The UN warns of the risk of collapse of the peace process in South Sudan

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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November 11, 2025 Peace and security

The peace process in South Sudan is on the brink of collapse, and the humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating. Senior UN officials stated this at a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, emphasizing that women and girls are bearing the brunt of the crisis.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, returning from a visit to South Sudan, reported an increase in ceasefire violations, including aerial bombardments and armed clashes between the parties to the peace agreement. He stated that the unilateral removal of opposition representatives from the transitional government violates the principle of inclusiveness enshrined in the peace agreement and threatens stability ahead of elections scheduled for December 2026.

"The room for compromise is disappearing."

"Trust between key participants in the process is rapidly eroding. The space for compromise is disappearing," Lacroix noted, adding that constitutional reform and transitional security measures are making virtually no progress.

Amid political upheaval, the country is facing a humanitarian catastrophe. More than 7.5 million people are suffering from acute hunger, with 28,000 on the brink of starvation. Floods have displaced more than a million people, and the influx of 1.2 million refugees from war-torn neighboring Sudan is overburdening already fragile government structures.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bacchus emphasized that women and girls are the most vulnerable in this crisis: “Every day they face climate challenges, hunger, sexual violence, kidnapping, and other threats.”

According to the UN, 260 cases of conflict-related sexual violence, including rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriage, were documented in 2024 alone. The situation is particularly alarming in border areas, where resource scarcity and ethnic tensions are fueling outbreaks of violence.

Funding crisis

Bacchus recounted a case in Warap state where a group of armed youths surrounded a girls' school, threatening to kidnap 100 students. Thanks to the intervention of UN peacekeepers, tragedy was averted. "For these girls, the peacekeepers were a lifesaver. It's hard for them to imagine that their protection could be jeopardized by dwindling resources," she said.

Both UN representatives expressed concern about the financial crisis facing the UN mission in South Sudan, which has already begun closing field offices and reducing staff. Lacroix warned that without flexibility from the South Sudanese government, the mission may be unable to fulfill its mandate.

Bacchus called for the 35 percent quota for women's participation in government bodies to be met. "There is no more proven path to sustainable peace than women's leadership," she emphasized.

The UN calls on all parties to the conflict to cease violence, ensure humanitarian access, and resume political dialogue. "The women of South Sudan have shown incredible resilience and leadership. They deserve better. We owe it to them," concluded Bacchus.

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The International Criminal Court continues to fight impunity despite threats

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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November 11, 2025 International law

Annual International Criminal Court (ICC) report, which was presented today to the UN General Assembly, emphasizes the need to strengthen cooperation with States, protect the independence of the court and ensure the universality of the Rome Statute.

The International Criminal Court and the United Nations maintain close cooperation, based on the 2004 Agreement, which ensures the coordination of their activities in strengthening the international rule of law, protecting human rights and combating impunity for the most serious crimes.

Opening the meeting, Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th General Assembly, noted that the founders of the ICC were guided by the conviction that "justice is a universal duty, not an expression of national interests." She emphasized that the Court was created to bring to justice those guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.

Baerbock condemned sanctions, threats and cyberattacksdirected against officials of the Court, noting that such actions undermine not only the institution itself, but also the principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter.

Attacks against the ICC

ICC President Tomoko Akane, introducing the report, stressed that the Court continues to fulfil its mandate despite growing pressure.

"When judges are threatened or pressured, the very foundation of international law is undermined. We call on all states to defend the Court and the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute," Akane said.

She noted that in recent months, the Court has significantly strengthened its security system following cyberattacks and attempts to pressure judges and prosecutors, and continues to strengthen cooperation with regional organizations and UN structures.

Fighting impunity

According to the report, during the reporting period, the Court delivered 382 judgments, with important progress achieved in trials for crimes committed in Darfur, Libya, the Central African Republic, Afghanistan, Palestine and the Philippines.

Akane focused particularly on the case of Sudanese commander Ali Abd al-Rahman, convicted on 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. She emphasized that this is an example of how "even if it's belated, justice can and must prevail."

The ICC report also states that a notable development was the judgments handed down in the case of Yekatom and Ngaisson: both accused were found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Central African Republic.

The President of the Court reported that at the end of the reporting period, 33 declassified outstanding arrest warrants remained, calling on States Parties to comply with their obligations under the Rome Statute.

The voice of victims at the center of international justice

Akane emphasized that victims of mass crimes remain at the heart of the ICC's work: "The Court gives victims a voice, a place for their stories to be heard, and hope for recognition of the truth and accountability."

