Latest news with #Guterres'
Time of India
03-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Gaza: UN chief demands probe as more killed at aid site
Gaza: UN chief demands probe as more killed at aid site (ANI) Witnesses and relief workers on Tuesday said that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza had fired on Palestinian civilians waiting for aid for the second time in three days. Medics said at least 27 people were killed. The IDF said that it had fired at people who "posed a threat" near the the Al-Alam roundabout in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The location is close to an aid center run by the controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid center. Witnesses reported being fired at by drones and helicopters. UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the shootings, saying: "Deadly attacks on distraught civilians trying to access the paltry amounts of food aid in Gaza are directed against civilians constitute a grave breach of international law and a war crime." UN's Guterres saying killings are 'unacceptable' UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday had called for an independent investigation into the deaths of dozens of Palestinians near an aid distribution site in Gaza, prompting a fierce response from Israel. Guterres said in a statement that he was "appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dermatologista recomenda: simples truque elimina o fungo facilmente Acabe com o Fungo Undo "It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food," the UN leader's statement said. "I call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held accountable," Guterres said. Aid workers and civilians said on Sunday that Israeli forces fired on Palestinians waiting to receive aid close to a distribution site in Gaza. Journalists also reported receiving an off the record statement from the Israeli military saying that they had fired on "suspects" who posed a threat. At least 21 were killed and scores more injured, according to a Red Cross field hospital and numerous witnesses. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Guterres' statement as a "disgrace," and criticized him for ignoring the role of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Hamas, which is in charge of Gaza, is considered a terrorist group by Israel, the US and several other countries. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein wrote in a post on X that Guterres' statement did not mention "the fact that Hamas is the one shooting civilians and trying to prevent them from collecting aid packages." Marmorstein's claims have not been confirmed by any other source.
Arab News
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
UN chief's Rohingya refugee camp visit a call to action
The visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh last week has brought renewed attention to one of the world's most protracted humanitarian crises. Guterres, deeply moved by the suffering of the Rohingya, called for their return to Myanmar at the earliest opportunity. For Bangladesh, which has shouldered the immense burden of hosting nearly a million refugees, this declaration marks a significant diplomatic victory. But how will this be received in Myanmar, particularly by the Arakan Army, which now controls much of Rakhine State? The Arakan Army, having consolidated power over 11 of Rakhine's 18 townships, is a force that can no longer be ignored. However, its policies toward the Rohingya remain deeply troubling. It has outlawed the use of the term 'Rohingya,' dismissing the community's distinct identity and reinforcing the discriminatory practices of past regimes. Despite its aspirations for international recognition, the Arakan Army's refusal to acknowledge the Rohingya's identity undermines its credibility as a legitimate governing authority. Guterres' remarks were a clear signal. The world's top diplomat unequivocally stated the conditions the Arakan Army and other Myanmar authorities must meet to gain global legitimacy. The voluntary, safe and dignified return of the Rohingya, with full recognition of their rights and identity, must be a nonnegotiable benchmark. This message resonates deeply with Bangladesh, where frustrations over the stalled repatriation process have grown. Despite repeated bilateral agreements with Myanmar, no meaningful progress has been made. The failure of the previous repatriation attempts in 2018 and 2019 was a sobering reminder that, without guarantees of safety and citizenship, the Rohingya would remain at risk. Guterres' clear call for repatriation underlines the need for a new approach — one that involves regional cooperation and greater international accountability. Past repatriation attempts have failed, largely due to Myanmar's unwillingness to provide assurances of safety and citizenship Dr. Azeem Ibrahim For Bangladesh, the secretary-general's stance offers renewed diplomatic leverage. Dhaka has long argued that repatriation remains the only sustainable solution. However, past attempts have failed, largely due to Myanmar's unwillingness to provide assurances of safety and citizenship to the returning refugees. Now, with the Arakan Army in control, Bangladesh has an opportunity to recalibrate its approach. Engaging with the group, alongside the national unity government, could prove more effective than relying solely on the junta-controlled administration. The Arakan Army itself is at a crossroads. If it truly aspires to establish itself as a credible governing authority, it cannot ignore the Rohingya issue. Guterres' visit has made it clear that recognition and legitimacy on the world stage will only come if the group commits to protecting all communities within Rakhine, including the Rohingya. The international community will be watching closely to see whether the Arakan Army takes steps to dismantle discriminatory policies, restore Rohingya citizenship and ensure their safe return. At the same time, the international community must step up. Mere statements of support are insufficient. Sanctions, diplomatic isolation and targeted pressure on the Arakan Army could compel them to adopt more inclusive policies. Additionally, humanitarian assistance must be expanded, both within Rakhine and in the refugee camps of Bangladesh, to prevent further deterioration of the crisis. