South Sudan: Political crisis and corruption fuel violence

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 13, 2025 Peace and security

The escalating political crisis in South Sudan is triggering renewed armed violence and exacerbating the already dire situation for the country's residents. This was stated today by experts from the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan following their mission to the headquarters. African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

South Sudan gained independence in July 2011, but by late 2013, fierce fighting had broken out between forces loyal to President Salvatore Kiir and supporters of his rival, Riek Machar. Although the war ended with the signing of a peace agreement and the formation of a government of national unity, tensions have risen again. following the arrest of Machar, the first vice president and opposition leader, earlier this year.

The peace process has reached a dead end

The Commission noted that South Sudanese leaders are "deliberately delaying" the implementation of peace agreements, despite years of efforts by the African Union and regional mediators.

Armed clashes are once again occurring on a scale not seen since 2017. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence, suffering human rights violations and being forced to flee their homes.

Moreover, according to the Commission's experts, "the vacuum of justice and accountability continues to fuel political intransigence, impunity, violence and corruption."

The Commission's recent report highlights that corruption and embezzlement of public funds remain key factors in the conflict.

Political crisis

Mission leader Barney Afako said the current political crisis, intensifying fighting and "systemic, uncontrolled corruption" reflected the failure of the political leadership.

"Without immediate, sustained, and coordinated political intervention from regional states, South Sudan risks sliding into full-scale war with unpredictable consequences," he stressed.

Afako added that the people of South Sudan "are looking to the African Union and the region" to save the country from a preventable disaster.

Justice as a condition of peace

The Commission called on the African Union to expedite the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms provided for in the peace agreement, including the hybrid court.

"Today, South Sudan needs justice more than ever," said Commission Chairperson Yasmin Suka. "Promises made to victims many years ago remain unfulfilled."

According to her, the activities of the hybrid court should not only ensure accountability for past crimes, but also strengthen national justice institutions.

Humanitarian consequences

UN experts reported that armed clashes and forced displacement are again on the rise: approximately 300,000 people have fled the country since the beginning of the year. The region is home to 2.5 million South Sudanese refugees.

Meanwhile, approximately two million people remain displaced within South Sudan. The country has also become a refuge for 560,000 people fleeing war-torn Sudan.

"The mounting violence, mass displacement, and the erosion of the peace agreement signed seven years ago demonstrate that South Sudan cannot recover without stability and justice," noted Commission member Carlos Castresana Fernández. He emphasized the need to establish "robust and independent justice and accountability mechanisms."

"The African Union and regional partners must act now – not only to prevent another war, but also to lay the foundation for a just peace based on the rule of law," the expert added.

The members of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan are not UN employees and serve on a voluntary basis. The Commission was established by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2016.

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The Vice Chairperson of the CPPCC National Committee met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan

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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, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) — Shen Yueyue, vice chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met on Monday with Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Zulaykho Makhkamova, who arrived in Beijing to attend the Global Women's Summit.

Shen Yueyue, who is also the Chairperson of the Committee on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, exchanged views with Z. Makhkamova on the implementation of the summit's outcomes and accelerating the process of comprehensive women's development.

The two sides also discussed strengthening Chinese-Uzbek friendship, deepening cooperation in key areas, and expanding people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in accordance with the important consensus reached by the two heads of state.

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China's rare earth metal export controls have nothing to do with Pakistan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

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

BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) — China's recent measures to control the export of rare earth metals and related products have nothing to do with Pakistan, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

As he noted, the introduction of these measures is a justified practice of the Chinese government, aimed at improving its own export control system in accordance with laws and regulations.

Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular briefing, commenting on media reports that Pakistan, using Chinese equipment and technology, is allegedly exporting rare earth elements to the United States, which has prompted China to impose strict new export controls on technology related to rare earth metals.

Lin Jian noted that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners, and their unwavering friendship has only grown stronger over the years. He stated that the two countries have always maintained a high level of strategic mutual trust and close communication on key issues affecting their shared interests.

"As far as I know, China and Pakistan have been in contact regarding cooperation in the mineral resources sector between Pakistan and the United States. The Pakistani side emphasized that its interaction with the American side will never harm China's interests or China-Pakistan cooperation," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reported.

Lin Jian stated that the mineral samples shown and presented by Pakistani leaders to their American counterparts were uncut gemstones purchased by Pakistani officials. "These media reports are either based on a misunderstanding of the facts, are based on rumors, or are aimed at sowing discord. They are completely unfounded," the Chinese diplomat emphasized.

