Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, June 16, 2025
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met with HE Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to the State of Qatar Pekka Voutilainen, on the occasion of the end of his tenures in the country.
HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs thanked HE the Ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, wishing him success in his new duties.
Source: South Africa News Agency
Monday, June 16, 2025
The South African government has encouraged all citizens currently in the Islamic Republic of Iran to contact the Embassy in Tehran to ensure that they are registered with, and that their whereabouts are known to, the Embassy.
Hostilities between the State of Israel and Islamic Republic of Iran have escalated in recent days as the two countries have launched attacks against each other, leading to the loss of lives, casualties and the destruction to property.
“It is important to note that South Africa’s support in the country is limited and that it could be assumed that no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency and the South African Government may not be able to help you if you get into difficulty, depending on your location.
“Therefore, citizens are further encouraged to assess their own safety and security and act accordingly,” the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement on Sunday.
The following contacts may be used:
• In Tehran, one can phone +98-912-230-8968 or +98-930-495-8965.
• The department’s helpline in Pretoria, South Africa is +27 12 351 1000.
• DIRCO may be consulted for further contact information at www.dirco.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: South Africa News Agency
Monday, June 16, 2025
The South African government has expressed deep concern regarding the escalation of hostilities between the State of Israel and Islamic Republic of Iran.
In recent days the two countries have launched attacks against each other, which has led to the loss of lives, casualties and the destruction to property.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the peoples of both nations suffering from the tragic loss of life,” the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said on Sunday.
“South Africa emphasises that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be considered legitimate targets. We reiterate our urgent call for de-escalation, restraint, and full compliance with international law by all parties to prevent further human suffering,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: South Africa News Agency
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government will continue leading from the front in creating a conducive environment for economic growth, education, safety and opportunity.
Addressing the Youth Day commemoration in the North West, Deputy President Mashatile urged the private sector to help create opportunities by investing, hiring, and supporting youth innovation.
“I want to emphasise that the youth deserve nothing less than a future where their skills, creativity, and determination can flourish in a changing world. To the youth, do not give up in pursuing a better future for yourselves and the country. Your voice, your ideas, and your energy are the fuel that can rebuild this country.
“We therefore invite you to be part of the upcoming National Dialogue to shape the future trajectory of our country. To parents, teachers, and communities, let us support and guide our children,” the Deputy President said on Monday.
READ I National Convention to set agenda for the National Dialogue
This year’s National Youth Day event took place under the theme: “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation”.
This is a call to all government entities and its strategic partners to accelerate and enhance meaningful interventions in bridging the gap between skills development programmes and services available for access by youth to realise economic gain.
“As government, we offer various programmes to support young entrepreneurs, including financial assistance, business development services, and skills training.
“We need to encourage young people to look into starting their own businesses instead of waiting for employment. In this day and age, entrepreneurship is one of the keys to building a better future,” Deputy President Mashatile said.
He informed young people that the National Youth Development Agency’s Grant Programme and Youth Challenge Fund are key initiatives, along with the launch of a R20 billion annual Transformation Fund for the next five years, aimed at boosting Black-owned businesses and historically disadvantaged groups.
“These funds will act as a catalyst to attract other funds to enhance support of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Additionally, government is promoting youth participation in the digital economy through initiatives like the Digital Economy Masterplan and the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy.
“These initiatives inspire hope in our quest to create employment and entrepreneurship for young people,” he said.
The Deputy President acknowledged that government could do more to create an enabling environment for young people.
“We must speed up the execution of existing legislation and regulations to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of the youth.
“As part of assisting young entrepreneurs with quick turnaround on invoice payments, we have proposed a War Room on Clean Governance. Part of the main priorities of the Clean Governance War Room will be the prioritisation of the 10 – 15-day payment cycles and Transformative Procurement of small businesses,” Deputy President Mashatile said.
30 years of democracy
While challenges remain, the Deputy President reflected on some of the major victories that the democratic dispensation has registered in advancing youth empowerment since 1994.
“Firstly, at the basic education level, we have transformed the matric pass rate from 58% in 1994 to a historic 87.3% in 2024. This is the result of three decades of making education an apex priority of government.
“Our basic education system has gradually transformed whilst redressing the generational legacies of Verwoerd’s Bantu Education System. While we are not yet where we wish to be, we are also far from the inequality and disregard inherited in 1994,” he said.
In higher education, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFA) is a catalyst for widening access to higher education for the marginalised.
The scheme has grown from a modest budget of R33 million in 1991, serving only 7 240 students, to over R52 billion today, funding more than 1.1 million students at universities and TVET colleges.
“As a result of this sustained investment, the demographic composition of our higher education system has been fundamentally transformed. In 1994, there were 266 190 Black students, representing 50.4% of the total student population. By 2020, that number had grown to 862 313 Black students, constituting 80% of enrolments.
“In 2017, our government restructured NSFAS, converting it from a predominantly loan-based scheme into a grant system to ensure that higher education does not become a debt sentence for our young people,” Mashatile said.
This support includes the NYDA’s Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship, which continues to advance the educational aspirations of youth from rural and township communities.
Government has also met and surpassed gender parity in higher education participation rates, with over 60% of graduates from colleges and universities now being young women.
“As the demand for education continues to grow, it is only natural that challenges around accommodation and the administration of NSFAS have emerged.
“However, we are encouraged by the efforts of the Department of Higher Education and Training, which are currently underway to ensure that no deserving student is left behind,” the Deputy President said.
Over the past five years, several mass youth employment programmes have been implemented across the length and breadth of the country to respond to the challenge of youth unemployment.
The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) was launched in 2020 to cultivate sustainable earning opportunities for young people from all walks of life.
“The latest quarterly report confirms that over 4.7 million young people are now registered on the National Pathway Management Network, with more than 1.6 million earning opportunities secured through a variety of initiatives and partnerships.
“At the beginning of this month, 205 000 young people were placed in jobs through Phase 5 of the Basic Education Employment Initiative as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus,” he said.
Government has also implemented the Social Employment Fund, managed by the Industrial Development Corporation, which has been designed to address unemployment and promote social value through “whole of society” approaches. –SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday released the schedule for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.
India will face Sri Lanka in the tournament opener in Bengaluru, while defending champions Australia begin their campaign against New Zealand in Indore on October 1.
The eight-team event will be played in a single round-robin format across five cities: Bengaluru, Vizag, Indore, Guwahati, and Colombo, with the top four teams progressing to the semi-finals. One semi-final will take place in Bengaluru, while the other will be held in either Colombo or Guwahati.
The final is scheduled for November 2 in either Bengaluru or Colombo.
Teams will also play two warm-up matches each. Hosts India will face England, the runners-up from the 2022 edition, in Bengaluru on 24 September, followed by a clash against South Africa in Guwahati on 27 September.
Australia, who won a record seventh title in 2022, topped the ICC Women’s Championship standings and qualified automatically, along with England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and hosts India. Pakistan and Bangladesh secured the final two spots via the qualifying tournament held in April.
The 2025 edition will be the 13th Women’s Cricket World Cup since its inception in 1973.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday released the schedule for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.
India will face Sri Lanka in the tournament opener in Bengaluru, while defending champions Australia begin their campaign against New Zealand in Indore on October 1.
The eight-team event will be played in a single round-robin format across five cities: Bengaluru, Vizag, Indore, Guwahati, and Colombo, with the top four teams progressing to the semi-finals. One semi-final will take place in Bengaluru, while the other will be held in either Colombo or Guwahati.
The final is scheduled for November 2 in either Bengaluru or Colombo.
Teams will also play two warm-up matches each. Hosts India will face England, the runners-up from the 2022 edition, in Bengaluru on 24 September, followed by a clash against South Africa in Guwahati on 27 September.
Australia, who won a record seventh title in 2022, topped the ICC Women’s Championship standings and qualified automatically, along with England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and hosts India. Pakistan and Bangladesh secured the final two spots via the qualifying tournament held in April.
The 2025 edition will be the 13th Women’s Cricket World Cup since its inception in 1973.
Source: Amnesty International –
States must urgently deliver ambitious climate action by mapping out a just transition away from fossil fuels in all sectors to prevent even worse human rights harms around the world, Amnesty International said in a new briefing to mark the start of the Bonn Climate Conference which takes place between 16-26 June.
Despite the challenges posed by the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, increases in authoritarian practices globally and the growing environmental devastation of the escalating armed conflicts in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan and Ukraine, among others, it is not too late for states to find common ground and ramp up climate ambition for the planet and the rights of current and future generations.
In 2024, for the first time, the world breached the threshold of 1.5°C of global heating above pre-industrial levels. During the hottest year on record, wildfires ripped through Latin America, the Caribbean was hit by the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record, and parts of Central Europe were deluged with three months’ worth of rain in five days as the climate emergency worsened, driven by human activity and the continued burning of fossil fuels.
