The ongoing conflict in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels of suffering, with daily reports of devastation, attacks on civilians, and a healthcare system on the brink of collapse. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini of the UN Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA) reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire, stating, “Every day without a ceasefire will bring more tragedy.”

Escalating Violence and Lack of Safe Zones

In a statement shared on social media, Lazzarini highlighted that no place in Gaza is safe. Recent attacks, such as the one on Al Mawasi, which claimed dozens of lives, underscore the absence of humanitarian or safe zones in the region.

The ongoing violence, which began in October 2023, has left Gaza in a humanitarian crisis, with children and families living in unsanitary and dangerous conditions.

Restrictions on Media Freedom

UNRWA also condemned the restriction of international journalists from reporting freely within Gaza, calling on Israeli authorities to grant access. Simultaneously, the suspension of Al Jazeera operations in the West Bank by the Palestinian Authority (PA) has raised concerns about freedom of expression in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) urged the PA to reverse its decision, emphasizing the importance of upholding international obligations to protect press freedom.

Healthcare Under Attack

Healthcare services in Gaza face relentless assaults, as illustrated by the raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital. Two UN Special Rapporteurs, Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng and Francesca Albanese, condemned the attack and the arbitrary arrest of the hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who defied evacuation orders to continue treating patients amid bombings. Tragically, Dr. Abu Safiya’s son was killed, and he himself was injured while on duty.

The situation at Kamal Adwan Hospital is emblematic of the broader assault on healthcare in Gaza:

• Over 1,057 Palestinian health and medical professionals have been killed.
• 22 hospitals have been destroyed, with Kamal Adwan being one of the last remaining facilities under constant threat.
• Arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial executions of healthcare workers continue unabated.

International Law and Protections

Under international humanitarian law, medical personnel and facilities enjoy special protections and cannot be targeted or detained for carrying out their duties. The UN experts called for:

• The immediate release of Dr. Abu Safiya and other arbitrarily detained healthcare workers.
• An end to attacks on healthcare personnel and facilities.

“The heroic actions of Palestinian medical colleagues in Gaza teach us what it means to uphold the medical oath, even under dire circumstances,” the experts said, urging the global community to act decisively to protect these essential workers.

A Call for Change in 2025

The ongoing violence and destruction in Gaza highlight the urgent need for global solidarity and action. UN officials stressed the importance of beginning the new year under different circumstances, with a renewed commitment to ceasefire negotiations and respect for human rights.

For further updates on Gaza and efforts to address the humanitarian crisis, follow our platform, where we provide detailed reporting and analysis on critical global issues.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced that 2024 is poised to become the warmest year on record, concluding a decade of unprecedented heat driven by human activities. Secretary-General António Guterres described this stark reality as “climate breakdown — in real time,” urging immediate action to avert further climate disasters.

A Decade of Deadly Heat

Reflecting on the past decade, Mr. Guterres noted that all ten of the hottest years on record occurred within this period, including 2024. He stressed the urgent need to “exit this road to ruin” by slashing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

WMO will release the final global temperature data for 2024 in January 2025, followed by the comprehensive State of the Global Climate 2024 report in March.

Climate Catastrophes and Extremes in 2024

The year 2024 was marked by a series of climate-related disasters, as highlighted in WMO reports:

• Extreme Heat: 41 additional days of dangerous heat were documented, exacerbating risks to human health and ecosystems.
• Deadly Weather Events: Climate change amplified 26 of 29 studied weather events, causing at least 3,700 deaths and displacing millions.
• Record-breaking Rainfall and Flooding: Unprecedented flooding led to significant loss of life and livelihoods on every continent.
• Scorching Heat Waves and Wildfires: Temperatures surpassed 50°C in some regions, intensifying wildfires that ravaged vast areas.

Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General, described these events as a sobering wake-up call, emphasizing that even a fraction of a degree in global warming heightens climate extremes and associated risks.

Hope in the Face of Crisis

Despite the grim realities, progress was made in 2024:

• The Pact for the Future was adopted to promote disarmament, financial reform, gender equality, and ethical innovation.
• COP29 Climate Conference focused on increasing financial support for vulnerable nations disproportionately impacted by climate change.

Developing nations, though responsible for minimal historical emissions, bear the brunt of extreme weather. In response, international experts gathered in December to develop a coordinated framework to combat extreme heat.

Looking Ahead to 2025: A Critical Year for Action

Designated as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, 2025 will prioritize efforts to protect the cryosphere—Earth’s frozen regions vital for regulating global temperatures. Other key initiatives include:

• Global Greenhouse Gas Watch: Improving monitoring of greenhouse gas net fluxes globally.
• Early Warnings for All Programme: Developing anticipatory systems to protect against hazardous environmental events by 2027.

