Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Tlaleng Mofokeng, today welcomed reports of a directive by the South African Police Service to end the unnecessary confiscation of syringes and needles.

“This development supports recommendations I have previously made in my reports with regards to harm reduction policy tools, to include Needle and syringe programmes as an essential component to the right to health and the right to benefit from scientific progress and its applications,” Mofokeng said.

The Special Rapporteur encouraged all states to desist from law enforcement practices that hamper the right to health, including the seizure or destruction of injection equipment and the prosecution of healthcare and harm reduction service providers.

“While this is a positive development in South Africa, I want to underline the importance of committing fully to alignment with international human rights norms and standards, harm reduction approaches and the operationalisation of the right to health approach – that services are available, acceptable, accessible and of quality,” she said.

“Governments must facilitate drug laws and policies at the domestic level that are centred on people’s dignity, public health and human rights, and grounded in the best available evidence, free from conflicts of interest,” the expert said.

Mofokeng urged Member States to move expeditiously to end criminalisation, stigmatisation and discrimination, because they represent structural barriers to accessing services and establishing therapeutic relationships, leading to poorer health outcomes.

“It is essential to ensure that people do not have to fear legal consequences when they access services,” she said, calling on all Member States to integrate harm reduction within a universal health coverage, to advance public health and contribute to better global health outcomes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: APO

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In a decisive move toward operational modernization and national policy alignment, WHO Ethiopia has completely transitioned its fuel management system to the fully digital TeleBirr       e-payment platform, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and digital transformation.

Beginning in April 2024, all fuel transactions across Ethiopia were mandated by the Ethiopian Petroleum and Energy Authority to shift from traditional paper-based coupons to electronic payment systems. 

WHO Ethiopia, with its fleet of 89 vehicles deployed across urban and remote regions to support public health initiatives, has embraced this transition by integrating Ethio-Telecom’s SMS-based TeleBirr system into its transport operations.

This digital transformation comes at a critical time, not only for compliance with national regulations but also for strengthening WHO Ethiopia’s capacity to manage resources with accountability and agility. By going digital, WHO has eliminated the need for physical fuel coupons and manual processes, replacing them with a real-time, traceable payment system that simplifies fuel purchases across the country.

“This shift represents more than just a change in payment methods,” said Monssan Basile Yapo, WHO Ethiopia Senior Operations Officer. “It’s about building a smarter, more responsive operational framework that supports our health teams in the field with minimal disruption and maximum accountability.”

The selection of TeleBirr was a strategic one. TeleBirr operates via SMS, making it especially reliable for remote and underserved areas where connectivity remains limited. With close to 52 million users nationwide, the platform is not only robust but also widely accessible—an ideal fit for WHO Ethiopia’s expansive, field-based operations.

Through a phased implementation, WHO Ethiopia has registered all its suboffices with TeleBirr, procured necessary mobile hardware, and established unique e-wallet accounts for secure fund management. Each regional and central office now uses a short code linked to its respective wallet, allowing for targeted fuel disbursements and instant monitoring.

The rollout followed rigorous system testing, the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for fuel disbursements and replenishments, and comprehensive training for drivers, transport officers, and regional program assistants.

“From headquarters in Addis Ababa to distant health outposts, WHO staff are now equipped to purchase fuel quickly and securely, without the need for cash or paperwork”, the senior operations officer added.

“The impact of this transition is already being felt across multiple fronts. Transactions are now digitally recorded, offering real-time visibility into fund flow and fuel consumption. Secure digital tracking has eliminated opportunities for misuse of fuel allocations, and the burden of managing, storing, and distributing paper coupons has been lifted” WHO Transport Officer, Kalkidan Alemayehu indicates.

Time and resources once spent on manual fuel tracking are now redirected toward mission-critical work. Vehicles across the country can refuel confidently, regardless of their location or internet access, ensuring continuous support to health interventions in even the most hard-to-reach communities, she added.

Behind the scenes, cross-functional coordination has been key. The project was led collaboratively by WHO Ethiopia’s Operations, Finance, ICT, and transport teams, with close engagement from the WCO Ethiopia Management Team and WHO Global Fleet Management Unit. Field office staff, including regional coordinators and transport officers, played an essential role in training and feedback collection, ensuring a smooth adoption process.

While the transition has been largely successful, adapting to a fully digital system did come with initial hurdles. Some drivers and staff required time to adjust to the new SMS-based interface, especially those less familiar with mobile money systems. However, targeted trainings and ongoing technical support helped bridge the gap.

