This week, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay was named the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and the UN Secretary-General expressed concern over US sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). Announcements on the humanitarian situations in Gaza, Myanmar and Yemen, and on the outlook for the global economy, also continued. We look back at the week through the headlines.
Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Pillay wins Nobel Peace Prize
From the editors: This article reports that Ms. Pillay, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The headline suggests that her work to defend human rights at the UN has been recognized.
“Deep concern” over the ICC’s future: UN Secretary-General condemns US sanctions (Mainichi Shimbun)
From the editors: The article reports that the UN Secretary-General expressed deep concern for the future after the US imposed sanctions on the ICC. It is a headline worth following as a development concerning international judicial institutions.
UN agency forecasts global economic growth to slow to 2.6% in 2026
From the editors: A UN agency forecasts that global economic growth in 2026 will slow to 2.6%. Because the global economy also affects development and aid, we will keep an eye on how it unfolds.
UN agency says nearly all Gaza residents need shelter as El Niño threatens floods
From the editors: A UN agency says nearly all residents of Gaza need shelter while El Niño raises the threat of floods. The headline again points to the need for humanitarian assistance ahead of winter.
Myanmar: 70% of population at risk of poverty, UN report says, as civil war drags on (Kyodo News)
From the editors: Citing a UN report, the article says that 70% of Myanmar’s population faces the risk of poverty as the civil war continues. The headline suggests how large the impact on people’s lives is.
UN IOM says internally displaced people in Yemen exceed 200,000
From the editors: The article reports that the UN’s IOM has announced that the number of internally displaced people in Yemen has topped 200,000. Attention turns to how best to support people forced to flee their homes.
The UN warns that the world’s temperature is approaching a safe limit: “If warming exceeds 1.5°C, there is no good scenario”
From the editors: The article reports that the UN has warned that global temperatures are about to exceed a safe limit. It is a headline that prompts us to think again about the importance of efforts on climate change.
Five Kobe students take part in UN COP17 and report on challenges in conserving satoyama
From the editors: The article reports that five students from Kobe took part in the UN conference COP17 and reported on challenges in satoyama conservation. Young people speaking up at an international conference seems a positive development.
Message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres on International Day of the Girl (October 11)
From the editors: This article carries Secretary-General Guterres’s message for the International Day of the Girl on October 11. It may be an opportunity to think about the rights and opportunities of girls.
The UN warns that unaccompanied migrant children heading to Europe may be exposed to the risk of violence
From the editors: The article reports that the UN has warned that unaccompanied migrant children traveling to Europe may be exposed to the danger of violence. The headline suggests that protecting children remains a challenge.
Headlines belong to the respective news outlets and sources (copyright remains with each). Please read the full articles at the linked pages. The “From the editors” comments were written by the NGO Network Japan editorial team based on the headlines.