World News in Brief: Syria human rights update, Cuba post-hurricane support still vital, impunity and violence in Myanmar

Published 28 April 2026 · india

UN human rights investigators were informed of the discovery - made last month – during a five-day mission to Al-Hassakeh Governorate that concluded on Tuesday

UN human rights investigators were informed of the discovery - made last month – during a five-day mission to Al-Hassakeh Governorate that concluded on Tuesday. Tweet URL The team heard first-hand testimonies of past and present human rights violations. These include a significant number of killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and the deportation of detainees to Iraq, according to the UN human rights office, OHCHR. Spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan also described growing protection concerns for people in southern Syria, because of “expanding operations by Israeli forces occupying these areas” that are placing lives at risk. Reports intensify “We have received reports of increased harassment and intimidation, detentions, interrogations, house searches and movement restrictions,” he said. “In the Quneitra governorate, Israeli forces have reportedly erected checkpoints, searched residential properties, and arrested and detained civilians.” Al-Kheetan pointed to “another worrying development” as the Israeli Government has approved a project to expand illegal settlements in the occupied Syrian Golan. The rights spokesperson also noted that the opening of a trial in Damascus of former Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and figures from his regime – mostly in absentia – is “an important first step”. He stressed that “justice and redress for the hundreds of thousands of victims must be achieved, in accordance with international human rights standards.” He added that the arrest of former Syrian regime official Amjad Youssef, allegedly responsible for orchestrating a “horrific massacre” in the Tadamon neighbourhood of Damascus in 2013, is also significant.

Call to step up Cuba relief efforts The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) has stressed the need to support ongoing relief efforts in Cuba six months after Hurricane Melissa slammed the island nation, affecting more than two million people. Cristian Torres Bermeo, IFRC Deputy Regional Director for the Americas, issued the call on Tuesday during the bi-weekly humanitarian briefing at the UN Office in Geneva. Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage in Cuba, with hundreds of thousands of homes destroyed, more than 700 health facilities affected, and water systems severely disrupted. Entire communities were left without access to reliable electricity, clean water and basic services. © UNICEF/Claudio Pelaez Fuel shortages affecting recovery He recalled that response took place amid a prolonged epidemic of mosquito-borne diseases - thus placing additional pressure on the already strained health system - and recently, under severe energy constraints following near total US restrictions on oil imports. “Across the country, fuel shortages and instability in the electricity grid have been disrupting transport, water systems, waste collection and the delivery of health services,” he said, speaking from Panama City. The IFRC launched an emergency appeal immediately after the hurricane to support 100,000 people over two years.