Tag Archives: threats

In Berlin, broad backing for UN peacekeeping as global threats mount

Posted on by
Reply

UN Secretary-General António Guterres meanwhile warned that peace operations are under growing strain and must adapt to meet today’s rising threats.

The two-day conference on peacekeeping, hosted by the Government of Germany, brought together over 1,000 participants – including defence and foreign ministers – to reaffirm commitment to the UN’s flagship tool for maintaining peace and stability.

It concluded on Wednesday with a wide array of pledges, including 88 military and police units, specialized training, and investments in emerging technologies and strategic communications.

Difference between life and death

“In trouble spots around the world, ‘blue helmets’ can mean the difference between life and death,” Mr. Guterres said in his opening remarks.

“Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations. And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.”

Germany, which currently contributes troops to UN missions in South Sudan, Lebanon, and Western Sahara, announced €82 million (around $91.7 million) in funding, along with commitments in training, renewable energy solutions and drone technology.

“Germany continues to be a steadfast supporter of UN peacekeeping,” said Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

Broad and diverse commitments

A total of 74 UN Member States made specific pledges, ranging from uniformed personnel to training and strategic support.

This includes pledges which will bolster military and police units, including airlift and rapid deployment capabilities (53 national contributions), specialized training (59), technological enhancements (18), advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (38) and safety and protection (16).

Eleven countries also committed to improving accountability and conduct, including support to the trust fund for victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, and eight nations supporting the UN’s efforts to counter mis- and disinformation through strategic communications.

Deminers with the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, MINUSMA, clearing an airstrip in Kidal region. (file photo)

Deminers with the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, MINUSMA, clearing an airstrip in Kidal region. (file photo)

Mounting pressures

At a press conference following the meeting, Secretary-General Guterres acknowledged that peacekeepers operate in an increasingly complex and dangerous environment, citing a record number of global conflicts, the targeting of peacekeepers by drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the rising threat from disinformation campaigns.

“We need to ask some tough questions about the mandates guiding these operations, and what the outcomes and solutions should look like,” he said, speaking alongside German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Defence Minister Pistorius.

“Every context is different, and missions must be adapted accordingly.”

The UN chief also stressed the importance of sustained financial backing, highlighting that many missions continue to struggle with cash flow shortages due to delayed payments from Member States.

“It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time,” he said.

Crucial reforms

The Berlin meeting feeds into the UN’s broader reform efforts, including an ongoing Review of Peace Operations announced in last year’s Pact for the Future, aimed at making peacekeeping and peace enforcement more flexible, cost-effective, and aligned with real-world needs.

This year’s Ministerial also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 10-year anniversary of the 2015 New York Summit on Peacekeeping. It follows similar high-level meetings in Accra, Seoul, Vancouver and London.

Peacekeeping remains one of the UN’s most visible activities, with over 61,000 uniformed personnel from 119 countries currently deployed across 11 missions, supported by more than 7,000 civilian staff.

Source link

Journalism facing new threats from AI and censorship

Posted on by
Reply

“Amidst spiraling conflict, climate chaos, growing divisions, and a rapidly changing digital landscape, a free press is more vital than ever,” said Volker Türk.

Furthermore, “the media help us understand the world around us and encourage critical thinking and dialogue.”

Threats and deaths

Free and independent media are the best antidote to disinformation but press freedom is under threat in every region of the world, he warned.

“States harass, detain, torture and even kill media workers, simply for doing their jobs” while “in some conflict zones, warring parties restrict or deny access to journalists.”

He noted that since January, at least 20 people who work in media have been killed and impunity for crimes against journalists remains widespread, with more than 80 per cent of killings going unpunished.

AI rewards…and risks

Mr. Türk said this year’s observance of press freedom is a reminder that media repression is increasing while artificial intelligence (AI) is entirely overhauling how information is produced, distributed, and consumed.

Although AI can be a useful tool for journalists, it also carries significant risks for press freedom, he warned.

“AI-based algorithms often dictate what we see, shaping our opinions and perceptions of reality. Politicians use AI to weaponize disinformation and advance their own agendas,” he said.

“States are also using AI tools to monitor journalists and their sources online, violating their right to privacy. This has a chilling effect on media workers everywhere. And women journalists are disproportionately targeted.”

Concentration of power

Furthermore, “a small group of corporations and individuals have almost total control over AI technology and influence on the global media landscape.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also highlighted the opportunities and risks posed by AI in his message on press freedom.

“Biased algorithms, outright lies, and hate speech are landmines on the information superhighway.  Accurate, verifiable, fact-based information is the best tool to defuse them,” he said.

He pointed to the Global Digital Compact adopted last year by UN Member States, which includes “concrete steps to strengthen international cooperation to promote information integrity, tolerance and respect in the digital space.”

Change course now

Mr. Türk said World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity for everyone to urgently commit to changing course now, starting with States.

They must ensure that journalists are safe from attacks, hate campaigns and surveillance, as well as physical and legal harassment.

“It is crucial to have more transparency in how data is used, how content is curated, and how algorithms are designed.”

Media concentration laws – that is, legislation around ownership of mass media outlets – also must be updated to reflect the power of AI and tech platforms and promote a diverse media landscape that secures space for independent journalism.

Meanwhile, tech companies have a crucial role. In this regard, Mr. Turk announced that his Office and UN educational and cultural agency UNESCO are offering guidance to help tech companies assess the risks their tools pose to journalists and civil society.

 “A free, independent, and diverse media can help to heal the divisions in our societies. We must do everything in our power to protect it and allow it to flourish,” he said. 

Source link

Even Knife to My Throat Won’t Force Me Say ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai: Owaisi

Posted on by
Reply

The religious divide in India is getting worse with the Hindu nationalists, especially the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideology wing of Hindu Sanghis calling for imparting education to all Indians to say “Bharat Mata ki Jai’ from childhood to invoke nationalism getting an equally reverse rhetoric by AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi.

Speaking to Muslim groups in Udgir tehsil, Latur district of Maharashtra, Owaisi said: “I don’t chant that slogan. What are you going to do, Bhagwat sahab?” He further said,”I won’t utter that even if you put a knife to my throat… Nowhere in the Constitution it says that one should say: Bharat Mata ki Jai.”

Earlier RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat told a meeting of RSS members, “Now the time has come when we have to tell the new generation to chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’… It should be real, spontaneous and part of all-round development of the youth.”

RSS has been playing pivotal role in BJP rule and it believes that the time has come for a Hindu ruler to ascend the throne after 900 years and it should not be wasted without instilling the spirit of nationalism in India. Prthviraj Chouhan was the last acknowledged Indian ruler by the Sanghis, while Atal Behari Vajpayee’s 5-year-rule remains a failure for them in terms of implementing the Hindu agenda.