Latest news with #UN-recognized
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Defining symbol of protests, volatile work schedules, healing power of travel: Catch up on the day's stories
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Almost two-thirds of US workers struggle with volatile and inflexible work schedules, according to a new Gallup survey. It's especially common among part-time employees and those without a college degree. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day: 1️⃣ Defining symbol: Mexico's green, white and red flag has been a common sight at the protests in Los Angeles as demonstrators express solidarity with immigrants and denounce the ICE raids. The brandishing of Latin American flags in the US has a long and complex history. 2️⃣ Dicey outlook: Global economic growth is on track for its weakest decade since the 1960s, according to a new analysis. The World Bank cited US President Donald Trump's trade war as a major factor weighing on economies worldwide. 3️⃣ $1,000 per baby: The so-called 'Trump accounts' would provide parents of newborns with money to invest on behalf of their child's future as part of a five-year pilot program. Here's how it would work and who would benefit the most. 4️⃣ World traveler: Cameron Mofid has struggled with obsessive compulsive disorder since childhood. The California man recently became one of the few people who has visited all 195 UN-recognized countries and territories. He called it 'a form of healing.' 5️⃣ Skygazing: Keep an eye out tonight for June's full strawberry moon as well as the Milky Way and multiple planets. This will be the lowest full moon visible from the Northern Hemisphere in decades due to a phenomenon called a major lunar standstill. 🌊 Undersea wreckage: Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts captured close-up images of a World War I-era submarine that was lost at sea 108 years ago. Take a closer look. • Military mobilization around LA protests will cost roughly $134 million• Gunman opens fire in Austrian school, killing 10 and throwing country into shock• Several dead after wave of explosions hit southwest Colombia, authorities say ✈️ That's how many fewer international travelers are expected to visit New York City this year than in 2024. 🌍 Call for help: Children removing plastic waste from a lake. Tree-covered mountains behind a massive pile of trash. A billboard on parched earth where the seashore used to be. Striking images like these, showing environmental destruction, aim to 'inspire action.' 🛒 Empty shelves: Whole Foods says it's working hard to restock stores with groceries after a cyberattack knocked one of its major suppliers offline. 🚢 Which activist was detained while aboard an aid ship headed for Gaza? A. Ai WeiweiB. Jane FondaC. Greta ThunbergD. Alicia Garza⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 👨🎨 The real deal: A family displayed a marble sculpture on top of their piano alongside photos. They thought it was 'fake' — a copy of a work of art by renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin. It just sold at auction for nearly $1 million. 👋 We'll see you tomorrow. 🧠 Quiz answer: C. Swedish climate and human rights activist Greta Thunberg departed Israel on a flight to France after being detained by Israeli forces aboard an aid ship bound for Gaza.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. 5 Things PM is produced by CNN's Chris Good, Meghan Pryce, Kimberly Richardson and Morgan Severson.
Scoop
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
‘Our Worst Held Fears Are Being Confirmed': Dozens Of Bodies Discovered In Libya Mass Graves
4 June 2025 'Our worst held fears are being confirmed: dozens of bodies have been discovered at these sites, along with the discovery of suspected instruments of torture and abuse, and potential evidence of extrajudicial killings,' Türk said. The sites where bodies were discovered are run by the Stabilization Support Apparatus (SSA), an armed group tasked with increasing Government security in the capital, Tripoli. They have long been suspected by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) – and independent rights experts – to be sites of torture and enforced disappearance. Mr. Türk called for these sites to be sealed for forensic investigations to support accountability. Libya has endured turmoil since the fall of the Muammar Gaddafi regime 15 years ago and the emergence of rival administrations in 2014: the UN-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and the Government of National Stability (GNS) based in Benghazi. The UN has supported many ultimately unsuccessful attempts to reunite the country and transition to democratic governance. Over 80 bodies discovered In May, the leader of the SSA – Abdul Ghani al-Kikli – was killed, triggering clashes between armed groups and state security forces. Protests also emerged, calling for an end to violence in Tripoli. Multiple civilians were killed and infrastructure – including hospitals – damaged. In the wake of this violence, 10 badly charred bodies were discovered at the SSA headquarters in the Abu Salim neighbourhood. 67 more bodies were discovered at hospitals in Abu Salim and Al Khadra hospitals, all in refrigerators and in various states of decay. The UN human rights office OHCHR also said that a burial site was discovered at the Tripoli Zoo, which is run by the SSA. The identities of the bodies are not known at this stage. Human rights abuses, at all levels These were not the first mass graves discovered in Libya. In February, two mass graves were discovered in Jakharrah and Al-Kufra with 10 and 93 bodies respectively. Many of these bodies were migrants who are uniquely vulnerable to human trafficking, forced disappearance and killings. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded over 1,000 migrant deaths and disappearances in Libya in 2024 alone. Mr. Türk expressed concern not only about the bodies discovered recently in Tripoli and the human rights abuses they confirm, but also about the force with which protests were met near the end of last month. 