In Bulape locality, Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the first signs of Ebola were detected in a maternity ward when a pregnant woman arrived with severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing and haemorrhage. Tragically, the mother, newborn, and midwife Juliette, who accidentally pricked herself with a contaminated needle, all succumbed to the disease. Another… [Read More]
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FAO Report: Disasters Cause $3.26 Trillion Losses in Global Agriculture Over Three Decades
Disasters have caused an estimated $3.26 trillion in global agricultural losses over the past 33 years, averaging $99 billion annually, roughly 4 percent of global agricultural GDP, according to the FAO’s 2025 report on the Impact of Disasters on Agriculture and Food Security. The report highlights how droughts, floods, pests, storms, and marine heatwaves have… [Read More]
Philippines Typhoon Response: IOM Supports Relief and Community Preparedness
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in coordination with the Government of the Philippines, has mobilized emergency response and early recovery efforts following the impacts of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) and Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong). These storms, with sustained winds up to 185 km/h, struck communities still recovering from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake, displacing nearly 1.8 million… [Read More]
Human Rights Groups Call on Israel to Halt Controversial Death Penalty Legislation
Amnesty International has strongly condemned the recent first reading of a proposed amendment to the Israeli Penal Law, which would make the death penalty mandatory for individuals convicted of killing an Israeli with racist or nationalistic motives. Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International, highlighted that although the… [Read More]
Malaysia: Death Penalty Review Should Lead to Complete Abolition, Say Rights Groups
Following the Malaysian government’s announcement of a comprehensive study on the total abolition of the death penalty, Amnesty International Malaysia emphasized that this review represents a crucial opportunity for the country to demonstrate a firm commitment to human rights. Nicole Fong, Research and Advocacy Officer at Amnesty International Malaysia, highlighted that while the 2023 reforms—abolishing… [Read More]
MPs Urged to Reject Slovenian ‘Security’ Bill Threatening Civil Liberties
Ahead of an anticipated vote in Slovenia’s parliament on 17 November, Amnesty International has raised serious concerns over a hastily proposed law that would expand police powers, restrict welfare rights, and weaken key procedural safeguards. Esther Major, Deputy Director for Research in Europe at Amnesty International, warned that the draft legislation could strip Slovenians of… [Read More]
New Adult Time for Violent Crime Laws Announced by Victorian Government
The Victorian Government has proposed new laws that would allow children as young as 14 to be tried as adults, including the possibility of facing life sentences. These laws align with “tough-on-crime” policies previously implemented in Queensland and the Northern Territory, which have resulted in higher rates of youth incarceration, trauma for families, and little… [Read More]
Strategic Partnership Between GFTN Capital and Accion Targets Underserved Communities Through Inclusive FinTech
Singapore and Washington D.C., 12 November 2025 – GFTN Capital Pte. Ltd., a growth-equity venture firm under the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), has announced a strategic alliance with Accion, a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing inclusive financial services. The partnership aims to mobilize capital for digital finance and inclusive FinTech companies that serve… [Read More]
UNDP Analysis Shows Heating Compensation Program Reduces Energy Poverty
On 13 November 2025, a policy dialogue hosted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in Moldova reviewed the outcomes of the previous heating season and preparations for the 2025-2026 cold season. During the event, UNDP presented an impact analysis of the heating compensation programme, conducted with support from the Italian Government. The study… [Read More]
Hurricane Melissa Relief: IOM and Airbnb.org Mobilize Housing for Displaced Jamaicans
Geneva/Kingston, 14 November 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Airbnb.org have partnered to provide free emergency housing for families and frontline responders displaced by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The Category 5 storm, which made landfall on 29 October, was the first of its kind to hit Jamaica, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and… [Read More]
Advancing decent work in East Africa: ILO IMPLEMENT’s impact in Kenya and Uganda
In October, over 60 representatives from governments, social partners, and civil society in Kenya and Uganda participated in a series of activities under the ILO IMPLEMENT project, funded by the Government of Flanders, Belgium, to advance decent work through trade and investment policy. The programme, facilitated by experts from the ILO Research Department and the… [Read More]
Responsible Business Conduct Gains Momentum Among Lao Enterprises
