The US has said that millions of civilians face famine-like conditions in Yemen, Ethiopia and other war zones around the world and is pushing for action against the “warmongers” who use hunger as a weapon.
Washington’s ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, urged the UN Security Council to become better at spotting famines before they happen and punishing military leaders who block food and other aid from reaching those in need.
According to the UN, more than 88 million people suffered from acute hunger at the end of 2020 due to conflict – a 20 per cent rise compared to the previous year.
And estimates suggest that number is going up.
“We need better, earlier, more consistent reporting on these crises,” Ms Thomas-Greenfield said on Thursday during a meeting of the Security Council, of which the US holds the rotating presidency this month.
“We need to ensure the Secretary General [Antonio Guterres] has the mandate and the tools to bring these emerging conflicts and potential starvation into the spotlight.”
Ms Thomas-Greenfield, a veteran US diplomat who has witnessed famine and other crises during postings in Africa, said the UN's top body must also "analyse and identify who is responsible for hunger" and take action against them.
“After all, acute hunger is the callous weapon of warmongers,” she said.
“It is caused by people with names and faces, and the people who suffer at their hands deserve justice.”
The UN council met against a backdrop of worsening hunger crises across Africa’s Sahel, the Horn of Africa, South Sudan and Afghanistan. More than 30 million people globally are “one step away” from famine, the UN says.
Conditions are worse still in parts of Yemen, South Sudan and Burkina Faso, where famine or famine-like conditions exist and more than 150,000 people are at risk of starving to death, the world body says.
This has all been made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic that has infected more than 118 million people, killed more than 2.6 million others and caused widespread job losses and destroyed economies, Mr Guterres told the council.
“Ending hunger requires us to find political solutions to conflict. I urge all states to make ending conflict, not simply mitigating its impact, a key foreign policy priority,” said Mr Guterres.
“There is no place for famine and starvation in the 21st century.”
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Michael Beckley, Cornell Press
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
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15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
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- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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GROUP RESULTS
Group A
Results
Ireland beat UAE by 226 runs
West Indies beat Netherlands by 54 runs
Group B
Results
Zimbabwe tied with Scotland
Nepal beat Hong Kong by five wickets
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The five pillars of Islam
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
