分类: world

  • Oorlog in Sudan volledig uit de hand gelopen, waarschuwt VN

    Oorlog in Sudan volledig uit de hand gelopen, waarschuwt VN

    The civil war in Sudan has reached a critical point, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres declaring that the situation is “completely spiraling out of control.” The intensifying conflict between rival military factions has led to thousands of civilian casualties and forced millions to flee their homes. The ongoing violence has severely hindered humanitarian efforts, making it nearly impossible for aid organizations to reach besieged areas. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for international intervention during a UN summit in Qatar, warning that without immediate action, Sudan risks descending into total state collapse. The war, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), stems from a power struggle over control of the country. Despite mediation attempts by the African Union and neighboring nations, no lasting ceasefire has been achieved. Key facts include over 9 million displaced persons, tens of thousands of deaths, and widespread human rights violations, including attacks on hospitals and refugee camps. The UN has called for immediate international action, sanctions against responsible leaders, and increased financial support for humanitarian aid to prevent Sudan from following the tragic paths of Syria and Yemen.

  • News : Zapping…

    News : Zapping…

    Haiti is grappling with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which has claimed 43 lives, left 21 injured, and 13 missing as of November 4, 2025. Rescue teams are tirelessly working to reach the hardest-hit areas in the southwest, where landslides and flooding have ravaged over 30 towns and villages. In a bid to bolster security, the European Union and the Organization of American States (OAS) have pledged to establish five forward operating bases in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and deploy mobile patrol units in the West Department. These measures aim to enhance the operational capabilities of the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Gang Suppression Force (FRG). Concurrently, the PNH has successfully conducted operations along Haile Selassie Avenue, dismantling gang hideouts and restoring order without any casualties. The United States has also stepped in, allocating $8.5 million from a $24 million emergency aid package to assist Haiti in its recovery efforts. Amidst these challenges, former Acting President Jocelerme Privert emphasized the need for patriotic and competent leadership to steer Haiti towards stability. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Health has launched an HPV vaccination campaign targeting young adolescent girls to prevent cervical cancer.

  • Taiwan’s participation in the “Global Mutirão” on climate transition

    Taiwan’s participation in the “Global Mutirão” on climate transition

    Taiwan is taking significant strides in addressing climate change, aligning its efforts with global initiatives to combat the escalating climate crisis. In 2025, the island nation faced severe weather events, including typhoons and torrential rains, which highlighted the urgent need for robust climate action. As a proactive member of the international community, Taiwan has committed to ambitious targets under its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035, aiming to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

  • Regional Response Ramps Up After Melissa’s Fury

    Regional Response Ramps Up After Melissa’s Fury

    Jamaica is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that struck the island on October 28, 2025. The hurricane brought devastating winds, severe flooding, and destructive storm surges, leaving thousands displaced and entire communities without power. The hardest-hit areas include St. Elizabeth, St. James, Trelawny, Manchester, Hanover, and Westmoreland. In response, regional organizations have swiftly mobilized to provide aid. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) led the charge, with Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar joining a high-level CARICOM delegation just two days after the storm. The team, which included representatives from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, immediately began assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts. On November 1, the delegation met with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton to outline a comprehensive public health response. As Jamaica embarks on its recovery journey, the region has demonstrated remarkable solidarity in the face of this natural disaster.

  • Statement on recent military activities in the southern Caribbean

    Statement on recent military activities in the southern Caribbean

    The Protocol Member States of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have raised significant concerns over recent reports of escalated military activities by external powers in the southern Caribbean Sea. These operations, which include the destruction of vessels allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking without proper interception or verification, are seen as a violation of international law. While the OECS remains steadfast in its commitment to combating transnational crime, including drug trafficking, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace—a principle endorsed by regional Heads of Government and the United Nations General Assembly. The OECS warns that these military actions, undertaken without adequate consultation with regional partners, risk escalating tensions and destabilizing a region crucial to the well-being of its people. The potential impact on small, vulnerable societies and economies, as well as the erosion of decades of diplomatic progress, is a pressing concern. The OECS reaffirms its stance that peace, dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and collective security are essential to regional stability. It urges all partners to engage in open consultation with the Caribbean Community and the OECS before taking any actions that could disrupt the regional security balance, highlighting the Caribbean’s strength in unity, diplomacy, and peaceful conflict resolution.