As WMO approaches its 75th anniversary, Ms. Saulo called for urgent and unified global action, stressing the shared responsibility to safeguard the planet.

A Call to Action

The trajectory of the past decade serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for transformative action. With coordinated efforts and global solidarity, 2025 could mark a turning point in humanity’s fight against climate change.

Stay informed on climate developments and solutions by following our platform, where we highlight critical initiatives and progress toward a sustainable future.

In his New Year’s message for 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged nations to make 2025 a turning point for humanity by committing to drastic climate action and fostering unity. Reflecting on a tumultuous 2024, he emphasized the urgency of addressing climate breakdown, inequality, and global divisions.

A Decade of Deadly Heat

Highlighting the stark reality of the past decade, Mr. Guterres noted that the 10 hottest years on record have all occurred during this time. “This is climate breakdown — in real time,” he said, underscoring the immediate need for action.

He called on countries to:

• Dramatically slash greenhouse gas emissions.
• Transition to renewable energy sources.
• Support global efforts to combat climate change.

“This is essential — and it is possible,” he asserted.

Finding Hope Amid Challenges

Despite global crises, including conflicts, displacement, and mistrust, Mr. Guterres expressed optimism inspired by:

• Activists of all ages advocating for progress.
• Humanitarian workers overcoming obstacles to support vulnerable populations.
• Developing nations striving for financial and climate justice.
• Innovators and scientists pushing boundaries to benefit humanity.

A Pact for the Future

Mr. Guterres highlighted the Pact for the Future, adopted by UN Member States in September 2024, as a significant step toward achieving peace, equality, and global reform. The Pact’s goals include:

• Advancing disarmament and conflict prevention.
• Reforming the global financial system to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
• Promoting opportunities for women and youth.
• Ensuring technologies prioritize human rights and public welfare over profits.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles of human rights, international law, and the United Nations Charter as guiding values in this effort.

A Call for Unity

Concluding his message, Mr. Guterres acknowledged the uncertainties of 2025 but stressed the importance of collective action. He pledged to support all efforts to build a more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable future.

“Together, we can make 2025 a new beginning,” he said, emphasizing the importance of global unity. “Not as a world divided. But as nations united.”

Stay connected to our platform for continued updates on global climate action, UN initiatives, and efforts to foster peace and equality in the year ahead. Together, we can shape a more sustainable and just future.

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The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a $56.4 million flash appeal to address critical healthcare needs in Syria, where years of conflict and recent political upheaval have left the healthcare system on the brink of collapse.

Escalating Health Crisis

The fall of the Assad regime in late November 2024 has added new challenges to an already dire situation, including significant population displacements and the return of refugees from neighboring countries. Since November, over 882,000 Syrians have been displaced amid escalating violence, placing unprecedented strain on the country’s fragile health infrastructure.

Key issues include:

• Over 50% of Syria’s hospitals are non-functional.
• 141 health facilities in northern Aleppo and Idlib face imminent closure due to funding shortages.
• Attacks on health facilities surged, with 37 incidents reported in the past month alone.

WHO’s Strategic Response

WHO’s acting representative for Syria, Christina Bethke, highlighted the severity of the crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for funding to sustain healthcare services.

“Our teams are working tirelessly to provide care through mobile clinics, restore immunization services, and integrate mental health support into health facilities,” she said.

If fully funded, WHO’s six-month strategy aims to:

• Strengthen trauma care and deploy ambulances.
• Restore maternal and child health services.
• Enhance disease surveillance and enable timely patient referrals.
• Improve health system coordination through its hub in Gaziantep, Türkiye, which supports approximately five million Syrians, including those in hard-to-reach areas.

Refugees and Returnees: Facing New Challenges

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has also reported significant challenges for displaced populations and returning refugees, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children, and persons with disabilities. Key challenges include:

• Destroyed homes forcing returnees to live in tents, with extended families, or pay exorbitant rents.
• Risks posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in agricultural lands and near former frontlines.
• The need for legal assistance, psychosocial support, and school rehabilitation.

UNHCR and its partners are actively responding by:

• Resuming protection activities in Aleppo, Hassakeh, Ar-Raqqa, and rural Tartous.
• Implementing livelihood grants, relief distribution, and prevention of sexual violence programs.
• Conducting awareness sessions on UXOs and harmful objects to protect returnees from hidden dangers.

A Call for International Support

The combined efforts of WHO, UNHCR, and other agencies are vital in addressing Syria’s worsening humanitarian and healthcare crises. However, these initiatives hinge on adequate international funding and support.

