New ICRC guidelines on the obligations of international humanitarian law are meant to protect innocent civilians and detainees against violence by non-state armed groups.
They are often violent, ruthless and unforgiving – and despite being unelected they wield influence over tens of millions of people around the globe. Over the past decade there's been a hidden trend: the proliferation of armed groups.
In new research reported Tuesday, the International Committee of the Red Cross mapped out 524 armed groups that are raising humanitarian concerns across all continents and have at least partial control of areas where 175 million people live.
The U.N. body also demands Israel be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
The ruling orders Israel to allow aid trucks loaded with food and supplies to enter Gaza unhindered "without delay."
WHO warns disease and hunger are at alarming levels in the Congo, where almost 10 million people are on the move.
The spending bill also has other 'key pro-Israel provisions' aimed at the U.N. and other international organizations.
The chair of the talks called for optimism despite divisions among plastic-producing nations and those urging restraints.
The group of organizations that reviewed the U.N. agency recommends several ways of strengthening its neutrality.
The humanitarian nightmare and attacks on civilians in Gaza dominated the U.N. Security Council's quarterly open debate.
Climate scientists have warned for decades about bleaching of coral reefs, which are nurseries for commercial fisheries.