“The devastating new human rights harms resulting from climate change will escalate dramatically unless global heating is kept in check. More people will be driven deeper into poverty, lose their homes or suffer the effects of drought and food insecurity. Despite the deepening climate crisis, governments’ action to limit fossil fuel production and use has been wholly inadequate,” said Ann Harrison, Amnesty International’s Climate Justice Advisor.
“Governments are in thrall to fossil fuel companies which have sought to downplay climate harms and discredit climate science. States continue to provide subsidies to these companies, effectively incentivizing the continuation of the fossil fuel industry. Everyone has the right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment – but as the climate crisis intensifies, this right, and others, are under growing threat.”
Across the globe, unnatural disasters exacerbated by climate change, such as worsening droughts and severe floods, are damaging harvests and leading to food scarcity and water shortages, contributing to displacement, migration and conflict.
Protecting and listening to grassroots voices
Marginalized frontline and fence line communities that use fossil fuels the least continue to suffer some of the worst impacts of climate change. They include subsistence farmers, Indigenous Peoples and those living in low lying island states, threatened by rising sea levels and more powerful storms, or those living beside fossil fuel production and transport facilities.
For example, Pakistan contributes less than 1% of greenhouse gas emissions annually but is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate disasters. In a report published last month, Amnesty International documented how increasingly frequent floods and heatwaves are leading to preventable deaths, particularly among young children and older adults.
Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, those demanding action from the authorities are being harassed, stigmatized, attacked and criminalized. Around the world, environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) are risking their lives and liberty for defending their lands and communities’ right to a healthy environment, such as the Warriors for the Amazon in Ecuador.
“The voices, views, knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, frontline and fence line communities and human rights defenders must be incorporated into climate policies, plans and action.
Ann Harrison, Amnesty International’s Climate Justice Advisor
The conference is an opportunity to spotlight the situation in COP29 host Azerbaijan, where environmental human rights defender Anar Mammadli and journalist Nargiz Absalamova who reported on environmental issues remain behind bars. Other journalists who reported on the human rights situation including during COP29 were arrested afterwards in apparent reprisals. Brazil, the host of COP30, is one of the most dangerous countries for EHRDs, who face killings, violence, threats and stigmatization for their work.
“The voices, views, knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, frontline and fence line communities and human rights defenders must be incorporated into climate policies, plans and action,” said Ann Harrison.
“Once again, we have heard reports of limited badges and visa problems for those from the majority world wishing to attend the conference in Bonn. Nor are the COP Host Country Agreements – a key tool that must be strengthened to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for participants – available publicly as a matter of routine.”
Climate finance must be addressed
Amnesty International is also calling for states to tackle climate finance. Currently, lower-income countries are paying more in debt repayments than they are receiving as climate finance from high-income countries.
High income historically high emitting countries are most responsible for climate change, yet continue to shirk their obligations to provide climate finance to lower income countries to cut emissions and to help communities to adapt to climate change, as well as providing reparations for loss and damage, which could ease the burden in countries suffering climate harms.
“Taxing fossil fuel companies, corporate windfall profits and high net worth individuals, as well as ending subsidies and investments in fossil fuels and ending global tax abuses, could raise over USD 3 trillion per year which could go a huge way towards the cost of tackling climate change,” said Ann Harrison.
Huge changes need to be made
The Bonn Climate Conference is a key preparatory moment for the annual UN Climate Conference, which takes place as COP30 later this year in Brazil – a country that wants to publicly lead a message of global environmental protection. Yet, internally some of its institutions are taking actions contrary to this agenda, including requiring less stringent licensing for environmentally destructive projects and expanding fossil fuel production.
“If climate change is to be taken seriously and to keep global warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we need to see concrete progress with clear timelines towards massively scaled-up needs-based climate finance, particularly for adaptation and loss and damage, in the form of grants, not loans, with those most responsible for emissions contributing the most,” said Ann Harrison.
Amnesty International is calling for states commit to a full, fast, fair and funded fossil fuel phase out through just transitions across all sectors, without relying on risky and unproven technologies or offsets that do not lead to genuine emissions reductions. It is also calling for inclusive discussions around climate change, involving the people most affected by it, and ensuring they can meaningfully access these high-level negotiations without discrimination.
Source: United Nations – Geneva
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women this morning opened its ninety-first session, hearing a statement from a representative of the Secretary-General and adopting its agenda and programme of work for the session. During the session, the Committee will review the reports of Afghanistan, Botswana, Chad, Ireland, Mexico, San Marino and Thailand, and adopt concluding observations on the reports of Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, which it reviewed during a technical cooperation session held in Fiji in April.
Andrea Ori, Chief of the Groups in Focus Section, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said he was pleased to announce the opening of the session, after the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was able to confirm it only last month due to the ongoing liquidity crisis affecting the United Nations.
Mr. Ori said this year marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 of 31 October 2000, a landmark document that recognised the disproportionate impact of conflicts on women and girls and the crucial role of women in conflict prevention, conflict management and sustainable peace efforts.
Noting with concern that some 120 conflicts were currently affecting civilians and communities worldwide, and that women and girls were primarily targeted by gender-based violence as a tactic of war, Mr. Ori commended the Committee on its work to update general recommendation 30, which provided authoritative guidance to States parties on concrete measures to ensure that women’s rights were protected before, during and after conflict.
Mr. Ori also announced with regret that the global funding crisis was affecting the Committee’s work directly. Due to the lack of funding, the Office of the High Commissioner was planning and operating under the assumption that no Committee would have a third session.
He concluded by thanking the Committee for its unwavering commitment and dedication to advancing women’s rights and wished it a successful and productive session.
Nahla Haidar, Committee Chairperson, said that the Committee was meeting in one of the most challenging times for the multilateral system, amidst devastating conflicts, a weakening of the rule of law, and scarce resources. Human rights mechanisms needed to be protected more than ever for the benefit of all stakeholders.
During the meeting, the Chair and Committee Experts discussed the activities they had undertaken since the last session. Bandana Rana, on behalf of Brenda Akia, Committee Rapporteur and Chairperson of the Pre-Sessional Working Group, and Jelena Pia-Comella, Committee Rapporteur on follow-up to concluding observations, also briefed the Committee on their work.
The Committee’s ninety-first session is being held from 16 June to 4 July. All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Meeting summary releases can be found here. The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.
The Committee will next meet at 3 p.m. this today, Monday, 16 June, with the representatives of national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations of Mexico, Thailand and Ireland, whose reports will be reviewed this week.
Opening Statement
ANDREA ORI, Chief of the Groups in Focus Section, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said he was pleased to announce the opening of the session, after the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was able to confirm it only last month due to the ongoing liquidity crisis affecting the United Nations. The Committee’s pre-sessional working group, scheduled to be held after this session, and the sessions of both Optional Protocol Working Groups directly preceding this session were cancelled due to lack of funding.
This year marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 of 31 October 2000, a landmark document that recognised the disproportionate impact of conflicts on women and girls and the crucial role of women in conflict prevention, conflict management and sustainable peace efforts, reflecting international human rights norms.
Some 120 conflicts were affecting civilians and communities worldwide, and women and girls were primarily targeted by gender-based violence, in particular sexual violence, as a tactic of war to humiliate, dominate, instil fear in, and displace communities. Situations of insecurity, organised violence and armed conflicts exacerbated pre-existing gender inequalities and placed women and girls at an increased risk of gender-based violence. Mr. Ori commended the Committee on its work to update general recommendation 30 on women in conflict prevention, conflict and post-conflict situations, which provided authoritative guidance to States parties on concrete measures to ensure that women’s rights were protected before, during and after conflict, and highlighted the importance of women’s meaningful participation in conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding.
Mr. Ori welcomed that the Committee’s Chair would participate in the first panel of the 2025 annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women at the fifty-ninth session of the Human Rights Council, to be held on 24 June 2025 under the theme “Gender-based violence against women and girls in conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian settings”. The second panel of the Council’s annual full-day discussion would focus on the theme “Commemoration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy focusing on overcoming barriers to women’s leadership in peace processes”.
Mr. Ori said the global funding crisis was affecting the Committee’s work directly. It was highly likely that, for those treaty bodies with three annual sessions, the Office of the High Commissioner would not be able to secure the funding to hold their third session. The Office was therefore planning and operating under the assumption that no Committee would have a third session. The Office had received only 73 per cent of its approved regular budget in 2025, and 87 per cent of its approved regular budget in 2024.
The United Nations Office at Geneva’s conference services had also adopted cash conservation measures, which would impact the conference support provided to the United Nations human rights treaty bodies, with an overall reduction of 10 per cent. With further reduction of the allotment, the mandated activities of treaty bodies would be even more affected in 2025 than in 2024. This would impact the treaty bodies’ ability to hold dialogues with States parties and to take decisions on individual communications, resulting in further delays and backlogs, and the Office was obliged to significantly reduce treaty body capacity building activities.
