Month: September 2019

UN launches new plan to ‘counter hate and violence’

Amidst a global call by Secretary-General António Guterres to “reaffirm the sanctity” of religious sites and keep worshippers safe, the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) on Thursday launched a new plan of action to “counter hate and violence around the globe”.

“Direct talks” in Afghanistan needed

The long Afghan conflict can only be resolved by “direct talks” between its own people, the chief of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) told the Security Council on Tuesday, underscoring that they must be inclusive and represent “the whole spectrum of Afghan society”.

Conditions in Syria’s Al Hol camp “appalling”: UN

As the people of north-west Syria face intensifying violence, tens of thousands of women and children continue to be kept in “inhumane conditions” in a remote camp on the other side of the country, UN-appointed independent investigators said on Wednesday.

Photo: UNHCR/Al Hol Camp

Why are Arab countries reestablishing ties with Syria?

Syria’s relations with the Arab world are expected to witness a major breakthrough. In particular, this is being witnessed at the diplomatic level with Arab states reestablishing diplomatic ties with Damascus, as well as in the economic front with trade and investments being sought in Syria.