploded near the homes of two toddlers, killing them.

The U.N. program hopes to collaborate with communities in Syria, Afghanistan and Nigeria to safely identify and extract the remnants of war and offer educational and threat assessments. Since its start, the U.N. reports over 55 million land mines have been removed and more than 30 nations have been mine-free.

4.Teaching Self-Defense to Girls in Kenya Refugee Camp

At a refugee camp in northwest Kenya, dozens of young women between the ages of 12 and 18 have met every Saturday at a women’s empowerment center to learn self-defense in the form of a Taekwondo class.

The program, initiated by the U.N.’s Population Fund last year, has centered on offering an escape for girls who have become victims of gender-based violence or are vulnerable to it after leaving war-torn regions in nations such as South Sudan, Ethiopia and Congo.

The trainers are natives who are well aware of the cultural and political forces their pupils encounter while growing up in a camp inhabited by about 300,000 refugees.

The objective is to employ sporting activities to provide a safe environment for girls and women to talk about different topics such as period poverty, domestic conflict and abuse. The project, which the U.N. has copied in Egypt and other places, aims at funding by the Olympic Refuge Foundation.

5.Opening Sex Education Dialogues with Monks and Nuns in Bhutan

Sex and reproductive issues were taboo topics in Buddhist societies for centuries. U.N. officials have been spending the last decade meeting with religious officials in Bhutan and other Asian countries trying to “desensitize” them about the issues they think are essential to a healthy society.

The initiative has spurred over 1,500 nuns from 26 nunneries to engage community members in discussions regarding sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence prevention.

At least 50 monks are now trained to offer counseling services on the issues to students throughout Bhutan’s 20 districts. The U.N. reports that these alliances, initiated in 2014, have helped to reduce maternal deaths, increase the use of contraception, and improve reproductive care for expectant women.

Robert Pether, Australian Engineer, Freed from Iraqi Jail but Still Barred from Leaving

June 6, 2025, 1:55 pm

Australian mechanical engineer Robert Pether has been released from an Iraqi prison after four years of “arbitrary detention” linked to a contract dispute. Although free, he remains under a travel ban and urgently needs medical care. His family and governments in Australia and Ireland are advocating for his safe return amid concerns over his deteriorating health.

The United Nations stated that Iraqi authorities released an Australian from prison on condition after holding him for four years of “arbitrary detention.” However, his wife says Iraqi authorities have banned him from leaving the country, and he urgently needs medical care.

Who Is Robert Pether?

In 2021, Iraqi authorities jailed Australian mechanical engineer Robert Pether on fraud charges during a contract dispute between his consulting firm and the Central Bank of Iraq. Authorities arrested him along with his Egyptian colleague, Khalid Radwan, after the bank accused them of stealing money from a reconstruction project.

The UN has said the 50-year-old’s detention was illegal, and an international court ruled his employer is not responsible for the business disagreement. Authorities held Pether and Radwan without charge for nearly six months and then sentenced each to five years in jail after a speedy trial, along with a joint fine of $12 million.

A 2022 UN report found the case contravened international law and described “abusive and coercive” interrogations, though Iraq’s government denied allegations of ill-treatment. In 2023, the International Chamber of Commerce ordered Iraq’s central bank to pay $13 million to CME, Pether’s employer.

Why His Family Speaks Out on His Condition?

Pether’s wife, Desree, told the BBC, “He’s on a bit of a high tonight, but I think he’ll probably come crashing down tomorrow.” She added, “He’s unrecognisable. If he got on a plane now and they were checking his passport, they would not know it was the same person.” She also said, “He can’t keep food down and hasn’t eaten properly in months,” and mentioned concerns about a possible skin cancer relapse.

She described the moment as “the first time in over four years that we’ve taken one step in the right direction,” but said, “There’s a tiny glimmer of hope, but there’s another mountain still to go over.”

Australian and Irish Governments Respond

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the release was a “positive development” after years of “persistent” advocacy and noted, “I know the personal toll Mr Pether’s detention has taken on him and his family and hope this news brings a measure of relief after years of distress.”

Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister, Simon Harris, where the Pether family now lives, said Iraq’s Foreign Minister called him to confirm the release. Harris stated, “I welcomed this as a first step to his being allowed to return to his family in Roscommon.” He added he remained concerned about Pether’s health and any outstanding charges.

The family is crowdfunding to get him private hospital care in Baghdad, as they work to have his travel ban lifted. Mrs Pether said, “Enough is enough. He needs to come home.”

Shashi Tharoor Slams China, Pakistan for Shielding Terror Group at UN

June 3, 2025, 1:20 am

Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, who is part of an all-party delegation of diplomats, on Monday, condemned China for supporting Pakistan in opposing mentions of terrorist organizations at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Calling out Beijing’s role in shielding the Lashkar-e-Taiba-backed ‘Resistance Front’ in the United Nations, “We have been reporting about RF to UN Sanctions Committee, time after time and when India encouraged our friends on the Security Council to mention the Resistance Front in the press statement that the Security Council issued.”

Shashi Tharoor takes dig at Islamabad and Beijing

“Pakistan government, I am sorry to say that with the support of your friend in China, took out the name, so there is not even a reference. We are not on the Security Council, and neither are you. We have to change that situation. Both of us should be on the Council together,” Tharoor said in a dig at Islamabad and Beijing.

Shashi Tharoor Call for UNSC Reforms

Shashi Tharoor said this while speaking with Ambassador Celso Amorim of Brazil and highlighted the difficulties faced by India in fighting terrorism internationally because of geopolitical alignments within the UNSC.

Tharoor’s remarks also emphasized a demand to reform the UNSC to reflect a more representative world presence.“We are not on the Security Council, neither are you. We have to change that situation. Both of us should be on the Council together,” he said to Amorim.

Indian Delegation Visits Brazil

The Congress MP-led delegation, headed by Shashi Tharoor, is currently in Brazil and will travel to the US tomorrow. The delegation was greeted at Brasilia airport by Sandeep Kumar Kujur, Charge d’Affaires in the Indian Embassy in Brazil.

Terror Attack in Colorado Alarms Indian MPs

Shashi Tharoor on Monday stated that members of the Indian MPs’ team learned with alarm about the terror attack in Colorado. They breathed a sigh of relief. There was no casualty.

In a post on X, Tharoor said that the MPs share the Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s view that ‘terror has no place’ in our countries.”

FBI Arrests Colorado Attack Suspect

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested a 45-year-old man, Mohamed Sabry Soliman. He carried out a “targeted terror attack” in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday. He burned several peaceful supporters of Israel, according to Fox News. The FBI said the attack injured six individuals, aged 67 to 88 years, and hospitalized them for treatment.