All this caused real damage to predictability, which was so important for States, civil society organizations and rights-holders to engage with treaty bodies. Given the overall reduction in funds and availability of support services, “business as usual” was no longer possible and the treaty bodies needed to plan on “doing less with less”.
The thirty-seventh annual meeting of Chairpersons of human rights treaty bodies was able to meet in Geneva from 2 to 6 June. The Chairs dedicated the meeting to the liquidity crisis, which was affecting the very existence of treaty bodies, and to discussing what could be done to increase predictability under the current financial and human constraints.
Mr. Ori said he was aware that the Committee had a heavy programme ahead for the next three weeks, including constructive dialogues with eight States parties, the consideration of several individual communications, and the adoption of an addendum to general recommendation 30 on women in conflict prevention, conflict and post-conflict situations. He concluded by thanking the Committee for its unwavering commitment and dedication to advancing women’s rights and wished it a successful and productive session.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert said that more than 123 million people were currently displaced worldwide due to conflict situations, the majority of whom were women and children. What could be the role of the United Nations in the future if it could not prevent these conflicts?
Another Committee Expert asked why tens of countries were not providing the funds they had promised to provide. Was the United Nations considering reassessing its priorities to ensure that the Committee could hold three sessions each year?
A Committee Expert said that the members of the Committee did not take the current situation lightly. It was a grand shame and a disgust. How could Member States let this happen?
A Committee Expert said that reducing the activities of the treaty bodies would further silence them at this important moment. Human rights systems needed to be reenforced, and this required resourcing. How could this silencing be prevented?
NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Chairperson, said that it was unacceptable that the work of the treaty bodies was becoming less and less visible. The Committee hoped that something would happen that would allow it to hold its third session in September.
Responses by the Representative of the Secretary-General
ANDREA ORI, Chief of the Groups in Focus Section, Human Rights Treaties Branch, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said the Office of the High Commissioner shared the Committee’s concerns. This was a turning point in multilateralism and in international law. There were more than 120 conflicts in the world, the primary victims of which were women and children. Authoritarian regimes were taking advantage of and working to weaken the multilateral system.
Some 40 per cent of the United Nations’ regular budget depended on two States. If one of those States decided not to pay its dues, that shook the entire Organization. This was a major factor in the instability of the United Nations system. The Secretary-General was working to reform the system through the “UN80” initiative, looking for solutions that kept it functioning with limited resources.
The UN80 initiative was focused on reform. This was an opportunity to reform the whole system rationally, to allow it to meet the challenges of today. As part of the initiative, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was merging and regionalising its functions. The Office was thinking optimistically but planning for the worst. It needed to be proactive rather than reactive and consider alternatives to stabilise the human rights system. The Committee also needed to consider alternative ways of carrying out its activities and reviewing States parties. Together, the Office and the Committee could find solutions for the challenges they faced by taking proactive decisions.
Statements by Committee Experts
NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Chairperson, said that the Committee had taken decisions to increase the production of lists of issues prior to reporting. The United Nations system needed to not be reactive, and UN80 needed to implement thoughtful rather than patchwork reforms.
The Committee was meeting in one of the most challenging times for the multilateral system, amidst devastating conflicts, a weakening of the rule of law, and scarce resources. Human rights mechanisms needed to be protected more than ever for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Since the last session, the number of States parties that had ratified the Convention had remained at 189. On 15 May 2025, San Marino accepted the amendment to article 20, paragraph one of the Convention concerning the Committee’s meeting time, bringing the total number of States parties having accepted the amendment to 82. A total of 126 States parties to the Convention were currently required to accept the amendment for it to enter into force. The number of States parties that had ratified the Optional Protocol remained at 115, but Estonia was in the process of ratification.
Ms. Haidar said she was pleased to inform that since the last session, Afghanistan, Australia, Cyprus and Guinea-Bissau had submitted their periodic reports to the Committee. The interim government of Syria had decided to withdraw the combined third and fourth periodic reports that had been submitted by the previous regime and submit a new report under the traditional reporting procedure. The total number of States parties that had opted out from the simplified reporting procedure since the 2022 decision to make the simplified reporting procedure the default procedure remained at 13.
The Committee adopted its agenda and programme of work for the session, and Ms. Haidar and Committee Experts discussed the activities they had undertaken since the last session.
BANDANA RANA, on behalf of BRENDA AKIA, Committee Rapporteur and Chair of the Pre-Sessional Working Group, introduced the report of the pre-sessional Working Group for the ninety-first session, which met from 28 October to 1 November 2024 in Geneva.
The Working Group prepared lists of issues and questions in relation to the reports of Botswana, Cabo Verde, Czech Republic, El Salvador and Lesotho, in addition to lists of issues and questions prior to the submission of the reports of Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Malta under the simplified reporting procedure. The pre-sessional Working Group had the reports of these States parties, except for those of Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Malta, to be submitted in response to the respective lists of issues prior to reporting. It further had before it the general recommendations adopted by the Committee; draft lists of issues and questions and lists of issues prior to reporting prepared by the Secretariat; and other pertinent information, including concluding observations of the Committee and other treaty bodies. In preparing the lists, the Working Group paid particular attention to the States parties’ follow-up to the concluding observations of the Committee on their previous reports. The Working Group benefited from written and oral information submitted by entities of the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations, as well as by national human rights institutions. The lists of issues and questions and lists of issues prior to reporting adopted by the Working Group were transmitted to the States parties concerned.
NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Chairperson, said that, in light of the backlog of State party reports pending consideration by the Committee accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee had decided to postpone the consideration of the States parties referred to in the report of the pre-sessional Working Group to future sessions, with the exception of Botswana. The Committee instead decided to, during the present session, consider the reports of Afghanistan, Botswana, Chad, Ireland, Mexico, San Marino and Thailand, and adopt concluding observations on Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, following country exchanges held during the Pacific technical cooperation session in Suva, Fiji from 7 to 11 April 2025.
JELENA PIA-COMELLA, Committee Rapporteur on follow-up to concluding observations, briefed the Committee on the status of the follow-up reports received in response to the Committee’s concluding observations. She said that at the end of the Committee’s ninetieth session, follow-up letters outlining the outcomes of assessments of follow-up reports were sent to Belgium, Gambia, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland. Reminders were sent to Honduras, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Ukraine, as their follow-up reports were scheduled for consideration at the ninetieth session but had not been received. Ukraine’s report had since been received and would be scheduled for assessment by the Committee at its ninety-second session in October 2025.
For the present session, the Committee would consider follow-up reports from Finland and Georgia, both received on time; Bahrain and Norway, received with a one-month delay; Armenia, with more than two months’ delay; and Mongolia, Namibia and the United Arab Emirates with more than five months’ delay. Reminders regarding the submission of follow-up reports would be sent to Costa Rica, Hungary and Mauritania.
___________
Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media;
not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.
CEDAW25.011E
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, will launch Proof of Trust, a comprehensive global campaign aimed at strengthening user protection, operational transparency, and community trust across the crypto sector. This initiative combines concrete financial safeguards with security partnerships, open education, and user-first design — positioning MEXC as one of the most proactive players in an increasingly risk-conscious market.
As part of the initiative, MEXC is implementing advanced security protocols and forming strategic partnerships with leading blockchain auditing firms. In March 2025, the exchange partnered with Hacken, a well-known blockchain security auditor, to support external risk monitoring and system-wide security assessments. According to MEXC COO Tracy Jin, “External, independent verification is essential for maintaining trust and accountability. We thank Hacken for their work and remain committed to prioritizing security and transparency as we scale globally.”
Central to the Proof of Trust campaign is MEXC’s groundbreaking $100 million Guardian Fund, which represents one of the industry’s most transparent and accessible user protection mechanisms. This fund provides comprehensive coverage for users facing severe security threats, including large-scale exploits, targeted attacks, and unforeseen system vulnerabilities. What sets this fund apart is its complete transparency—all wallet addresses are publicly disclosed on MEXC’s website, allowing users to verify balances and monitor transactions through blockchain records. Unlike traditional third-party insurance with lengthy claims processes, the Guardian Fund offers agile and rapid deployment, ensuring users receive timely support. This initiative establishes a new industry benchmark for proactive risk management and demonstrates MEXC’s commitment to putting user safety first.
The campaign also includes a renewed focus on user empowerment through education. MEXC Learn, the platform’s multilingual educational hub (available in over eight languages), provides free access to beginner guides, safety tools, and advanced trading insights — helping both newcomers and seasoned traders navigate the ecosystem responsibly.
To reinforce financial integrity, MEXC now publishes enhanced Proof-of-Reserves and Security Reports on a bi-monthly basis, allowing users to verify that all major assets are fully backed independently. Current data confirms reserve ratios exceeding 100% across core cryptocurrencies — underlining the exchange’s liquidity strength and long-term solvency.
