This is the News in Brief from the United Nations
No improvement in workers’ conditions, despite drop in unemployment rate
For most people around the world, having a job doesn’t mean economic security, and new technology is making the situation worse.
These are some of the main takeaways from the latest World Employment and Social Outlook report from the International Labour Organization, or ILO.
It says that the majority of the 3.3 billion people employed worldwide last year lacked sufficient material well-being, and had too few opportunities for advancement.
The unemployment rate has now dropped to levels seen before the financial crash that began in 2008, but the ILO says that workers’ conditions have not improved, and some businesses driven by new technology threaten to undermine hard-won social gains of recent decades.
UN experts condemn Chechnya LGBT attacks
Chechens suspected of being lesbian, gay or bisexual, have been killed as a result of torture and suffered other human rights abuses in recent weeks, independent UN human rights experts said in a statement on Wednesday.
The experts expressed alarm at information indicating a worsening situation for LGBT people in Chechnya, citing reports that 40 people have reportedly been arrested since December 2018 because of their perceived sexual orientation: the two deaths allegedly occurred as a result of torture during detention.
The statement goes on to say that victims attempting to flee the region are reportedly being prevented from doing so by the Chechen authorities, whose methods include destroying or confiscating ID papers, the threat of criminal proceedings, and forcing them to provide signatures on blank forms.
2019 World Radio Day focuses on promotion of dialogue, tolerance and peace
Despite a host of new forms of digital communication, radio continues to be a vital lifeline in many parts of the world, especially remote and vulnerable communities, and the UN has been celebrating the continued importance of the original broadcast medium, hosting events marking World Radio Day.
UN-run radio stations send out vital information to communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Mali, Senegal and South Sudan, promoting dialogue, tolerance and peace, the three interlinked themes of this year’s international day.
In a video message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described radio as “a powerful tool”:
Even in today’s world of digital communications, radio reaches more people than any other media platform. It conveys vital information and raises awareness on important issues, and it is a personal interactive platform where people can air their views, concerns and grievances. Radio can create a community. For the United Nations, especially our peacekeeping operations, radio is a vital way of informing, reuniting and empowering people affected by war. On this World Radio Day, let us recognise the power of radio to promote dialogue, tolerance and peace.
And don’t forget that, as well as our News in Brief, UN News also produces a steady stream of audio interviews and podcasts, which you can find wherever you usually get your online audio.
Conor Lennon, UN News.