UN Security Council Holds Closed-Door Talks on Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

May 6, 2025, 2:51 am

The UN Security Council began closed-door meetings here on the India-Pakistan situation, just hours after Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm at tensions between nuclear neighbors being “at their highest in years.”

Pakistan’s Request for Closed Consultations

Pakistan, its current non-permanent member on the influential 15-nation Security Council, had sought “closed consultations” on the situation. Greece, May’s president of the Council, fixed the meeting on May 5 in the afternoon.

The meeting behind closed doors will not be held in the UNSC Chamber where the Council members sit around the dominant horse-shoe table but in a consultations room adjacent to the chamber.

Briefing by UN Officials and Possible Press Release

Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations Khaled Mohamed Khiari of Tunisia will brief the Council on behalf of both departments (DPPA and DPO).

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad could brief reporters after the meeting.

Guterres Expresses Concern Over Escalating Tensions

Hours before the closed consultations, Guterres expressed concern over India-Pakistan tensions being at “their highest in years,” stating “it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point.”

Guterres spoke to the media from the UNSC stake-out Monday morning in the wake of escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead, including a Nepali national.

UN Secretary-General Calls for Maximum Restraint

Guterres said he understands the “raw feelings” following the “awful terror attack” in Pahalgam and reiterated his strong condemnation of that attack, extending his condolences to the families of the victims. “Targeting civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means,” he said.

Guterres stressed that it is essential especially at this critical hour to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control. “Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink. That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries. Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution,” the UN chief said.

He reiterated that he offers his good offices to both governments in the service of peace. “The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace.”

India’s Response to Pakistan’s Efforts

Apart from the five veto-wielding permanent members China, France, Russia, UK, and the US the 10 non-permanent members in the Council are Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia. India’s former Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, told PTI that “a party to the conflict seeking to shape perceptions by using its membership of the Council” would not lead to any “consequential outcome.” India will parry such Pakistani efforts.

UN Warns Maternal Health Progress Has Stalled Due to Global Aid Cuts

April 7, 2025, 7:24 am

The world made major progress in cutting maternal deaths over the past 25 years. However, the United Nations warned on Monday that this progress has nearly come to a halt. It also cautioned that recent global aid cuts could undo these gains.

Maternal Deaths Dropped by 40%, But Progress Has Stalled

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that maternal deaths worldwide fell by 40% since 2000. Yet, progress slowed sharply after 2016.

Pascale Allotey, who heads WHO’s sexual and reproductive health branch, said, “The pace of progress has slowed to a near standstill, (and) in some regions, we are already sliding backwards.” She reminded that “most maternal deaths are preventable” and warned, “In this context of fragility, complacency is not just dangerous, it is deadly.”

In 2023, around 260,000 women died due to pregnancy-related causes. That means one woman died every two minutes.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “While this report shows glimmers of hope, the data also highlights how dangerous pregnancy still is in much of the world today.” He urged countries to improve maternity care and also protect women’s health and reproductive rights.

Aid Cuts Threaten Further Progress

UN agencies expressed concern that global aid cuts could reverse maternal health improvements. They blamed the funding freeze by US President Donald Trump after his return in January. This move left many humanitarian groups struggling.

Bruce Aylward, WHO’s assistant director-general for universal health coverage, said, “We’re going to face increasing headwinds.” He called the funding cuts “an acute shock” and noted that countries have not had time to find alternative funding to keep essential health services going.

The WHO report said that budget cuts had already closed health facilities and caused staff shortages. Supply chains for vital treatments like those for haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, and malaria also suffered. These are some of the leading causes of maternal deaths.

COVID-19 Showed the Danger of Health Disruptions

The COVID-19 pandemic had a deadly impact on maternal care. Jenny Cresswell, the WHO report’s lead author, said maternal deaths rose to 322,000 in 2021, compared to 282,000 in 2020.

“There were around 40,000 additional maternal deaths in the year 2021,” she said. “This upsurge was linked not only to direct implications caused by Covid-19, but also due to widespread disruptions to maternity care.”

She added, “This shows how critical it is to ensure that maternity services are protected during any emergency.”

Sub-Saharan Africa Hit Hardest; US Sees Rise

The report showed major inequality across regions. Sub-Saharan Africa made strong progress since 2000 but still made up 70% of all maternal deaths in 2023.

Meanwhile, after 2015, progress in North Africa, parts of Asia, Europe, and North America stopped.

Cresswell said, “The United States is one of the countries where we are seeing increasing trends.” Still, she explained that the US maternal death rate remains low globally.

She also said it’s too early to judge the effect of the 2022 US Supreme Court ruling that ended federal abortion rights.

Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 3,354, UN Chief Lauds Aid Response

April 5, 2025, 2:51 pm

The toll from the powerful earthquake that hit Myanmar has risen to 3,354, with 4,850 injured and 220 remaining missing, state media reports said on Saturday. As relief and rescue operations go on, United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher thanked humanitarian and community organizations for their front-line work in responding to disaster.

Fletcher, who stayed overnight in Mandalay, close to the epicenter of the quake, tweeted, “Humanitarian and community organizations led the response to the earthquake with determination, skill and courage. Many themselves were themselves left without a thing, and yet continued going out to assist survivors.”

Min Aung Hlaing Returns After Foreign Summit, Meets Indian PM Modi

Myanmar military junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has returned to Naypyitaw after a foreign trip for a rare visit abroad to a regional summit in Bangkok. At the event, he met bilaterally with the leaders of Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and India.

State media announced that Min Aung Hlaing reaffirmed his government’s commitment to having “free and fair” elections in December when he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi Calls for Permanent Ceasefire, Credible Elections

In response, Modi underscored the need for peace and democratic credibility.

Mr. Modi called on Myanmar’s military to make the post-quake ceasefire in the country’s civil war permanent and to hold “inclusive and credible” elections, according to an Indian foreign affairs spokesperson on Friday.

Most critics have, however, rejected the next set of elections as a facade aimed at assisting the military in maintaining its grip over the country through proxy candidates.

Civil War, Humanitarian Emergency, and Aid Blockades

Since the February 2021 military coup that overthrew Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has descended into civil war, with more than 3 million displaced and more than one-third of the country’s population requiring humanitarian assistance, the U.N. says.

The UN Human Rights Office has also expressed fears that the junta is cutting off assistance to parts of the country that do not back its control. The agency is looking into 53 alleged military attacks, including 16 abuses after a ceasefire was announced on Wednesday.

The junta spokesperson has still to comment on these claims.