Lin Jian added that export control measures are aimed at more effectively protecting world peace and regional stability, as well as fulfilling international obligations, including obligations on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. –0–

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Breaking News: Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Signed in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

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

Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, October 13 (Xinhua) — A signing ceremony for the recently reached ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement took place in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday.

The ceremony took place as part of a summit co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US President Donald Trump. The summit was attended by leaders of more than 20 countries, as well as regional and international organizations.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 10 after more than two years of Israeli military action that has led to widespread destruction and famine in the Gaza Strip.

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Breaking: Summit to end the war in Gaza opens in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

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

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, October 13 (Xinhua) — A summit to end the war in the Gaza Strip opened Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The event is being co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US President Donald Trump.

The summit, attended by leaders of more than 20 countries, as well as regional and international organizations, is scheduled to sign the recently reached ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas.

A ceasefire came into effect on October 10 after more than two years of Israeli bombing and shelling that led to widespread destruction and famine in the Gaza Strip.

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The People's Bank of China and the Monetary Authority of the Macao Special Administrative Region signed a memorandum of understanding on cross-border payments.

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

Beijing, October 13 (Xinhua) — The People's Bank of China (PBOC, the central bank) and the Financial Administration of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday on the interconnection of cross-border payments between the Chinese mainland and Macao, the PBOC announced.

The two sides intend to deepen exchanges and cooperation in the field of cross-border payment connectivity, improve the efficiency and quality of service in cross-border payments, so as to more effectively promote trade and economic activity and people-to-people exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Macao.

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The Georgian Prime Minister and the Chinese Ambassador discussed deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

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

Tbilisi, October 13 (Xinhua) — Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian, the Georgian government administration reported on Monday.

Zhou Qian congratulated I. Kobakhidze on the ruling party's victory in the recent local elections.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of further deepening the strategic partnership between Georgia and China, noting the positive dynamics of bilateral relations. The parties expressed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue and strengthen cooperation in various areas.

During the conversation, Zhou Qian conveyed to I. Kobakhidze an official invitation from the Chinese side to participate in the 8th China International Import Expo, which will be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. –0–

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WHO warns of widespread resistance to standard antibiotics

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October 13, 2025 Healthcare

One in six laboratory-confirmed cases of common bacterial infections worldwide in 2023 was characterized by resistance to antibiotic treatment. From 2018 to 2023, more than 40 percent of monitored pathogen-antibiotic combinations demonstrated increased resistance, with an annual increase of 5-15 percent. These are the findings of a report published today by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Data collected by the WHO Global Monitoring System on Antimicrobial Resistance and Use (GLASS) from more than 100 countries shows that rising resistance to essential antibiotics is a growing threat to public health.

The new edition of the Global Antibiotic Resistance Report presents, for the first time, estimates for 22 antibiotics used to treat urinary tract, gastrointestinal, and bloodstream infections, as well as gonorrhea. The report includes data on eight common bacterial pathogens: Acinetobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, nontyphoidal Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The risk varies by region.

According to WHO estimates, antibiotic resistance is highest in the Southeast Asian and Eastern Mediterranean regions, where one-third of documented infections were resistant. In the WHO African Region, resistance was observed in one-fifth of cases. Furthermore, antibiotic resistance is more common and increasing in countries where healthcare facilities lack sufficient capacity to detect and treat bacterial infections.

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He said antibiotics must be used responsibly, ensuring that everyone has access to essential medications, high-quality diagnostics, and vaccines.

Gram-negative bacteria are the biggest threat

The report notes the growing global threat of drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Among these, drug-resistant strains of E. coli and K. pneumoniae, most commonly identified in bloodstream infections, are particularly prominent. They cause a range of severe bacterial infections, often leading to sepsis, organ failure, and death. Currently, more than 40 percent of E. coli strains and more than 55 percent of K. pneumoniae strains demonstrate resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, the first-line drugs used to treat these infections. Moreover, in the African region, the proportion of such strains exceeds 70 percent.

A number of other life-saving antibiotics, including carbapenems and fluoroquinolones, are losing effectiveness against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Salmonella, and Acinetobacter. Carbapenem resistance was once rare, but it is now becoming increasingly common, limiting treatment options.

Gaps in surveillance

From 2016 to 2023, the proportion of countries participating in the WHO monitoring system quadrupled, from 25 to 104. However, 48 percent of them did not submit data in 2023, and approximately half lack reliable data collection systems. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance infrastructure is lacking in countries with the highest risk of it.

INpolitical declaration on the problem of UPP, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2024, sets targets to combat resistance by strengthening health systems and coordinating action across the human, veterinary and environmental sectors.

