By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS | 11 October 2023 (IDN) — The UN’s 47-member Geneva-based Human Rights Council (HRC) has had a longstanding notoriety for having several so-called “repressive regimes” and “authoritarian governments” as its members—elected by the 193-member General Assembly. At the elections, held by secret ballot on 10 October, the 15 new members […]
India-Pakistan Cricket is Downstream of Politics
By Ramesh Thakur* This article was issued by the Toda Peace Institute and is being republished with their permission. CANBERRA, Australia | 11 October 2023 (IDN) — On 14 October, my attention will wander between three unconnected stories as they unfold in real time. I will be in New Zealand on that general election date. […]
Is Russia Planning to Revoke its Ratification of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty?
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS | 10 October 2023 (IDN) — The Russian Federation, which made several implicit threats to use nuclear weapons in its ongoing military conflict in Ukraine, is reportedly toying with the idea of withdrawing its ratification of the landmark Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The international wire service Reuters reported […]
Israeli Policies A ‘Carbon Copy’ of Apartheid-Era, Says A Church Leader
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | 10 October 2023 (IDN) — Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba ruffled a few feathers when he released a decision passed by the South African church ruling body that declared Israel an apartheid state. The decision reads in part: “As people of faith who are distressed by the […]
The Attacks from Gaza: Are Israelis Aware of Their Long History?
By Jonathan Power* LUND, Sweden | 10 October 2023 (IDN) — If those people of Israel who stand on the right alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu want to go back to their memories of their war against the Arab nations after they had been attacked following the handover by the British in 1948; if they […]
A German Foundation Taps Zimbabwe Writer Citing ‘Remarkable Courage’
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | 9 October 2023 (IDN) — Highly regarded Zimbabwe author Tsitsi Dangaarembga has been tapped for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom award, given to individuals with “remarkable courage and dedication” and political activism. Ms. Dangarembga received the prize this week in Johannesburg. Tinashe Mushakavanhu, a research […]
Uganda Bans Opposition Rallies, Detains Journalists
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | KAMPALA | 9 October 2023 (IDN) — President Yoweri Museveni has held office for almost 40 years. To many, that would seem like more than enough. But in poll after poll, Museveni was the candidate to beat and he eked out victories six times until a […]
Bonn Conference Sends Signal of Solidarity in Climate Action
By Ramesh Jaura BERLIN | 9 October 2023 (IDN) — Twenty-five countries have pledged 9.322 billion US dollars for climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. According to German government sources, further pledges for significant funding are expected before the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference convenes from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in […]
CARE Launches Arts for Gender Equality Fellowship
By J. Suresh TORONTO | 8 October 2023 (IDN) — CARE USA has selected eight visionary artists representing countries across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia to advance gender equality through creative expression. As the CARE USA’s Arts for Gender Equality fellows, they will seek to harness the power of art to catalyze […]
Effectiveness of Carbon Credits from Forest Conservation Exaggerated
By Sven Wunder* BARCELONA, Spain. 7 October 2023 (IDN) — Carbon credits from forest conservation have been seen as a promising tool to help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Global South. They offer a mechanism for companies and individuals to compensate for or offset their own carbon footprint. Carbon credits […]