UN Passes US-Led Resolution on Ukraine Without Blaming Russia

February 25, 2025, 8:48 am

The UN Security Council approved a US-led resolution on the Ukraine war on Monday, with Russia also supporting it. The resolution did not criticize Moscow’s actions, even though it marked the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

The vote ended with 10 nations in favor, none against, and five abstentions. France and Britain, among the abstaining nations, had the power to veto the resolution. However, they did not, allowing the resolution to pass. It only “implores a swift end to the conflict” without assigning blame to Russia. Separate amendments proposed by Russia and European countries failed to gain approval.

US Hails Landmark Resolution

Washington praised the resolution, calling it a “landmark agreement” between the US and Russia at the UN Security Council. The resolution focused on achieving “lasting peace” between Moscow and Kyiv.

US envoy to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, urged other UN members to support efforts for a durable peace. “We call on all other UN member states to join the United States in pushing for a durable peace that will bring stability to Europe and deter further aggression,” she said. Shea also highlighted the significance of the resolution. “We are proud that the Security Council has done just that, just now, in passing a historic landmark agreement on Ukraine, the first such in three years,” she added.

UNGA Rejects US Proposal, Approves Europe-Backed Resolution

Earlier on Monday, the UN General Assembly rejected a US resolution that called for a swift end to the war but did not mention Russia’s invasion. However, it approved a European-backed resolution that demanded the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine on the third anniversary of the invasion.

Despite its approval, the European-backed resolution is not legally binding. A total of 93 countries supported it, while 18 opposed and 65 abstained. The level of support was lower than in previous votes, where more than 140 nations had condemned Russia’s actions.

UN Reports 1,400 Deaths in Bangladesh Protests, Yunus Govt Counts 834

February 12, 2025, 5:15 pm

The United Nations has reported that around 1,400 people died during anti-government protests under Sheikh Hasina’s regime in Bangladesh. The global body emphasized that the Hasina-led government orchestrated systematic attacks and killings of protesters to remain in power. Such measures as the UN underlined may be qualified as “crimes against humanity.

Government Overthrown After Student-Led Agitation

Mass agitation, spearheaded by students, led to the ouster of Hasina’s government last August. Following her ouster, she relocated to neighboring India. Initially, demonstrations against civil service job quotas, however, the demonstrations have become a movement demanding Hasina to step down all over the country.

The UN published its report following a fact-finding mission into the events between 1 July and 15 August 20191. The UN rights office confirmed it had “reasonable grounds to believe that the crimes against humanity of murder, torture, imprisonment, and infliction of other inhumane acts have taken place.

According to the report, using more than 230 confidential interviews, medical data, photos, and videos, the government, in consultation with members of Awami League and Bangladeshi security apparatuses, systematically targeted protestors and civilians.

Hasina Defies Arrest Warrant

Hasina has refused to accept an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity. According to the UN report [here], apart from those killed by the violence itself, security forces supporting the government of President Hasina intensified the use of violent countermeasures, thus resulting in a shocking number of dead.

The UN mission, launched at the request of Bangladesh’s interim leader, Mohammed Yunus, included human rights investigators, a forensic physician, and a weapons expert. Findings indicate that security forces killed most of the 1,400 victims, with children accounting for 12-13% of those killed. Thousands more suffered injuries during the violent crackdown.

The estimated death toll is higher than the 834 deaths reported by the Bangladesh interim government. The UN further stated that the former administration systematically used violent means to suppress dissent.

Violence Against Minorities Escalates in Bangladesh

As the protests intensified, minority communities in Bangladesh faced increased violence. According to the Associated Press (AP), Hindus—a significant minority—suffered numerous attacks. Between 4 and 20 August 2013, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council registered 2,010 incidents of communal violence. These included attacks on 69 temples, vandalism, arson, and physical assaults, resulting in deaths and injuries.

Between August 21 and December 31, 2024, another 174 incidents occurred, claiming 23 lives.

International Community Raises Concern

UN’s disclosures have led to an outcry around the globe, and human rights groups are calling for justice. The report highlights the urgency for further independent inquests and international action to stop ongoing human rights abuses in Bangladesh.

The interim administration has not responded to the UN’s findings yet. In the meantime, Hasina is staying in India, flouting legal action in Bangladesh.

India Identified In UN’s ‘Honour Roll’ for Its Punctual Budget Payments

February 5, 2025, 1:01 pm

India becomes one of a handful of nations receiving accolade for timely payments to the United Nations. Once again, India has been enlisted on the Honour Roll of the United Nations. The Permanent Mission of India has said that this time it had received the designation for timely and complete payment of the regular assessment.

According to an official statement, India has been able to complete its financial obligations within the stipulated 30-day time frame as envisaged in Financial Regulation 3.5 of the UN. Thus, India becomes one of the few countries that pay their financial obligations on time.

UN Hails India’s Commitment

The regular budget of the United Nations is approved every December by the General Assembly. On this basis, each Member State is assessed based on an approved Scale of Assessment, and payment notes are issued at the beginning of January. India has featured on the Honour Roll consecutively. This testamentifies the commitment to maintaining financial discipline within the global body.

This is the Permanent Mission of India. It is on record stating, “India’s prompt payment of UN dues reflects its unwavering support for the principles and purposes enshrined in the UN Charter. This commitment ensures the financial stability and operational effectiveness of the organization.”

India’s Position

A regular presence in the Honour Roll reinforces India’s position as a responsible UN Member State. Consecutive compliance with financial rules reveals its commitment to global governance and multilateral cooperation. The proper and prompt fulfillment of commitment to the United Nations allows the platform to work properly. It lets them maintain its position as a preferred partner in international transactions.

Moreover, this recognition from the UN is yet another proof of India’s robust approach to global financial responsibility. It seals the country’s reputation as a self-proclaimed supporter of the mission of the United Nations.

Trump’s Canal Comments Sparks Warning At UN By Panama Over Sovereignty And Security

January 22, 2025, 1:19 am

Panama has reportedly issued a formal notification to the United Nations regarding the promise made by newly elected US President Donald Trump during his inauguration speech regarding taking control over the Panama Canal. The development was shared by Reuters through an obtained letter, on Tuesday.

In the letter, Panama’s UN Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba emphasized the charge in the UN Charter that member states should not make any threats or use any force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The letter was also distributed to the 15-security members council. Panama has a two-year, council seat for the period 2025-26, where it would be saddled with the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.

Trump’s comments followed his earlier threats to reassert US control over the canal, accusing Panama of failing to honour agreements made during the canal’s final transfer in 1999 and alleging that Panama had handed control to China. The Panamanian government has strongly denied these claims.

“We didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back,” Trump said soon after being sworn into his second term.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino categorically denied Trump’s claims, stressing that Panama has absolute sovereignty over the canal. “Dialogue is always the way to clarify the points mentioned without undermining our right, total sovereignty, and ownership of our Canal,” Mulino said.

