Viewpoint by Kalinga Seneviratne SYDNEY, 3 May 2023 (IDN) — At a time when the West has weaponised human rights, the United Nations body that promotes freedom of expression need to rethink what it means. Every year UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation) mark World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) on May 3 with […]
Zimbabwe Government is Muzzling Politically Conscious Artists
By Farai Shawn Matiashe HARARE, 3 May 2023 (IDN) — As a crucial election approaches, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime is in overdrive cracking down on politically conscious musicians who encourage people to register to vote and sing against corruption. The southern African nation is set to hold its general elections in August this year.
Sri Lanka — The Status Quo Resumes?
By Charles Seevali Abeysekera BROMLEY, UK, 3 May 2023 (IDN) — Fast forward the clock nine months and the country appears to have got through the worst with funds being provided by friendly donor countries and more recently by the IMF. A semblance of normality has returned or so it appears on the surface.
Bush’s “Mission Accomplished,” 20 Years Later
By Norman Solomon* SAN FRANCISCO, USA, 2 May 2023 (IDN) — Twenty years ago, President George W. Bush landed in a twin-engine Navy jet on an aircraft carrier, strode across the deck in a bulky flight suit and proceeded to give a televised victory speech under a huge red-white-and-blue banner announcing “Mission Accomplished.”
Are We Going to See a Demographic Peace?
By Jonathan Power* LUND, Sweden, 2 May 2023 (IDN) — Traditionally, old men have sent young men to fight the wars they have started. Today, if we look at the world-wide picture, it may be somewhat different. Old men may be shying away from war while young men are still beholden to it. The number […]
The War in Sudan Is Coming After Your Coca Cola
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK, 2 May 2023 (IDN) — Despite wall-to-wall coverage on our news shows and radio broadcasts, wars being fought today around the world seem so distant, so remote. Soundlessly, they rage on, and peace seems far from near. Could anything bring the war to our door? The answer, […]
Widening Inequalities in Economic & Social Lives Continue Worldwide
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS, 1 May 2023 (IDN) — Speaking during the launch of the Special Edition of the SDG Progress Report, UN Secretary-General António Guterres struck a note of pessimism when he warned that most of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will miss their targets by the 2030 deadline. “Halfway to […]
A Zambian Who Fought Mining Giant Wins Goldman Justice Prize
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK, 1 May 2023 (IDN) — The San Francisco-based Goldman Environmental Foundation today announced six recipients of its 2023 Environmental Prize, the world’s foremost award for grassroots environmental activists. The Africa prize was awarded to Chilekwa Mumba of Zambia who confronted a major UK-based mining company linked to […]
Japan Renews Climate Action Support to Developing Countries
By UNDP NEW YORK, 1 May 2023 (IDN) — Japan and UNDP have joined forces for another set of funding to support climate action, drive green transformation, and ensure climate-resilient sustainable development. The second phase of the Japan Supplementary Budget funds seeks to respond to the growing demand of developing countries supported by UNDP to […]
Africans Bid Farewell to A Hero and True Friend
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK, 1 May 2023 (IDN) — Yusuf Bangura will always remember the legendary calypso singer, actor and social activist, Harry Belafonte, for “bringing happiness and hope to many people around the world.” Although many Americans know of Belafonte’s activism to end apartheid in South Africa, the whole story […]