The top United Nations human rights official today strongly criticized the detention of migrants and refugees in the Czech Republic, drawing attention to the violations of the rights of children among them and to credible reports that authorities are routinely strip-searching migrants to confiscate the $10 a day they are charged for their own detention.
The World Food Programme (WFP) today announced that after a three-month suspension, it has restarted humanitarian activities in the non-Government-controlled area of Donetsk city in eastern Ukraine.
As the number of refugee and migrant arrivals in Greece hits half a million, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned today of continuing “chaos” at overburdened reception centres – possibly threatening to undo Europe’s recently-agreed relocation programme – unless reception conditions in frontline islands are improved.
During a visit to the capital of Slovakia today, the United Nations Secretary-General inaugurated an exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of Organization, featured at the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
Visiting the Slovakian city of Levoca, the United Nations Secretary-General stressed the importance of the role of the local community, particularly mayors and governors, and the importance of living harmoniously and in a sustainable way.
While visiting a humanitarian centre in Slovakia today where refugees have been accommodated by the Government, United Nations Secretary-General urged all leaders to show their “global solidarity and compassionate leadership.”
After meeting with families of refugees at a reception centre in Italy today, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the global community has to “stand with people who do not have any means” and provide basic necessities, such as education and sanitation.
Belgium needs to develop an inclusive national vision and action on the issue of foreign fighters at federal, regional and local levels, the United Nations Working Group on the use of mercenaries said today following a five-day visit to the European nation.
Urging the Europe Union (EU) to safeguard the rights of migrants at risk, especially the most vulnerable, a United Nations human rights expert today called on EU member States to ensure their anti-trafficking measures do not include restrictive and exclusionary immigration policies that are not effective and further heighten risks for trafficking and exploitation.
Up to seven people have been killed – four of them children – in a collision between a smuggling boat and a Greek Coast Guard vessel off the coast of Lesvos, Greek authorities and the United Nations refugee agency said today.
