Uneven post-pandemic recovery widens gap between rich and poor
Europe dominates the top rankings as development in half of the world’s poorest nations falls below pre-pandemic levels.
Ireland
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
Some are allowed out, but for most in Gaza the conditions only worsen
In one glimmer of hope, hundreds of people were allowed to enter Egypt from Gaza, which one U.N. official called a "graveyard" for children who are caught up in the fighting.
Majority of nations pass measure setting up U.N. vote on 'killer robots'
The first-of-its-kind provision cites an “urgent need for the international community to address the challenges and concerns raised by autonomous weapons systems."
Council of Europe presses ex-member Russia for accountability
The 46-nation council reaffirmed support for Ukraine and initiated a register to account for damages by former member Russia so human rights victims can be compensated.
U.K. and E.U. reach post-Brexit trade deal
Britain reached a tentative free-trade deal to lessen the chaos of its departure from the European Union, the world's biggest trading bloc.
E.U. regulator approves first COVID-19 vaccine
A two-shot vaccine from BioNTech and Pfizer gained official approval in the E.U., two days after Switzerland approved it through a normal procedure.
Elders rally resistance to Israeli annexation
An independent group of global leaders appealed to European leaders to "stand firm" against Israel’s threat to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.
Irish 'pay forward' Choctaws' 1847 charity
The Navajo Nation thanked Irish people for repaying a 173-year-old favor that was an early use of an international organization to deliver humanitarian aid.
Global trade services growth weakens
World Trade Organization figures showed global services trade growth slowed at the end of 2019 and into 2020, as countries faced the coronavirus outbreak.
U.K. backs new vote that may decide Brexit
Brexit will serve as backdrop to a weary electorate's choices after lawmakers voted to authorize the first December national election in almost a century.
E.U. and U.K. reach tentative Brexit deal
E.U. leaders unanimously approved a tentative Brexit agreement with the U.K. if it leaves the 28-nation bloc in November.
China dismisses rebuke at U.N. Human Rights Council over Uyghurs
The condemnation came from Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan and New Zealand, along with 17 European nations.
Climate activism propelled by Europe's green-minded voters
The left-leaning Greens’ young environmental supporters in the European Union's parliament shared a pro-E.U. sentiment.
Dozens of nations call for a global pact against online extremism
The proposed global pact is named the Christchurch Call after the New Zealand city where 51 people were killed in March.
Unusual web of interests behind Trump's multinational enterprise
The Mueller probe cast members of the Trump Organization's hundreds of pass-through companies and partnerships as central players in some of the main corruption themes.
Organizations lose 46 staff in Ethiopian Airlines jet crash
The U.N. reported losing 21 staff who worked for its agencies; other international organizations reported losing 25 staff.