JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Over the past two days, partners recorded several airstrikes, as well as shelling, demolition explosions, naval gunfire, and shelling throughout the Gaza region, particularly west of the “Yellow Line” designated by Israeli authorities.
Humanitarian activists brought extra fuel, plastic sheeting, winter clothing, medicine and medical supplies, however Ocha said these limited goods were not enough to meet people’s needs. Deliveries are still hampered by funding shortages and restrictions imposed by Israel, including a ban on the operations of several partners, restrictions on imports such as engine oil and spare parts, and limited access to more than 64 percent of Gaza.
Meanwhile, the UN human rights office in the Occupied Palestinian Territories condemned Tuesday’s Israeli attack on Al Bira, Ramallah, which Israeli forces claimed were the offices of two Palestinian civil society organizations, Addameer and the Palestinian Women’s Unity Committee.
Soldiers confiscated documents and equipment and detained a journalist and a former detainee, the office said, calling for an immediate end to the crackdown on Palestinian civil space.
Humanitarian partners called on Israeli authorities to halt the crackdown on Palestinian civic space, noting that raids and detentions of human rights defenders and protection workers are having a “chilling effect.”
Central African Republic: UN peacekeepers and national armies increase joint patrols in Vakaga
UN peacekeepers and national forces in the Central African Republic have increased joint patrols in Vakaga prefecture in response to security concerns, the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, MINUSCA, said on Wednesday.
On Monday afternoon, peacekeepers from the Zambian MINUSCA contingent and Central African Armed Forces (FACA) personnel patrolled the main roads in and around Birao. Patrols have also been strengthened in Am-Dafock and several surrounding areas.
The aim is to prevent threats to civilians, reassure the public and build trust between security forces and citizens amidst concerns and circulating rumors regarding the security situation.
“These joint operations reassure us. They reduce our concerns regarding the rumors and information currently circulating in our prefecture,” said Ahamat Adam, a community leader and member of the local peace committee, who hopes patrols will be expanded to other areas, including Tiringoulou and Sikikéde.
The patrols also help daily life and the local economy.
“When we see FACA and MINUSCA patrolling together in the city, we feel safer. This allows us to carry out our daily activities with more confidence,” said Amina Alit, a trader at Birao market.
Zambian UN peacekeepers patrol the Vakaga region of the Central African Republic.
Mayors from 50 countries are committed to sustainable urban development
Ninety mayors from 50 countries met at UN Mayors Forum in Geneva earlier this week, updating their commitment to make the city more sustainable and send its recommendations to the government United Nations Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Managementwhich opened its latest session on Wednesday.
Founded in 2020, the Mayors Forum connects municipal, national and global actors to share local solutions for implementing PBB Sustainable Development Goals.
Their commitment covers six areas:
- Efficient, safe, environmentally friendly and accessible transportation
- More green space, biodiversity protection, and lower pollution and emissions
- Inclusive and participatory planning and climate resilience
- Affordable, safe and climate-resilient housing for vulnerable communities
- Protecting cultural and natural heritage for responsible tourism
- Using culture, creativity, innovation and ethical AI to improve urban services and civic participation
The mayors noted that across all areas, fiscal constraints, fragmented governance and limited local capacity hamper implementation and urged countries and international organizations to strengthen the legal, institutional, policy and financial frameworks necessary to address these issues.
The head of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), which organizes the forum, explained why cities must be at the center of decision-making.
“Cities are where communities face the great challenges of our time head-on – from housing and access to essential services to mobility, climate impacts, inequality and disaster risk. But they are also where solutions are developed every day,” he said.