Importantly, MEXC remains one of the financially strongest and most secure centralized exchanges. In addition to routine Proof-of-Reserves disclosures, the exchange maintains insurance and emergency funds to protect user assets in the event of force majeure events such as cyberattacks, system breaches, or other unforeseen security incidents. In 2025, MEXC plans to increase its security and protection budgets as part of its broader commitment to making digital asset trading safer for global users.
The Proof of Trust campaign by MEXC is also focused on community and engagement. The platform design is elaborated in detail to reflect user-centricity, simplicity, and innovation. Besides, UX (user experience) metrics are being continuously researched and revised accordingly. Feedback from users is a cornerstone for providing an engaging and fulfilling environment. Stories and interactive campaigns featured by MEXC add up to both positive networking and valuable experience sharing. MEXC is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of security and user satisfaction, industry experts say.
The launch of the Proof of Trust multifaceted campaign, combining unprecedented security and transparency measures with community engagement and education, is a substantial input of MEXC into the crypto industry globally. By employing such large-scale initiatives, MEXC is maintaining its leadership and trendsetter position in the market.
About MEXC
Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC
Contact:
Lucia Hu
lucia.hu@mexc.com
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Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced 15 youth-led innovations as winners of the Bingwa PLUS Y-Health Incubator Pitch Competition, marking a significant milestone in empowering Africa’s next generation of public health leaders.
The competition, held in Abuja, Nigeria, from May 27 -30, 2025 showcased innovative health solutions developed by young African changemakers aged 18–35.
The 15 winning projects were selected from 30 finalists, who emerged from an initial pool of 50 pre-screened candidates. The finalists underwent a rigorous six-week self-paced training programme focused on health leadership, project design, communication, resource mobilisation, and monitoring and evaluation.
The Bingwa PLUS programme is an extension of the African Union Bingwa Initiative launched in 2022, designed to equip youth with the tools and resources to co-create scalable and sustainable health interventions. Supported by GIZAfrican Union and YouthHub Africa, the initiative reflects Africa CDC’s strategic focus on youth empowerment and innovation in public health.
During the two-day pitching event, the 30 finalists presented their solutions before a distinguished panel of judges comprising health experts, development partners, and industry leaders. The selected winners will each receive grants ranging from EUR 1,500 to EUR 3,000, alongside tailored mentorship from leading public health and innovation professionals to support implementation over the coming months.
“This event exemplifies the power of youth-led innovation in transforming health landscapes across Africa,” said Dr. Chrys Promesse Kaniki, Africa CDC Senior Technical Officer for Strategic Programmes and Youth Programmes Lead. “By investing in young leaders and their ideas, we are fostering a new generation of health innovators equipped to tackle Africa’s most urgent health challenges.”
The winning projects will now enter an intensive implementation phase, with ongoing mentorship and support to scale their impact across communities. Africa CDC and its partners will continue to track progress, document success stories, and promote these solutions through advocacy and technical collaboration.
To view the full list of winners, click here: Africa CDC Awards Top 15 Youth-Led Health Innovations Under Bingwa PLUS Programme
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Once the domain of elite spies and con artists, social engineering is now in the hands of anyone with an internet connection – and AI is the accomplice. Supercharged by generative tools and deepfake technology, today’s social engineering attacks are no longer sloppy phishing attempts. They’re targeted, psychologically precise, and frighteningly scalable.
Welcome to Social Engineering 2.0, where the manipulators don’t need to know you personally. Their AI already does.
Social engineering works because it bypasses firewalls and technical defences. It attacks human trust. From fake bank alerts to long-lost Nigerian princes, these scams have traditionally relied on generic hooks and low-effort deceit. But that’s changed, and continues to.
“AI is augmenting and automating the way social engineering is carried out,” says Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. “Traditional phishing markers like spelling errors or bad grammar are a thing of the past. AI can mimic writing styles, generate emotionally resonant messages, and even recreate voices or faces (https://apo-opa.co/409nwPV) – all within minutes.”
The result? Cybercriminals now wield the capabilities of psychological profilers. By scraping publicly available data – from social media to company bios – AI can construct detailed personal dossiers. “Instead of one-size-fits-all lures, AI enables criminals to create bespoke attacks,” Collard explains. “It’s like giving every scammer access to their own digital intelligence agency.”
One of the most chilling evolutions of AI-powered deception is the rise of deepfakes – synthetic video and audio designed to impersonate real people. “There are documented cases where AI-generated voices have been used to impersonate CEOs and trick staff into wiring millions (https://apo-opa.co/4e4JBVv),” notes Collard.
In South Africa, a recent deepfake video circulating on WhatsApp featured a convincingly faked endorsement by FSCA Commissioner Unathi Kamlana promoting a fraudulent trading platform. Nedbank had to publicly distance itself from the scam (https://apo-opa.co/4e4JCJ3).
“We’ve seen deepfakes used in romance scams, political manipulation, even extortion,” says Collard. One emerging tactic involves simulating a child’s voice to convince a parent they’ve been kidnapped (https://apo-opa.co/3HY5WrR) – complete with background noise, sobs, and a fake abductor demanding money.
“It’s not just deception anymore,” Collard warns. “It’s psychological manipulation at scale.”
One cybercrime group exemplifying this threat is Scattered Spider. Known for its fluency in English and deep understanding of Western corporate culture, this group specialises in highly convincing social engineering campaigns. “What makes them so effective,” notes Collard, “is their ability to sound legitimate, form quick rapport, and exploit internal processes – often tricking IT staff or help-desk agents.” Their human-centric approach, amplified by AI tools, such as using audio deepfakes to spoof victims’ voices for obtaining initial access, shows how the combination of cultural familiarity, psychological insight, and automation is redefining what cyber threats look like. It’s not just about technical access – it’s about trust, timing, and manipulation.
What once required skilled con artists days or weeks of interaction – establishing trust, crafting believable pretexts, and subtly nudging behaviour – can now be done by AI in the blink of an eye. “AI has industrialised the tactics of social engineering,” says Collard. “It can perform psychological profiling, identify emotional triggers, and deliver personalised manipulation with unprecedented speed.”
The classic stages – reconnaissance, pretexting, rapport-building – are now automated, scalable, and tireless. Unlike human attackers, AI doesn’t get sloppy or fatigued; it learns, adapts, and improves with every interaction.
The biggest shift? “No one has to be a high-value target anymore,” Collard explains. “A receptionist, an HR intern, or a help-desk agent; all may hold the keys to the kingdom. It’s not about who you are – it’s about what access you have.”
In this new terrain, technical solutions alone won’t cut it. “Awareness has to go beyond ‘don’t click the link,’” says Collard. She advocates for building ‘digital mindfulness’ and ‘cognitive resilience’ – the ability to pause, interrogate context, and resist emotional triggers (https://apo-opa.co/3FF6Zwn).
This means:
Collard recommends unconventional tactics, too. “Ask HR interviewees to place their hand in front of their face during video calls – it can help spot deepfakes in hiring scams,” she says. Families and teams should also consider pre-agreed code words or secrets for emergency communications, in case AI-generated voices impersonate loved ones.
While attackers now have AI tools, so too do defenders. Behavioural analytics, real-time content scanning, and anomaly detection systems are evolving rapidly. But Collard warns: “Technology will never replace critical thinking. The organisations that win will be the ones combining human insight with machine precision.”
And with AI lures growing more persuasive, the question is no longer whether you’ll be targeted – but whether you’ll be prepared. “This is a race,” Collard concludes. “But I remain hopeful. If we invest in education, in critical thinking and digital mindfulness, in the discipline of questioning what we see and hear – we’ll have a fighting chance.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.
Source: Scottish Greens
Scottish Greens mark beginning of Refugee Week
Scotland must choose the future of a unified community over the chaos that the far-right brings, says Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman.
Today is the beginning of Refugee Week, the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, talents and strengths of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
Ms Chapman is calling for people to welcome refugees and stand on the right side of history, as divisive politics threatens to break communities across the UK.
Ms Chapman said:
“Refugees and people seeking sanctuary bring a huge amount to our communities, and create a wonderful culturally diverse nation. Refugees have brought enormous richness to our country. From those fleeing the Nazis in the 1930s to more recent refugees from conflicts in the Balkans and my own home of Zimbabwe.
“But this is not only about the benefits to us. Scotland and the UK would not exist as it does without colonialism. We claim to be a post-colonial society, but far-right political factions are all too happy to sow the seeds of hatred and racism and try to drag us back to those days of old.
“We must stand up against that, and stand with those at risk of serious harm by the far-right.
“Think of your neighbours who have lived here peacefully for years after fleeing conflict in Sudan. Your postie whose parents came to the UK for a better life before he was even born. The mum you meet at the school gates who worked hard to learn English as a second language just to communicate with you, and who is proud to call Scotland her home.