The Panama Canal, which was built and operated by the United States for decades, was returned to full Panamanian control in 1999 following a series of treaties signed in 1977 that allowed for a transition period of joint administration.

UN Urges Iran to Halt Executions, 900 Deaths Reported Last Year

January 7, 2025, 5:06 pm

Iran executed more than 900 people in 2024, marking a sharp rise in executions, the United Nations rights chief, Volker Turk, revealed on Tuesday. This included 40 executions in a single week in December.

“It is deeply disturbing that yet again we see an increase in the number of people subjected to the death penalty in Iran year-on-year,” Turk stated. “It is high time Iran stemmed this ever-swelling tide of executions.”

Executions Target Drug Offenders and Protesters

The UN noted that Iranian authorities executed a majority of individuals for drug-related offenses. They also executed dissidents and people linked to the 2022-2023 protests. Human rights groups accuse Iran’s authorities, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, of using capital punishment as a tool to instill fear in society.

Iran Human Rights (IHR), based in Norway, reported that Iranian authorities executed at least 31 women in 2024, marking a significant increase from previous years.

Global Condemnation of Iran’s Death Penalty

Iran ranks second globally, after China, in annual executions, according to Amnesty International. Activists claim the Islamic Republic uses the death penalty for major crimes such as murder, drug trafficking, rape, and sexual assault, but also as a political weapon.

“We oppose the death penalty under all circumstances,” Turk stated. “It is incompatible with the fundamental right to life and risks executing innocent people” she added.

Call for Moratorium on Executions

The UN rights chief urged Iranian authorities to halt all executions immediately. He also called for a moratorium on the death penalty as a step toward its abolition. “And, to be clear, it can never be imposed for conduct that is protected under international human rights law,” Turk emphasized.

The UN rights chief urged the Iranian authorities to halt all further executions immediately. He also called for a moratorium on the death penalty with the aim of ultimately abolishing it.

UN Declared 2025 as International Year of Glaciers Amid Rapid Melting Crisis

January 6, 2025, 5:54 pm

The United Nations has declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers to highlight the urgent issue of glaciers melting at alarming rates due to climate change. This initiative underscores the essential role glaciers play in maintaining ecological balance, water supplies, and climate stability.

Glaciers, massive ice formations created over centuries through accumulated and compressed snow, are vital for providing fresh water to millions and regulating the Earth’s climate. However, recent decades have seen a dramatic increase in glacier melting. According to experts, 2023 marked the second consecutive year of significant ice loss globally. Juan Ignacio López Moreno from the Pyrenean Institute of Ecology warns, “Glaciers are melting faster than ever, with serious consequences for the environment and people relying on them for water.”

The Impact of Melting Glaciers

In mountainous regions, glaciers act as natural water reservoirs. Their loss leads to severe water shortages, affecting local communities, agriculture, and industries. Additionally, melting glaciers can create large lakes that may cause devastating floods downstream. This poses significant risks to those living in these regions.

Glaciers are crucial to the global water cycle, supplying fresh water to rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, especially during dry seasons. As glaciers vanish, regions dependent on them will face critical water shortages. Melting glaciers also contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal cities with increased flooding and disasters. Thawing Arctic permafrost releases methane gases, further exacerbating global warming.

Raising Awareness and Taking Action

To emphasize the importance of glaciers and the dangers of their rapid melting, the UN has designated March 21 as World Glacier Day. In 2025, Tajikistan will host an international glacier conservation conference in Dushanbe from May 29 to June 1, bringing together experts and governments to discuss glacier protection and fresh water preservation. The UN aims to highlight the need for global cooperation to combat climate change and preserve glaciers for future generations.

Reducing CO2 Emissions to Protect Glaciers

Experts agree that cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is crucial to slowing glacier melting. “The only way to save glaciers and their biodiversity is to cut CO2 emissions,” says López Moreno. Immediate action is needed to prevent the worst effects of glacier melting, but time is running out. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that numerous glaciers, including those in UNESCO World Heritage sites, are melting rapidly, with a third expected to disappear by 2050. However, reducing carbon emissions could still slow or halt the disappearance of some glaciers.

UN Warns Of Urgent Action Needed To Preserve Evidence Of Syrian War Crimes

December 23, 2024, 1:43 am

The head of the United Nations investigative body for Syria, Robert Petit, stressed that there is an urgency to preserving evidence of war crimes committed during Syria’s brutal civil war. Petit leads the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM). He said there is enough evidence to prosecute people who have committed international law violations, but urgent action must be taken to preserve and protect this evidence.

Following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime by Islamist-led rebel forces, many families have rushed to former prisons, detention centers, and mass grave sites in search of missing loved ones. However, the immediate concern is how to safeguard vital evidence that could be used in future prosecutions. Petit urged concerted efforts in preserving such sites while demanding that strict controls over access to the sites be instituted by the authorities to avoid the destruction or tampering with evidence.

Since its founding in 2016, the IIIM has conducted its work remotely from outside Syria because the Syrian government refused to cooperate with such efforts. Now that regime forces under Assad are reportedly weakened, Petit’s outfit is allowed to visit but needs formal permission to undertake their work inside Syria. Yet Petit himself pointed to the amount of evidence which his group already collected : hundreds of places which were defined as detention centres, military camps, prisons: most were connected to mass graves as well as grave human rights violations.

Petit likened the notorious Saydnaya prison, with its extrajudicial executions and torture, to Cambodia’s S-21, which symbolized the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. Petit hopes that the new Syrian authorities will permit his team to start its work on the ground. The long-term goal would be to establish a national accountability process and secure international jurisdiction over the crimes committed.

RSF Retakes Key Darfur Base As Sudan Conflict Intensifies, Fueling Ethnic Tensions

December 22, 2024, 11:04 pm

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Sunday they had regained control of a critical logistical base in North Darfur, a day after losing it to rival forces aligned with Sudan’s army.

The RSF recaptured the al-Zurug base, a key supply hub for the paramilitary group, which had been seized by the Joint Forces and Sudanese army on Saturday. The base, near the borders with Chad and Libya, has played a pivotal role in RSF operations during the ongoing 20-month conflict.

In their statement, the RSF accused the Joint Forces of committing atrocities during the brief occupation, claiming civilians were killed, homes and public facilities burned, and essential infrastructure, including markets, wells, and schools, destroyed.

“The Joint Forces carried out ethnic cleansing against innocent civilians in al-Zurug, targeting women, children, and the elderly,” the RSF alleged.