“Change is never without its learning curve, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges,” Ayenachew Zewdie, WHO ICT Focal Person. “Now, we have a smarter system that puts control and accountability at our fingertips.”

This initiative positions WHO Ethiopia as a model for operational innovation within the United Nations system in Ethiopia. It reflects a broader institutional shift toward digital-first approaches, supporting Ethiopia’s national digital transformation goals while enhancing the Organization’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to health emergencies and development priorities.

By embracing TeleBirr for fuel payments, WHO Ethiopia has not only ensured compliance—it has unlocked new levels of operational integrity, responsiveness, and service delivery. As this system continues to evolve, the lessons and best practices gathered will inform future digital initiatives across the Organization’s workstreams.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

Source: APO – Report:

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On September 18, 2025 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Evgueni Sobolevski, met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt for Cultural Affairs, Yasser Shaban.

The interlocutors discussed the state and prospects of cooperation in the field of culture and arts, possibilities for holding joint events, in particular the Week of Belarusian Culture in Egypt. 

The parties also expressed interest in developing the Belarusian-Egyptian legal framework in the field of culture.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

Source: APO – Report:

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Somalia continues to grapple with overlapping humanitarian crises, including conflict, drought, and mass displacement, leaving millions in urgent need of assistance. In response, the Somalia Humanitarian Country Team endorsed the establishment of the Gender in Humanitarian Action (GiHA) Working Group in February 2024. Chaired by the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), with Save the Children as co-chair and UN Women Somalia as secretariat, the group is tasked with ensuring that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls remain central to humanitarian response efforts.

Since its inception, the GiHA Working Group has worked closely with Women-Led Organizations (WLOs) and Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) to amplify women’s voices in humanitarian decision-making. On 6 September 2025, the group held a coordination meeting at SoDMA headquarters in Mogadishu, with a dedicated agenda on strengthening the role of WLOs in humanitarian action. The session highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership and greater collaboration among actors to ensure that humanitarian response reflects the diverse needs of affected communities.

Opening the meeting, SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Moallim stressed the urgency of mobilizing local solutions to Somalia’s humanitarian challenges. “We must confront donor fatigue in Somalia by finding local solutions. It is essential to mobilize our own resources, including the private sector, diaspora, and non-traditional donors. Women-led organizations must be central to coordination and decision-making,” he said. UN Women Somalia’s Country Program Manager, Ms. Rukaya, emphasized the need for stronger representation of WLOs and WROs in humanitarian clusters and leadership roles. “WLOs and WROs are a strong revolution in humanitarian action. Our efforts and power should be joined to fight for space in this changing environment and to survive,” she remarked. The Director of the NGO Consortium, Ms. Naima, echoed this call, urging organizations to use evidence-based data to influence decisions. “This gathering is a demonstration of our shared commitment. But we must go beyond meetings; we need to influence decision-making with evidence-based data and advocacy,” she said.

Following presentations by SoDMA and the GiHA Working Group, both highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation affecting the most vulnerable women and girls and underscored the urgent need to strengthen local leadership and capacity in driving effective and inclusive humanitarian responses. The discussions stressed that without meaningful engagement of Women-Led and Women’s Rights Organizations (WLOs/WROs), humanitarian action risks overlooking critical community perspectives. By positioning WLOs/WROs as central actors, Somalia can build more resilient, localized, and sustainable responses that not only meet immediate needs but also empower women as leaders in shaping long-term solutions.

Participants emphasized the importance of advancing the localization agenda by strengthening Women-Led and Women’s Rights Organizations (WLOs/WROs) and bringing their leadership and connectivity to the forefront. They highlighted the need for a unified vision that can sustain women’s voices and influence in an increasingly competitive humanitarian environment, where funding is shrinking and humanitarian priorities continue to evolve.

Zahra Mohamed Ahmad, Chairwoman of the Africa Women Leaders Network Somalia Chapter, said: “We often talk about the localization agenda, but if we are truly committed, we must come up with strategic and dedicated actions to shift power. WLOs and WROs must stand united with a shared vision so that women’s leadership is not sidelined but placed at the center of shaping humanitarian priorities.”

Shukria Dini, Executive Director of the Somali Women Studies Centre (SWSC), said: “As the humanitarian landscape grows more competitive, women-led organizations cannot afford to work in isolation. Building stronger connections and advocating collectively is the only way to ensure our leadership is recognized, our priorities are reflected, and our voices remain indispensable in the future of humanitarian action.”

