New UN relief chief relays voices of displaced to world leaders

Displaced people in Africa’s volatile Lake Chad region have an urgent request to the international community: we need your protection. That’s the message the new UN emergency relief coordinator Mark Lowcock is delivering to world leaders meeting in New York at the latest session of the General Assembly. It’s the first time Mr Lowcock is participating in the annual gathering of the UN’s 193 Member States, having taken the helm of the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, this month. Alexandra Eurdolian asked him about his priorities for the UN General Assembly.

Burundi violence “might be crimes against humanity”

Torture, rape and arbitrary detention in Burundi may amount to crimes against humanity, UN-appointed experts told the Human Rights Council on Tuesday. Violence erupted in Burundi after President Pierre Nkurunziza won a controversial third term in office in 2015. Fatsah Ouguergouz, head of the UN Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating the situation, explained the panel's findings to Daniel Johnson.

Nigerian teacher wins UNHCR Refugee Award

A teacher and school-funder who helped win the release of some of the Chibok girls from Boko Haram extremists in Nigeria, has been declared the winner of this year’s Nansern Award, sponsored by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Mustapha Zannah has opened schools in the conflict zone of north-east Nigeria, where the Boko Haram group first began its terror campaign. He provides free education to child victims of violence. The Norwegian Refugee Council’s Secretary General, Jan Egeland, said that Mustapha’s “brave work” highlighted the importance of education “for the future of Nigeria.” Mustapha Zannah spoke to Agnese Pastorino, following the announcement of the award.

Presenter: Matt Wells

Duration: 10'00″