The Joint Forces, primarily composed of Zaghawa tribe members, countered that the base had been used by the RSF to launch attacks on civilian areas, including al-Fashir, North Darfur’s capital and a major flashpoint in the conflict. They also reported destroying RSF vehicles, killing dozens of fighters, and seizing supplies during the initial takeover.

Tensions between the Arab tribes supporting the RSF and the Zaghawa-dominated Joint Forces risk further escalation, analysts warn, as the fighting deepens ethnic divides in the region.

The United Nations has documented the loss of at least 782 civilian lives in al-Fashir since April, citing the use of heavy artillery, suicide drones by the RSF, and airstrikes by the Sudanese army. Activists in al-Fashir reported that over 30 missiles targeted the city on Sunday, intensifying the ongoing violence.

Analysts suggest that gaining control of al-Fashir could strengthen the RSF’s ambitions to establish a rival government in Port Sudan, as they battle to dominate Darfur amid Sudan’s broader political and military crisis.

UN Urges World Powers To Revive Iran Nuclear Deal Amid Growing Tensions

December 18, 2024, 4:52 am

A top United Nations official on Tuesday urged global powers and Iran to urgently work towards reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, warning that its success or failure is critical for international stability. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), agreed upon by Iran and six world powers—Britain, Germany, France, the United States, Russia, and China—lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program.

Since the US withdrew from the deal in 2018 during former President Donald Trump’s first term, Iran has gradually reduced its compliance with nuclear-related commitments.

Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN’s political affairs chief, emphasized the importance of diplomacy but stressed that time is running out. “The region cannot afford further instability,” she told the Security Council, urging both the US and the JCPOA signatories to act quickly. She also highlighted that their success or failure would impact the international community.

Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood reiterated that Washington’s position is clear: a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable, and the US is ready to use all national powers to prevent that outcome.

Meanwhile, European diplomats, including representatives from Britain, France, and Germany, have warned that they could trigger a “snap back” of international sanctions on Iran if necessary, in order to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This option will expire in October 2025, when the U.N. resolution supporting the deal will no longer be in effect.

In response, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani dismissed the idea of triggering sanctions as unlawful and counterproductive, warning that any such move would provoke a strong response.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported that Iran is significantly accelerating its uranium enrichment program, which has raised concerns in the West about the potential for nuclear weapon production. While Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, the IAEA has expressed doubts about the true nature of the program.

Iraq Accuses Israel Of Violating Airspace For Airstrikes In Iran

October 28, 2024, 2:37 pm

Iraq has accused Israel of breaching its airspace to carry out airstrikes in Iran. The allegations follow Israeli air operations executed on the night of October 26, which were reportedly in retaliation for an Iranian missile strike on Israel earlier this month.

On Monday, the Iraqi government lodged a formal complaint with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding what it termed a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty. Iraqi government spokesperson Bassim Alawadi confirmed that the complaint specifically condemns Israel for using Iraqi airspace to execute its strikes against Iran.

Iraq, which is significantly influenced by Iran and does not recognize Israel, commonly refers to the country as the “Zionist entity.”

On the night of the airstrikes, approximately 100 Israeli warplanes participated in an operation dubbed “Days of Repentance,” targeting various military and strategic sites within Iran. As requested by US President Joe Biden, the Israeli military refrained from striking Iranian nuclear and oil facilities during this operation.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal indicated that the Israeli strikes focused on facilities involved in missile production, including cruise and ballistic missiles that Iran has utilized against Israel this year. Among the targeted sites was the Parchin military facility, known for its previous nuclear weapons-related activities.

Additionally, The New York Times reported that Israel also attacked air defense systems located in Iraq and Syria to prevent any interception of its airstrikes.

Gaza’s Tragedy Deepens: Airstrikes Claim 87 Lives As Humanitarian Crisis Escalates

October 20, 2024, 5:50 pm

Gaza’s health ministry reported that 87 people were killed or are missing under the rubble following an Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza on Saturday. Over 40 others were injured in the attack. The Israeli military said they are reviewing the report, but previously claimed such figures were “exaggerated” without further elaboration. Gaza officials also reported that 73 people had been killed during the airstrikes.

United Nations’ special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, condemned the relentless Israeli strikes in Gaza, highlighting the intensifying “nightmare” for civilians. In a statement, he emphasized the escalating humanitarian crisis, where civilians in northern Gaza have no safe places to seek refuge. Wennesland urged for an end to the conflict, calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas and the protection of civilians.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Palestinian territory also raised concerns, stating that insufficient aid is reaching Gaza. They warned that current aid deliveries are inadequate for the scale of the crisis, and criticized the lack of reliable access points for humanitarian supplies. Last week, the U.S. cautioned Israel about potential consequences, including halting weapons transfers, if more humanitarian aid is not allowed into Gaza.

Since Israel’s intensified assault on northern Gaza, aid organizations have reported a significant decrease in the delivery of food and medicine, raising concerns of forced displacement through starvation. Israeli officials deny deliberately blocking aid to the region.

The feeble existence of the United Nations

October 16, 2024, 3:30 am

The United Nations (UN), founded in 1945 with the mission of maintaining global peace and preventing future wars, has increasingly been criticized for its inability to prevent conflicts and crises. Despite being the most comprehensive international organization, the UN has struggled to fulfil its objective of ensuring global security, evident from the ongoing wars like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Palestine crisis. These conflicts not only destabilize regions but also have far-reaching impacts on humanity and the global economy, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of international law and the structure of global governance.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has exposed a key flaw: the veto power wielded by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Russia has used this privilege to block resolutions and efforts aimed at stopping the invasion, making it impossible for the UN to take decisive action. Similarly, the Israel-Palestine conflict has persisted for decades, with the UN unable to mediate an enduring peace or implement resolutions effectively. Political interests of UNSC members, especially the United States, have hindered meaningful intervention, showcasing the limits of the organization.
The UN’s dependence on consensus among powerful nations often leaves it paralyzed during critical moments. This structural weakness erodes the credibility of the institution, leaving global peace at the mercy of political rivalries and self-interest rather than collective responsibility.
Wars have devastating effects on both local populations and the global economy. Civilians endure displacement, loss of life, and psychological trauma, while infrastructure is destroyed, creating long-term hardships. The conflict in Ukraine has triggered a refugee crisis in Europe, while violence in Gaza exacerbates humanitarian challenges in the Middle East.
The UN’s failure to prevent these conflicts has raised questions about the relevance and sanctity of international law. The principle of state sovereignty, which prohibits interference in domestic affairs, has become a double-edged sword. While respecting sovereignty is essential, should the UN have greater authority to intervene when human lives and global stability are at risk?
The debate between municipal law (domestic law) and international law becomes crucial here. Nations prioritize their sovereignty, but in an interconnected world, conflicts spill over national borders and impact the global community. If the UN lacks the power to intervene meaningfully in dangerous situations, it risks becoming irrelevant.
The UN’s inability to manage these conflicts highlights the urgent need for reform. Limiting the veto power of permanent UNSC members or expanding the Council’s representation could enhance its effectiveness. Strengthening mechanisms to hold nations accountable—regardless of their political influence—is also essential to restore trust in international law.
If we do not address these issues now, wars and crises will continue to spiral out of control, threatening both peace and humanity. It is time to rethink the role of the UN and the balance between sovereignty and global responsibility. If not now, then when?

