The desperate plight of migrants and refugees tortured, trafficked and sold “at scale” in Libya took centre stage at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, where UN rights chief Volker Türk urged the international community to consider halting its agreement with the north African country on asylum seekers and migration.

“Trafficking, torture, forced labour, extortion, starvation in intolerable conditions of detention” are “perpetrated at scale…with impunity”, the High Commissioner for Human Rights told Member States.

“Mass expulsions, the sale of human beings, including children” are widespread in Libya, Mr. Türk continued, insisting that collusion between State and non-State actors was ongoing, with victims subject to “dehumanization”.

In a call to the Libyan authorities to investigate crimes against the many thousands of vulnerable people on the move, the High Commissioner also highlighted the discovery of a mass grave in March in southwest Libya containing the bodies of 65 presumed migrants.

“As if this were not horrific enough, we are following up on reports of another mass grave recently discovered in the desert area at the Libyan-Tunisian border… The loved ones of those who died have every right to know the truth,” he said. 

State of unrest

The High Commissioner also urged a review the longstanding arrangement between the European Union and the Libyan authorities tasked with intercepting migrants who attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. Independent rights experts and charities involved in search and rescue operations have frequently criticized the arrangement, citing alleged reckless behaviour by the Libyan Coast Guard, including firing at or near migrant vessels and ramming boats to make them capsize, before returning the survivors to Libya.

In the 12 months since April 2023, more than 2,400 people died or went missing trying to cross the Central Mediterranean Sea, of whom more than 1,300 departed from Libya, Mr. Türk noted.

“It is unconscionable that people in search of safety and dignity are suffering and dying in such unspeakable circumstances,” he insisted. “I remind all States of the collective responsibility under international law to save lives and prevent deaths at sea.”

Sahara perils

The High Commissioner also called for action to address the deaths “of so many migrants and refugees” heading to Libya via the Sahara Desert, following new estimates from the UN that twice as many migrants likely die trying to cross the sands than in the Mediterranean Sea.

Political strife the root cause

Just as those stark findings reflect the growing number of people attempting to make the Sahara crossing, pushed by new conflicts in the Sahel and Sudan, climate shocks and protracted emergencies in the East and Horn of Africa, the dangers for migrants and refugees in Libya come amid ongoing political instability and conflict that have divided the country since the overthrow of longtime President Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The “volatile security situation” also prevented UN rights monitors from fully accessing southern and eastern parts of the country, Mr. Türk continued, adding that investigators were also refused access to detention facilities and other locations across the country.

Extrajudicial killings

Highlighting a spike in “arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances and detention-related violations” inside Libya, the UN rights chief also expressed concern about the continued targeting of political opponents and dissenting voices. “While the figure is likely to be higher and arrests continue, we have verified at least 60 cases of arbitrary detention of individuals who peacefully were exercising their right to express political views. In some cases, detention was followed by extra-judicial killing,” he said, insisting that the ongoing lack of accountability for “violations and abuses” committed in 2011 “remains one of the serious obstacles to reconciliation today and serves as a driver of conflict”.

Less than a year since Storm Daniel caused catastrophic flooding in the coastal city of Derna, killing thousands, Mr. Türk maintained that the country remained “plagued by deep insecurity”, while ordinary Libyans endured “economic hardship coupled with political exclusion”.

Remedying the situation is possible, the UN human rights chief insisted, as he called for a “rights-based, people-centred” transitional justice and reconciliation process, a sustainable political settlement, the restoration of the rule of law – including accountability for human rights violations – and unified, legitimate institutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, William Burns. The meeting was also attended by Director of the General Intelligence Service, Major General Abbas Kamel.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, said the CIA Director conveyed U.S. President Joe Biden’s greetings to President El-Sisi as well as his appreciation for the strategic partnership between the two countries. President El-Sisi confirmed the continuation of consultations and coordination between Egypt and the U.S. for the sake of regional and international security and stability.