  • Hostage Remains Returned as Israel Faces Prison Abuse Scandal

    Hostage Remains Returned as Israel Faces Prison Abuse Scandal

    Israel has received the remains of another deceased hostage from Gaza, as part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement that began last month. The coffin, transferred through the Red Cross, was taken to Israel’s national forensics lab for identification. This follows the handover of three bodies on Sunday, including one killed during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Earlier attempts to return remains had strained the ceasefire, with Hamas claiming to have returned three bodies on October 28, which Israel could not confirm. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered immediate strikes in Gaza, resulting in at least 104 Palestinian deaths, including many children. Despite these tensions, the ceasefire has largely held, with U.S. President Donald Trump describing it as ‘very solid’ in a recent interview. Concurrently, Israel is grappling with a growing scandal involving alleged abuse of Palestinian detainees at the Sde Teiman military prison. The army’s top legal officer, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, was arrested over suspicions related to the unauthorized release of a video showing the abuse. The facility, which has been criticized for harsh treatment, is set to be phased out, and the video’s airing has sparked widespread outrage.

  • Cruise industry rallies behind Jamaica with over US$3m in hurricane relief

    Cruise industry rallies behind Jamaica with over US$3m in hurricane relief

    In a remarkable display of solidarity, several of the world’s foremost cruise companies have collectively pledged over US$3 million to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Disney Cruise Line have each committed US$1 million, while Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has contributed up to US$100,000, with additional matched donations from employees and passengers.

  • At least 9 dead after cargo plane crashes near Louisville airport

    At least 9 dead after cargo plane crashes near Louisville airport

    A tragic UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, has resulted in at least nine fatalities, with fears of more casualties as search and rescue operations persist. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, en route to Hawaii, crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at approximately 5:15 pm on Tuesday. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact, devastating nearby businesses. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the incident as ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘unimaginable,’ expressing concern for the affected families. UPS confirmed three crew members were aboard but has not yet disclosed casualty details. This marks the deadliest crash in UPS’s history. The airport has since resumed operations, while investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are underway. The crash has reignited concerns about the U.S. air traffic control system, already strained by staffing shortages and outdated equipment.

  • UK government deploys Royal Navy to support disaster relief efforts in Jamaica

    UK government deploys Royal Navy to support disaster relief efforts in Jamaica

    In a significant move to bolster disaster relief efforts in Jamaica, the British Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMS Trent, arrived in Falmouth, Trelawny, on November 4, equipped with specialized personnel and resources to assist communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The vessel, manned by a 75-member crew including expert engineers, is set to play a pivotal role in infrastructure assessments and emergency repairs, working in close collaboration with Jamaican authorities.

    UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the critical role of the British Armed Forces in disaster relief missions, stating, ‘Our Royal Navy and British Army personnel bring invaluable engineering expertise to support local recovery efforts. This deployment reflects Britain’s commitment to standing with those in need during times of crisis.’

    Chris Elmore, Minister for the Caribbean, highlighted the UK government’s relentless efforts to deliver relief supplies to the hardest-hit areas. ‘The arrival of HMS Trent marks a crucial step in restoring vital infrastructure and supporting communities most affected by the hurricane,’ he said.

    The deployment is part of a broader UK support package for Jamaica, which includes over 3,000 shelter kits, 1,500 solar-powered lanterns, and a Rapid Deployment Team from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals. Additionally, the UK has pledged £7.5 million in emergency funding to address immediate humanitarian needs in the region.

    British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Alicia Herbert, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery. ‘The arrival of HMS Trent symbolizes our enduring partnership and dedication to helping Jamaica rebuild stronger and more resilient communities in the wake of Hurricane Melissa,’ she stated. The funding is facilitating the delivery of essential relief items and the deployment of UK humanitarian and technical experts to coordinate aid efforts effectively.

  • Caribbean transitions into the dry and cool seasons in December

    Caribbean transitions into the dry and cool seasons in December

    The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), headquartered in Barbados, has released its latest seasonal forecast, predicting a decline in tropical cyclone activity and excessively hot, humid days as the region transitions into the cooler, drier months of December. The report, covering the period from November 2023 to January 2024, highlights the influence of La Niña conditions, marked by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, driven by stronger trade winds. This, combined with unusual warmth in the Subtropical North Atlantic, has introduced significant uncertainty into the seasonal climate predictions. Despite this, CariCOF anticipates a steady reduction in tropical cyclone activity and extreme heat in November. However, the ABC Islands, Belize, and the Lesser Antilles are expected to experience high rainfall intensity and frequent showers, raising the risk of flooding, flash floods, and related hazards. The forecast also warns of increasing dry spells in The Bahamas and the Greater Antilles, with drought conditions likely to emerge by late January in areas already experiencing water shortages. As of late October, severe short-term drought has been reported across the Windward Islands, Aruba, parts of the Dominican Republic, and Guadeloupe, while long-term drought is expected in southwest Dominica, northern Jamaica, northern Guyana, St. Croix, and St. Vincent.