Author is Assistant Professor, HLM Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad

French President Condemns Israeli Attack on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon

October 12, 2024, 7:24 am

French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned the “deliberate” targeting of UN peacekeepers by Israeli forces on Friday, following an attack that injured two peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. Macron stated that France would not tolerate such actions, according to France 24.

France Summons Israeli Ambassador Over Violations

France took swift action, summoning the Israeli ambassador to address the attacks on three UN bases in southern Lebanon. The French foreign ministry described the incidents as “serious violations of international law” and demanded an explanation from Israeli authorities. The incidents have raised concerns about Israel’s military actions in the region.

UN Peacekeepers Injured in Israeli Attack

The Israeli forces allegedly fired at a watchtower at the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, leaving two Indonesian peacekeepers injured. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in 1978 after Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, and it has been monitoring the “Blue Line,” the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon. The UN recently renewed UNIFIL’s mandate for another year.

UNIFIL Condemns the Attack

UNIFIL condemned the attack, calling it a “grave violation of international humanitarian law.” The peacekeeping mission, consisting of approximately 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries, asserted that Israeli forces had “deliberately” fired at its positions along the border. UNIFIL’s role is to monitor and patrol the 120-kilometer Blue Line established after Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000.

Growing Concerns for Peacekeepers’ Safety

UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix expressed mounting concerns for the safety of peacekeepers amid Israel’s escalating ground offensive in Lebanon. Briefing the UN Security Council, Lacroix described the increasing hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah as “alarming” and warned that peacekeepers were at serious risk. “The safety and security of peacekeepers is now increasingly in jeopardy,” he added.

Casualties and Destruction from Israeli Strikes

In addition to the attacks on UN peacekeepers, Israeli airstrikes have intensified across Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least 22 people were killed and around 117 were wounded in strikes on a densely populated neighborhood in Beirut.

India’s Concerns Over Security Situation

India has voiced its concerns about the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the need to respect the inviolability of UN premises and urged for measures to ensure the safety of peacekeepers. “We are concerned at the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line and continue to monitor the situation closely,” the MEA said.

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, international attention is focused on ensuring the safety of UN peacekeepers and preventing further violations of international law.

India Expresses Concern Over Israeli Attack On UN Peacekeeping Base In Lebanon.

October 11, 2024, 4:09 pm

India expressed concern on Friday regarding the worsening security situation along the Blue Line, following reports of Israeli fire on a United Nations peacekeeper base in southern Lebanon that resulted in injuries to UN personnel. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the importance of respecting the inviolability of UN premises.

“We are concerned at the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line. We continue to monitor the situation closely,” the MEA stated. “Inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all, and appropriate measures taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and the sanctity of their mandate.”

This statement comes amid increasing international condemnation of Israeli attacks on UN positions in Lebanon, where the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) operates. Lebanon’s foreign ministry condemned what it termed an Israeli “targeting” of UNIFIL’s main base in Ras Naqura, as well as a Sri Lankan battalion’s base, which reportedly left several peacekeepers injured.

State media in Lebanon reported that Israeli artillery struck a UNIFIL watchtower and damaged the main entrance of the command center in Ras Naqura. An Israeli Merkava tank was also said to have targeted another UN tower along the primary route between Tyre and Naqura.

UNIFIL, which has been active in the region since 1978, has not yet issued a comment, but reports indicate that two peacekeepers were injured in Thursday’s incident.

In response, China condemned the attack and called for an investigation, stating that intentional attacks on peacekeepers violate international humanitarian law. Italy, a significant contributor of troops to UNIFIL, suggested that such actions “could constitute war crimes,” while the United States expressed its “deep concern.”

Jaishankar Compares UN To ‘Old Company’ Falling Behind On Key Issues

October 6, 2024, 9:35 pm

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave in Delhi, compared the United Nations to an outdated company. He pointed out the organization’s declining relevance in addressing major global crises, stating, “The UN is like an old company, not entirely keeping up with the market, but occupying the space.”

UN Fails to Address Key Global Crises

Jaishankar highlighted examples of the UN’s inefficacy, including its weak response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the rising tensions in the Middle East. “Where is the UN on these issues? Essentially a bystander,” he questioned, emphasizing that countries are now finding alternative solutions outside the UN framework, such as the COVAX initiative during Covid-19.

Call for UN Reforms

Jaishankar reiterated India’s longstanding call for reforms in multilateral institutions, especially the expansion of the UN Security Council. He suggested that while the UN will continue to exist, the most active problem-solving space is now happening outside of it.

UN Voices Concern About Escalating Tensions Along Blue Line In Lebanon, Northern Israel

October 1, 2024, 6:43 am

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the sharp escalation of hostilities along the Blue Line and in both Lebanon and northern Israel, warning that these actions threaten the safety of both Lebanese and Israeli populations and pose risks to regional security and stability.

A UN spokesperson stated that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is actively engaging with parties to help de-escalate tensions along the Blue Line and prevent further misunderstandings. He noted that the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, is also in contact with relevant parties for the same purpose, emphasizing that the UN fully supports diplomatic efforts to end the violence, restore stability, and alleviate further humanitarian suffering in the region.

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The spokesperson reiterated the UN’s call for the involved parties to immediately de-escalate and to urgently comply with the immediate cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701. He affirmed that, despite the challenging situation in the region, the military and civilian peacekeeping forces of the UN mission remain committed to their mandate and continue to adapt to meet the mission’s objectives in this highly hostile environment.

He stressed the importance of all actors and parties adhering to their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, and that they must protect civilians by refraining from indiscriminate attacks and taking all possible precautions to avoid, and in any case minimize, incidental civilian casualties.

On the humanitarian front, Imran Riza, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, described the recent escalation in Lebanon as catastrophic, with the wave of violence spreading to previously unaffected areas and causing widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure across the country. He stated, “In less than a week, we have lost at least 700 lives, thousands have been injured, and nearly 120,000 people have been displaced, with these numbers continuing to rise. Since October 2023, more than 1,500 civilians have been killed in Lebanon and 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.”