'We have received reports that these protests were themselves met with unnecessary force, raising serious concerns with respect to the guarantee of the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and assembly,' he said. The High Commissioner for Human Rights also noted that images and videos of the bodies are circulating on social media, prompting him to call for preserving the dignity and privacy of victims. Seal the sites, preserve the evidence The Government of National Unity, the internationally-recognized administration based in Tripoli, announced the creation of two committees to investigate human rights abuses committed by State security forces, both in relation to the bodies and the protests. While Türk noted this, he expressed concern that forensic authorities have not been allowed into the sites to examine and preserve related evidence. He called on Libyan authorities to seal the recently discovered sites and promote immediate accountability efforts. 'Those responsible for these atrocious acts must be brought to justice without delay, in accordance with international standards,' he said. Mr. Türk also urged all stakeholders to commit once more to transition attempts in order to move Libya towards an inclusive democracy once and for all, ending the 'recurring cycle of transitional agreements.' 'The people of Libya have clearly expressed their demand for truth and justice, and their yearning for a peaceful and safe way of life with human rights and freedoms at the front and centre,' the High Commissioner added.
Kuwait Times
31-05-2025
- Kuwait Times
Trailblazing the globe
Maryam Sultan Abdullah's solo journey across 197 nations breaks barriers, inspires women and proves the world is smaller — and more connected — than we think Her journey began in 2006, when she started traveling with different groups of friends, mainly to Europe and North Africa. 'In 2012, I decided to start traveling solo due to the difficulty of coordinating plans with friends. Traveling solo helped me better organize my trips, meet locals and other fellow solo travelers, and focus more on my surroundings,' she explained. 'I began with easier countries that had more tourist attractions, such as those in Europe and parts of Asia. Over time, I developed stronger skills in planning, documenting cultures and nature, communicating with locals and navigating through towns.' As her experience grew, Maryam began traveling to more remote and challenging destinations, including war zones, areas with epidemics and isolated regions. 'Documenting became the main part of my journey. I wanted to share these moments with people on social media — moments that reflect the lives, cultures, and natural beauty I encountered.' Holding a Kuwaiti passport presented challenges, especially with visa approvals, but Maryam persisted. 'In June 2024, I visited my final UN-recognized country, Uruguay, making me the first Arab woman to officially visit every country in the world. Now that I've reached all 197 countries, I've set my sights on visiting the world's territories.' Her main motivation for traveling has always been learning about people's lives, behaviors and cultures. 'Meeting locals and fellow solo travelers was what kept me going. I never felt like quitting, not even once, until I was verified as the first Arab woman to travel to every country by June 2024.' One of Maryam's most memorable experiences came with an unexpected twist of fate. 'We often see the world as a huge place with a massive population, assuming we'll never cross paths with strangers again,' she said. 'In 2016, I took a random photo of the Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. Two men were sitting on the steps, and I posted the edited photo online. Two years later, a stranger messaged me on Instagram claiming he was one of the men in the photo. I checked his account and confirmed it was him. I asked if I could continue using the image, and he agreed and said he loved it. That experience reminded me how small and connected our world really is, especially through social media.' Before the bungee jump Burkina Faso During the jump. Among her most dangerous adventures was bungee jumping over an active volcano in Chile. 'It took the organizing company two years to prepare for the jump. They monitored magma levels and dust density to ensure it was safe. The volcano was still active and could erupt at any moment.' The process involved careful planning and personal preparation. 'The company checked our weight, health and injury history. We were lined up according to weight — from heaviest to lightest — and I was the last to jump. That was frustrating because I kept thinking about what might go wrong due to previous jumps. But I trusted the company; they had a strong track record in extreme sports.' Maryam recalled the mental and emotional toll leading up to the jump. 'I hadn't slept well for weeks. When we were finally in the helicopter, and everything was set, the aircraft suddenly reversed. I couldn't hear what the team was discussing. Apparently, the magma levels had changed and the dust was getting thicker, increasing the danger. Eventually, the helicopter repositioned, and the team began the countdown.' Mali Maryam Sultan with her passports North Korea She knew it was a now-or-never moment. 'I jumped — regardless of the dust. I felt the heat as I came within 90 meters of the magma. It was the most incredible experience of my life. One I'll never forget, and a story I proudly share as an adventurous Kuwaiti woman.' Maryam's travels taught her countless life lessons. 'The first was tolerance. People come from different backgrounds, and what's normal in one culture may be offensive in another. Even within the same country, people are different.' She also learned the importance of patience. 'Some countries have limited access to technology or global exposure. These cultures operate at a different pace, and it's important not to rush or pressure them.' 'Lastly, I learned that life goes on, no matter your circumstances. We only get one life — don't waste it on regret or pain.' She encourages others to travel with an open mind. 'Travel teaches you patience. You'll face incidents and accidents — that's part of life. What matters is how you deal with them. Enjoy your journey. Travel as much as you can. Your memories will become treasures no one can take from you.'
