News
20 February 2026, 08:15

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 19 (IPS) - Africa is home to approximately 160 million adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 (according to 2022 data by the United Nations Population Division). They embody the energy, creativity, and potential of the continent. It is undeniable that The Africa We Want, as envisioned in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, will not be realized without the full participation of this group which represents a key component of the continent’s current and future workforce.

Read the full story, “Why Ending Child Marriage is Key to Advancing Africa’s Economic Development”, on globalissues.org

20 February 2026, 08:15

BRATISLAVA, February 19 (IPS) - Drug reform campaigners have called for an overhaul of global drug controls amid an increasingly complex and deadly drug situation in the world and as hardline anti-drug approaches are increasingly being used as cover for repression of civil society and human rights defenders.

Read the full story, “‘Worrying’ War on Drugs Rhetoric Comes with Human, Financial Costs”, on globalissues.org

20 February 2026, 08:15

Increased Israeli attacks and the forced transfer of Palestinians have sparked concern over ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said in a report issued on Thursday.

Read the full story, “Fears of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank: UN rights report”, on globalissues.org

20 February 2026, 08:15

The UN Security Council meets this morning to discuss Sudan as the war nears its third year and fighting intensifying across multiple regions and civilians facing deepening humanitarian catastrophe. Senior UN political and humanitarian officials are expected to brief ministers on a conflict marked by shifting front lines, advanced weaponry and widespread displacement. The meeting comes amid fresh warnings that atrocities in Darfur, including acts bearing the “hallmarks of genocide” in El-Fasher, signal a dangerous escalation. Follow the live coverage below, UN News App users click here.

Read the full story, “Security Council LIVE: Sudan in focus amid genocide warnings in Darfur”, on globalissues.org

20 February 2026, 08:15
Protest erupts after the internationally recognised gov't holds its first session in the southern city of Aden.
20 February 2026, 08:15
Donald Trump has warned Iran it has 10 to 15 days to reach a deal over its nuclear program, or “bad things” will happen.
20 February 2026, 08:15
More than 600 people may be in custody for political reasons, one Venezuelan rights group estimates.
20 February 2026, 08:15
The attack comes as the UN releases a report which found that RSF actions have hallmarks of genocide in el-Fasher.
20 February 2026, 08:15
US president's announcement comes amid a surge of interest following comments on aliens by ex-President Barack Obama.
20 February 2026, 08:15
February 8 collapse killed at least 15 people in Lebanon's second city, where buildings are in poor condition.