He noted that Joyce Msuya, the Acting UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, has allocated USD 10 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund for humanitarian response in Lebanon, in addition to USD 10 million previously disbursed earlier this week from the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund. The international official pledged that the UN would continue to closely monitor the humanitarian situation and assess how best to support the Lebanese government, which is leading the humanitarian response.

Also Read: “I Am Sure India Is Also Calling For Ceasefire”: Palestinian Envoy Adnan Alhaija

UN Warns Of Catastrophe As Israel-Hezbollah Violence Escalates

September 22, 2024, 10:13 pm

The United Nations has issued a grave warning of an impending catastrophe in the Middle East as violence between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN special coordinator for Lebanon, stressed that a military solution will not bring safety to either side, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic intervention.

Hezbollah Launches 150 Missiles

Tensions escalated overnight when Hezbollah launched 150 missiles into Israel. While the Israeli military intercepted most of the missiles, some struck residential buildings in Haifa, causing fires and injuries. This marks the farthest reach of Hezbollah’s attacks since the conflict began in October 2023.

Israel Retaliates with Air Strikes

In response, Israel launched air strikes targeting southern Lebanon, reportedly destroying thousands of Hezbollah rocket launchers. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq also claimed responsibility for additional drone and missile attacks on Israel during the night.

Germany Calls for De-escalation

Amid the growing violence, Germany has called for urgent measures to de-escalate the conflict, warning that Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza could spill over into Lebanon. The German foreign ministry stressed the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent further civilian casualties.

Diplomatic Urgency

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has engaged in talks with Israeli and Lebanese counterparts to seek solutions. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s office also warned that a broader regional conflict could have devastating consequences, calling the potential destruction “catastrophic” for the entire region.

As violence continues to escalate, global leaders are urgently seeking a way to prevent further destruction and loss of life in the Middle East.

PM Modi Arrives in New York for United Nations’ ‘Summit of the Future’

September 22, 2024, 9:32 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Sunday to attend the United Nations’ “Summit of the Future” (SOTF). The visit marks the second leg of his three-day trip to the United States. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the Prime Minister’s arrival and noted that Modi will participate in key bilateral meetings during his time in New York.

In a post on X, Jaiswal wrote, “PM Narendra Modi arrives in New York, the second leg of his 3-day visit to the USA. PM will address the UN Summit of the Future, interact with the community, and attend other programs.”

Members of the Indian diaspora, eagerly awaiting Modi’s arrival at the Lotte Palace Hotel, were seen holding Indian flags and chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” in anticipation. “We are here to welcome our PM Narendra Modi. We are very excited to meet & greet him personally,” said one member of the Indian community in New York.

Another attendee, who traveled from India, shared, “I brought a handmade portrait created by a Type 1 diabetes child to thank PM Modi for providing insulin.”

This visit follows PM Modi’s participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden. The summit, attended by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, was the sixth edition of the Quad and a ‘farewell’ event for both Biden and Kishida as they prepare to leave office.

Taliban Commits To Global Engagement Amidst Global Backlash On New Morality Law

September 1, 2024, 5:53 pm

Taliban Stands Firm on New Law Despite International Criticism

The Taliban government has reiterated its commitment to engaging with the international community despite growing concerns over a recently enacted morality law that has sparked tensions over women’s rights in Afghanistan. The law mandates that women fully cover themselves and refrain from raising their voices in public, which has drawn warnings from the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) about the potential damage to Afghanistan’s international relations.

UN and EU Voice Concerns Over Women’s Rights

Both the UN and the EU have expressed serious concerns that the new law could hinder Afghanistan’s chances of building productive relationships with foreign nations and international organizations. In response, Taliban Deputy Government Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat emphasized the authorities’ dedication to maintaining positive interactions with other countries and organizations in line with Islamic law. “Interaction is the only way to solve problems and expand relations,” Fitrat stated in a voice message to journalists on Saturday, urging for constructive engagement with the Taliban government.

Ongoing Diplomatic Relations Despite New Law

Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, no country has officially recognized their government, although the regime has made some diplomatic strides, including participating in UN-hosted talks on Afghanistan in Qatar. The UN has assured continued engagement with the Taliban, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, affirming that the UN will keep working with all Afghan stakeholders while upholding human rights and equality. Dujarric also encouraged the Taliban to facilitate more diplomatic engagement.

Taliban’s Morality Ministry Cuts Ties with UNAMA

Tensions escalated on Friday when the Taliban’s morality ministry announced it would no longer cooperate with the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) following its criticism of the “Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.” The law, which strictly regulates the behavior and dress of both men and women, has alarmed many Afghans, human rights groups, and international bodies. The law prohibits women from leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary and from raising their voices in public, while also granting morality police the authority to warn and detain those who fail to comply.

Global Backlash and Taliban’s Stance

UNAMA’s head, Roza Otunbayeva, described the law as offering “a distressing vision for Afghanistan’s future,” warning that it could jeopardize international cooperation with the country, a sentiment echoed by the EU. Despite this backlash, the Taliban government has consistently dismissed international criticism, with Chief Government Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid asserting that the law is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and should be respected. Mujahid condemned the rejection of the law as a display of “arrogance.”

East Turkistan Government in Exile Criticizes UN for Downplaying Genocide

August 30, 2024, 7:19 pm

The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) has expressed serious concerns about what it describes as a “major deviation” in the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stance regarding the ongoing situation in East Turkistan. In a statement released on Thursday, the ETGE criticized the OHCHR for allegedly downplaying the severity of China’s actions in the region by referring to them as “problematic policies.”

Mamtimin Ala, President of the ETGE, condemned the UN’s handling of the issue, stating, “The UN’s failure to hold China accountable for its genocidal actions represents a betrayal of the very principles of justice and human rights that the international community is meant to uphold. By minimizing genocide to mere ‘problematic policies,’ the UN risks legitimizing China’s crimes.”

The ETGE’s statement emphasized that China’s government has falsely portrayed its genocidal policies in East Turkistan as necessary measures against extremism, terrorism, and separatism. The ETGE argues that these claims are merely a pretext for China’s ongoing campaign of colonization, genocide, and occupation in East Turkistan.

According to the ETGE, the international community, including the US government and several Western parliaments, has recognized China’s actions as genocide and crimes against humanity. The ETGE insists that this global acknowledgment should spur urgent international action.

The ETGE criticized the OHCHR for its perceived failure to fully acknowledge and respond to the gravity of China’s actions. It warned that by categorizing these crimes as “problematic policies,” the UN is falling short of its mandate and potentially legitimizing China’s genocide and crimes against humanity in occupied East Turkistan.