In conclusion, the discussions reaffirmed GiHA’s role as a national hub for empowering WLOs and WROs, with clear commitments to expand women’s access to funding, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure regular coordination at the national level. GiHA also pledged to support the competitiveness and collective voice of women-led organizations in a challenging humanitarian landscape through united and visionary mechanisms that amplify their voices within the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT).

At the same time, participants emphasized the expectations of WLOs and WROs to take a proactive role in shaping humanitarian action by uniting under a shared vision, engaging more actively in leadership and decision-making spaces, and using evidence-based advocacy to influence policies and priorities. These mutual commitments and expectations reflect a joint determination to place women’s leadership at the center of inclusive, localized, and sustainable humanitarian responses in Somalia.

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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Egyptian media reported on September 22, 2025, that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had issued a presidential pardon for the imprisoned Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abdel Fattah. Abdel Fattah is set to be released once Sisi’s decision is published in the Official Gazette. He rose to prominence during Egypt’s 2011 Arab uprisings and has been imprisoned more or less continuously since 2014. 

The following quote can be attributed to Amr Magdi, senior Middle East and North Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch:

“President Sisi’s pardon of the imprisoned Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah is long overdue good news. Though we celebrate his pardon, thousands of people like Alaa are still languishing in Egyptian jails simply for exercising their rights to freedom of speech. Hopefully his release will act as a watershed moment and provide an opportunity for Sisi’s government to end the wrongful detention of thousands of peaceful critics.”

– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Cameroonian authorities must immediately release 36 opposition supporters arbitrarily detained for five years for exercising their right to peaceful assembly and put an end to arbitrary detention in the country, Amnesty International said on the fifth anniversary of their arrest.

On 22 September 2020, over 500 people were arbitrarily arrested for participating in peaceful protests organized by the opposition party ‘Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon’ (MRC) in several cities across the country. Of the protesters arrested 36 remain in detention, languishing in Kondengui prison in Yaoundé after being sentenced by a military court to between five- and seven-years’ imprisonment.

“The Cameroonian authorities must immediately release these individuals, who have committed no crime other than to express their opinion,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa.

“The authorities must address these concerns and ensure that no person is arbitrarily arrested or detained solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The authorities must also refrain from trying civilians in military courts, as it is incompatible with the right to a fair trial and therefore in violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

By the end of September, 24 of those imprisoned will have served their five-year sentences. Among them, one has suffered three strokes but has not been released on medical grounds despite their requests, according to the lawyer Hippolyte Meli Tiakouang, coordinator of a collective defending detained opposition supporters.

“Thirty-six appeals have been lodged since 2022 with the Supreme Court of Cameroon, which has not yet ruled on any of them. The delays are unreasonable. One might think that judiciary drag things out so that the sentences handed down will be carried out” said Hippolyte Meli Tiakouang.

On 4 November 2022, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention published an opinion which found that the detention of 15 of the MRC leaders and activists was arbitrary.  

“We are deeply disappointed that the authorities have failed to recognize the arbitrary nature of the ongoing detention of these protesters,” said Marceau Sivieude.

Increasing wrongful arrests and detentions ahead of presidential election

A few weeks ahead of the presidential election in which President Paul Biya runs for an eighth term, restrictions on civic and democratic space are worsening, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on 2 September.

On 4 August, at least 54 MRC supporters were arrested next to the Constitutional Council in Yaoundé during pre-election dispute hearings, according to Hippolyte Meli Tiakouang. All of them are now on bail. Twenty-three are facing prosecution for allegedly inciting revolt and disturbing public order, and if convicted face several years in prison.

On 9 August, a man who posted videos calling for demonstrations against the rejection of the candidacy of MRC leader Maurice Kamto was arrested and has been held at New Bell prison in Douala on the orders of the Douala military court. According to his lawyers, he is being prosecuted for ‘publicly condoning the crime of undermining the internal security of the state’.

“These opposition supporters should never have been arrested in the first place. The fact that they were arrested points to the alarming crackdown on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Cameroon. The charges against those who are prosecuted for exercising their human rights must be dropped,” said Marceau Sivieude.

“In recent years, anyone who dares criticize the authorities, whether a human rights defender, a journalist, a political activist or a protester, runs the risk of being arbitrarily arrested and detained, tortured or otherwise ill-treated, and tried by military courts. Unfortunately, this trend increases as the presidential election approaches. This travesty of justice must end.”

“The authorities must uphold the country’s international human rights obligations including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Cameroon is a state party.”

President Paul Biya, 92, who has been in power in Cameroon for nearly 43 years, will face 11 other candidates in his bid for a new seven-year term on 12 October.

– on behalf of Amnesty International.