By April 2025, more than 3,800 victims had received reparations or were enrolled in reparations programs in four cases. In addition, the Victims' Trust Fund made numerous collective reparations payments in the Lubanga and Al-Mahdi cases to benefit a community of 70,000 people, particularly in Timbuktu. In 2024, approximately 19,500 people benefited from direct assistance programs.

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The Russian and Iranian foreign ministers exchanged views on current bilateral and regional issues, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, November 12 (Xinhua) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation and exchanged views on current bilateral and regional issues, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry published on Wednesday.

"The ministers welcomed the agreement reached between Kabul and Islamabad, brokered by the authorities of Qatar and Turkey, on a mutual ceasefire and ceasefire in the Afghan-Pakistani border area. They called for continued dialogue between the two friendly states to resolve differences through political and diplomatic means in the interests of ensuring regional stability and security," the statement reads.

It is noted that the heads of the two countries' diplomatic departments also discussed developments in the Middle East, primarily in the Palestinian-Israeli settlement and the consideration of this issue in the UN Security Council, "as well as the situation on the IAEA Board of Governors, where France, Britain, and Germany are attempting to unleash an anti-Iranian campaign."

The ministers also touched on several aspects of bilateral relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to the unconditional implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran, which entered into force on October 2. –0–

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China celebrated the 159th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen's birth.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) — A ceremony to commemorate the 159th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen's birth was held at Zhongshan Park in Beijing on Wednesday.

Participants in the ceremony, organized by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), laid baskets of flowers at the monument to Sun Yat-sen.

The event was attended by senior officials from the CPPCC National Committee, the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Kuomintang of China, the United Front Department of the CPC Central Committee and the Beijing People's Government.

The ceremony was also attended by senior representatives of the central committees of democratic parties, prominent non-party figures, members of the Beijing CPPCC Committee, descendants of Sun Yat-sen and representatives of a number of other organizations.

Born in 1866 in Guangdong Province (South China), Sun Yat-sen is known as a great patriot and an outstanding leader of the Chinese democratic revolution. He played a key role in the Xinhai Revolution of 1911, which overthrew the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) and ended more than two thousand years of feudal rule in China.

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RUDN University will join the All-Russian Day of Legal Aid for Children

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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On November 20, the All-Russian Day of Legal Aid for Children will be held under the coordination of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Justice of Russia for Moscow. Lawyers from various agencies, members of parliament, and university representatives, including student legal clinics, will participate in the event, offering lectures, consultations, and seminars. The events will be held both in person and online.

On November 20, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, in Room 354 of RUDN University's main building, the university's legal clinic and the GROSS Law Firm will offer free consultations on protecting children's rights and interests. They will also assist with preparing necessary legal documents (complaints, appeals, or statements of claim).

Who will be helped?

Orphans and children left without parental care. Foster families and guardians. Children with disabilities and their parents/guardians. Families of special military operation participants. Families in difficult life situations.

About the event

All-Russian Day of Legal Aid for Children is an annual event whose main goal is to protect the rights and interests of children.

A full list of venues and events can be found on the website of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Justice of Russia for Moscow in the section All-Russian Day of Legal Aid to Children.

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The National Coordination Committee of the BRICS Network University discussed plans for 2026 at RUDN University.

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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A meeting of the National Coordinating Committee of the BRICS Network University (NCC BRICS NU) was held at RUDN University. The event brought together representatives of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, and the heads and representatives of 22 Russian universities participating in the BRICS Network University project.

Strengthening academic positions

At the beginning of the meeting, Albina Kutuzova, Deputy Head of Department of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. She noted the significant contribution of Russia and RUDN University to the development of the Network University, emphasizing that Russia laid the foundation for its modernization during its BRICS Presidency in 2024.

"Today, the Network University unites 178 leading universities from 10 countries, including new members—Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion makes the network more diverse and simultaneously places new demands on the quality of interaction. We must not only maintain but also strengthen Russia's academic position in this space, offering new program formats, joint research, and scientific initiatives," says Albina Kutuzova.

At the meeting, participants reviewed the results of the BRICS Network University International Governing Council meeting held in the summer of 2025 and discussed the action plan for 2026. Particular attention was paid to enhancing the work of Russian universities within international thematic groups, expanding academic exchanges, and implementing mechanisms for joint ranking of educational programs. Larisa Efremova, Director of the Center for Initiative Projects and Intersectoral Partnerships at RUDN University, presented a report on the results of international cooperation, emphasizing that the Network University's activities are reaching a new level of integration.

