Game-changing international marine protection treaty comes into force

Officially known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, the legally binding UN treaty covers the ocean zones that lie beyond national waters (the “high seas”) and the international seabed area.  These regions make up over two-thirds of the ocean’s surface, representing over 90 per cent of Earth’s habitat by volume. This is because the ocean […]

US strikes in Caribbean and Pacific breach international law, says UN rights chief

More than 60 people have reportedly been killed in the continuing series of attacks since early September “in circumstances that find no justification in international law,” Volker Türk said in a statement. He urged the US to halt its “unacceptable” operations and take measures to prevent the “extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats, whatever […]

Jamaica: International support ‘crucial’ to hurricane recovery says Guterres

António Guterres spoke by phone to Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness earlier in the day emphasising afterwards in a statement that “international support is crucial” as the country deals with the effects of the category 5 storm which brought rain, storm surges and catastrophic flooding. “He calls for the mobilisation of massive resources to deal […]

Indirect disaster effects cost the world nearly $2 trillion per year, Guterres says on International Day

Most of the exorbitant costs of disaster are preventable with proper funding and planning —one of the main messages for this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, themed Fund Resilience, Not Disasters, observed on Monday. “Every dollar invested in resilience saves many more in avoided losses and protects the dignity of those most at […]

Gaza: International community must ‘match words with action’ now

Gaza: International community must ‘match words with action’ now

Olga Cherevko, Spokesperson in Gaza for the UN aid coordination office OCHA, warned that history will not judge the international community “based on the speeches that we made” but rather on actions. Speaking from Deir Al-Balah, she delivered a blunt message: “When Gaza burned, and children starved, and hospitals collapsed – did you act?” Gaza […]

UN rights chief decries ‘relentless intensification’ of US sanctions against International Criminal Court staff

UN rights chief decries ‘relentless intensification’ of US sanctions against International Criminal Court staff

His call comes a day after four more Court personnel – two judges and two deputy prosecutors – were slapped with sanctions in connection with efforts to investigate alleged war crimes committed by the US and Israel. This follows sanctions imposed earlier on four other judges and the ICC Prosecutor. Measures imposed could include blocking […]

Deep dive into the International Seabed Authority: Why it matters now

Deep dive into the International Seabed Authority: Why it matters now

At a time when the international community seeks to regulate the rich tapestry of the planet’s ocean floors while countries and corporations speed towards deep-sea mining opportunities, here’s what you need to know about ISA and why it matters now: What does it do? ISA manages the mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction, […]

Mandela’s legacy ‘is now our responsibility’, Guterres says on International Day

Mandela’s legacy ‘is now our responsibility’, Guterres says on International Day

In his remarks, the Secretary-General celebrated the extraordinary life of the South African civil rights icon, affectionately known by his Khosa clan name, Madiba. “He endured the brutal weight of oppression, and emerged not with a vision of vengeance and division – but of reconciliation, peace and unity,” Mr. Guterres said. “Today, Madiba’s legacy is […]

New judge elected to the International Court of Justice

New judge elected to the International Court of Justice

Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud was appointed following a parallel and independent voting process in the General Assembly and Security Council, conducted by secret ballot. He will fill the vacancy left by former ICJ President Nawaf Salam of Lebanon, who resigned in January to become the country’s Prime Minister. He will hold office for the remainder of […]

International Criminal Court: Deputies take over amid Prosecutor misconduct probe

International Criminal Court: Deputies take over amid Prosecutor misconduct probe

In a statement on Monday, the prosecutors’ office confirmed that deputies Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang are taking the lead, ensuring continuity across all cases and operations. The transition follows Prosecutor Khan’s announcement on 16 May that he would temporarily step aside while the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) conducts an […]