India.com
24-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Top 5 Strongest Currencies In The World In 2025 By Value
In 2025, currency strength is best measured by purchasing power, not popularity or circulation. It reflects how much a single unit can buy in goods, services, or foreign currency. Among 180 UN-recognized currencies used in 195 countries, only a few top the list in terms of real value and economic strength.
Kuwait Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Libya's Tripoli premier calls on armed groups to align with state
TRIPOLI: Libya's UN-backed premier Saturday called on armed groups to align themselves with 'state institutions' after days of deadly clashes in Tripoli and protests demanding his resignation. 'We will welcome all those who choose to stand with the state,' said Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah in a televised address. 'We will sideline those who resort to blackmail and corruption. Our goal is a Libya free of militias and corruption.' Days of clashes in the capital have pitted an armed group aligned with the Tripoli-based government against groups it has been seeking to dismantle. Libya is split between the UN-recognized government in Tripoli, led by Dbeibah, and a rival administration in the east controlled by the family of military strongman Khalifa Haftar. The North African country has remained deeply divided since the 2011 NATO-backed revolt that toppled and killed longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. The recent fights have killed at least eight people, said the UN, while the authorities have yet to release an official tally. The clashes had been triggered by the killing of Abdelghani Al-Kikli, head of the Support and Stability Apparatus (SSA) faction, by the Dbeibah-aligned 444 Brigade. A second wave of clashes pitted the 444 Brigade against another group, the Radaa force, which controls parts of eastern Tripoli and several key state institutions. And a string of executive orders had sought to dismantle Radaa and dissolve other Tripoli-based armed groups, excluding the 444 Brigade. Dbeibah's latest address mainly concerned Radaa, a group controlling parts of eastern Tripoli. 'Trying to sow discord between us and Souq al-Joumaa (a Radaa stronghold) is bound to fail,' Dbeibah said, acknowledging 'a shared mistake' when speaking of the 'clashes in the heart of Tripoli in neighborhoods full of civilians'. He said certain militias 'had grown excessively, to the point of controlling the entire political, financial, economic, and even social landscape'. He said an SSA associate 'took control of six banks, and those who dared to oppose him disappeared', citing abuses by among others Kikli's nephew, who 'coldly executed 10 people recently'. Another SSA associate, Ousama Al Masri Nejim, is wanted by the International Criminal Court for acts of torture and the rape of a young girl, Dbeibah noted. 'For the first time, I can tell you that you can hope to get rid of the militias,' Dbeibah said, vowing to remove 'those who prioritize blackmail and corruption'. Yet Tripoli residents have taken to the streets for two consecutive days, demanding Dbeibah's resignation after the deadly fighting. Some 500 people protested on Saturday after thousands of other anti-government demonstrators had gathered at Martyrs' Square in central Tripoli on Friday before marching on the premier's office. The Friday rally had been followed by one police officer being shot dead by unknown attackers when he was 'targeted while securing' Dbeibah's office, according to the government. Tripoli saw signs of normalcy on Friday, with flights resuming, shops reopening and people returning to work. But despite that, the capital's political situation remained volatile. Local media reported late Friday that six ministers and deputy ministers from Dbeibah's cabinet had resigned. Only two confirmed their departure. Several municipal councils in western Tripoli voiced support for the protests demanding that Dbeibah quit. Khaled Al-Mishri, head of the High Council of State in the capital, said he had begun talks with the eastern-based parliament to 'choose a national figure to form a new government'. Dbeibah, meanwhile, met tribal elders in the capital on Saturday and said his government was 'trying to respond quickly' to the recent developments in the city. - AFP
