News headlines for “Human Rights Issues”, page 504
Syria: Prolonged violence, violation and abuse ‘bound to affect generations to come’
- UN News

Millions of children trapped in protracted conflict in Syria continue to endure severe violence with little support for survivors, according to the UN Secretary-General’s third report on the situation, launched on Wednesday.
When Battling Covid-19 Becomes a National Policy Disaster
- Inter Press Service

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, May 19 (IPS) - The writer is a social and medical anthropologist.We went to the Kanatte cemetery, Sri Lanka’s largest, where most of us, residents of the capital city, would end up sooner or later. But it was deserted, and so we had time for a leisurely chat with some of the helpful staff there, albeit after admiring some of the grave sites and remaining beautiful trees.
Ceasefire needed now, to stave off disaster in Gaza says UNICEF chief, as UNRWA launches emergency appeal
- UN News

At least 60 youngsters have been killed in Gaza and another 444 have been injured in less than 10 days of conflict with Israel, the head of UN Children’s Fund has said, in a call for an immediate ceasefire and aid access to “stave off disaster”. On Wednesday, the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) launched a flash appeal for $38 million, to deal with the spiralling humanitarian crisis.
Large Corporations Cash in on COVID-19 Relief Funds
- Inter Press Service

BRATISLAVA, May 18 (IPS) - Poverty and income inequality are being deepened as COVID-19 relief funds are handed out to large corporations instead of social protection programmes in developing countries, groups involved in a new study of COVID-19 bailouts have said.
UN launches response plan to ‘safeguard the well-being and dignity’ of Rohingya in Bangladesh
- UN News
Under the leadership of the Government of Bangladesh, the Organization for Migration (IOM) and UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) launched a $943 million plan on Tuesday to “safeguard the well-being and dignity” of Rohingya refugees in the country and their host communities.
Put People Before Profits for Progress
- Inter Press Service

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 18 (IPS) - Millions of people are expected to die due to delayed and unaffordable access to COVID-19 tests, treatment, personal protective equipment and vaccines. Urgent cooperation is desperately needed to save lives and livelihoods for all.
Women Leading Somalia’s Health System
- Inter Press Service

NEW DELHI, India, May 17 (IPS) - Somalia is one of the most complex regions of the world, with threats and political instability, extreme weather conditions, movement of internally displaced people (IDPs), decades of conflict, poverty-related deprivation, poor health and communicable diseases that are killing people. There is a constant risk of gender violence making women, children and members of minority groups particularly vulnerable, and more so during displacement or while seeking work.
Three decades of civil war and instability have weakened Somalia’s health system and contributed to it having some of the lowest health indicators in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has added yet another strain on its tremendously fragile infrastructure presenting unexpected challenges and dilemmas.
South Africa has ‘obligation’ to better address domestic violence: UN women’s rights experts
- UN News

South Africa’s failure to address domestic violence is a violation of women’s rights, independent UN experts said in a report published on Monday, citing low levels of prosecution and conviction as factors.
Mining giant Rio Tinto Face Environmental, Human Rights Complaint in Papua New Guinea -
- Inter Press Service

CANBERRA, Australia, May 17 (IPS) - Local communities in the vicinity of the abandoned Panguna copper mine, have taken decisive action to hold the global mining multinational, Rio Tinto, accountable for alleged environmental and human rights violations during the mine’s operations between 1972 and 1989.
Over half of LGBTQI students in Europe bullied in school: UNESCO
- UN News

More than one in two LGBTQI students in Europe have suffered bullying based on their sexuality, the UN educational, cultural and scientific body (UNESCO) said on Monday, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia.
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