"Over the 10 years of the BRICS Network University's operation, Russia has built a sustainable model of coordination and collaboration. Our task is not only to preserve the accumulated experience but also to develop new areas—mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, sustainable agriculture, and health sciences. These are areas where Russia can and should strengthen its presence within BRICS," said Larisa Efremova.

Key topics of discussion also included the development of new educational programs, the use of digital tools, the expansion of training areas, and the involvement of new partners from countries of the Global South.

Digital tools and double degrees

Vera Zabotkina, Acting Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at the Russian State University for the Humanities, presented a project for joint master's programs in digital humanities, while Anastasia Mashkova, Director for Integration Policy Development at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute, spoke about the development of a thematic group on energy. Tatyana Polutina, Vice-Rector of the Kuban State Agrarian University, shared her experience of inter-university collaboration in the field of "Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security."

Alexander Chupin, Deputy Dean for Research at RUDN University's Faculty of Economics, presented the international scientific journal "BRICS: Current Agenda," founded by our university. The journal aims to become an interdisciplinary platform for publishing research articles by researchers from BRICS universities, promoting their research and providing open access to relevant works in economics, politics, international relations, and education.

Following the meeting of the BRICS Network University's National Coordinating Committee, a decision was approved to retain RUDN University's status as the national coordinator for the Russian part of the BRICS Network University. The university was tasked with preparing a consolidated plan for the activities of Russian participating universities for 2026, including the development of joint programs, research projects, and academic mobility.

The committee also recommended that participating universities intensify their efforts to implement dual degree programs and strengthen their interactions with partners in BRICS countries and new members. A key area of focus will be the development of international thematic groups in 11 fields of knowledge—from energy and computer science to ecology, food security, and social sciences. Russian universities act as coordinators and coordinators in most areas, demonstrating the country's high scientific and educational potential within the BRICS NU.

"We understand that managing such a vast space and coordinating areas of work requires more than just exchanging letters; it requires ongoing collaboration to align interests, programs, and initiatives. But it is precisely thanks to this interaction that BRICS universities remain a unified academic ecosystem," says Larisa Efremova.

Concluding the meeting, participants noted the importance of the Network University as a tool for strengthening international ties in higher education and science, emphasizing that, in the context of global transformation, it is precisely such platforms that create a sustainable educational space based on the principles of equality, openness, and academic trust.

About the Network University

BRICS Network University (BRICS NU) is an association of higher education institutions from the BRICS countries. It was established in 2015 at the initiative of the Russian Federation during Russia's BRICS Presidency. The consortium comprises 178 leading universities from 10 countries. The international coordinator of the BRICS Network University is the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.

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November 12, 2025 Which Ecology Foundation project warms your soul?

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Source: Ecology Foundation

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The Ecology Foundation uses cookies (files containing data about past website visits) to personalize services and improve user experience. You can disable cookies in your browser settings. Your personal data is processed in accordance with Federal Law No. 152-FZ "On Personal Data" of July 27, 2006.

Which Ecology Foundation project warms your soul?

November 12, 2025

Which Ecology Foundation project warms your soul?

We create small miracles for nature every day. Help us feel closer to you. Your voice will become part of a greater, kind story.

We'll make a separate special issue about our favorite project in December.

You can vote on our pages on VK And Telegram.

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Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress met with the King of Spain

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) — Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met with King Felipe VI of Spain in Beijing on Wednesday.

Zhao Leji noted that in recent years, under the leadership and support of Chinese President Xi Jinping and King Felipe VI, China-Spain relations have maintained a healthy and stable momentum. He emphasized that China stands ready to work with Spain to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, strengthen the foundations of political mutual trust, advance practical cooperation, and expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, so as to maintain the high level of development of bilateral relations, bring greater benefits to the two peoples, and bring greater stability and positive energy to the world.

According to Zhao Leji, the NPC hopes to strengthen friendly exchanges with the Spanish Parliament, intensify exchanges of experience in areas such as lawmaking and oversight, and provide legal guarantees for bilateral practical cooperation.

King Felipe VI, in turn, stated that the friendship between the peoples of Spain and China has a long history and deep roots, and that interstate relations are developing in a healthy manner. He noted that China's development plans are long-term, forward-looking, and consistent. The monarch expressed Spain's readiness to strengthen exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries and deepen the Spanish-Chinese comprehensive strategic partnership.

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Tulips have become a symbol of friendship: Polytechnic University and Central Park of Culture and Leisure signed a cooperation agreement.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Today, the Polytechnic University acquired a new partner: the Kirov Central Park of Culture and Leisure, or CPCL for short. SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy and CPCL Director Pavel Seleznev signed a cooperation agreement.

