75th anniversary - The African Mirror

Oct

2020

Can the United Nations protect human rights in the age of COVID-19?

ON the 75th anniversary of the U.N.’s founding, experts warn human rights violations are flourishing and say the U.N. must adapt CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON DEFENDING human rights, a key mission of the United Nations, it seems, has never been harder. A global pandemic has deepened inequality, pushed millions out of work and seen governments enforce restrictions on people's movement and ramp up surveillance. Oct 24 marks 75 years since the U.N. was founded in the aftermath of World War II. The Thomson Reuters Foundation asked five former and current U.N. advisors how COVID-19 is impacting it's ability to protect human rights…

Oct

2020

By The African Mirror

N.Korea unveils ‘monster’ new intercontinental ballistic missile at parade

WORLD

HYONHEE SHIN and JOSH SMITH NORTH Korea unveiled previously unseen intercontinental ballistic missiles at an unprecedented predawn military parade that showcased the country's long-range weapons for the first time in two years. Analysts said the missile, which was shown on a transporter vehicle with 11 axles, would be one of the largest road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the world if it becomes operational. "This missile is a monster," said Melissa Hanham, deputy director of the Open Nuclear Network. Also displayed were the Hwasong-15, which is the longest-range missile ever tested by North Korea, and what appeared to be a…

Oct

2020

By The African Mirror

North Korea holds rare predawn military parade

WORLD

HYONHEE SHIN and JOSH SMITH NORTH Korea has held a military parade early to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers' Party in a rare predawn event, South Korea's military said. The anniversary, celebrated with a raft of concerts and festivals, was closely watched around the region as it was seen as an event where leader Kim Jong Un could deliver messages to domestic and foreign audiences. Analysts had said the North might unveil new strategic weapons, but state media has not released any images or reports on a parade. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff…

Sep

2020

By The African Mirror

South Africa calls for UN reform, lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe and Sudan

NEWS

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER South Africa has called for a radical reform of the United Nations and a lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe and Sudan. In a special address to mark the 75th anniversary of the UN, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said changes had to be made because “the UN Security Council does not reflect the world in which we live.” The President, who is also chair of the African Union (AU), repeated South Africa’s call for greater representation of African countries on the Security Council and asked that the call be taken up with urgency at the intergovernmental negotiations.…

Sep

2020

By The African Mirror

World leaders to mark United Nations at 75 as pandemic challenges organization

NEWS

MICHELLE NICHOLS WORLD leaders will come together, virtually, today to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, as the deadly coronavirus pandemic challenges the effectiveness and solidarity of the 193-member world body. As COVID-19, which emerged in China late last year, began to spread around the world, forcing millions of people to shelter at home and dealing a devastating economic blow, countries turned inward and diplomats say the United Nations struggled to assert itself. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Reuters that the pandemic has exposed the world's fragilities. He plans to tell world leaders on Monday that they need…