Geneva, The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has issued a stark warning about the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, where children face imminent famine and catastrophic food insecurity due to the ongoing conflict. The committee urgently calls for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further child deaths from starvation and malnutrition.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, children in North Gaza are on the brink of famine, with reports of malnutrition and dehydration deaths already emerging. The Gazan Health Ministry has reported 27 child deaths attributable to these causes, though the actual number is likely higher and expected to rise. The committee highlighted the acute suffering of children, noting instances where the scarcity of food has become so severe that children are publicly expressing their distress and longing for basic necessities like bread.
The situation has deteriorated rapidly, with a recent nutrition screening conducted by UNICEF and its partners revealing that one in three children under two years old in the Northern Gaza Strip suffers from acute malnutrition, a significant increase from earlier in the year. Experts from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification project that famine could occur in the northern governorates between now and May 2024, affecting approximately 1.11 million people, half the population of the Gaza Strip, with catastrophic food insecurity by mid-July if the conflict escalates further.
The committee’s statement reiterates calls for a ceasefire, referencing an interim ruling by the International Court of Justice which found plausible rights claims under the Genocide Convention. It urges Israel to comply with the court’s order to prevent acts that could be construed as genocidal and to allow the provision of humanitarian assistance.
Amid reports of escalating violence and a potential invasion of Rafah that could put 600,000 children at immediate risk of famine, the committee appeals to all parties, including the UN General Assembly and Security Council, to agree to an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. It also calls for increased funding for UNRWA and the opening of land border crossings to ensure the delivery of much-needed aid to all areas of Gaza, emphasizing the need for security assurances and unimpeded passage to aid all children affected by the conflict.
Ouagadougou, During a concluding press stakeout after his brief official visit to Burkina Faso, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk addressed the multifaceted human rights challenges facing Burkina Faso. Turk emphasized the dire humanitarian situation, alarming security issues, and the essential need for inclusive participation in the nation’s transition process.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Turk’s visit to Ouagadougou was aimed at engaging with various stakeholders, including the authorities, civil society actors, and UN partners, to discuss the country’s pressing human rights issues. His discussions with President of the Transition, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, covered a wide range of topics from security to socio-economic concerns, climate change, civic space, and inequalities.
Burkina Faso is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, with 2.3 million people facing food insecurity, over two million internally displaced, and 800,000 children out of school. Despite the needs of 6.3 million people, international attention and resources have dwindled. The security situation, with large areas terrorized by armed groups, has led to 1,335 documented violations of human rights and humanitarian law in 2023 alone, affecting at least 3,800 civilians. Turk highlighted the paramount importance of civilian protection and the need for accountability for these violations.
The High Commissioner acknowledged the challenges faced by Burkina Faso’s security and defense forces and welcomed assurances of their commitment to comply with international laws. He stressed the importance of investigating and acting upon reports of violations by security forces and the Volontaires pour la défense de la Patrie (VDP) to foster a climate of law and order and to counter impunity.
Emphasizing the need for meaningful participation and inclusivity in Burkina Faso’s transition, particularly of women, young people, and marginalized communities, Turk called on the international community not to overlook the grave situation in Burkina Faso. He pledged the continued support of his office to the people of Burkina Faso through the transition, anchored in human rights principles.
Islamabad, In response to the growing concern over motorcycle theft, the Islamabad Capital Police, under the guidance of Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, has embarked on a special campaign aimed at curbing this trend. The initiative seeks to engage the community in adopting preventive measures to secure their motorcycles from theft.
According to Islamabad Capital Police, the campaign involves educating citizens on the importance of taking precautionary steps such as utilizing designated parking areas, employing robust double locks, and parking motorcycles inside homes overnight. Other advised measures include maintaining visibility of parked motorcycles, using fuel switches, parking in well-lit areas during nighttime, and adhering to the use of official number plates issued by the Excise and Taxation Department.
The campaign underscores the police force’s commitment to leveraging all available resources to enhance the safety and security of the city. By fostering a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community, the initiative aims to significantly reduce incidents of motorcycle theft.
Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or activities to their local police station, the emergency helpline “Pucar-15”, or through the “ICT-15” app, further strengthening the collective endeavor to make Islamabad a safer place for its residents.
Islamabad, In a significant diplomatic engagement, Ambassador of Russia to Pakistan, Mr. Albert Khorev, met with Mr. Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Afghanistan in Pakistan, on March 20, 2024. The meeting provided a platform for discussion on various matters of mutual interest, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between the two nations.
According to Embassy of The Russian Federation, the discussions encompassed a range of current issues, underscoring the importance of continued communication and cooperation between Russia and Afghanistan. While specific details of the discussions were not disclosed, the meeting is indicative of the efforts by both countries to address mutual concerns and bolster their bilateral relationship.
This diplomatic exchange between Russia and Afghanistan in Islamabad signifies the commitment of both parties to navigate the complexities of regional and international relations, seeking avenues for collaboration and understanding in a changing geopolitical landscape.
Karachi, In a strategic move to expedite the resolution of pending legal cases, the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) held a high-level meeting led by Director General Syed Shujaat Hussain. The session, attended by law officers and panel advocates at the Civic Center Conference Room, focused on addressing the backlog of cases in the Supreme Court, High Court, and District Court.
According to Karachi Development Authority, Law Officer Syed Iftikhar Al Hasan Rizwani provided a comprehensive briefing on the status of ongoing legal matters. In response, DG KDA Syed Shujaat Hussain called for the formation of a 4-member coordination committee tasked with preparing and submitting parawise comments for the pending cases to the relevant courts, emphasizing the need for panel advocates to leverage their skills effectively.
Hussain appointed Salim Zahid and Muhammad Zahid as focal persons, directing them to ensure robust coordination with the advocate panels. This initiative aims to overcome delays caused by previous coordination lapses, signaling a proactive approach towards legal challenges faced by the authority.
The DG stressed the importance of diligence among the law department’s panel advocates and related officers, declaring that negligence would not be tolerated. He underscored the necessity of utilizing all available resources to promptly address KDA’s pending legal issues and instructed department heads to timely provide their comments and reports to the law department, facilitating a decrease in the case backlog.
The meeting, also attended by Secretary KDA Behzad Amir Memon, Director Land Muhammad Shahid, and other officials, marks a significant effort by the KDA to streamline its legal processes and reduce the accumulation of unresolved cases, reflecting the authority’s commitment to effective governance and the swift administration of justice.