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  • UNHCR: Migrants face ‘unimaginable horrors’ on major routes to Europe

    UNHCR: Migrants face ‘unimaginable horrors’ on major routes to Europe

    Migrants

    Geneva, June 5, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on Wednesday called for an expansion of rescue efforts for people on major migration routes to Europe, who are facing “unimaginable horrors.”

    UNHCR special envoy Vincent Cochetel has urged for increased cooperation with local authorities and called for additional funding from donor countries.

    “This includes better access to legal pathways to safety and improving protection services for victims, as well as those at risk of becoming victims along the routes,” Cochetel said in Geneva.

    According to a new UNHCR report, each year hundreds of thousands of people risk their lives to migrate from sub-Saharan countries in Africa as well as from Asia and the Middle East.

    UNHCR said that a lot of those on the move underestimate the journey’s risks and dangers, with many dying while crossing the desert or near borders, while others suffer serious human rights violations.

    “Many don’t go to capital cities where humanitarian actors are based and well represented,” Cochetel said.

    “They embark to secondary routes, reaching smaller cities in hard-to-reach areas” including in the Sahara Desert.

    “This is where services should be located.”

    The UNHCR said three-quarters of the more than 108 million forcibly displaced people worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries.

    According to figures by the UN migration agency IOM, more than 280 million people or 3.6 per cent of the global population are international migrants.  (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UMD/HS

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    Edited by Ummul Idris/Halima Sheji

     

     

     

     

  • NSCDC arrests 5 suspected vandals in Kano

    NSCDC arrests 5 suspected vandals in Kano

    Arrest

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 5, 2024 ( NAN) The Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspects in Kano for alleged vandalism and theft.

    The Commandant of the Corps in Kano State, Mohammad Lawal-Falala, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kano.

    He said the suspects were apprehended by the anti-vandalism unit of the corps during midnight patrols.

    Two suspects, Adnan Umar (26) and Musa Shuayb (24), were caught vandalising streetlight armored cables on IBB Way, Fagge/Kofar Wambai new market.

    He said they were also attempting to steal three rolls of copper wire.

    In a separate incident, according to him, three suspected motorcycle thieves, including a receiver of the stolen motorcycle were arrest by the corps.

    The suspects are Saminu Magaji (19), Haruna Idris (22), and Ahmed Abubakar (38), the receiver. The Commandant noted that two other suspects are still at large.

    He alleged that the suspects, who hail from Gwammaja, Dala LGA, Kano State, specialised into homes, stealing motorcycles and personal belongings.

    He said the suspects were being investigated and will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/KUA

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    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Australia drops court case against ‘X’ over church stabbing videos

    Australia drops court case against ‘X’ over church stabbing videos

    Court

    Sydney, June 5, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Australia’s internet watchdog has dropped a court case against Elon Musk’s social media platform ‘X’, eSafety commissioner Julie Inman-Grant said on Wednesday.

    Australia wanted to force ‘X’ to remove footage of a Sydney church stabbing from the platform.

    ‘X’ blocked the posts in Australia pending a legal challenge, before the Federal Court ordered the platform to temporarily hide the video for all users globally.

    Inman-Grant said in a statement a Federal Court case had now been abandoned.

    “Our sole goal and focus in issuing our removal notice was to prevent this extremely violent footage from going viral, potentially inciting further violence and inflicting more harm on the Australian community.

    “I stand by my investigators and the decisions eSafety made.

    “Most Australians accept this kind of graphic material should not be on broadcast television, which begs an obvious question.

    “The question of why it should be allowed to be distributed freely and accessible online 24/7 to anyone, including children,’’ she said.

    The case was seen as a test of Australia’s ability to have social media platforms comply with the country’s laws.

    ESafety remained committed to holding companies to account without fear or favour, ensuring they complied with the laws of Australia and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all Australians, Inman-Grant said.

    “We will not waver from this commitment.’’

    A 16-year-old boy was charged with a terrorism offence after two people were injured in the alleged stabbing at the “Christ The Good Shepherd Church’’ in western Sydney on April 15.

    The church attack came days after six people were killed and dozens injured in a stabbing at a Sydney shopping centre. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/SH
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Sadiya Hamza

  • A’Ibom proposes Oct. 26 for LG poll

    Poll
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Akwa Ibom Government has proposed Oct. 26 for the conduct local government elections in the state.
    Gov. Umo Eno disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting organised by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) in Uyo.
    Represented by Mr Frank Archibong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Eno said that the meeting was in preparation for the council polls.
    He said that council chairmen that would emerge from the exercise would be sworn in on Dec. 7, in compliance with the state’s electoral plan.
    Eno who also presented the election plan to political party representatives at the meeting, urged them to prepare for elections.
    “This engagement is a precursor to all of the electoral activities that will ultimately lead to the 2024 local government elections.
    “The council poll could not hold in 2023 because of shortness of time, remember that we assumed office in May 29.
    “That is the reason we still have caretaker committees at the local governments. I see nothing stoping us from having the elections this year,” he said.
    Earlier, the Chairman of AKISIEC, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, said that the meeting was to brief stakeholders on the preparations for council polls in the state.
    “So this meeting gives stakeholders the opportunity to interrogate the electoral process as planned,” he said.
    He said that the commission would ensure adequate deployment of electoral and security personnel during the exercise.
    Ikoiwak told political parties to conduct their primaries between July 22 and Aug. 26.
    He said that from the timetable, campaigns would commence on Aug. 26. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • EU pressures Israel, Hamas to accept Biden’s peace plan

