The top award for reporters who have witnessed the destruction in Palestine under Israel’s bombardment was recommended by an international jury of media professionals. Mauricio Weibel, who chaired the jury, emphasized the importance of recognizing the courage and commitment of Palestinian journalists in covering the crisis. The UN agency chief, Audrey Azoulay, highlighted the significance of collective action to ensure that journalists worldwide can continue their essential work of informing and investigating. UNESCO has condemned the deaths of 26 journalists and media workers in Gaza since October 7 and is providing support to journalists reporting from conflict zones.
Top independent rights experts have called for an end to the detention of migrant children in the European Union. The experts, including Gehad Madi, Special Rapporteur on the rights of migrants, stated that detaining children due to their parents’ migration status is a violation of their rights. The European Union is preparing to implement a new Pact on Migration and Asylum, which includes measures to monitor respect for human rights during the screening of migrants and asylum seekers at country borders. The experts emphasized that asylum-seekers should not be penalized for seeking asylum, and migration should not be criminalized.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a mass vaccination campaign in Niger’s Niamey region to contain a deadly meningitis outbreak. More than 2,000 cases were recorded in one week last month, resulting in 123 deaths. Niger is one of 26 African countries where meningitis is endemic and poses a high risk. The recent surge in cases represents a 50% increase from last year, with a mortality rate exceeding six percent. The WHO is working to address the epidemic and prevent further spread of the disease.
In response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, UNESCO is supporting journalists reporting from crisis zones by providing essential supplies, establishing safe working spaces, and offering emergency grants. The organization has condemned the deaths of journalists and media workers in Gaza and is committed to ensuring that journalists can continue their vital work. The award for Palestinian journalists serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the bravery and dedication of journalists working in challenging and dangerous circumstances.
The detention of migrant children in the EU has been criticized by top rights experts, who have called for an end to the practice. The experts emphasized that detaining children based on their parents’ migration status violates their rights and urged the EU to prioritize human rights in its migration policies. As the EU prepares to implement a new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the experts stressed the importance of upholding the rights of asylum-seekers and ensuring that migration is not criminalized.