The meeting focused on regional developments. Discussions tackled the latest in joint efforts to reach an agreement on a ceasefire and calm in the Gaza Strip. President El-Sisi confirmed Egypt’s firm position in rejection of the ongoing military operations in the sector. The President reiterated the importance for the international community to assume its responsibility to end the war, ensure unfettered access for humanitarian aid and relief into Gaza in adequate and sufficient quantities to mitigate the catastrophic humanitarian situation endured by the Palestinians in the sector. President El-Sisi emphasized the critical need to take earnest and effective steps to prevent the expansion of the geography of the conflict, stressing the inevitability of enforcing the two-state solution as part of a just and comprehensive settlement to the Palestinian issue.

Mr. Burns valued Egypt’s efforts to reach a ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. He underscored his country’s appreciation of Egypt’s wise and responsible positions, which strongly push toward establishing peace, security and development, regionally and internationally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany announced the Ugandan winner of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023. Winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023 from the rest of the Africa were also announced, in partnership with African First Ladies, the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. The awards ceremony was held via Videoconference to felicitate all the media award winners.

The winners were announced and acknowledged by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on any of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels and the theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I am proud to announce the Winners from Uganda and the rest of Africa. We have 83 winners from 22 African countries in partnership with my dear sisters First Ladies of Africa and Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother”. Congratulations to all our winners.

We started our Media Awards in 2017, and year after year we are witnessing a substantial increase in the number of outstanding and regular  entries from many African countries, which is very encouraging for us.

All our winners are the Champions of critical and sensitive social and health issues in their communities.

It’s truly inspiring to witness how we’re actively involving and engaging everyone, enabling them to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift.

I’m delighted to extend a warm welcome as you join the Merck Foundation Alumni. let’s keep raising awareness on social and health together.”

Merck Foundation is additionally rewarding the winners by providing them with one year access of an online educational training program called ‘MasterClass’. The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course that can be accessed anywhere with the internet.

“I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”. These awards are in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother””, concluded Senator Kelej.

Ugandan Winner of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023 are:

Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM, Radio Category (Third Position)
Walter Mwesigye, NTV Uganda, Multimedia Category (First Position)

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of Ghana and H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Raissa Sambou, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Myjoyonline, Ghana (First Position)
Mariam Hamzat, Freelancer, Nigeria (Second Position)
Mariama, Dem Star.gm, The Gambia (Second Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, New Narratives, Liberia (First Position)
Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Ghana (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Emmanuel Samani, TV3, Ghana (First Position)
Stanley Nii Blewu, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Melody Mupeta, Zambia Daily, Zambia (First Position)
Moses Mugugunyeki, The Standard, Zimbabwe, (Second Position)
Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)
Sonja Smith, The Namibian, Namibia  (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Michael Magoronga, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe (First Position)
Munyaradzi Blessing Doma, ZimNow, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
Caroline Mapando, Africabrief, Malawi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Charlotte Nambadja, Desert Radio, Namibia (First Position)
Britta Mpata Blantyre, Synod Radio, Malawi (First Position)
Sera Tamina, Radio Icengelo, Zambia (Second Position)
Monde Chaba, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Mirriam Kayemba, CAMNET TV,  Zambia (First Position)
Alepher Kasongo, MBC News, Malawi (Second Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Marco Maduhu, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (First Position)
Elizabeth Angira, MT Kenya Times and People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
Shaban Njia, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (First Position)
Isabella Maua Chemosit, The Times, Kenya (Second Position)
Aveline Kitomary, Tanzania Standard, Tanzania (Third Position)
Sophia Rukwaro, Black Hustlers TV, Kenya (Third Position)
Hudson Kuteesa, The New Times, Rwanda (Third Position)
Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian Newspaper, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Caren Waraba Sisya, Citizen Radio, Kenya (First Position)
Olga Fadhil Lungala, Moshifm Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)
Adam Hhando, CG FM, Tanzania (Second Position)
Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM, Uganda (Third Position)
Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Radio, Kenya (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Elizabeth Atieno Ochieng, TV 47 KENYA, Kenya (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Koami Agbetiafa, Societe, Niger (First Position)
Astère NDUWAMUNGU, www.LeRenouveau.bi, Burundi (Second Position)
Traore Brehima, The TOGUNA, Mali (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Mêmèdé Ambroisine Azododassi, Savoir News, Togo (First Position)
Jessy NZENGU, LualabamaProvince.com, DRC (First Position)
AYIBE Ablavi Ayélo, SAVOIR NEWS, Togo (Second Position)
Tognisse Pugilbert Yannick, DecryptageBenin.com, Benin (Third Position)
Haburanimana Gérard, Agaseke.bi, Burundi (Third Position)
JEANINE NYABENDA, Ijisho Web Site News TV, Burundi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Cyriaque NDAYISHIMIYE, Radio TV BUNTU, Burundi (First Position)
Edmond Niyonkur, Radio Ubuzima-FM, Burundi (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal.Africa, Burundi (First Position)
Amadou BELLO, Balafon Direct, Cameroon (Second Position)

Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Ângelo Amaro Semedo, DW África, Cabo Verde (First Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria José Teixeira Veiga Macedo, Rádio de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Edineia Barros, TV Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

Winners of Merck Foundation “Diabetes&Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Jennifer Ambolley, Chronicle, Ghana (First Position)
Godwin Awuni Anafo, Daily Graphic, Ghana (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Odimegwu Onwumere, TheNigerianVoice.com, Nigeria (First Position)
Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (Second Position)
Cecilia Lagba Yada, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Grace Hammoah Agyemang, TV3, Ghana (First Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Ed-Grant Ndoza, Malawi News Agency, Malawi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria Kandjungu, Unwrap, Namibia (First Position)
Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (Second Position)
Rosalia Hipondoka, DBS Blogposts, Namibia (Third Position)
Phillipa Mwazvita Chinhoi, Herald.co, Zimbabwe (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Henry Haukeya, MBC Radio, Malawi (First Position)
Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Second Position)
Martha Mzumara, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Third Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Christina Stephen Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Lucy John Bosco, Mwananchi Online, Tanzania (First Position)
Dorcas Wangira, BBC, Kenya (Second Position)
Veronica Romwald Mrema, Freelancer, Tanzania (Third Position)
Tulinagwe Alison Malopa, Gazetini, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Mildrine Nafula Sabwami, North Rift Radio FM, Kenya (First Position)
Mwanaisha Mohamed Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Moïse NKURUNZIZA, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy&Development, DRC (First Position)
Akossiwa Agossivi YIBOKOU-MENSAH, SAVOIR NEWS, TOGO (Second Position)
Alphonse Julio GADA, GLOBAL NEWS BÉNIN, Benin (Third Position)
Petga Tonga Valgadine, LaVoixDuKoat.com, Cameroon (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Honorine NININAHAZWE, Burundi National Radio, Burundi  (First Position)
Maurice TUNINAHAZIMANA, Radio TV Buntu,          Burundi (Second Position)
Rémy RUKUNDO, TV BUNTU, Burundi (Third Position)

Here is the winner from Portuguese Speaking African Country in partnership with The First Lady of Mozambique, H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI:

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Abdul Ibraimo, Radio of Mozambique, Mozambique (First Position)

Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

Southern African Countries
West African Countries
East African Countries
French Speaking African Countries
Portuguese Speaking African Countries

Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.

2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes&Hypertension” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

Southern African Countries
West African Countries
East African Countries
French Speaking African Countries
Portuguese Speaking African Countries
Latin American Countries
Asian Countries

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.

Kindly note, sending multiple relevant entries for both the categories will increase the chances of winning the award.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3xQyMG4, Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4cQg9AY, Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3RVGPIz, YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3RZia5S and Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3S0FNL8.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to President Salva Kiir Mayardit of the Republic of South Sudan on his country’s Independence Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also dispatched similar messages to President Mayardit on the occasion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation.