(UN News)* — The word “tariff” has been catapulted from the business pages to the headlines over the last few months, as major economies impose or threaten them on other nations. But tariffs are not just a blunt weapon to be used in geopolitical brinkmanship: they can, if used effectively, help poorer countries develop their economies.
Every month, the UN trade and development agency (UNCTAD) provides an update on what’s happening in the world of global trade.
In March, the focus was on tariffs, and the report revealed that, whilst global trade reached a record $33 trillion last year, the outlook for 2025 remains uncertain, with mounting tensions, protectionist policies and trade disputes signalling likely disruption in the coming months.
27 March 2025 — United States President Donald J. Trump’s barrage of anti-immigrant policies has garnered worldwide attention, but Canada is taking a dark turn of its own.
28 Mar 2025 — In this unmissable, must-watch conversation, Professor Richard Falk—international law expert, former UN Special Rapporteur for Palestine, and leading scholar on global justice—breaks down the complexities of international law, the right of resistance, and the enforcement gaps in global governance.
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From the historic context of decolonization to the current war in Gaza, Falk sheds light on the accountability challenges facing Israel and the role of civil society in pushing for change.
NEW YORK/AMMAN, 31 March 2025 (UNICEF)* – The breakdown of the ceasefire and resumption of intense bombardments and ground operations in the Gaza Strip has reportedly left at least 322 children dead and 609 injured – constituting a daily average of around 100 children killed or maimed over the past 10 days.
UNICEF/UNI501860/El Baba
Most of these children were displaced, sheltering in makeshift tents or damaged homes.
(UN News)* —The UN Secretary-General on took the “difficult decision” to reduce the aid operation inside the Gaza Strip following the resumption of deadly Israeli airstrikes – but pledged that “the UN is not leaving” the enclave.
“In the past week, Israel carried out devastating strikes on Gaza, claiming the lives of hundreds of civilians, including United Nations personnel, with no humanitarian aid being allowed to enter the Strip since early March,”said a statement released by his Spokesperson.
UNITED NATIONS, Apr 1 2025 (IPS)* –The Trump administration’s ground-rules are dangerously clear—and devastating.
Credit: United Nations
If you are a pro-Palestinian demonstrator, denouncing Israeli atrocities in Gaza, you are either a supporter of the “terrorist organization” Hamas or you are described as anti-Semitic veering on hate crimes liable for prosecution.
(UN News)* —The human toll of the earthquake which devastated central Myanmar continues to rise, UN humanitarians warned on Sunday , putting more pressure on nearly 20 million people who were already in need of aid.
According to news reports citing Myanmar’s military leader, around 1,700 are confirmed dead from Friday’s 7.7 magnitude quake, with some 3,400 injuredand hundreds still missing.
ROME –The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on warned that 58 million people risk losing life-saving assistance in the agency’s 28 most critical crisis response operations unless new funding is received urgently.
With the war entering its eleventh year, countless Yemenis are still waiting for a chance to rebuild their lives. Photo: IOM/Majed Mohammed
Geneva/ Sana’a, 26 March 2025 -– As Yemen enters its eleventh year of conflict, the country remains in the grip of relentless suffering.
Close to 20 million peoplerely on aid to survive, with many having endured repeated displacement, rising hunger, and the collapse of essential services.
(UN News)* —Lifesaving supplies in Gaza continue to run dangerously low, nearly four weeks into the total aid blockade and deadly bombardment of the enclave by Israel, UN humanitarians said on Friday .
According to local health authorities in Gaza, 830 people were killed between 18-23 March, including 174 women and 322 children. A further 1,787 were injured.
“The acts of war that we see bear the hallmarks of atrocity crimes,” said Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN aid coordination office, OCHA.
HUMAN WRONGS WATCH 