Sexual violence has long-term harmful effects on victims and is used as a method of war, torture and terror. Top news of the day | Wednesday: Gaza, combating sexual violence, air pollution, Libya UN
Top news of the day at the UN and around the world: Israel is violating the laws and customs of the war in Gaza, International Day against Sexual Violence in Conflict, air pollution is the second largest global risk factor for death, Security Council briefing for Libya.
Methods of warfare in Gaza
The Israeli military’s use of extremely powerful bombs and the alleged lack of distinction between combatants and civilians by individuals in Gaza result in ongoing violations of the laws and customs of war. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said this on Wednesday. This conclusion was made based on an investigation by the United Nations Office of Human Rights (OHCHR). OHCHR stressed the need for an independent investigation into the attacks identified in the report to determine whether they constitute war crimes and to bring those responsible to justice.
Combating sexual violence in conflict
Sexual violence has long-term harmful effects on victims and is used as a method of war, torture and terror. On the International Day against Sexual Violence in Conflict, observed annually at the UN on 19 June, the Secretary-General called for solidarity with survivors and the protection of hospitals and health facilities during conflict. Hospital security is critical when caring for victims of violence. The destruction of health facilities, the killing of health workers and the restriction of humanitarian access are preventing the provision of life-saving services to those affected.
Air pollution
Air pollution has an increasing impact on people’s health, becoming the second leading global risk factor for death. This is stated in the fifth edition of the State of Global Air report. The report, produced for the first time in partnership with UNICEF, says children under five are particularly vulnerable. In 2021, exposure to air pollution was linked to more than 700,000 deaths among children this age, making it the world’s second-leading risk factor for this age group after undernutrition. 500,000 of these child deaths were attributed to household air pollution from indoor cooking with hazardous fuels—mostly in Africa and Asia.
The situation in Libya
Deputy Special Representative for Libya Stephanie Khoury informed the UN Security Council that , based on the results of its consultations with the country’s population, the vast majority of Libyans expressed the need for a political agreement and national elections. Khouri also noted that many Libyans continue to express concern about the de facto division of the country and the existence of parallel institutions of power. At the same time, she highly appreciated the work to agree on a bill that protects the rights of victims and complies with international standards. She called on all parties to act in the same spirit so that legislation could be adopted by consensus.