United Nations
Reports and Statements to the UN
The Humanitarian Impact of the Detention of Aid Workers in Yemen
The Humanitarian Impact of the Detention of Aid Workers in Yemen
In 2024, the Ansar Allah group (generally referred to in the Western press disparagingly as “the Houthis”), which constitute the main component of the de facto government in northern Yemen, arbitrarily detained UN staff and aid workers from Yemeni and international civil society organisations. Since then, 73 UN staff and
Why Ukraine Needs an Environmental Recovery Fund Before the War Is Over
Wars not only kill but also damage infrastructure and destroy the environment. While human lives are impossible to restore, buildings and energy facilities can and should be the object of reparations and reconstruction. However the environment is often treated as a secondary concern. But forests, rivers, soil, animals and clean
Gaza’s Healthcare Crisis
Gaza’s hospitals remain trapped in a humanitarian emergency For many observers, discussions about Gaza centre on ceasefires, military operations, and diplomatic negotiations. Yet behind the headlines lies a human rights crisis: the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system. Even when fighting temporarily subsides, the conditions facing hospitals, doctors, and patients remain
Refugee Integration and the Right to Work
The right to work for refugees is vital, an essential step towards integration and social inclusion. Providing comprehensive support systems that empower refugees by enabling access to employment is critical. Employment and Human Need You might not have heard of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It is a theory that
The Naval Blockade of Iran and its Role in the Hormuz Saga
The ceasefire agreed by the United States (U.S.) and Iran on April 8th signalled a productive effort in halting suffering in the Middle East. While the agreeement was effective in ceasing hostilities in Iran, whilst ignoring Lebanon – none the less the U.S. did not abandon its offensive campaign, diverting
UN Statement on High Seas Sovereignty and the Erosion of Maritime Law
The Next Century Foundation’s Research Officer Olwyn Matthews addresses the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the growing concern surrounding the expansion of state authority on the High Seas, highlighting recent maritime enforcement practices that challenge established principles of international law and risk setting dangerous global
UN Statement on Reforming Climate Finance
Next Century Foundation’s Research Officer Rathi Ramakrishnan addresses the United Nations Human Rights Council on the urgent need to reform global climate finance, highlighting the stark inequities in how funding is distributed and calling for a shift toward locally led, equitable, and grant-based climate action.
UN Oral Statement on Women´s Rights in Afghanistan
UN Research Officer, Jewel Mariam, addresses the UN Human Rights Council on the question of Gender Apartheid in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and calls for full rights to education for women and girls.
NCF UN Oral Statement to the UNHRC on regional interference in Yemen
Oral Statement to the United Nations on the crisis in Yemen by NCF Research Officer, Domingo Lapadula di Stefano
On establishing a more open crossing at Rafah – NCF Statement to the United Nations
The Next Century Foundation Research Officer, Rathi Ramakrishnan, submited the following written statement to the united Nations: View the full statement on this link or otherwise the text is repasted below Human Rights Council Sixty-first session 23 February–2 April 2026 Agenda item 7 Human rights situation in Palestine and other
UNHRC61 Written Statement: Unchecked Force and Human Rights on the High Seas
The following statement was written by NCF Research Officer Olwyn Matthews, submitted to the United Nations General Assembly at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council. It outlines how the recent action defying established legal norms governing conduct on the High Seas highlights a troubling shift toward the
Peace Beyond the Veto: the Future of Global Governance
When the United Nations Security Council was established in 1945, it was envisioned as the paramount pillar of international peacekeeping. Nearly eight decades later, however, the organization too often experiences impasses as geopolitical rivalries among its members intensify. Amid these frustrations, the US administration is taking matters into its own hands by advancing an unconventional
UNHRC61 Written Statement: The Weaponisation of Aid Distribution in Gaza
The following statement was written by NCF Research Officer Dylan Clarke-Stock and submitted as a report to the United Nations General Assembly under the auspices of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council. It warns against the militarisation of humanitarian aid operations and recommends preventative measures to be
The Myth of International Law
The following is Domingo’s valedictory blog and does not necessarily represent the view of the Next Century Foundation: As the United States ups the ante under Trump, the media cycle has shared numerous stories about the end of the “international rules-based order”. Canadian president Mark Carney gave his viral speech