World news summary: Sudan food crisis update, justice in Thailand, UN can solve global problems
World Food Program (WFP) has stepped up the humanitarian response in conflict-torn areas of Sudan, especially in Darfur, where there is a risk of widespread famine.
Since reopening the Adre border in August, the agency has successfully provided food assistance to 360,000 people in Darfur.
“Distribution has been completed for more than 200,000 people in Kerenik and Sirba – areas at risk of famine in West Darfur”.
He added that “WFP is stepping up efforts to reach 180,000 people in Zamzam, near El Fryer, the capital of North Darfur, with monthly food packages.”
The situation is critical
The humanitarian situation remains dire, with nearly 70,000 people in Zamzam having received assistance to date.
Although WFP has managed to assist more than 6 million people this year – including more than half a million vulnerable people in the Khartoum region – many challenges remain.
Mr Haq explained: “Early signs show that food security is not improving much as historic floods across Sudan have destroyed crops and ongoing conflict has made it difficult for farmers to grow crops. planting and harvesting”.
Thailand: Experts warn that the statute of limitations threatens justice for victims of the Tak Bai case
A group of independent human rights experts from the United Nations has has sounded the alarm about the expiration of the statute of limitations on the 2004 Tak Bai murder case in Thailand, in just a few hours.
The legislation could end efforts to hold Thai security officials accountable for their role in the deaths of 85 people during a violent crackdown on a protest in Narathiwat province 20 years ago. .
Experts said initially 7 people were killed when security forces opened fire, 78 others died during transport to the military camp in inhumane conditions and 7 people were forced to go missing during the incident.
The victims were mainly from the Malay Muslim minority.
The experts, who are not employees of the United Nations and are independent of any government or organisation, said: “We welcome the finality of the two criminal cases. this incident with arrest warrants issued for current and former officials involved.”
However, they warned that the statute’s impending expiration on Friday would force them to shorten the timeline.
The case must continue
They emphasized that international law prohibits a statute of limitations for crimes such as torture and enforced disappearances. In cases of enforced disappearance, the statute can only be applied when the victim’s fate and whereabouts are clearly established. One expert asserted: “Failure to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice is itself a violation of Thailand’s human rights obligations.”
The victims’ families have been waiting for justice for nearly two decades. Experts called on the Thai government to take immediate action to prevent further delays in accountability and protect the rights of victims’ families to access the truth, justice and compensation.
‘Hope needs the United Nations’: Guterres
marks Thursday United Nations Day witnessed the Secretary General conveys a strong message about the organization’s enduring mission since its founding amid the ashes of World War II.
In a world facing multiple crises, he emphasized that the United Nations remains the world’s central forum for solutions to global problems.
“Solutions help reduce tensions, build bridges and strengthen peace. Solutions to eradicate poverty, promote sustainable development and support the most vulnerable.”
The message comes at a critical time following September’s landmark agreements by the General Assembly.
In September, the National Assembly passed the resolution Pact for the futureThe Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.
The Secretary-General offered a powerful reflection on hope in our troubled world.
“Hope is not enough. Hope requires decisive action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity and a prosperous planet,” he said.
“Hope requires all nations to work as one. Hope needs the United Nations. On United Nations Day, I call on all nations to keep this beacon for the world and its ideals shining.”
