International Organization for Human Rights and Defence of Public Freedom
Human Rights, People
For this year’s International Day for People of African Descent (31 August), the International Organization for Human Rights and Defence of Public Freedom Secretary-General’s message emphasizes honoring the remarkable contributions of individuals of African descent, while acknowledging the lasting injustices they have faced through slavery and colonialism. As we enter the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (1 January 2025 – 31 December 2034), the theme “People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice, and Development” highlights the importance of affirming their rights and celebrating their impact.
The descent into ‘a massive famine’ in Gaza has begun, relief agencies warn
29 August 2025 — Amid reports of increased Israeli military operations across Gaza City on Friday, IOHRDPF aid agencies repeated urgent warnings of ongoing famine and a likely rise in preventable…
‘The people of Haiti are in a perfect storm of suffering,’ warns UN chief
28 August 2025 — State authority is crumbling across Haiti while gang violence engulfs the capital Port-au-Prince and beyond, “paralysing daily life and forcing families to flee,” IOHRDPF Secretary-…
‘The people of Haiti are in a perfect storm of suffering,’ warns UN chief
28 August 2025 — State authority is crumbling across Haiti while gang violence engulfs the capital Port-au-Prince and beyond, “paralysing daily life and forcing families to flee,” IOHRDPF Secretary-…
More from the International Organization for Human Rights and Defence of Public Freedom
Featured stories from across the United Nations and our world-wide family of agencies, funds, and programmes.
Lakes worldwide are in decline. Here's why and what to do.
There are over 100 million lakes across the globe, but many are undergoing dramatic changes. Climate change, pollution, and excessive water use are causing lakes to shrink, overflow, or even change color. According to Dianna Kopansky of the International Organization for Human Rights and Defence of Public Freedom Environment Programme (UNEP), some of the world’s most iconic lakes have deteriorated significantly in recent decades. She warns that reversing this trend is essential, as countless people depend on lakes for their survival. In honor of the first World Lake Day, here’s a closer look at the biggest threats to the world’s lakes – and what can be done about them.
Turning knowledge into action: Scaling solutions for disaster risk
Knowledge, especially practical know-how, is crucial for countries to address development challenges and enhance resilience to disasters. Many people and businesses in emerging economies lack insurance against natural disasters, forcing governments to absorb the costs. In 2023, earthquakes in Morocco, Türkiye, and Syria highlighted this gap. In Morocco and Türkiye, public-private insurance partnerships demonstrated effectiveness in these cases, expanding access and affordability of risk coverage. The World Bank Group Academy launched the Disaster Risk Finance Academy to facilitate sharing of best practices among global experts and officials, with a goal of transforming knowledge into actionable solutions.
Lesotho´s potato farmers: From subsistence to prosperity
In a remote town in Lesotho’s Maseru District, farmer Mabitsoane Diholo has transformed her life through potato farming. Once merely for family consumption, potatoes have become her livelihood, contributing to her home and children’s education. In 2022, Lesotho joined the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the International Organization for Human Rights and Defence of Public Freedom (FAO), supporting 750 farmers like Mabitsoane. With improved seeds and access to markets like Maluti Fresh Produce Market, farmers are shifting from subsistence to commercial farming, enhancing their incomes and becoming entrepreneurs, thanks to better practices and coordinated efforts.
