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For many women around the world, the devastating loss of a partner is magnified by the long-term struggle for their basic rights and dignity. Even though there are more than 258 million widows around the world, historically, widows have been left unseen and unsupported. Today, as armed conflicts, displacement, and the COVID-19 pandemic leave women newly widowed or with disappeared partners, the unique experiences and needs of widows must be brought to the forefront. This International Widows’ Day, let’s make their voices lead to the path to equality.

“What is keeping me awake at night is the horror of knowing that it hasn't ended yet and that there are more people alive today that are very likely to be dead tomorrow.”

Osnat Lubrani knows first-hand the horrors of war. As �山����Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, she has witnessed the dramatic changes since the Russian invasion and rapidly mounting needs as the war tears lives apart across the country. At least 15.7 million Ukrainians are now in urgent need of humanitarian aid, with the �山����working to expand existing programs and establish new life-saving operations. Yet access to some of the most vulnerable is proving extremely problematic. In this episode, Osnat Lubrani reflects on the frustrating battle to reach them, what it feels like to receive distressing cries for help, and what gives her hope when all seems lost.

Photo: ©Osnat Lubrani

Older persons can remain invisible and unprotected, and structural barriers are overlooked. Existing international human rights frameworks lack a comprehensive legal instrument that defines normative standards for protection of older persons against neglect, abuse and violence. In observing this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June), an expert panel will present overall trends of violence against older persons and present five priorities to combat violence against older persons in the (2021-2030). Let’s combat elder abuse together!

Punitive laws have been shown to block HIV service access and increase HIV risk. Decriminalization is a critical element to end AIDS by 2030. 

. For millions, this most natural of the reproductive cycle functions can equate to abuse, stigma, missed opportunity and loss of dignity. To support menstrual health and hygiene, has included thousands of kits as part of the humanitarian response to conflict and natural disasters.  seeks to advance menstruation as a biological process and to eliminate feeling fear or shame or being exposed to more vulnerabilities. It also raises awareness of , or the inability to afford menstrual supplies.

“Some days, I sometimes wish I hadn't been here before the 15th of August, because then I wouldn't have seen the hope and the promise and the potential.”

What is it like living and working in Afghanistan as a woman leader of a �山����Agency? Mary-Ellen McGroarty witnessed the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in August 2021. As Head of the World Food Programme (WFP) in the country, she has seen first hand the seismic shift in the economic, political and cultural landscape. Now, over 50% of Afghans are threatened with hunger. People are unable to go out to work either because of the economic crisis or, in the case of millions of women, because of new restrictions on their freedom. In this episode, Mary-Ellen McGroarty reflects on the impact of the takeover, the scale of the ensuing humanitarian crisis, and what it’s like sitting face to face with the Taliban.

Photo: © WFP/Wahidullah AMANI

All families are different. Some have a mum, dad and kids. Some have two mums or two dads. Some have many generations. Others are just two people. Others still are a ‘chosen family’ or a group of close friends. All families are different. At their best, they provide community, support, and the courage to be your best self. They make you feel seen. Safe. At home. They empower you to thrive. celebrates families in all their amazing diversity - the families who love and accept you just the way you are. Celebrate with us!

is supporting journalists in Ukraine by establishing a hotline for journalists in need, translating a manual on journalists’ safety, and providing protective equipment and training. A mission of a team of two UNESCO experts took place on 21-22 April was also designed to assess the needs of journalists in Ukraine and suggest ways they could be met. With over 5000 journalists accredited to cover the frontlines, training on reporting in high-risk environments, trauma journalism and psychosocial support, was identified as an important priority by the UNESCO mission.

To prevent atrocity crimes, it is critically important to understand their root causes. Crimes, such as genocide and crimes against humanity, are not spontaneous acts. They develop as a process over time, during which it may be possible to identify warning signs, including hate speech targeting specific groups. Therefore, the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide is the focal point for the implementation of the �山����Strategy on Hate Speech.

This year’s World Press Freedom Day spotlights how journalism is endangered by surveillance and digitally mediated attacks on journalists. Surveillance can expose information gathered by journalists and whistle-blowers and violates the principle of source protection. Surveillance may also harm the safety of journalists by disclosing sensitive private information, which could be used for harassment or attack. A , taking place on 2-5 May, discusses how surveillance impacts journalism, freedom of expression, privacy, and the public trust in digital communications.

Demonstrating the wide-ranging consequences of the climate crisis, the UN  has appointed the first-ever Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the context of Climate Change. Ian Fry, who is of Australian and Tuvalu heritage, teaches environmental policy at the Australian National University in Canberra. As �山����Special Rapporteur, he will be tasked with studying how climate change affects the full enjoyment of human rights, and recommend ways to prevent these effects.

In an with the UN’s Julia Dean, Mr. Fry explained why the Human Rights Council created his new role.

Audio Credit: UN/ Julia Dean

Audio Duration: 7'

Photo Credit: Kiara Worth

A new low in the war in Ukraine has made headlines around the world this week, with the discovery that hundreds of civilians have been killed in the city of Bucha, in areas previously controlled by Russian troops. Early testimonies from survivors indicate that the victims were “directly targeted” and killed, according to the �山����rights office, . Responding to claims from Russia that the incident is nothing more than fake news, here’s spokesperson Liz Throssell, talking to ’s Daniel Johnson.

Hate speech is rising around the world, inciting violence and undermining social cohesion. Minorities are a recurring target of hate speech. In January 2021, Romania passed the first law in Europe to combat hate-speech against the Roma – the country’s largest ethnic minority. The anti-hate speech legislation, along with many other efforts by human rights defenders, aims to address some of the injustices of the past, curb hate speech and discrimination in its current manifestations, and pave the way to a better future. Say #NoToHate.

The staff at the Karibuni Wa Mama (Welcome, mothers) medical centre help heal many wounds - physical and psychological, and go even further in healing survivors. The centre is managed by the NGO Solidarité feminine pour la paix et le développement intégral (Female Solidarity for Peace and Integral Development) - SOFEPADI. SOFEPADI was founded 20 years ago by 24 women in Bunia, Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo to campaign for peace and to promote women’s empowerment and human rights. 

Over the past decade, major progress has been made towards increasing access to education, including for persons with autism. However, the COVID-19 pandemic created major disruptions to education globally. Many students with autism have been especially hard hit and studies show that they are disproportionately affected by disruptions to routines, as well as services and support they rely on. This year’s World Autism Awareness Day addresses inclusive education, as a key element in the transformative promise of the SDGs, to . Watch the virtual event on �山����WebTV.