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations and neighboring countries like India and China also have a role to play. While their engagement with Myanmar has often been guided by economic and strategic interests, the moral imperative to address the Rohingya crisis cannot be overlooked. Multilateral pressure, coupled with incentives for inclusive governance, could push the Arakan Army toward constructive engagement on the Rohingya issue. Multilateral pressure could push the Arakan Army toward constructive engagement on the Rohingya issue Dr. Azeem Ibrahim Furthermore, the plight of the Rohingya must remain a priority on the global humanitarian agenda. The camps in Bangladesh, where overcrowding and malnutrition are rampant and education opportunities are rare, represent a ticking time bomb. Without hope of a better future, despair and radicalization could take root. Guterres' visit was a timely reminder that the status quo is unsustainable. For the Rohingya themselves, the secretary-general's advocacy offers a glimmer of hope. After years of being silenced and marginalized, hearing the world's top diplomat reaffirm their right to return with dignity is a powerful acknowledgment of their struggle. However, words must be translated into action. The Rohingya deserve to see tangible progress toward their safe repatriation and the restoration of their rights. Bangladesh, too, must continue to advocate for international accountability. The pursuit of justice for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya cannot be sidelined. The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court remain vital avenues for holding perpetrators accountable and deterring further abuses. In the end, Guterres' visit was not just a diplomatic gesture, it was a call to action. The Arakan Army faces a pivotal choice: continue down the path of exclusion and repression or embrace the principles of justice and inclusion. The world is watching and so are the Rohingya, who deserve nothing less than a future of dignity and peace. The responsibility lies with the Arakan Army, the national unity government and the broader international community to ensure that Guterres' words are not forgotten. Only through a genuine commitment to the rights and recognition of the Rohingya can lasting peace be achieved in Rakhine State.
Jordan News
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
Guterres: Alarming Rise in Islamophobia - Jordan News
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated on Friday that there has been an "alarming rise in intolerance against Muslims" around the world, urging online platforms to curb hate speech and harassment. اضافة اعلان Guterres' statement came ahead of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Human rights organizations globally, as well as the United Nations, have observed an increase in Islamophobia, anti-Arab prejudice, and anti-Semitism since the start of Israel's devastating military attack on Gaza, following the October 7, 2023, attacks by the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on towns in southern occupied territories. Guterres, without specifying any particular country or government, said, "We are witnessing an alarming rise in intolerance against Muslims. From racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, to outright violence against individuals and places of worship." He added, "Online platforms must limit hate speech and harassment. We all must raise our voices against intolerance, xenophobia, and discrimination." Human rights defenders have raised concerns for years about the stigma faced by Muslims and Arabs. Currently, many Palestinian rights activists, including in Western countries such as the United States, have complained that their defense of Palestinian rights is wrongly classified by critics as support for Hamas. In recent weeks, human rights monitoring bodies have released reports indicating record levels of hate incidents and hate speech against Muslims in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, India, and others. Governments in these countries continue to express their commitment to combating all forms of discrimination. (Reuters)
Al Arabiya
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
UN chief says there is ‘disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry'
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said on Friday there was a 'disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry' around the world while urging online tech platforms to curb hate speech and harassment. Guterres' video message came ahead of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Rights groups around the world and the United Nations have noted a rise in Islamophobia, anti-Arab bias, and antisemitism since the start of Israel's devastating military assault on Gaza following Palestinian Hamas militants' deadly October 7, 2023, attack. 'We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry. From racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, to outright violence against individuals and places of worship,' the UN chief said, without mentioning any specific country or government. 'Online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment. And we must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination.' Rights advocates have for years raised concerns about stigma faced by Muslims and Arabs because of how some people conflate those communities with extremists or terrorist groups. At present, many pro-Palestinian activists, including in Western nations such as the United States, have complained and say that their advocacy for Palestinian rights is wrongly labeled by their critics as support for Hamas. In recent weeks, rights watchdogs have published data noting record levels of anti-Muslim hate incidents and hate speech in countries such as the UK, US, and India, among others. The governments of those countries say they aim to combat all forms of discrimination.
Reuters
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
UN chief says there is 'disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry'
March 14 (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday there was a "disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry" around the world while urging online tech platforms to curb hate speech and harassment. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Guterres' video message came ahead of the International Day to combat Islamophobia. Rights groups around the world and the United Nations have noted a rise in Islamophobia, anti-Arab bias and antisemitism since the start of Israel's devastating military assault on Gaza following Palestinian Hamas militants' deadly October 7, 2023, attack. KEY QUOTES "We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry. From racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, to outright violence against individuals and places of worship," the UN chief said, without mentioning any specific country or government. "Online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment. And we must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia and discrimination." CONTEXT Rights advocates have for years raised concerns about stigma faced by Muslims and Arabs because of how some people conflate those communities with Islamist militant groups. At present, many pro-Palestinian activists, including in Western nations such as the United States, have complained and say that their advocacy for Palestinian rights is wrongly labeled by their critics as support for Hamas. In recent weeks, rights watchdogs have published data noting record levels of anti-Muslim hate incidents and hate speeches in countries such as the UK, U.S. and India, among others. The governments of those countries say they aim to combat all forms of discrimination.