“Think of the doctors, nurses and carers who risked their lives to make sure that you or your loved ones were not alone and were given medical treatment during the covid pandemic. The very same people who care about you and give so much to our country are being scapegoated and vilified by far-right politicians like Farage and co, claiming they don’t belong here.
“Scotland often likes to think of itself as set apart from racism, but racism is here and it is growing. We’ve just watched Reform double down on an incredibly racist campaign and grow their support in a by-election.
“Groups are mobilising across other parts of the UK and committing horrific acts, like modern day pogroms minus the pitchforks, against anyone who isn’t white and British within communities.
“This is happening because far-right messaging is being given a platform and validation. The UK Government’s immigration stance is setting the tone that helps to feed the violence and riots we see in the streets, where innocent people are targeted by angry mobs looking for trouble.
“We must stand up against these kinds of bullies, and stand with our neighbours and friends. It is our duty to choose community over chaos, and remember that our country is far better off because of refugees, and they have every right to feel that they belong here. Because they do.”
Source: South Africa News Agency
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Canada to participate in the G7 Summit Outreach Session, scheduled to take place on the margins of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada on Monday.
The Group of Seven consists of the largest advanced economies namely: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union also participates in G7 Summits.
Canada assumed the Presidency of the G7 on 01 January 2025 and its Presidency seeks to address global challenges and opportunities, including international peace and security, global economic stability and growth, and the digital transition.
According to the Presidency, the Outreach Session aims “to explore leadership and collaboration in driving a comprehensive approach to energy security with a focus on technology and innovation; diversification and strengthening critical mineral supply chains; and infrastructure and investment”.
The Presidency said this resonated with South Africa’s national interests and priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
“The Outreach Sessions of the G7 in which President Ramaphosa will participate have been a feature of the group over the years, with the aim to strengthen unity among G7 members and like-minded countries to deliberate on and address some of the world’s most pressing issues.
“Reflecting the outward looking approach of recent Presidencies, guest leaders are invited to join Outreach Sessions within the Summit agenda,” it said.
The cooperation between South Africa and Canada has strengthened this year as it relates to G20 and G7.
Under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, enhanced efforts have been undertaken to align objectives and support the agenda of the G7 to that of the G20.
Several engagements have taken place between South Africa and Canada at various levels, including at Sherpa and Ministerial levels.
South Africa is currently the only African country invited to this year’s G7 Summit Outreach Session.
The Presidency said the G7 Summit will provide President Ramaphosa with an opportunity to meet Heads of State and Government of G7 countries, who are also G20 members, and other outreach guest countries.
“The President will use this platform as an opportunity to engage with various leaders on areas of common interest in bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation – including the G20 Presidency ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025.”
President Ramaphosa’s participation at the G7 Leaders Summit presents an opportunity for South Africa to pursue strategic alignment within the framework of G7-G20 cooperation, where necessary, the Presidency added.
The President is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivers the Keynote address during the June 16 Commemoration
Shri Sandeep Sood (YOA:2009), presently Director in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Guinea.
2. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.
The World Bank today launched the Sierra Leone Country Economic Memorandum (CEM) and the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), two core analytical reports that provide essential insights into the country’s economic and climate challenges, offering strategic pathways for sustainable growth and resiliencee.
“These reports provide a comprehensive roadmap for addressing the economic and climate challenges facing Sierra Leone,” said Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone. “While the Country Economic Memorandum highlights the interconnectedness of economic challenges and the need for ambitious reforms, the CCDR underscores the urgency of climate action. The World Bank is committed to supporting Sierra Leone in implementing these strategies to achieve inclusive growth and build resilience.”
The CEM analyzes Sierra Leone’s economic landscape, noting persistent poverty and lower GDP per capita growth compared to similar low-income countries despite the country’s rich resources. Key challenges to growth include macroeconomic instability, driven by lax fiscal and monetary policies, weak institutions, and poor governance, with fiscal deficits often exceeding targets due to spending overruns and weak oversight. High public debt limits private investment, while a small and uncompetitive private sector restricts diversification beyond the mining. Domestic firms face growth challenges due to limited access to credit, electricity, and land, compounded by a skills mismatch in the labor force.
To address these challenges, the report proposes a growth strategy focusing on mining, agriculture, agro-processing, and labor-intensive sectors, including:
“The CEM is a vital tool in understanding the economic challenges facing Sierra Leone. The country has the resources and potential for significant economic growth, and this report provides a roadmap for achieving sustainable development while creating jobs for its expanding work force,” said Smriti Seth, World Bank Senior Economist and a lead author of both reports.
The CCDR examines Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development prospects within the context of climate change, emphasizing impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and the economy. Sierra Leone ranks among the 15 worst climate-affected economies, with projected temperature increases and erratic rainfall patterns threatening agriculture and infrastructure, potentially causing GDP losses of 9-10% by 2050. Economic impacts include declines in labor and crop productivity, as well as damage to capital stock from increased maintenance costs and flooding. Poverty and inequality are expected to worsen, with nearly 600,000 additional people pushed into poverty by 2050.
To build climate resilience and mitigate the threats, the report suggests three pathways:
Implementing these climate actions requires significant financial resources, with funding needed from domestic taxes, green private sector investments, and international support.
“The CCDR complements the CEM by showing that climate change is not only a threat to Sierra Leone’s development goals but also a powerful lens for identifying opportunities to build a more resilient and sustainable future by aligning growth strategies with climate priorities to safeguard long-term progress,” added Sabrina Haque, World Bank Environmental Specialist and a lead author of the CCDR.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.
A new joint UN report warns that people in five hunger hotspots around the world face extreme hunger and risk of starvation and death in the coming months unless there is urgent humanitarian action and a coordinated international effort to de-escalate conflict, stem displacement, and mount an urgent full-scale aid response.
The latest Hunger Hotspots report shows that Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali are hotspots of highest concern, with communities already facing famine, at risk of famine or confronted with catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity due to intensifying or persisting conflict, economic shocks, and natural hazards. The devastating crises are being exacerbated by growing access constraints and critical funding shortfalls.
The semi-annual Hunger Hotspots report is an early-warning and predictive analysis of deteriorating food crises for the next five months. Developed and published with financial support from the European Union through the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC), the latest edition projects a serious deterioration of acute food insecurity in 13 countries and territories – the world’s most critical hunger hotspots in the coming months.
In addition to hotspots of highest concern, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar and Nigeria are now hotspots of very high concern and require urgent attention to save lives and livelihoods. Other hotspots include Burkina Faso, Chad, Somalia, and Syria.
“This report makes it very clear: hunger today is not a distant threat – it is a daily emergency for millions,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said. “We must act now, and act together, to save lives and safeguard livelihoods. Protecting people’s farms and animals to ensure they can keep producing food where they are, even in the toughest and harshest conditions, is not just urgent – it is essential.”
“This report is a red alert. We know where hunger is rising and we know who is at risk,” said Cindy McCain, World Food Programme Executive Director. “We have the tools and experience to respond, but without funding and access, we cannot save lives. Urgent, sustained investment in food assistance and recovery support is crucial as the window to avert yet more devastating hunger is closing fast.”
Hotspots of highest concern
In Sudan, Famine was confirmed in 2024. Conditions are expected to persist due to the continuing conflict and ongoing displacement, particularly in the Greater Kordofan and Greater Darfur regions. Displacement is likely to increase further during the outlook period while humanitarian access remains restricted. The circumstances are driving the country towards the risk of partial economic collapse, with high inflation severely limiting food access. Around 24.6 million people were projected to face Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above) levels of acute food insecurity, including 637,000 people facing Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) through May 2025.
In Palestine, the likelihood of famine in the Gaza Strip is growing as large-scale military operations hinder the ability to deliver vital food and non-food humanitarian assistance. In addition to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip, high food prices coupled with exhausted livelihoods and a commercial blockade will accelerate an
economic collapse. The entire population in Gaza – 2.1 million people – is projected to face Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above) levels of acute food insecurity, with 470,000 projected to face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) through September 2025.
South Sudan faces compounding threats from political tensions, the risk of flooding, and economic challenges. Approximately 7.7 million people – or 57 percent of the population – are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) between April and July 2025, with 63,000 people projected to face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) levels of acute food insecurity. An IPC update released after the report’s finalization indicated Risk of Famine in two areas of the country and confirmed the bleak outlook.
In Haiti, record levels of gang violence and insecurity are displacing communities and crippling aid access. Over 8,400 internally displaced persons (IDPs) already facing Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) levels of acute food insecurity in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area by June 2025.
Meanwhile, in Mali, high grain prices and ongoing conflict are eroding the coping capacities of the most vulnerable households, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Around 2 600 people are at risk of Catastrophe (CH Phase 5) from June to August 2025 if assistance is not provided on time.
Additional hotspots and areas of improvement
In Myanmar, the impact of the recent major earthquake is likely to worsen the already dire food insecurity situation in the country, driven by escalating conflict, widespread displacement, severe access restrictions and high food prices.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been reintroduced to the hotspot list due to intensifying conflict.
