By Kalinga Seneviratne SYDNEY (IDN) – “The United States (US) has always taken pride in calling itself the ‘Land of the Free’ and appointed itself to be the global cop to punish others who violate human rights. … It has poked its nose in the affairs of almost all countries, all the time presenting itself […]
Nine Countries’ UN Missions Concerned About Impact of COVID-19 on Migrants
A Joint Statement of Solidarity Initiated By Radwan Jakeem NEW YORK (IDN) – Nine Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York have expressed concern about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants, and initiated a joint statement requesting endorsement by representatives of all other countries accredited to the UN Headquarters. Once finalized, […]
Eritrean Refugees Sue EU for Abetting Forced Labour Back Home
By Dion De Vries* BRUSSELS (IDN) – A Dutch Foundation of Eritrean refugees, Foundation Human Rights for Eritreans, has filed a lawsuit in the Amsterdam court against the European Union (EU) for its role in financing a road building project in Eritrea that uses forced labour. The Netherlands is host to many Eritrean migrants and […]
Ponder Who We Are and the World We Live In
Viewpoint by Roberto Savio* ROME (IDN) – If you could fit the entire population of the world into a village consisting of 100 people, maintaining the proportions of all the people living on Earth, that village would consist of
High Levels of Inequality Can Escalate Political Instability
By Santo D. Banerjee NEW YORK (IDN) – As the United Nations prepares to mark its 75th anniversary in September, the Organisation has yet to fulfil the obligation enshrined in the mandate of the Charter: “to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom“ by employing “international machinery for the promotion of […]
Community-Based Engagement Critical to Achieving SDGs
By Santo D. Banerjee NEW YORK (IDN) – The eight-day High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development was eclipsed by reports indicating that current efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being undermined by climate change and escalating inequalities. Yet, the situation is not irredeemable, concluded the Forum and called for an increased critical […]
Aid for Trade Must Adapt to Needs of the Poor and Environment
By Jamshed Baruah with WTO News GENEVA (IDN) – Aid for Trade initiatives must keep up with the evolving needs of developing countries and environmental protection to remain relevant and inclusive. Least developed countries (LDCs) will need continued support even as they graduate to a higher economic status, and climate change pressures will require targeted […]
Experts Slate ‘Fortress Europe’ and Push-Back Policies
By Ronald Joshua GENEVA (IDN) – Experts with first-hand experience in the migrant and refugee crisis have underlined problems during their work on the ground, in coordinating rescue operations and aid distribution, or documenting and raising awareness of the situation caused by the current massive displacement of people worldwide turning into a politicized crisis of […]
World Summit Pledges To Protect Human Rights Defenders
By Jamshed Baruah PARIS (IDN) – A diverse group of 150 human rights defenders from around the world, who gathered for a three-day summit in Paris, have agreed on a landmark action plan which will be presented to the United Nations in December. The plan focuses on how to protect and promote the work of […]
Experts Debate Digital Media’s Role in Tackling Global Inequalities
By Kalinga Seneviratne BONN (IDN) – ‘Global Inequalities’ was the theme of this year’s Global Media Forum (GMF) hosted by the German public international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, and much discussion focused on whether the digital media tools are a panacea or a hindrance to achieving a more equitable world. In an opening address, Germany’s Minister […]