World news in brief: Bangladesh student protests, maternal death in Yemen, Mandela Day, celebrating LGBT rights at EuroGames 2024
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the reported deaths and injuries in Bangladesh amid student protests and called on the Government to fully investigate any acts of violence.
About two weeks ago, student protests erupted at universities in the capital Dhaka and other cities, demanding an end to the government’s job quota system amid rising unemployment. News reports said more than a dozen people were killed in the protests.
Violence ‘is never the solution’
The United Nations called on both sides to improve communication and negotiations to reduce tensions.
“Violence is never the answer. The Secretary-General encourages the meaningful and constructive engagement of young people in building a better world,” UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said at a daily press briefing in New York.
Mr. Dujarric told reporters that Secretary-General António Guterreshas been closely monitoring the situation and is “deeply concerned” about the dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries that have been reported, including violence against journalists covering the protests.
“It is important that we see restraint from all sides… Violence will lead nowhere,” Mr. Dujarric said.
One Yemeni woman dies every two hours during pregnancy or childbirth: UNFPA
Although the nine-year war in Yemen has eased – the destruction of the healthcare system means a woman dies every two hours during pregnancy or childbirth.
According to the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency United Nations Population FundYemen has a high rate of preventable maternal mortality, with 5.5 million women having no or limited access to reproductive health services, the report said.
UNFPA notes that six in 10 births occur without a skilled midwife, increasing the risk of complications and death.
On July 10, the Yemeni government announced a 70 percent cut in international funding to the health sector and called on regional and international organizations to provide sustained support to maintain essential health services.
The United Nations says the war has destroyed most sectors in Yemen, including health care, and created one of the worst humanitarian crises.
The need is huge, with 18.2 million people – more than half the country’s population – in need of humanitarian assistance and protection services.
Building a better world, UN Secretary-General calls for Mandela Day celebrations
As Nelson Mandela Day takes place on Thursday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres paid tribute to the former South African president and activist for the “extraordinary difference” he made in building a better world.
Mr. Guterres said The theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us that ”the fight against poverty and inequality is in our hands.’
“Our world is unequal and divided,” said the Secretary-General. “Hunger and poverty are rampant.”
Mr Guterres said all humanity was responsible for “planet-destroying greenhouse gases” and stressed that society must choose a different path.
“We can choose to end poverty. We can choose to end inequality,” said the Secretary-General.
“Each of us can contribute – through actions big and small,” he said.
Building a better world
Mr Guterres is partnering with the Nelson Mandela Foundation on the day to encourage people to take part in 67 minutes of community service, one minute for each year the activist campaigned for justice.
“Let us celebrate Madiba’s legacy and work together to build a better world for all,” he added.
UN rights chief stresses call for greater LGBTQI+ protection at EuroGames
UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Thursday used the occasion of the 2024 EuroGames in Vienna, Europe’s largest LGBTQI+ sporting event, to express concern on the rise in violence against the LGBTQI+ community.
High Commissioner in Chief OHCHR These games are important because they provide a safe environment for diversity, he said.
“They welcome and attract so many amazing athletes, challenge stereotypes and empower the LGBTIQ+ community to be their true selves and participate equally in the world of sport,” he said.
He said the world needs more spaces like this because discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community continues.
Failures and progress
Mr. Türk noted that human rights and gender equality have declined, pointing to efforts to ban information about sexual orientation and gender identity.
Additionally, he said violence against the LGBTIQ+ community had increased and less than one in five people felt they could appropriately report these attacks.
On the contrary, he mentioned notable advances including the decriminalization of consensual same-sex relationships in some parts of Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, the introduction of human rights policy into the world of sports, etc.
“But there is still a long way to go to ensure full respect for human rights in sport,” said Mr. Türk.
He called on sports federations to adopt a “zero tolerance” policy towards discriminatory practices and promote human rights, and urged UN member states to “fully and proactively” address issues affecting the LGBTIQ+ community and prevent further violations.