Enterprises across Lao PDR are increasingly adopting responsible business conduct as part of efforts to improve competitiveness and long-term sustainability. By integrating human rights due diligence, labour standards, and environmental, social and governance considerations into their operations, businesses aim to better align with global expectations and strengthen their position in international supply chains. In October,… [Read More]
New ILO Initiative to Improve Social Protection for South Asia–Gulf Migrant Workers
The ILO has launched its groundbreaking STREAM Programme at a high-level event during the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar. The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the EU’s Foreign Policy Instrument and the Ford Foundation, aims to extend inclusive, gender-responsive and rights-based social protection… [Read More]
North Macedonia to Boost Occupational Safety Through New ILO–EU Partnership
A new EU-funded project led by the International Labour Organization has been launched in Skopje to strengthen workplace safety and health systems across North Macedonia. The three-year initiative aims to reduce work-related injuries and illnesses by developing a national occupational safety and health policy, aligning national laws with international labour standards, modernizing labour inspection, and… [Read More]
New ILO–FFA Partnership Aims to Improve Decent Work in Pacific Fishing Sector
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen labour standards and ensure decent working conditions across the Pacific fishing industry. The agreement establishes a cooperation framework focused on improving the treatment and protection of fishers in one of the region’s most… [Read More]
Funding Alert: Canada Water Agency Seeks Proposals to Restore and Protect Fresh Water
Canada is emphasizing the importance of freshwater stewardship as essential to the country’s environment, economy, and long-term sustainability. Local and partner-led initiatives play a key role in protecting and restoring these vital resources. To strengthen these efforts, the Government of Canada has launched multiple calls for applications for new funding opportunities, announced by Julie Dabrusin,… [Read More]
Governments of Canada and Manitoba Unveil Incentive Pilot for Sustainable Agriculture
The Governments of Canada and Manitoba have launched the Forage Advantage pilot program, designed to help farmers adopt sustainable practices while reducing their crop insurance costs. Beginning in the 2026 crop year, Manitoba farmers who plant perennial forage crops on marginal land will receive a 15% discount on Forage Establishment Insurance premiums. Once the forage… [Read More]
Government of Canada Invests in Women’s Sports to Strengthen Communities and the Economy
The Government of Canada has announced its intention to invest up to $5.45 million in the growth of the Northern Super League (NSL), Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league. The announcement was made during the NSL Final at BMO Field in Toronto, a landmark event that celebrates not only sporting excellence but also community pride,… [Read More]
1 in 6 Pregnancies Now Impacted by Diabetes: Essential Facts for Maternal Health
The UN is marking World Diabetes Day by drawing attention to how diabetes affects pregnancy and by releasing its first global guidelines on managing the condition before, during and after pregnancy. The new guidance provides evidence-based strategies to ensure women receive consistent, high-quality care across all stages of life, addressing the 21 million pregnancies impacted… [Read More]
Pioneering Climate Data Impact Bond Launched, Inviting Public Contributions
The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) has opened contributions for a groundbreaking climate impact bond designed to strengthen global resilience and early warning capabilities. Aimed at raising USD 200 million by the end of 2026, the initiative seeks to close critical weather and climate data gaps that hinder effective forecasting and climate action. If fully… [Read More]
COP30: WHO Sounds Alarm on Climate-Health Risks Amid $300M Philanthropic Funding
The WHO and the Brazilian Government have released a new special report warning that the climate crisis is already putting global health systems under severe strain. The report reveals that one in 12 hospitals could face climate-related shutdowns, highlighting the urgent need for governments to strengthen health systems as extreme weather becomes more frequent and… [Read More]
£1 Million NDA Funding Boost to Drive Clean Energy Projects in West Cumbria
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has announced a £1 million investment to support the development of a masterplan for Pioneer Park, a proposed clean energy development on land near Sellafield. The funding will enable local development company BEC to create a detailed plan outlining how clean energy technologies, as well as AI and data centre… [Read More]
Minister Foley Unveils Major 2026 Funding Increase for Family Resource Centres
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has announced increased funding for Family Resource Centres to strengthen their essential support for children and families. Starting January 2026, the minimum funding level for each centre will rise from €160,000 to €180,000. This adjustment will directly benefit 100 out of the 126 centres nationwide whose… [Read More]
