UNITED NATIONS, Dec 11 (IPS) - Bangladesh has been in the midst of a deepening political crisis and a significant social divide since August 5 when the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country following a mass uprising led by students. Diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have since soured and given way to a considerable amount of disinformation, especially surrounding the persecution of the Hindu population.

GEBZE, Türkiye, Dec 11 (IPS) - Africa, the world’s youngest continent is brimming with creativity, talent and innovation. With more than 60% of its population under the age of 25, Africa’s youth are fueling entrepreneurship and job creation across the region.

MAFAURE, Zimbabwe, Dec 11 (IPS) - When Susan Chinyengetere started to focus on farming in her home village in south-eastern Zimbabwe, she wondered if she could earn a living and raise her children.

Secretary-General António Guterres said the UN is “totally committed” to supporting a smooth transition of power in Syria through an inclusive political process that guarantees full respect of minority rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has paved the way forward when it was adopted in 1948, inspiring more than 80 international treaties as well as UN photographers, who captured everyday struggles and triumphs over the decades in their latest photo essay on the heels of Human Rights Day.

Peace is possible in Yemen, and continued support from the international community is essential to achieve it, the UN Special Envoy for the country told the Security Council on Wednesday.

As the crisis in the Middle East rages on, we are taking you into UN Headquarters in New York and through the region, including live coverage as the General Assembly is set to vote on a ceasefire in Gaza, the Security Council meets on the situation in Yemen and colleagues share the latest reports on Lebanon, Syria and more.

The number of victims of human trafficking detected globally is rising again after falling off during the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said in its latest report on the issue, covering 156 countries.

NEW DELHI, India, Dec 10 (IPS) - Even as India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reached Bangladesh amid strain in ties over attacks on Hindu minorities, he carried with him a bag of complaints: it sure was not a good will mission. It was one where India has focused on its discomfort, rather anger, over the persecution of Hindus under the new regime in Bangladesh.

NEW YORK, Dec 10 (IPS) - Today is International Human Rights Day, Normally, it should be an occasion to celebrate the work of those who strive to create peaceful, just, equal and sustainable societies. But conditions for human rights defenders and their organisations to operate freely are extremely challenging around the world.