In contrast, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have been removed from the Hunger Hotspots list. In East and Southern Africa, as well as in Niger, better climatic conditions for harvests and fewer weather extremes have eased food security pressures. Lebanon has also been delisted following reduced intensity of military operations. However, FAO and WFP warn that these gains remain fragile and could reverse quickly if shocks re-emerge.
A call for global solidarity
In multiple hotspots, aid delivery is significantly hampered by restricted humanitarian access due to insecurity, bureaucratic impediments, or physical isolation. At the same time, critical funding shortfalls are forcing reductions in food rations, limiting the reach of life-saving nutrition and agricultural interventions.
The Hunger Hotspots report highlights the importance of continued investments in early humanitarian action. Pre-emptive interventions save lives, reduce food gaps, and protect assets and livelihoods at a significantly lower cost than delayed humanitarian action.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).
During the activities of the “Development Finance to Foster Private Sector-Led Growth & Jobs” conference, organized by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, signed an agreement with the Federation of Egyptian Industries, the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, the Confederation of Egyptian European Business Associations (CEEBA), the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce, the Egyptian-African Businessmen’s Association, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, the Egyptian-Japanese Business Council, the Swiss-Egyptian Business Association, the British Egyptian Business Association, the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association, the Egyptian Junior Business Association, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Egypt.
The agreement aims to enhance the benefit of private sector companies across Egyptian governorates whether large, small, medium, micro-enterprises, or startups from the financial and non-financial services and the direct and indirect mechanisms available through the “Hafiz” platform for financial and technical support to the private sector, through the Federation of Industries, business associations, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, and their branches in the various governorates.
Commenting on the agreement, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized that the agreement comes within the framework of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation’s keenness as the entity responsible for setting and following up on the implementation of Egypt’s sustainable economic development strategies and ensuring alignment with “Egypt Vision 2030” to promote inclusive development by encouraging partnerships between the public and private sectors and activating the role of the “Private Sector Participation Unit” in integrating the efforts of the private sector within the state’s development priorities, especially in improving the business environment, supporting SMEs, and enhancing sectoral integration.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat explained that through these agreements, the Ministry is working to maximize the private sector’s benefit from the Hub for Advisory, Finance & Investment for Enterprises, by facilitating the access of companies that are members of the chambers to the platform and taking full advantage of the available services and financing opportunities, furthermore holding a series of meetings organized by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, through the private sector participation unit with international development partners, to promote ongoing dialogue and communication with the business community and relevant stakeholders.
The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation launched the Hub as one of the innovative mechanisms to advance the agenda of private sector empowerment by easing access to development financing and technical services. The platform was designed as an integrated digital portal that connects development partners, implementing agencies, government entities, and the business community of all categories including large corporations, SMEs, micro enterprises, and startups. The platform was developed as a strategic tool within the Ministry’s efforts to enhance economic diplomacy and mobilize finance for sustainable development.
Through the Hub for Advisory, Finance & Investment for Enterprises, more than 90 financial and technical support services are made available by 44 bilateral and multilateral development partners. The platform has made notable progress, with the number of services increasing from 62 at its launch in December 2023 to over 90 today, and has attracted nearly 18,000 users from the private sector and entrepreneurial community. The platform’s database includes over 700 companies that have benefited from support services, and more than 1,000 tenders and development initiatives funded by development partners in Egypt and more than 80 other countries providing tangible opportunities for expansion and access to regional and international markets.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.
States must urgently deliver ambitious climate action by mapping out a just transition away from fossil fuels in all sectors to prevent even worse human rights harms around the world, Amnesty International said in a new briefing to mark the start of the Bonn Climate Conference which takes place between 16-26 June.
Despite the challenges posed by the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, increases in authoritarian practices globally and the growing environmental devastation of the escalating armed conflicts in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan and Ukraine, among others, it is not too late for states to find common ground and ramp up climate ambition for the planet and the rights of current and future generations.
In 2024, for the first time, the world breached the threshold of 1.5°C of global heating above pre-industrial levels. During the hottest year on record, wildfires ripped through Latin America, the Caribbean was hit by the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record, and parts of Central Europe were deluged with three months’ worth of rain in five days as the climate emergency worsened, driven by human activity and the continued burning of fossil fuels.
“The devastating new human rights harms resulting from climate change will escalate dramatically unless global heating is kept in check. More people will be driven deeper into poverty, lose their homes or suffer the effects of drought and food insecurity. Despite the deepening climate crisis, governments’ action to limit fossil fuel production and use has been wholly inadequate,” said Ann Harrison, Amnesty International’s Climate Justice Advisor.
“Governments are in thrall to fossil fuel companies which have sought to downplay climate harms and discredit climate science. States continue to provide subsidies to these companies, effectively incentivizing the continuation of the fossil fuel industry. Everyone has the right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment – but as the climate crisis intensifies, this right, and others, are under growing threat.”
Across the globe, unnatural disasters exacerbated by climate change, such as worsening droughts and severe floods, are damaging harvests and leading to food scarcity and water shortages, contributing to displacement, migration and conflict.
Protecting and listening to grassroots voices
Marginalized frontline and fence line communities that use fossil fuels the least continue to suffer some of the worst impacts of climate change. They include subsistence farmers, Indigenous Peoples and those living in low lying island states, threatened by rising sea levels and more powerful storms, or those living beside fossil fuel production and transport facilities.
For example, Pakistan contributes less than 1% of greenhouse gas emissions annually but is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate disasters. In a report published last month, Amnesty International documented how increasingly frequent floods and heatwaves are leading to preventable deaths, particularly among young children and older adults.
Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, those demanding action from the authorities are being harassed, stigmatized, attacked and criminalized. Around the world, environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) are risking their lives and liberty for defending their lands and communities’ right to a healthy environment, such as the Warriors for the Amazon in Ecuador.
The conference is an opportunity to spotlight the situation in COP29 host Azerbaijan, where environmental human rights defender Anar Mammadli and journalist Nargiz Absalamova who reported on environmental issues remain behind bars. Other journalists who reported on the human rights situation including during COP29 were arrested afterwards in apparent reprisals. Brazil, the host of COP30, is one of the most dangerous countries for EHRDs, who face killings, violence, threats and stigmatization for their work.
“The voices, views, knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, frontline and fence line communities and human rights defenders must be incorporated into climate policies, plans and action,” said Ann Harrison.
“Once again, we have heard reports of limited badges and visa problems for those from the majority world wishing to attend the conference in Bonn. Nor are the COP Host Country Agreements – a key tool that must be strengthened to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for participants – available publicly as a matter of routine.”
Climate finance must be addressed
Amnesty International is also calling for states to tackle climate finance. Currently, lower-income countries are paying more in debt repayments than they are receiving as climate finance from high-income countries.
High income historically high emitting countries are most responsible for climate change, yet continue to shirk their obligations to provide climate finance to lower income countries to cut emissions and to help communities to adapt to climate change, as well as providing reparations for loss and damage, which could ease the burden in countries suffering climate harms.
“Taxing fossil fuel companies, corporate windfall profits and high net worth individuals, as well as ending subsidies and investments in fossil fuels and ending global tax abuses, could raise over USD 3 trillion per year which could go a huge way towards the cost of tackling climate change,” said Ann Harrison.
Huge changes need to be made
The Bonn Climate Conference is a key preparatory moment for the annual UN Climate Conference, which takes place as COP30 later this year in Brazil – a country that wants to publicly lead a message of global environmental protection. Yet, internally some of its institutions are taking actions contrary to this agenda, including requiring less stringent licensing for environmentally destructive projects and expanding fossil fuel production.
“If climate change is to be taken seriously and to keep global warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we need to see concrete progress with clear timelines towards massively scaled-up needs-based climate finance, particularly for adaptation and loss and damage, in the form of grants, not loans, with those most responsible for emissions contributing the most,” said Ann Harrison.
Amnesty International is calling for states commit to a full, fast, fair and funded fossil fuel phase out through just transitions across all sectors, without relying on risky and unproven technologies or offsets that do not lead to genuine emissions reductions. It is also calling for inclusive discussions around climate change, involving the people most affected by it, and ensuring they can meaningfully access these high-level negotiations without discrimination.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.
Source: World Food Programme
WFP/Benjamin Anguandia. WFP delivered emergency food assistance to displaced families in Goma, DRC.
ROME – A new joint UN report warns that people in five hunger hotspots around the world face extreme hunger and risk of starvation and death in the coming months unless there is urgent humanitarian action and a coordinated international effort to de-escalate conflict, stem displacement, and mount an urgent full-scale aid response.
The latest Hunger Hotspots report shows that Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali are hotspots of highest concern, with communities already facing famine, at risk of famine or confronted with catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity due to intensifying or persisting conflict, economic shocks, and natural hazards. The devastating crises are being exacerbated by growing access constraints and critical funding shortfalls.