Salih Hudayar, the ETGE’s Foreign Minister, called for immediate and decisive action from UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk and the international community. “The Uyghur Genocide must be prioritized on the UN Security Council and General Assembly agendas,” Hudayar stated. “We also urge global support for East Turkistan’s legal efforts to seek justice through the International Criminal Court.”

The ETGE stressed that restoring East Turkistan’s independence is not merely a regional issue but a global imperative. “It is essential to protect the freedoms and existence of the Uyghur and other Turkic peoples,” the statement concluded. “The world must act decisively now, as history will judge those who stand by in the face of genocide.”

UN Expresses Deep Concern Over New Morality Law in Afghanistan

August 25, 2024, 8:57 pm

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has voiced significant concern over Afghanistan’s new morality law, enacted by the country’s de facto authorities. The law, which introduces sweeping restrictions on personal conduct, has been described by UNAMA as a “distressing vision for Afghanistan’s future.”

The Taliban authorities ratified the Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice this week. This legislation, consisting of 35 articles, imposes severe and arbitrary restrictions on the Afghan populace, with broad and stringent enforcement mechanisms.

In a statement released on Sunday, UNAMA highlighted its worries about the law. “UNAMA is alarmed by the introduction of this morality law, which enforces extensive restrictions on personal behavior and grants morality police sweeping powers,” said Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNAMA. She noted that the law allows moral inspectors discretionary power to threaten and detain individuals based on broad and sometimes vague criteria.

Otunbayeva criticized the law for its harsh impact on Afghan women and girls. “The law extends the already severe restrictions on the rights of Afghan women and girls, including prohibitions that make even the sound of a female voice outside the home a potential violation,” she said. “After decades of conflict and amid a severe humanitarian crisis, the Afghan people deserve better than to face threats or imprisonment for minor infractions.”

The Ministry for the “Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice,” established by the Taliban in 2021, released the legislation on Wednesday. Ministry spokesman Maulvi Abdul Ghafar Farooq stated, “Inshallah, this Islamic law will significantly aid in the promotion of virtue and the elimination of vice.” The law received endorsement from Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada the day before.

Article 13 of the new law imposes stringent guidelines on women’s public conduct. Women are now required to cover their entire bodies, including their faces, in public, rendering the commonly worn hijab insufficient. Women are also prohibited from singing, reciting, or reading aloud in public, as these activities are considered “intimate.” The scope of this prohibition on speaking remains unclear.

The law also bans women from looking at men who are not relatives, and vice versa. Violations of these rules could result in warnings, property confiscation, or detention for up to three days. The ministry has already been enforcing similar standards and reports having detained thousands for breaches.

China Excluded From Voice of Global South Summit, Leaders Address Climate Change, UN Reforms

August 18, 2024, 4:11 pm

China was not invited to the Voice of Global South Summit, which saw participation from 123 countries. Several leaders expressed concerns about climate change, the challenges posed by new technologies, and the necessity for reforms in the United Nations.

During a press conference following the third Voice of Global South Summit, hosted by India and held virtually, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to queries, noting that some countries highlighted the trend towards multipolarity and emphasised that this shift should be mirrored in the operations of the Global South.

“The first question, was China there? Answer is no. Underlying question, were they invited? Answer is no,” he said.

In response to a question, he explained that the Summit was primarily an effort to identify common positions, with the goal of fostering a sense of unity around a shared Compact.

“So I would say, I mean, clearly, in many ways, ideationally, there would be a carryover,” he said.

“On the Monkey-pox issue, no. There was no specific reference to anybody. I mean, there were references to health challenges which were not getting the priority kind of thing, but not specific in that sense. We weren’t looking so much at financial, I mean, this was not a visit where you do say, okay, I have a list of deliverables to put before the world. This was more like a gathering of people around a set of themes who are exchanging ideas, taking, you know, mulling that between them, taking it forward, exactly as we did last year. Now, eventually, as you saw last year, all of that in some form or the other impacted the G20,” he added.

He mentioned that many participants contributed ideas, shared them with one another, and partially responded to remarks made by others.

“And the idea was, when we do our gathering, we will take that from here and feed it into that. I think that would be a fair play,” he added.

The Global South Summit initiative was launched as an extension of Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, aur Sabka Prayas,’ and is rooted in India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

The initiative aims to bring together countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a unified platform, addressing a wide range of issues.

India hosted the first Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) on January 12-13, 2023, and the second Summit on November 17, both held in a virtual format.

UN Bolster Security For Humanitarian Aid Operations In Gaza

July 16, 2024, 6:50 pm

United Nations announced on Monday that it will enhance its security measures for humanitarian aid operations in the Gaza Strip by bringing in more armored vehicles and personal protection equipment, following approval from Israeli authorities.

Scott Anderson, deputy humanitarian coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stated that the approval was in response to a UN letter sent to Israel last month addressing safety and security concerns in Gaza. The escalation comes as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas enters its tenth month, causing significant law and order challenges.

Historically, the UN has faced numerous obstacles in delivering aid to Gaza, primarily due to Israel’s stringent inspection and approval processes for all aid trucks. The situation has been exacerbated by “total lawlessness” within the enclave of 2.3 million people, with a global hunger monitor recently highlighting a high risk of famine.

Anderson confirmed that the UN would begin deploying more armored vehicles and protective equipment into Gaza starting Tuesday. Additionally, some communications equipment, such as hand-held radios, has been approved, although discussions on stable internet access are ongoing. The UN seeks communication methods that do not rely on cell phone towers, deemed unreliable. However, Israeli authorities have expressed security concerns about potential Hamas access to satellite internet services.

Anderson emphasized the critical need to deliver aid in the appropriate quantity and quality but cited several hindrances, including movement restrictions, aid worker safety, unpredictable working hours, communication challenges, and fuel shortages. He noted the breakdown of law and order, with “crime families” impeding the free movement of aid within Gaza.

“The truck drivers that we use have been regularly threatened or assaulted,” Anderson said. “They’ve become less and less willing, understandably, to move assistance from the border crossings to our warehouses and then onto people that are in need.”

Currently, the UN manages to get between 25 and 70 aid trucks into northern Gaza daily, but commercial access remains restricted. In southern Gaza, despite efforts, the UN has struggled to exceed 100 trucks on a good day due to law and order issues, whereas commercial deliveries fare slightly better by paying protection money to local families and employing armed guards.

Aid officials estimate that about 600 trucks of humanitarian and commercial supplies are needed daily to meet the population’s needs in Gaza.

Anderson revealed that the UN is in discussions with various stakeholders to establish a police force to address the security issues hindering aid deliveries. In the meantime, efforts are underway to negotiate with the families obstructing aid distribution.

“It’s a few families that are trying to take advantage of this opportunity, and that’s why I’m confident if we get police back at work, they can address the issue,” Anderson concluded.