The WHO calls on all countries to provide high-quality data on AMR and antimicrobial use by 2030. Countries should more broadly implement coordinated measures at all levels of the healthcare system, taking into account local resistance trends when selecting treatment protocols and purchasing medications.

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The UN Secretary-General called for an urgent increase in investment in disaster risk reduction.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 13, 2025 Climate and environment

On the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, celebrated on 13 October, the UN Secretary-General called on the global community to urgently reconsider its approach to financing resilience in the face of the growing climate crisis.

According to the UN chief, the number and scale of natural disasters are rapidly increasing, devastating lives, destroying livelihoods, and undermining years of development efforts. "The magnitude of the damage to the global economy is staggering and, including indirect costs, is estimated at two trillion dollars per year," António Guterres noted.

Despite alarming statistics, the amount of funding allocated to disaster risk reduction remains critically low. Only two percent of international development assistance and less than one percent of government budgets go toward disaster prevention.

“This is not just a funding shortfall – it is a serious miscalculation,” the Secretary-General emphasized, adding that every dollar invested in resilient infrastructure in developing countries saves four dollars when natural disasters strike.

This year's theme for the International Day emphasizes the need to increase investment in resilience. Guterres called on governments and donors to increase funding, and on the public and private sectors to consider risks in their decision-making. "Building resilience to shocks must be at the very core of development efforts," he said.

Concluding his message, the Secretary-General called on the global community to respond to growing threats with increased funding and to work together to build a safer and more just future for all.

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Gaza: Hostages freed, humanitarian aid supplies expanded

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October 13, 2025 Peace and security

The UN Secretary-General on Monday welcomed the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. Humanitarian agencies say vital supplies are now arriving in large quantities in the devastated sector.

Release of hostages

Antonio Guterres expressed "deep relief" over the release of the hostages taken two years ago during the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and other armed groups in Israel on October 7, 2023. The UN chief recalled that these people had endured "enormous suffering."

Gaza Peace Summit

The Secretary-General arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to attend the Gaza Peace Summit, which is being attended by a number of world leaders. The international meeting was convened after Israeli troops partially withdrew from Gaza in accordance with agreement between Israel and Hamas, reached through the mediation of the United States, Qatar and Turkey.

In a social media post, X Guterres reiterated his call for the return of the bodies of the dead hostages and called on "all parties to seize this moment and implement the terms of the ceasefire agreement to end the nightmare in Gaza."

190 thousand tons of humanitarian cargo

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported significant progress in the delivery of humanitarian aid.

"The mobilization of humanitarian activities in Gaza continues vigorously," the agency noted, explaining that Israel has approved the import of 190,000 tons of food, medicine, shelter, and other goods—20,000 more than previously agreed upon.

For the first time since March, liquefied gas for cooking was allowed into the Strip. In addition, "new tents for displaced families, frozen meat, fresh fruit, flour, and medicine" were delivered to Gaza.

According to UN officials, humanitarian workers and their partners can now move more freely in "a number of areas" after months of strict restrictions by Israeli authorities. This allows them to pre-position medical supplies and other essential items where they are most needed, as well as check roads for explosive hazards and provide assistance to families living in flood-prone areas ahead of the winter season.

"This is just the beginning. Over the first 60 days of the ceasefire, the UN and our partners will scale up operations to deliver life-saving aid and provide essential services to virtually every person in Gaza," OCHA added.

The humanitarian response plan presented by UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher includes:

Food assistance for 2.1 million people, including food distribution, support for bakeries, livelihood restoration for fishermen and farmers, and cash payments to 200,000 families; nutrition programs for children, adolescents, and pregnant or lactating women; rehabilitation of the health system, provision of medicines, expansion of emergency and maternity care, as well as mental health and rehabilitation services; water supply and sanitation projects for 1.4 million people; sheltering the most vulnerable families with tents and tarps; and resumption of education programs for 700,000 children.

Consequences of the war

Two years of violence and incessant bombing have left thousands of families homeless. The UN notes the population's enormous physical and psychological needs.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) emphasized that "a million children in Gaza require psychosocial support." The war has undermined their sense of security and well-being, with many experiencing "severe stress symptoms" such as withdrawal, nightmares, and incontinence.

To help children cope with trauma, UNICEF runs self-help programs: specialists teach them to use stress management techniques and to imagine a "safety button" that they can "push" when fear becomes unbearable.

"When I was scared, I would put my hand on the button and breathe deeply. It brought me great relief," said 15-year-old Anas, a participant in the program.

According to UNICEF, by 2025, eight out of ten children who completed the course had reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

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