The semi-annual Hunger Hotspots report is an early-warning and predictive analysis of deteriorating food crises for the next five months. Developed and published with financial support from the European Union through the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC), the latest edition projects a serious deterioration of acute food insecurity in 13 countries and territories – the world’s most critical hunger hotspots in the coming months.
In addition to hotspots of highest concern, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar and Nigeria are now hotspots of very high concern and require urgent attention to save lives and livelihoods. Other hotspots include Burkina Faso, Chad, Somalia, and Syria.
“This report makes it very clear: hunger today is not a distant threat – it is a daily emergency for millions,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said. “We must act now, and act together, to save lives and safeguard livelihoods. Protecting people’s farms and animals to ensure they can keep producing food where they are, even in the toughest and harshest conditions, is not just urgent – it is essential.”
“This report is a red alert. We know where hunger is rising and we know who is at risk,” said Cindy McCain, World Food Programme Executive Director. “We have the tools and experience to respond, but without funding and access, we cannot save lives. Urgent, sustained investment in food assistance and recovery support is crucial as the window to avert yet more devastating hunger is closing fast.”
Hotspots of highest concern
In Sudan, Famine was confirmed in 2024. Conditions are expected to persist due to the continuing conflict and ongoing displacement, particularly in the Greater Kordofan and Greater Darfur regions. Displacement is likely to increase further during the outlook period while humanitarian access remains restricted. The circumstances are driving the country towards the risk of partial economic collapse, with high inflation severely limiting food access. Around 24.6 million people were projected to face Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above) levels of acute food insecurity, including 637,000 people facing Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) through May 2025.
In Palestine, the likelihood of famine in the Gaza Strip is growing as large-scale military operations hinder the ability to deliver vital food and non-food humanitarian assistance. In addition to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip, high food prices coupled with exhausted livelihoods and a commercial blockade will accelerate an
economic collapse. The entire population in Gaza – 2.1 million people – is projected to face Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above) levels of acute food insecurity, with 470,000 projected to face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) through September 2025.
South Sudan faces compounding threats from political tensions, the risk of flooding, and economic challenges. Approximately 7.7 million people – or 57 percent of the population – are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) between April and July 2025, with 63,000 people projected to face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) levels of acute food insecurity. An IPC update released after the report’s finalization indicated Risk of Famine in two areas of the country and confirmed the bleak outlook.
In Haiti, record levels of gang violence and insecurity are displacing communities and crippling aid access. Over 8,400 internally displaced persons (IDPs) already facing Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) levels of acute food insecurity in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area by June 2025.
Meanwhile, in Mali, high grain prices and ongoing conflict are eroding the coping capacities of the most vulnerable households, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Around 2 600 people are at risk of Catastrophe (CH Phase 5) from June to August 2025 if assistance is not provided on time.
Additional hotspots and areas of improvement
In Myanmar, the impact of the recent major earthquake is likely to worsen the already dire food insecurity situation in the country, driven by escalating conflict, widespread displacement, severe access restrictions and high food prices.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been reintroduced to the hotspot list due to intensifying conflict.
In contrast, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have been removed from the Hunger Hotspots list. In East and Southern Africa, as well as in Niger, better climatic conditions for harvests and fewer weather extremes have eased food security pressures. Lebanon has also been delisted following reduced intensity of military operations. However, FAO and WFP warn that these gains remain fragile and could reverse quickly if shocks re-emerge.
A call for global solidarity
In multiple hotspots, aid delivery is significantly hampered by restricted humanitarian access due to insecurity, bureaucratic impediments, or physical isolation. At the same time, critical funding shortfalls are forcing reductions in food rations, limiting the reach of life-saving nutrition and agricultural interventions.
The Hunger Hotspots report highlights the importance of continued investments in early humanitarian action. Pre-emptive interventions save lives, reduce food gaps, and protect assets and livelihoods at a significantly lower cost than delayed humanitarian action.
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Download the Hunger Hotspots Report here
More information about the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification scales
Broadcast quality footage available here
Note to Editors
The Hunger Hotspots report is part of a US and EU funded suite of analytical products produced under the Global Network Against Food Crises, to enhance and coordinate the generation and sharing of evidence-based information and analysis for preventing and addressing food crises.
This series also includes the recently published 2025 Global Report on Food Crises, which retroactively looks at the levels of acute food insecurity in 2024, in complement to the Hunger Hotspots which is a forward-looking early warning system that provides decision makers with information for planning and resource allocation.
About FAO
About WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.
Follow us on X via @wfp_media.
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV leader and North Antrim MP:-
“There is an urgent need for the Government to address, rather than run away from, the unfettered access of Eastern Europeans through the Republic to Northern Ireland.
“Though we are supposed to have seen an end to ‘freedom of movement’ upon leaving the EU, the reality is that it has effectively continued via the Republic, made easy by HMG’s refusal to exercise any control of the border.
“I will continue to press the Government on these issues. HMG talks incessantly about tackling the small boats, but makes no pretence of addressing this other, and even easier, access point.
“The Protocol has the added potential of making things even worse, because, as the Rwanda case demonstrated, we can’t even apply in NI protections passed by the U.K. parliament.”
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, June 15, 2025
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call from HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
During the call, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them, in addition to the latest developments in the region, particularly the Israeli attack on the territory of the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran.
In this context, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli attack on Iranian territory, considering it a flagrant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, and a clear breach of the rules and principles of international law.
His Excellency also stressed the need for concerted regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and resolve disputes through diplomatic means, while affirming that the State of Qatar is making strenuous efforts, along with its partners, for all parties to return to the path of dialogue to address outstanding issues and consolidate security and peace in the region and the world.
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, June 15, 2025
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call from HE Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom (UK) David Lammy.
During the call, the two sides discussed cooperation relations and ways to support and strengthen them, as well as the latest developments in the region, particularly the Israeli attack on the territory of the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran.
In this context, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar’s condemnation of the repeated Israeli violations and aggressions in the region that undermine efforts to achieve peace and threaten to drag the region into a regional war.
His Excellency additionally stressed the need for regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and resolve disputes through diplomatic means, affirming that the State of Qatar is making strenuous efforts, along with its partners, for all parties to return to the path of dialogue to address outstanding issues and consolidate security and peace in the region and the world.
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, June 15, 2025
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received Sunday a phone call from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, Jose Manuel Albares.
During the call, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to further support and enhance them. They also reviewed the latest developments in the region, particularly the Israeli attack on the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran.
In this context, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the repeated Israeli violations and attacks in the region, stressing that such actions undermine efforts to achieve peace and risk dragging the region into a wider conflict.
His Excellency emphasized the urgent need for joint regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and resolve disputes through diplomatic channels. He affirmed that the State of Qatar continues to exert intensive efforts, in coordination with its partners, to restore dialogue among all parties, address outstanding issues, and promote security and peace in the region and the world.
Canon EMEA (Canon-CNA.com) is partnering with Nature Seychelles, a leading non-profit organisation in the Western Indian Ocean, and the Coral Spawning Lab (CSL), to lead a first-of-its-kind project designed to safeguard the Seychelles’ vital marine ecosystems. The project aims to restore and protect coral reefs against climate change by embracing a new method of coral regeneration in the region.
Canon will provide investment to Nature Seychelles for the construction and operation of a coral breeding facility as well as Canon imaging equipment to enhance observation and documentation of coral spawning, to be used in citizen science, and for education and awareness. Canon’s equipment will allow researchers to witness coral spawning events in detail previously not seen before.
This will be the first of its kind in the region and will enhance Nature Seychelles’ new Assisted Recovery of Corals (ARC) facility, a land-based coral aquaculture facility aimed at boosting coral restoration efforts to save reefs from the impacts of climate change.
With support from Canon and CSL, Nature Seychelles will develop a deeper understanding of coral reproductive timing, post-settlement growth, and survival. The technology provided will also facilitate photomicrography, photogrammetry, and the production of high-quality imagery and videos for researchers.
The new cutting-edge coral breeding facility will create a genetic bank of resilient coral and document the process like never before. It will be built by CSL – a UK-based team of researchers that work to better understand the life cycles of reefs to equip communities with the information they need to regenerate coral ecosystems. CSL will also provide training in Seychelles to operate the facility.
Coral reef restoration in the Seychelles has traditionally relied on the “coral gardening” (http://apo-opa.co/45rAo7K) technique where coral fragments are selected from existing reefs and grown in nurseries, before being transplanted back into degraded areas. However, given this process results in a reef populated by genetically identical corals, the technique falls short of creating corals that can routinely withstand the events that degrade them; for example, coral bleaching events, where stress triggered by rising ocean temperatures causes damage to their tissue. The lack of genetic diversity within gardened reefs is a critical weakness, rendering the technique only a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution for improving reef health and resiliency in the region.
