This is the News in Brief from the United Nations
UNICEF budget must triple to fight DRC Ebola outbreak
Updating the press on the deadly Ebola outbreak in the north-east region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jerome Pfaffmann, a Health Specialist for the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said on Tuesday, that the agency would have to triple its budget to respond to the crisis.
The spokesperson underlined the complexity of the outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, which are facing a public health emergency and a humanitarian crisis at the same time; including conflict, and a major measles outbreak.
UNICEF has already vaccinated more than 40,000 children against measles, and plans to put in place a program to address acute humanitarian and social needs.
The agency’s expanded budget will total some $170 million, earmarked for activities to control the epidemic, the building of community capacities, and the delivery of essential services.
Execution of Bahrainis condemned by UN human rights office, amid allegations of unfair trial
The execution of two Bahraini citizens on Friday has been strongly condemned by the UN High Commission for Human Rights, in a statement released on Tuesday.
The executions took place despite the concerns of the High Commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, that the men’s confessions were obtained under torture, and that they were denied due process and guarantees of a fair trial.
The two men were tried in a mass hearing with 58 other defendants, and convicted on charges of terrorism.
The High Commission is “very concerned” about the fate of other detainees at risk of imminent execution on death row in Bahrain and has called on the Bahraini Government to halt all pending executions.
Spread some kindness, on International Day of Friendship
And finally, UNICEF is encouraging us all to brighten someone’s day, and spread a bit of kindness, on the UN’s International Day of Friendship.
The call is part of the UN Children’s Fund’s campaign to end violence in and around schools where, worldwide, around half of all students aged between 13 and 15, have reported experiencing some form of violence.
The campaign includes a short video featuring K-pop superstars BTS singing their hit single “Answer: Love Myself”, showing young people confronting school violence.
UNICEF is suggesting that one way to improve someone’s day, is to leave them a kind note, either in person, or online.
