violence

In a sobering report, the United Nations has revealed that violence against children in conflict zones has reached "unprecedented levels" in 2024, spanning areas from Gaza to the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, "In 2024, violence against children in armed conflict surged by a staggering 25 percent compared to 2023." This alarming statistic highlights the gravity of the situation. The report identified a total of 41,370 grave violations against children, with 36,221…

In a sobering update from the United Nations, a recent annual report revealed that violence against children in conflict zones has escalated to "unprecedented levels" in 2024. From Gaza to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the plight of these vulnerable young individuals has reached alarming heights. According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, "In 2024, violence against children in armed conflict reached unprecedented levels, with a staggering 25 percent surge in the number of grave violations compared to 2023."…

The Chairperson of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), Gift Trapence, has expressed deep concerns regarding the Malawi Police Service's sluggish response in addressing escalating political violence. He is calling for prompt action and accountability, highlighting a disturbing pattern of inaction. In a pointed critique, Trapence questioned the integrity of the police force, suggesting that their failure to act betrays the public trust. “How can citizens feel secure when those sworn to protect them remain idle?” he…

The ongoing turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has given rise to a staggering humanitarian crisis, underscored by an alarming surge in sexual violence against women and children. Recent statistics reveal that over 67,000 cases of rape and sexual assault were documented in just the first quarter of 2025. How did we arrive at such a harrowing juncture? In this heart-wrenching context, nearly 500 incidents of sexual abuse are reported weekly, involving more than 150 children. The sheer numbers are not…

The Genocide Remembrance Day serves as a solemn reminder of a dark chapter in history—one that reveals the depths of human cruelty and the resilience of the human spirit. It commemorates the tragic events between 1904 and 1908, when colonial German forces mercilessly slaughtered tens of thousands of indigenous Herero and Nama people who dared to rise against oppressive colonial rule in what is now Namibia. This brutal conflict didn’t merely disrupt lives; it decimated a culture, uprooting entire communities and leaving…

Three out of four teenagers today express genuine concerns about the specter of gun violence in schools. In a world where safety should be a given, what can one individual do to illuminate a path toward change? Enter Anud Hashi, a senior at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, whose passion for her community exemplifies hope in adversity. Hashi, a dynamic young leader, proudly poses with the Somali flag, symbolizing her roots and her commitment to her community. Having migrated from Ethiopia in 2011, she understands the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a tumultuous scene that echoed through the halls of Somalia's parliament, prominent opposition figures including former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame have spoken out vehemently against the violent altercation that unfolded during Wednesday’s session of the House of the People. Their unified stance not only highlights the gravity of the situation but also emphasizes the urgent need for integrity within Somalia’s political…

On a recent Monday, the BBC made a striking announcement: a scheduled screening in Nairobi of a documentary detailing the intense scrutiny of security forces accused of brutal actions against protesters was abruptly canceled due to pressure from the Kenyan government. This revelation has sparked renewed discussions about freedom of the press and the ongoing struggle for justice in the country. Last year, Kenya witnessed a fierce clampdown on youth-led protests initiated in response to increasing tax rates. Heavy-handed…

Hargeisa (AX) — In recent days, the North Western State of Somalia government has leveled serious allegations against the Federal Government of Somalia, accusing it of playing an active role in the violent clashes that erupted between North Western State of Somalia forces and the SSC-Khaatumo administration in the Dhuumadare area of the Sanaag region. This accusation, which emerged through an official press statement from North Western State of Somalia's Ministry of Defense on Friday, paints a dire picture of the region's…

In a matter of weeks, the north-central Nigerian states of Plateau and Benue have witnessed a chilling spike in violence, with at least 144 lives lost at the hands of herdsmen. The toll, as catastrophic as it is, reveals a deeper malaise—an ongoing conflict that has not only injured scores but also left over 50 homes in ruins. What drives such brutality, and how much longer can communities endure this torment? The violence reached new levels of horror recently in Benue, prompting Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State to…