(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.
PORT SUDAN/NEW YORK – 26 March 2025 (UNICEF)* – Grave violations against children have surged across Sudan’s Darfur states since the start of the year, with 110 violations verified in North Darfur alone and a staggering 83 per cent increase in child casualties in Sudan compared to the first quarter of 2024.
UNICEF/UN0836594/ZakariaFILE PHOTO: Hanona brings her child Maher to a nutrition centre in Abushok in North Darfur for health screening. UNICEF has maintained delivery of critical services in Darfur and other conflict affected areas.
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.
(UN News)* — The UN human rights chief sounded the alarm on Friday over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Haiti, calling it a “catastrophe” fuelled by gang violence, widespread impunity and a political process that is hanging by a thread.
UN Photo/Sophia Paris |mDisplaced Haitians building a makeshift home inside a sports stadium.
Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council in Geneva that the country had reached “yet another crisis point,” with heavily armed gangs expanding their control, public institutions in ruins and a humanitarian emergency deepening by the day.
(UN News)* —UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Friday of a rapidly deteriorating crisis in South Sudan, calling for urgent dialogue, the immediate release of detained officials and renewed commitment to the 2018 peace agreement.
“All the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world’s newest country – and one of the poorest,” Mr. Guterres told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York.
HUMAN WRONGS WATCH 