    EU pressures Israel, Hamas to accept Biden’s peace plan
    Plan
    Brussels, June 5, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The European Union (EU) is urging Israel and the Palestinian militant movement Hamas to accept a plan laid out by U.S. President Joe Biden to end the Gaza war.
    The plan sets out three phases of de-escalation, principally featuring a truce that would become permanent and Israel’s withdrawal from the Palestinian territory.
    The EU gave its “full support to the comprehensive roadmap,” a statement said.
    “Too many civilian lives have been lost.
    “Peace and stability in the Middle East are in the interest of both peoples, of the region as a whole, as well as globally,” it said.
    Qatar, the United States, and Egypt have been mediating between Israel and Hamas for weeks to achieve a ceasefire and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
    Neither Israel nor Hamas have yet officially agreed to or rejected the plan.
    The EU said it was also “increasingly concerned” about rising tensions at the border between Israel and Lebanon.
    “It is concerned about the ever-growing destruction and the forced displacement of civilians on both sides” of the Israeli-Lebanese border.
    “Nobody stands to win from a broader regional conflict. A de-escalation of the situation would significantly contribute to addressing the broader conflict in the Middle East.”
    Since the war in the Gaza Strip began almost eight months ago, there have been daily military confrontations between the Israeli army and Hezbollah in the border area between Israel and Lebanon.
    There have been deaths on both sides and about 150,000 people in both countries have been evacuated or left the combat zone. (dpa/NAN) (www nan.ng)
    UMD/YEE
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    (Edited by Ummul Idris/Emmanuel Yashim)

  • NGO seeks free clubfoot treatment integrated into health system

    Clubfoot

     

    NGO seeks free clubfoot treatment integrated into health system

     

    Clubfoot

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 ( NAN) An NGO, the Nigeria Partners on Clubfoot Treatment has called for the integration of clubfoot treatment into the public health system to treat the 10,000 cases recorded annually in the country.

    The President of Nigeria Clubfoot Treatment Partners and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Peace Amaraegbulam, made the call in a message to mark the World Clubfoot Day.

    Clubfoot is a musculoskeletal birth defect that causes the feet to turn inwards and upwards.

    World Clubfoot Day is celebrated every June 3, to raise more awareness on clubfoot and the need for early detection, referral and timely treatment.

    The teme of the celebration is “Empowering Life: Steps to Clubfoot Freedom”.

    Amaraegbulam, who is also a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, described clubfoot as the most common musculoskeletal birth defect.

    ”No child should endure the preventable disability of untreated clubfoot.

    “In Nigeria, over 10,000 children are born with this condition each year, and without treatment, walking becomes extremely difficult and painful as children walk on the sides of their feet.

    “This leads to discrimination, social stigmatisation, and loss of economic opportunities.

    “We call on government and health institutions to integrate free clubfoot treatment into Nigeria health system, to enable the treatment to be more accessible.

    “Philanthropists should also consider giving towards the cause of providing free treatment for the clients, especially the neglected older children,” Amaraegbulam said.

    According to her, Ponseti treatment, which entails a systematic series of casting and orthotic bracing treatment that permanently and non-surgicallly correct clubfoot is effective in treating young children.

    She, however, noted that out-of-pocket healthcare costs; poor access to healthcare facilities; inadequate numbers of healthcare professionals; and lack of foot-abduction braces as barriers preventing Nigerian children from accessing care.

    Amaraegbulam said that the Nigeria Partners on Clubfoot Treatment, consisted of three NGOs – The Straight Child Foundation, HANDS, and Positive Care and Development Foundation in collaboration with MiracleFeet, that ensured that children with clubfoot received care locally.

    “These three organisations in Nigeria operate clubfoot clinics in select states.

    “To avail yourself of the free clubfoot treatment, Kindly locate the clinic nearest to you in the state where you reside.

    “The clinic schedules specific days for treatment, ensuring children receive the necessary care and support for clubfoot correction,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JAD/FON/SH

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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sadiya Hamza

  • Expert urges parents to give adolescents sexuality education

    Expert urges parents to give adolescents sexuality education

    Adolescents
    By Lilian U. Okoro
    Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) A child and adolescent mental health analyst, Dr Tolulope Okunowo, has advised parents to educate their adolescents about sexual reproductive health to prevent pre-marital pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

    Okunowo, also a Consultant Psychiatrist with the Oshodi Annex of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

    She also advised adolescents to make themselves available for such information that bothered on sexual health to achieve their full potential in life.

    “It is very important that as a young person you are informed and aware of your sexual reproduction health.

    “It plays a huge factor in your future; get informed, access centres that talk about sexual health and do not be afraid to ask questions.