Pavel Andreevich graduated from the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Polytechnic University in 1985, so his visit to his alma mater was a special occasion for him. He was accompanied by Alexey Yezhov, First Deputy Director of the Central Park of Culture and Recreation, and Maria Zhuk, a methodologist at the Yelaginoostrovsky Palace Museum. The guests were greeted by Rector Andrey Rudskoy, Advisor to the Rector's Office Vladimir Glukhov, Vice Rector for Organizational and Economic Affairs Stanislav Vladimirov, Vice Rector for Information, Youth Policy, and Security Maxim Pasholikov, Vice Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education Dmitry Tikhonov, Academic Secretary Dmitry Karpov, Director of the SPbPU Institute of Civil Engineering Marina Petrochenko, Director of the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Center Sergey Chichenev, and Director of the Polytechnic Museum Valery Klimov.

The conversation around the oval table in the rector's office was both businesslike and friendly. Many shared memories emerged, from childhood walks in the Central Park of Culture and Leisure to student years at the Polytechnic University. Pavel Seleznev recounted how he, a graduate of the LPI Mechanical Engineering Department and then the St. Petersburg University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, became the head of the Central Park of Culture and Leisure, which he has managed for 14 years now. He shared interesting facts about the park, in particular, about tulips, which have now become an integral part of the Central Park of Culture and Leisure, although they were previously absent there. Incidentally, it could be said that it was thanks to the tulips that the current cooperation agreement was signed. On the day of the citywide cleanup day, October 25, the Central Park of Culture and Leisure donated 10 thousand bulbs of these flowers to the Polytechnic UniversityThey were planted in various flowerbeds on campus, and in the spring we'll be able to host a mini-tulip festival here (the Central Park of Culture and Leisure hosts such festivals every year).

"Today marks a new chapter in our relationship; let's work together," Andrey Rudskoy said during the meeting. "You might be interested in our students' experience creating the Polytechnic University MetaCampus—a virtual digital ecosystem connecting the university's campus information model, databases, and service systems. We would be delighted if your specialists took on the responsibility for our park."

Developing this idea, Andrey Rudskoy presented a gift to Pavel Seleznev Photo album "Flora and fauna of the Polytechnic Park". An equivalent return gift to the Polytechnic was a colorful publication dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the Elaginoostrovsky Palace and Park Ensemble.

Collaboration between the university and the Central Park of Culture and Leisure offers endless possibilities. In addition to staff training and professional development, this includes educational and on-the-job training and internships for students, career-guided excursions, visiting lectures, joint events, the participation of university creative teams in the Yelagin Park street theater festival, the participation of student research societies and design bureaus in the Yelagin Rally modeling and technical sports festival, and simply the volunteer participation of SPbPU students in Central Park of Culture and Leisure events. This includes technical expertise of amusement rides and collaboration on organizational and technical issues related to the preservation and development of the Polytechnic Park. Furthermore, Andrey Rudskoy greatly interested the partners in the opportunity to participate in the restoration of the garden at the Kholomki Estate Museum.

"We know what to surprise you with in Kholomki, we're preparing a surprise," Pavel Seleznev intrigued. "The Central Park of Culture and Leisure also has some interesting offers for students. Signing the agreement with the Polytechnic University is a great honor for me, and I hope our collaboration will be promising and mutually enriching."

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Peng Liyuan and Queen Letizia of Spain visited a service center for people with disabilities in Beijing.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) — Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Queen Letizia of Spain, who is accompanying King Felipe VI of Spain on his state visit to China, visited a Beijing demonstration center for people with disabilities on Wednesday.

At the center, Peng Liyuan and Leticia listened to a presentation on the center's disability services projects and visited a themed exhibition dedicated to the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing. They then visited an exhibition area showcasing scientific and technological achievements in assisting people with disabilities and a reading area for the public benefit, where they learned about the state of the art in the use of rehabilitation equipment for people with disabilities, reading activities for children with disabilities, and the construction of barrier-free infrastructure facilities and equipment in the country.

Peng Liyuan and Leticia warmly interacted with people with disabilities, who were either attending baking classes, crafting, or painting at the center. They also visited children with disabilities undergoing rehabilitation. In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the visually impaired children performed a Chinese song called "Songs and Smiles" for the guests.

Peng Liyuan said the case of people with disabilities requires joint efforts, assistance and support from all parties to help them better integrate into society.

Peng Liyuan expressed hope that China and Spain will strengthen exchanges and cooperation to help people with disabilities realize their dreams.

Letizia praised China's achievements in disability issues. She expressed her readiness to actively promote expanded cooperation between the two countries to improve the well-being of people with disabilities.

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