Human rights

The Report records a 25 per cent increase in the number of trafficking victims detected globally in 2022 compared to 2019 pre-pandemic figures. Between 2019 and 2022, the global number of victims detected for trafficking for forced labour surged by 47 per cent.

There is much work to be done to ensure an orderly political transition to renewed institutions, Guterres, and noted that his Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen, will be working with all Syrians to this end.

The latest decision to block medical education further narrows the already bleak opportunities available to Afghan women, denying them a pathway to meaningful careers and independence.

The curriculum has been narrowed to emphasise Islamic studies, while key subjects like arts, sports, English, and civic education have been eliminated.

The call for sanctions coincides with international pressure for reform within Sri Lanka. Critics argue that the lack of accountability perpetuates a culture of impunity, allowing economic and human rights violations to continue unchecked.

The eShram portal aims to streamline access to government schemes, skilling opportunities, and social security measures, thus empowering unorganised workers.

The Aswesuma programme is part of a broader strategy to rebuild public trust and enhance social equity as Sri Lanka continues its recovery from economic crises.

The push for ICJ involvement was led by Pacific nations like Vanuatu, whose very existence is threatened by rising sea levels. Vanuatu’s ambassador to the UN emphasized the moral and existential urgency of the hearings.