“Currently, we’re essentially cloning corals, creating reefs of genetically identical species,” explains Dr Nirmal Shah, CEO of Nature Seychelles. “Evolution thrives on diversity – the strong, the weak, the healthy, and everything in between. To build truly resilient reefs, we need to embrace true diversity. Canon’s partnership, alongside Coral Spawning Lab’s expertise allows us to do just that, by enabling us to breed corals and create a genetic bank of resilient species. Canon’s technology will also allow us to unlock the secrets of coral reproduction, leading to more effective conservation strategies and, ultimately, inspiring true change in how we protect and regenerate these vital ecosystems “
Canon’s support is part of its broader commitment to environmental sustainability and using its imaging technology from cameras to satellites to further enable conservation efforts.
Healthy coral reefs are crucial for the Seychelles’ tourism, fisheries, coastal protection, and biodiversity – and this partnership supports a more sustainable future for the islands.
“Coral reefs are the foundation of our economy, our environment, and our way of life,” says Dr. Shah. “This partnership with Canon is not just about restoring reefs; it’s about safeguarding the future of the Seychelles.”
Dr Jamie Craggs, marine biologist and co-founder of the Coral Spawning Lab, says: “The Coral Spawning Lab has always pushed the boundaries of coral reproductive science. This partnership with Canon and Nature Seychelles allows us to continue that tradition of innovation, combining our expertise with their cutting-edge imaging technology to develop new and more effective approaches to coral conservation.
Working together, we can raise awareness about the urgent need for conservation with a broader audience. As a former underwater cameraman, I know the power of imagery to communicate complex scientific concepts and inspire action. By partnering with Canon, we can share the beauty and fragility of coral reefs with the world.”
Peter Bragg, Sustainability and Government Affairs Director at Canon EMEA, says “Our partnership with Nature Seychelles and the Coral Spawning Lab in this innovative effort to protect the Seychelles’ vital coral reefs, demonstrates our commitment to biodiversity. The power of our imaging technology and expertise can play a significant role in building a more sustainable future for small island nations facing the challenges of climate change. By providing the tools to see, understand, and share the story of coral reefs, we hope to empower communities and raise awareness to protect these vital ecosystems for generations to come.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (http://apo-opa.co/4jTcjtZ) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.
For more information: Canon-CNA.com
About Nature Seychelles:
Nature Seychelles is a leading environmental organization dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of the Seychelles’ natural resources. Through research, education, and community engagement, Nature Seychelles works to protect the Seychelles’ unique biodiversity and promote a sustainable future for the islands.
About Coral Spawning Lab:
Coral Spawning Lab are pioneers in land-based sexual coral reproduction. Their groundbreaking research, technical expertise in coral propagation, and extensive experience in restoration projects enable them to advance research and selective breeding programs—helping repair damaged coral reefs at scales that can make a meaningful difference to our oceans and our planet. Their goal is to empower and equip every practitioner, reef manager, and restorer with the tools and knowledge needed to spawn coral in land-based facilities.
South Africa wishes to urge all its citizens currently in the Islamic Republic of Iran to contact the Embassy in Tehran to ensure that they are registered with and that their whereabouts are known to the Embassy.
It is important to note that South Africa’s support in the country is limited and that it could be assumed that no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency and the South African Government may not be able to help you if you get into difficulty, depending on your location.
Therefore, citizens are further encouraged to assess their own safety and security and act accordingly.
The following contacts may be used:
Tehran:
Telephone: +98-912-230-8968
Telephone: +98-930-495-8965
Helpline of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria, RSA:
Telephone: +27 12 351 1000
The web page of DIRCO may be consulted for further contact information (www.dirco.gov.za).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
South Africa expresses deep concern regarding the escalation of hostilities between the State of Israel and Islamic Republic of Iran. We extend our deepest condolences to the peoples of both nations suffering from the tragic loss of life.
South Africa emphasises that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be considered legitimate targets.
We reiterate our urgent call for de-escalation, restraint, and full compliance with international law by all parties to prevent further human suffering.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
A riveting World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa went a long way to boost the sagging credentials of the five-day game, but the format of the competition is in need of a revamp, according to many of the game’s top observers.
South Africa beat Australia by five wickets at lunch on the fourth day of a fluctuating contest at Lord’s in which the bowlers dominated the opening two days. A total of 24 wickets were taken, but the tables were turned as wickets turned benign and the batsmen changed the course of the match.
It was classic test cricket, as good as the excitement from any limited overs contest, but the overall WTC is a bewildering competition, devoid of uniformity and an unbalanced points system.
There was much criticism of how South Africa managed to reach the final without playing either Australia and England in the two-year qualifying period.
“It’s very hard for the average cricket fan to understand who’s the best team in the world and how exactly the top two teams make it to the final,” said former England captain Michael Vaughan, now a television pundit.
The two finalists are decided by a table of test results, with points awarded for wins and draws. The pair with the highest percentage of points available to them advance to the final, which in 2027 could again be at Lord’s or in India, according to International Cricket Council officials.
But there was a major discrepancy in South Africa playing only 12 tests compared to 19 for Australia and India, and even more by England (22).
“I can’t remember if I’ve ever even given any real time to be specifically thinking about the World Test Championship to be honest because it’s utterly confusing,” added England captain Ben Stokes.
Countries are free to decide how many tests they want to play, and in South Africa’s case, there is much less of an appetite for test cricket because they lose money.
In the next cycle, which starts on Tuesday when Bangladesh begin a two-test series in Sri Lanka, the new champions will play 14 tests, this time including three test series against each of Australia and England but only two against India.
Five test series are now only the preserve of contests between Australia, England, and India.
“The fixture list is uneven; not everyone plays everyone else, and some have an easier ride than others,” wrote Michael Atherton last week.
“Everyone knows the WTC in its present guise is flawed, and that solutions, with so many competing interests, are fiendishly difficult,” added the former England skipper.
(Reuters)
Source: Bank of Botswana
Headline inflation decreased from 2.3 percent in April to 1.9 percent in May 2025, remaining below the lower bound of the medium-term objective range of 3 – 6 percent, and was lower than the 3 percent recorded in May 2024. The decrease in inflation between April and May 2025 was mainly on account of the reduction in water tariffs (30 percent for 0 – 5 kilolitres and 15 percent for >5 – 10 kilolitres) effected in April 2025, which reduced headline inflation by 0.23 percentage points. Furthermore, inflation decreased on account of the deceleration in the rate of annual price changes of some categories of goods and services, notably Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco and Transport. Similarly, the 16 percent trimmed mean inflation and inflation excluding administered prices decreased from 2.3 percent and 4.1 percent to 1.8 percent and 3.7 percent respectively, between April and May 2025.
Inflation for domestic tradeables decreased from 4.9 percent to 4.5 percent between April and May 2025, mainly on account of a decrease in some food prices. Similarly, inflation for imported tradeables decreased from 1.2 percent to 0.8 percent over the same period, mainly on account of the decrease in the price of fruits and vegetables, including oranges, pineapples, fresh cucumber and fresh green pepper. Consequently, all tradeables inflation fell from 2.2 percent to 1.8 percent between April and May 2025. Inflation for non-tradeables also decreased from 2.5 percent to 2 percent in the same period, mainly on account of the reduction in water tariffs.
Youth represent 38 per cent of the population (NESDB statistics) in Libya and their voices must be included in the political process. To support this, in addition to its regular meetings with youth (aged 18-35), the United Nations Support Mission in Libya is launching a wider programme with the aim to engage 500 young men and women across Libya in the coming months.
As part of its broader efforts to engage the community on the Advisory Committee’s recommendations on how to take Libya to elections and unify institutions, UNSMIL is conducting dedicated meetings with youth representatives, both online and in-person. More information about how young men and women can get involved can be found here.
In addition, UNSMIL has also launched an online poll to ensure that a wider audience can be reached.
“As we develop the next steps of the political process, we want to hear everyone’s views,” said Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya, Hanna Tetteh. “Youth are a driving force that can help shape the future of this country. They have specific needs and concerns, and they bring different perspectives that can inform decision-making. We want to hear directly from them because a process that is meant for the Libyan people needs the meaningful participation of all Libyan people.”
UNSMIL has already met with youth in Zintan, Misrata, Benghazi and Nalut to discuss the Advisory Committee recommendations. Participants called for better access to economic and employment opportunities, unified government institutions, more representation and inclusion in decision-making processes, access to services, fair and equitable resource distribution. They also shared their ideas around decentralisation and political inclusion.
Through these consultations and online polling, the Mission will capture youth recommendations and ideas and ensure they are fed into the decision-making process on next steps.
UNSMIL published the Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s Report in May, including its four proposed options to move the political process forward. The public consultation and survey ask people to put forward their recommendations and ideas and decided which of these options they would prefer:
Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously;
Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution;
Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or
Establishing a political dialogue committee, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution.
More information on the youth consultations and how to get involved can be found here.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).