Stories written by Josh Butler

Spiritual Leaders Urge Action On Nuclear Disarmament

Religious leaders addressed the United Nations in New York last week, pleading on moral grounds for global nuclear disarmament.

Mexican Human Rights Fight Illustrated in New Graphic Novel Series

A Dublin-based human rights group has launched a series of graphic novels highlighting the stories of activist groups and rights struggles around the world.

U.N. Rapporteur Calls for Action on Discrimination of Roma

The United Nations rapporteur for minorities has anti-Roma and anti-'Gypsy' bias in her sights.

At Least 18 Already Killed in Yarmouk Attacks: Amnesty International

At least 18 civilians have already been killed in the attack on the Syrian refugee camp of Yarmouk, according to Amnesty International.

Situation in Besieged Yarmouk Camp ‘One of the Most Severe Ever’

The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees has described the situation inside the Syrian refugee camp of Yarmouk, under attack by Islamic State (IS) militants, as “one of the most severe ever” for the already spartan camp.

Death Sentences up, Executions down in 2014

Governments worldwide sentenced at least 2,466 people to death in 2014; judgements which have been condemned by rights group Amnesty International.

Landmine Threats Down, IED Threats Rising

Almost 90 percent of recent deaths or serious injuries to United Nations peacekeepers in Mali have been attributed to improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a U.N. panel has heard.

U.N. Water Report Not “Doom And Gloom”, Says Author

The lead author of a United Nations water report has spoken out about media depictions of his findings, denying the report lays out a “doom and gloom” scenario.

Joan Baez, Ai Weiwei Awarded Amnesty International’s Top Honour

Folk singer Joan Baez and Chinese artist Ai Weiwei were announced Tuesday as the winners of Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award.

Global Citizenship Essential for Gender Equality: Ambassador Chowdhury

At a recent panel discussion on women’s leadership during the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women, Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury was the lone male voice.

Gates Foundation Slammed for Plan to Privatise African Seed Markets

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) has been attacked by activists over alleged support of a plan to privatise African agricultural markets.

CSW 59 Wraps up as Delegates Look Towards 2016

The Commission on the Status of Women, one of the biggest events on the calendar for United Nations headquarters in New York City, is over for another year.

Guards at Australian-Managed Refugee Detention Centre on Nauru Traded Marijuana for Sexual Favours

Guards at a Nauru refugee detention centre managed by the Australian government traded marijuana for sexual favours from detainees, according to the latest damning report into the Australia’s beleaguered refugee policy.

‘Water Man of India’ Wins Stockholm Water Prize

A conservationist known as ‘The Water Man of India’ has been named Stockholm Water Prize Laureate for 2015.


Millions of Children Impacted by Ebola Outbreak

Nine million children live in areas affected by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, while thousands have lost parents to the virus, according to a new report from The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Women Often Forgotten In Cases Of Forced Disappearance

Governments must do more to address the impacts of forced disappearances of women, according to an international justice report released Monday.

U.N. Audience Shocked by Sexual Health, Abortion Statistics

Audible gasps echoed through the United Nations' Trusteeship Council chamber on Tuesday, with audiences told the grim impacts of unsafe reproductive practices on women worldwide.

Eighty-Three Percent of Lights Have Gone Out in Syria

A single image can be more powerful, more descriptive and more potent than an entire essay – ‘ a picture says a thousand words,’ as the cliché goes.

U.N. Says Maternal Mortality Rate Has Nearly Halved since 1990

The global rate of maternal deaths is reducing faster than any time in history, according to a new report presented to the United Nations on Tuesday.

Guatemala Praised for Policies on Adolescent Girls

The government of Guatemala has been praised for a programme helping young women avoid unwanted pregnancies and finish their education.

Congolese Citizens Forced to Pay for Police, Protection Services

Parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo are as dangerous and lawless as ever, with police and the state offering citizens little or no protection from armed groups.

Next Page »


biography of a phantom