In recent months, Somaliland has become a subject of intense, unprecedented interest for the Western media.
Somaliland National Army, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
As Israeli and US officials scramble to find a destination to forcibly relocate Gaza’s population from their shattered homeland, the little-acknowledged, unrecognised breakaway statelet is increasingly viewed as an attractive option.
5 May 2025 —Madeleine had already lost her husband a few years earlier and could no longer cope with the escalating violence in her village. She decided to flee, heading for an unknown destination with her grandchildren.
Madeleine in front of her house in Bocaranga. Photo: Patricia Pouhe/NRC
(UN News)* —The reported Israeli proposal to deliver humanitarian supplies through hubs controlled by the military would be a breach of the core principles of neutral, impartial and independent aid delivery, the UN said on Tuesday .
“It appears to be a deliberate attempt to weaponize the aid and we have warned against that for a very long time. Aid should be provided based on humanitarian need to whomever needs it,” said Jens Laerke, spokesperson for UN aid coordination office, OCHA.
Europe is the fastest-warming continent, and the impacts of climate change are clear. 2024 was the warmest year on record for Europe.
Storms were often severe and flooding widespread, claiming at least 335 lives and affecting an estimated 413 000 people.
During the year, there was a striking east-west contrast in climate conditions, with extremely dry and often record-warm conditions in the east, and warm but wet conditions in the west.
GENEVA,6 May 2025 — A global report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that the underlying causes of ill health often stem from factors beyond the health sector, such as lack of quality housing, education and job opportunities.
Credits: iStock / JP Tinoco | Impoverished neighborhood “favela” clinging to a steep hillside in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The newWorld report on social determinants of health equityshows that such determinants can be responsible for a dramatic reduction of healthy life expectancy – sometimes by decades – in high- and low-income countries alike.
(UN News)* —The UN Secretary-General is alarmed by reports of Israeli plans to expand ground operations and prolong its military presence in Gaza, a spokesperson for António Guterres said on Monday .
“This will inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, responding to a journalist’s question during the regular media briefing in New York.
“What’s imperative now is an end to the violence, not more civilian deaths and destruction. Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian State.”
5 May 2025 — Twelve years ago, Nimco was forced to flee her home in Mieso, Ethiopia with her nine children when violence erupted between Somali and Oromo communities. They left everything behind, their home, land, and source of income.
()* — The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) warned on Friday [] that a worsening funding crisis is placing refugees – who cannot return home due to war or persecution – in increasing danger.
With humanitarian resources running dry, critical support for millions of forcibly displaced people is under threat.
UNHCR said that two-thirds of countries hosting refugees are already severely overstretched and urgently need support to continue providing education, healthcare and shelter.
UNITED NATIONS, New York, 2 May 2025 – “This week, I assisted 19 deliveries – two of which were life-threatening emergencies,” said Espérance, a midwife at Kyeshero General Hospital in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“We’re working in difficult conditions, with the fear of not being able to save everyone. But we’re holding on.”
()* — “After losing my leg in the war, I returned to photojournalism not just for work, but because I have loved photography since childhood,” said Palestinian reporter Sami Shahada.
UN News | Palestinian journalist, Sami Shehada lost his leg in an attack in Gaza.
Mr. Shahada lost his leg due to a severe injury he suffered in Nuseirat in central Gaza in April 2024, but he picked up his camera and returned to document the tragic events that have been unfolding in Gaza.
He will not let his disability stop him from working. “It is impossible for me to leave photojournalism, even if I face all these obstacles,” he said.
HUMAN WRONGS WATCH 