By contributing to this urgent appeal, the global community can help safeguard the health and dignity of Syrians, while providing hope for a safer and more stable future. For more updates on Syria’s health and humanitarian challenges, follow our platform as we continue to report on global solutions to these pressing issues.

As Syria enters a new chapter following the fall of the Assad regime in early December 2024, rights investigators have called for immediate action to protect critical evidence of serious violations committed over the past decade. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Syria, in a landmark visit, has stressed the importance of preserving mass grave sites and safeguarding documentation crucial for justice and reconciliation.

Evidence at Risk

For the first time since its establishment in 2011, the CoI gained access to Syria, visiting former prisons and detention centers, including the infamous Sednaya and Military Intelligence Branch 235 facilities. The team was met with the grim reality of destroyed, stolen, or damaged evidence that could have aided families in tracing disappeared loved ones.

The Commission underscored the urgent need for protecting mass grave sites and securing remaining documents, warning against premature actions by well-meaning individuals or organizations that could compromise forensic investigations.

Key Recommendations

To address these challenges, the Commission has made several urgent recommendations, including:

• Establishing a specialized unit to coordinate the protection and preservation of mass grave sites and evidence until expert forensic assessments can be conducted.
• Discouraging interference with potential evidence sites and ensuring the return of removed documents.
• Collaborating with national and international rights organizations to secure evidence and provide support to families of missing persons.

“This critical juncture in Syria’s history demands utmost care and solidarity with the Syrian people,” the CoI stated, reiterating its commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery.

Justice and Human Rights in Focus

Over 30 independent human rights experts, including UN Special Rapporteurs, have called for international cooperation to ensure Syria’s transition prioritizes democratic principles and human rights. Key principles include:

• Justice for all crimes committed, through a credible judicial system that focuses on accountability, reparations, and reconciliation rather than revenge.
• Inclusion of marginalized groups, such as women, children, minorities, and displaced persons, in the political and reconstruction processes.
• Civil society involvement to ensure transparency and credibility in Syria’s transition.

International Cooperation and Non-Interference

The rights experts emphasized that Syria’s rebuilding efforts must remain Syrian-led and free from foreign aggression. They specifically highlighted challenges posed by ongoing military interventions, including:

• Illegal attacks and occupations by Israel, such as its actions in the Golan Heights and incursions into northeast and central Syria.
• Proxy wars that have turned Syria into a battleground for foreign powers, further complicating its recovery.

The experts called for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign military forces and an end to territorial incursions to pave the way for effective rehabilitation.

A Unified Path Forward

As Syria seeks to rebuild after decades of conflict and authoritarian rule, justice, reconciliation, and respect for sovereignty will be essential. The involvement of civil society, human rights defenders, and inclusive political processes will play a critical role in ensuring a credible and sustainable transition.

Stay updated on developments in Syria’s reconstruction and justice efforts on our platform, where we explore global solutions to foster peace and uphold human rights in conflict-affected regions.

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Yemen’s humanitarian crisis deepens as the country grapples with the world’s highest cholera burden. According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 250,000 suspected cases and 861 associated deaths have been reported as of December 1, 2024. Yemen accounts for 35% of global cholera cases and 18% of related deaths this year.

Alarming Surge in Cases

In November alone, Yemen saw a sharp rise in cholera cases, with suspected infections increasing by 37% and deaths rising by 27% compared to the same period last year. This surge exacerbates an already strained health system weakened by over a decade of conflict, economic collapse, and crumbling infrastructure.

The country’s cholera crisis follows its largest outbreak from 2017 to 2020, during which transmission never fully ceased, leaving Yemen vulnerable to recurring outbreaks.

A Health System on the Brink

Waterborne diseases such as cholera and acute watery diarrhea are placing an immense burden on Yemen’s healthcare system, already stretched thin by other outbreaks. Arturo Pesigan, WHO Representative in Yemen, noted the severe challenges humanitarian actors face due to funding shortages.

Critical issues driving the outbreak include:

• Limited access to clean drinking water
• Poor sanitation infrastructure
• Inadequate treatment availability

Severe Funding Shortages

WHO reports a $20 million funding gap for Yemen’s cholera response from October 2024 to March 2025. These shortages have forced the closure of:

• 47 Diarrhea Treatment Centers (DTCs) and 234 Oral Rehydration Centers (ORCs) from March to November
• An additional 17 DTCs and 39 ORCs by the end of December, potentially shutting down 84% of DTCs and 62% of ORCs nationwide

Health experts warn that without immediate financial support, Yemen risks another devastating scenario similar to the 2017–2020 outbreak, which overwhelmed the country’s fragile healthcare system.

