The High Commissioner, Volker Türk, expressed his support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people and their struggle for human rights and dignity at a conference in Kyiv. He also expressed concern over recent attacks on energy facilities and the potential consequences for vulnerable populations.
Türk highlighted the various human rights violations occurring in Ukraine, including drone attacks, occupation of territory, suppression of culture, and abuse of prisoners of war. He called for an end to these violations and emphasized the importance of unity and trust in democratic institutions.
Türk also mentioned the efforts of the UN human rights office, OHCHR, in documenting and addressing rights violations in Ukraine, which has already informed cases before the European Court of Human Rights and the International Court of Justice.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked the 80th anniversary of the signing of the convention that established the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He praised the organization as a symbol of global cooperation and acknowledged the challenges facing the aviation industry, particularly in addressing the climate crisis.
According to a report from the UN Tourism agency, global travel is expected to fully recover by the end of 2024, with 1.1 billion international tourists recorded in the first nine months of the year. However, this resurgence poses sustainability challenges, especially for the aviation industry, which accounts for 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Guterres commended ICAO’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 and aligning its efforts with the 2030 Agenda. He also highlighted the need for innovation and investment in sustainable aviation advancements.
The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) released preliminary findings following their two-week mission to Colombia, revealing that enforced disappearances remain a daily occurrence in the country. The investigation exposed a bureaucratic system and fragmented record-keeping that make it difficult for victims’ families to seek justice.
The CED emphasized the need for immediate action to streamline institutional responses and improve coordination among various agencies. They also noted the additional obstacles faced by marginalized individuals in reporting disappearances, particularly in areas controlled by armed groups.
The CED stated that families of the disappeared deserve clarity, justice, and accountability, and that every disappeared person represents a family, community, and society grappling with unresolved pain.