United Nations
The Inevitable Failure of the Board of Peace
On 17 November 2025, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 2803, handing control of Gaza to the Board of Peace. The Board is not affiliated with any one state, and Donald Trump holds full power over it as chairman. Its mandate runs until 31 December 2027 and must be renewed
NCF Statement to the UN on Arbitrary Detention in Syria
NCF UN Oral Statement UNHRC63 Session Next Century Foundation’s Research Officer Mahmoud Shaaban addresses the United Nations Human Rights Council on deaths in detention and the continued use of arbitrary detention in Syria, highlighting the case of Mohammed Ghamira and calling for clear arrest and detention safeguards alongside stronger accountability
NCF UN Statement on Freedom of Expression in Britian
Next Century Foundation Senior Research Officer on Terrorism and Extremism Cristina De Leo addresses the United Nations Human Rights Council during its 62nd session, raising concerns about the UK’s growing reliance on restrictions on freedom of expression to address hate and extremism. She highlights the risks of suppressing rather than
The NCF Sudan Office Participation at the 62nd Session of the UNHRC
The Next Century Foundation Sudan Office participated in a high-level side event during the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, held in Geneva earlier this month, where governments, UN experts, diplomats, and civil society organisations convened to address pressing global human rights challenges. The event focused on
UN Statement on the Ongoing Conflict in Sudan
Next Century Foundation’s Research Officer Kayla Junior addresses the United Nations Human Rights Council on the ongoing conflict in Sudan, highlighting the scale of the displacement crisis and calling for renewed international engagement to protect civilians and support a sustainable path to peace. UNHRC62 Oral Statement on the Ongoing
UN Statement on Women and Sectarian Violence in Syria
Next Century Foundation’s Research Officer Zena Elbeyaly addresses the United Nations Human Rights Council on the disappearance and abduction of Alawite women and girls in Syria, highlighting the risks to minority protection during the country’s political transition and calling for credible investigations and accountability. UNHRC62 Oral Statement on the Reported
The NCF’s side panel on Human Rights in Syria
The Next Century Foundation held a side event on Thursday, 2 July 2026, during the 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, entitled “Human Rights in the Syrian Arab Republic: Addressing the Abduction of Women and the Protection of Vulnerable Communities.” Jaafar Al‑Ahmar, UK Director of the Next
Can we ensure Larger Countries meet Climate Targets?
In this article NCF research officer Sam Lewis reflects on the recent complaint by Australian citizens to the UN Human Rights Council over their government’s failure to protect them from the harms of climate change. He uses the example to reflect on last year’s International Court of Justice ruling that
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