Efforts to Combat the Outbreak

Since the latest outbreak began in March 2024, WHO has collaborated with Yemeni authorities, UN agencies, and humanitarian organizations to implement critical measures, including:

• Deploying over 25,000 rapid response team missions to investigate alerts and implement control measures
• Supplying laboratory reagents and materials to 12 central public health labs
• Distributing essential medicines, medical supplies, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) resources
• Training over 800 health workers on cholera case management
• Supporting an oral cholera vaccination campaign that reached 3.2 million people across six governorates

Broader Humanitarian Crisis

The cholera outbreak is a stark symptom of Yemen’s wider humanitarian challenges. Nearly half of the population—18.2 million people—require humanitarian assistance, with 11.2 million identified for aid coverage. Additionally:

• 17.6 million people face food insecurity
• Nearly half of all children under five suffer from moderate to severe stunting

A Call to Action

Yemen urgently needs international support to combat the cholera outbreak and address its broader humanitarian crisis. Immediate financial assistance is critical to sustain healthcare services, provide clean water, and ensure life-saving aid reaches vulnerable populations.

Stay informed about Yemen’s health and humanitarian crises on our platform, where we spotlight global efforts and solutions to alleviate suffering in conflict-affected regions.

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Recent developments in Syria have sparked a renewed sense of optimism for a peaceful and democratic transition. Following dramatic events that ended decades of dictatorship, UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, concluded talks in Damascus with a message of hope and determination for the country’s future.

Transition Towards Democracy

In his statements, Pedersen emphasized the importance of adhering to UN Security Council Resolution 2254. This resolution outlines a framework for a new constitution, free elections, and a Syrian-led, inclusive political process. Despite acknowledging the many challenges ahead, Pedersen described the current moment as the potential beginning of “a new Syria.”

Stability and Challenges

While stability has been reported in parts of Damascus, other regions face ongoing volatility. The northeast, in particular, remains fragile despite an extended ceasefire. Pedersen highlighted the critical need for humanitarian assistance and economic recovery to rebuild the nation. He also expressed hope that sanctions could eventually be lifted to support Syria’s growth and stability.

International Support for Sovereignty and Peace

The UN Security Council reiterated its support for an inclusive political process, reaffirming Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Members stressed the importance of combating terrorism and preventing extremist groups from regaining influence. They also called for the upholding of human rights and international humanitarian law to ensure justice and protection for all Syrians.

Dire Humanitarian Situation for Children

Syria’s prolonged conflict continues to have devastating effects on children. According to UNICEF, over 7.5 million children urgently need humanitarian aid. Many face risks such as forced labor, early marriage, and recruitment into armed groups. With nearly 40% of healthcare facilities non-functional and rising costs of basic goods, families struggle to meet their most basic needs. Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a persistent danger, particularly for children.

UNICEF’s Regional Director, Edouard Beigbeder, called for robust social protection programs to prevent families from sliding further into extreme poverty. He also emphasized the necessity of restoring vital public services and scaling up humanitarian assistance.

Relief Efforts and the Role of Women

The UN and its partners continue to provide critical support across Syria, from emergency cash assistance to healthcare and shelter. During a recent visit to Homs and Aleppo, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher praised the resilience of local communities. He underscored the pivotal role of women in rebuilding efforts, emphasizing the need to sustain funding for projects that empower women as leaders in the recovery process.

A Call to Action

As Syria navigates this critical period, the international community and local stakeholders must work together to address immediate humanitarian needs, promote economic recovery, and ensure a sustainable path toward peace and democracy. Upholding human rights, fostering inclusivity, and protecting vulnerable populations will be essential to building a brighter future for all Syrians.

For more updates on Syria’s transition and relief efforts, stay connected with our platform. Together, we can amplify the voices of those striving for peace and progress in the region.

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Brussels for Human Rights and Development – BHRD
Belgium
International Human Rights Day
Every year on December 10th, the world celebrates Human Rights Day to commemorate one of the most pioneering global commitments: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This historic document enshrines the inalienable rights that every individual is entitled to, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, language, political opinion, or other status, national or social origin, property, birth, or any other characteristic.
• The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration in Paris on December 10, 1948, which for the first time outlined the fundamental human rights that should be universally protected.
• Brussels for Human Rights and Development joins the world in celebrating this important global occasion and emphasizes the need to promote a culture of human rights, safeguard them, and work towards further progress and prosperity for the entire world. This includes supporting the United Nations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Furthermore, it calls for empowering individuals and local communities to build a better tomorrow. By embracing and trusting in the full power of human rights as the path to the world we aspire to, we succeed in creating more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable societies.
On this occasion Brussels for Human Rights and Development recommends that all efforts be unified towards further advancing the protection of human rights.
Brussels for Human Rights – BHRD
Belgium – Tuesday, December 10, 2024