    “The truth is that young people are disproportionately more affected by STIs, including HIV/AIDS than the adult population, because they do not have information.

    “Parents themselves need to get informed and be aware of what their children are exposed to, so that they will be more open and feel more comfortable to talk on such issues,’’ she said.

    The analyst said there was also need to educate parents more on family planning methods to prevent pregnancies and STIs.

    She said that many people had the misconception about adolescents becoming promiscuous when they had access to sexual education, stressing that teaching adolescents particularly girls about reproductive health and sexuality would not make them to be promiscuous.

    She explained that such education would prepare and provide them with the adequate knowledge on the inherent dangers in pre-marital sex.

    She said that parents needed to start educating their children and wards on sex and related issues from ages 12 to 15, saying that was part of parenting responsibilities.

    “If we do a survey, out of 100, a good proportion of young people are sexually active.

    “So, it is more effective giving young people information to know the choices they can make, because they are still going to be exposed to them.

    “When we teach adolescent girls about pre-marital sex; we are trying to give them information about sexual and reproductive health issues so that if they are sexually active they know where to go for advice,’’ she said.

    Okunowo said inadequate health facilities that provided information on sexual education remained a major challenge to young people who sought to access information.

    According to her, there is not much of receptiveness from the health system for young people to get information.

    The analysts emphasised the need to teach adolescents about their sexual rights to be able to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

    She said, “We find out that a lot of times when teenagers get pregnant, their lives stop, and for most of them, it feels like they have nothing to look up to or be hopeful for.

    “The mistake could have been prevented if they were aware of contraceptives and know how to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

    “We believe that youths will be fulfilled and able to achieve their maximum potential if they have access to the right information.”(NAN)
    LUC/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Slovenia officially recognises Palestinian state

    Slovenia officially recognises Palestinian state
    Palestine
    Ljubljana, June 5, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) The Slovenian Parliament has voted to approve the proposal of recognising the statehood of Palestine, a move the legislative body said would hopefully help stop the violence in Gaza.
    Fifty-two parliamentary members out of 90 seats voted for the recognition, making Slovenia the fourth European country after Spain, Norway, and Ireland in recent weeks to make the decision.
    “The Republic of Slovenia recognised Palestine as an independent sovereign state,” Parliamentary Speaker Urska Klakocar Zupancic said after the vote.
    “The recognition of a Palestine state enhances the reputation of Slovenia as a state that respects international law and the United Nations resolutions.
    “At the same time we would exert pressure on both sides: on Israel to stop attacks on Gaza and on Hamas to release hostages,” Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon told Parliament before the vote.
    “We are working towards peace and the solution of two states,” she added.
    Most members of the main opposition party, the center-right Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), did not attend the parliamentary session but proposed a referendum to postpone the parliament vote by at least 30 days.
    Their proposal was rejected earlier on Tuesday by a majority in parliament.
    The SDS claims that the recognition of Palestine will not stop the war in Gaza but will only hurt Slovenian interests.
    Norway, Ireland, and Spain made a coordinated announcement on May 22, declaring their recognition of Palestine as a state effective May 28.
    But their decision was condemned by Israel.
    On Monday, over 20 UN experts and special rapporteurs called for all countries to recognise a Palestinian state.
    So far, over 140 countries have already recognised a Palestinian state, representing more than two-thirds of the United Nations membership. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    UMD/YEE
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    (Edited by Ummul Idris/Emmanuel Yashim)

  • German far-right AfD politician attacked with a knife in Mannheim

    German far-right AfD politician attacked with a knife in Mannheim

    Attack

    Mannheim (Germany), June 5, 2024 (dpa/NAN) A politician with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was attacked with a knife in the western German city Mannheim late Tuesday evening, dpa has learned from security sources.

    The man was injured, as dpa learned on Wednesday, and the perpetrator was detained.

    The Mannheim police only confirmed that there had been a police operation, but said they would provide information in the morning.

    According to the AfD district association, the incident took place near the market square.

    The AfD candidate was stabbed after confronting someone who was stealing an electoral poster. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/YEE
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    (Edited by Cecilia Odey/Emmanuel Yashim)

  • U.S. President Biden to meet Ukraine’s Zelensky in France

    U.S. President Biden to meet Ukraine’s Zelensky in France
    Meeting
    Washington, June 5, 2024 (dpa/NAN) U.S. President Joe Biden will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while the pair are in France, the White House said.
    Biden will discuss with Zelensky the “state of play in Ukraine, and how we can continue and deepen our support for Ukraine,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.
    On Thursday, both Zelensky and Biden will take part in the commemoration of the Allied landings in Normandy 80 years ago in World War II.
    French President Emmanuel Macron will receive Zelensky at the Élysée Palace on Friday, according to the Élysée.
    The two planned to discuss the situation in the defence against the Russian invasion and the needs of Ukraine, it said.
    Biden and Zelensky would also meet at the summit of the G7 leading industrialised nations from June 13 to 15 in the southern Italian region of Apulia.
    The G7 is an informal forum of the heads of state and government of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
    The European Union is also represented at the meetings. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    UMD/YEE
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    (Edited by Ummul Idris/Emmanuel Yashim)