Rights chief urges Russia to end crackdown as journalist detentions reach all-time high

Volker Türk said he was concerned by the increasing number of journalists charged, convicted and jailed for their independent reporting, in what appears to be an intensification of a crackdown on dissenting voices. He described the continuous attacks on free speech and the criminalization of independent journalism in Russia as “very troubling”. “The intensification of the crackdown on journalists’ independent … Read moreRights chief urges Russia to end crackdown as journalist detentions reach all-time high

Ukraine: Imperative to ‘explore all options’ to reach civilians – UN relief chief

Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said that it was “imperative that we explore all options to reach civilians”, stressing that all parties to the fighting must allow and facilitate the “rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief”. “I urge the parties to strengthen facilitation efforts so we can reach all civilians in need”, he said. Cut … Read moreUkraine: Imperative to ‘explore all options’ to reach civilians – UN relief chief

Ukraine: UN aid trucks reach frontline town of Chasiv Yar

The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said the humanitarian supplies had been off-loaded in Chasiv Yar, which is some 10 kilometres to the west of Bakhmut, which Russian forces are attempting to wrest control from Ukrainian troops. After months of fighting, the mercenary Wagner Group now claims to be in control of the eastern part … Read moreUkraine: UN aid trucks reach frontline town of Chasiv Yar

Ukraine war: ‘Please, let us in,’ WHO issues plea to reach sick and injured |

More than four and half months since Russia’s invasion, civilians have continued to be targeted in explosions and missile strikes, particularly in eastern cities including Donetsk, Sloviansk, Makiivka, Oleksandrivka and Yasynuvata, but also in southern oblasts, in Odessa and Mykolaiv.  Senior UN officials have long called for humanitarian corridors to be established to enable the … Read moreUkraine war: ‘Please, let us in,’ WHO issues plea to reach sick and injured |