By Daniel Johnson of UN News GENEVA (IDN) – The impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the elderly, the world’s poorest, and the asylum seekers as well as the ways and means of addressing the after-effects are some major priorities of the United Nations. Abandoning elderly at risk from coronavirus is ‘criminal’, the UN […]
There’s Nothing So Political as a Pandemic – Part 2
Viewpoint by Adam Ramsay* This is the second of a two-part article originally published on openDemocracy. Click here for the first part. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of IDN-InDepth News. LONDON (IDN) – Given that people feel deeply alienated from our political institutions, […]
There’s Nothing So Political as a Pandemic – Part 1
Viewpoint by Adam Ramsay* This is the first of a two-part article originally published on openDemocracy. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of IDN-InDepth News. LONDON (IDN) – The technocrats are on the rampage. When [British Labour Party leader] Jeremy Corbyn produced a list […]
Behind North Korea’s New Missile Launches in the Midst of Coronavirus Pandemic
By Santo D. Banerjee NEW YORK (IDN) – While the international community has been engrossed in combating the global COVID-19 pandemic, it has been constrained to respond to North Korea’s first missile launches this year. The United Nations Security Council convened behind closed doors on March 5 but failed to agree on a resolution. However, […]
Water Security: A Lifeline for People and Planet
Viewpoint by Inge Kaul* BERLIN (IDN) – In the face of upsurge of the coronavirus, World Water Day 2020 may seem to have no relevance. But the fact is that water is vital for life on earth. It is inextricably linked to climate change, protecting health and saving lives. Water is essential for practicing hand […]
Women Peace and Security in the Time of Corona
Viewpoint by Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE* With over 70% of the global healthcare workforce made up of women and many more shouldering caregiving roles, women are at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, but the consequences and new realities of our world have gendered implications that need to be understood. Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE […]
The British and American Press Don’t Tell All on Human Rights Violations
That’s Why We Need Wickileaks and Julian Assange Should Be Exonerated. Viewpoint by Jonathan Power LUND, Sweden (IDN) – Julian Assange of Wickileaks languishes in a British jail during a too-long wait for a court to decide if he can be extradited to the US where the government has made clear that it wants to […]
Ugandan Singer Bobi Wine Sings of Handwashing and More in New Pop Song
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Ugandan pop star and opposition leader Bobi Wine, who describes himself “a singer, an activist and a member of parliament” is known for his “must plays” – and his latest tune “Corona Virus Alert!,” is definitely one of them. The lyrics remind listeners to wash […]
African Ministers Expect ‘Break the Glass Moment’ Without Major Debt Relief
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Multilateral lenders and investors are being asked to pony up a modest stimulus package that would halt the spread of the coronavirus in Africa and keep economies from crashing under the weight of debt-servicing costs. African finance ministers, at a virtual conference on March 23, […]
Challenge for the NAM: Move the NPT Review Conference to 2021 in Vienna
Viewpoint by Tariq Rauf* VIENNA (IDN) – It is sometimes said that it is easy to try to herd cats than to get the States parties to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to agree on anything practical! This certainly seems to be the case now, as after dithering for several weeks the earth shaking announcement […]