The power of the United Nations lies in consensus. When members find themselves divided on an issue, the ability of the UN to resolve conflict and improve the lives of people all over the world quickly disintegrates. That is the predicament of the UN Security Council, which has been hobbled by disagreement for years.
As world powers have turned the council into an arena for political point scoring, vital steps to alleviate suffering in Syria, Palestine and elsewhere have not been taken.
The UN Human Rights Council is no different. On Friday, the council voted to extend an international probe of alleged war crimes committed in Yemen, following the publication of a report last month documenting abuses by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition. It passed with 21 votes – less than half of the council – with eight votes against and 18 abstentions. It follows criticism of last month's report by the coalition and Yemen's internationally recognised government, who argued that it played down Houthi atrocities.
While it is vital to call out and prevent abuses in a tragic war that has killed 10,000 people, it is unclear how a such a tenuously agreed motion can improve the lives of ordinary Yemenis.
But there is a deeper point, regarding Yemen's own sovereignty. The coalition has called for Yemen's domestic human rights commission to take charge of future investigations, reflecting the desire for national autonomy to be respected in a war that began with a coup d'etat. Since the Houthis seized territory from the government of President Abdrabu Mansur Hadi in 2014, millions of Yemenis have suffered under their misrule.
The decision to extend the probe lacked the consent of the Yemeni state itself, and without guarantees of sovereignty, there can be no meaningful international co-operation.
As the UN has proven many times before, progress on conflict cannot easily emerge from flawed processes. And that has disturbing implications for the besieged people of Yemen.
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
Company%20profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Alan%20Wake%20Remastered%20
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
DIVINE%20INTERVENTOIN
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
Company Profile
Company name: Yeepeey
Started: Soft launch in November, 2020
Founders: Sagar Chandiramani, Jatin Sharma and Monish Chandiramani
Based: Dubai
Industry: E-grocery
Initial investment: $150,000
Future plan: Raise $1.5m and enter Saudi Arabia next year
The Bio
Name: Lynn Davison
Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi
Children: She has one son, Casey, 28
Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite Author: CJ Sansom
Favourite holiday destination: Bali
Favourite food: A Sunday roast
The%20specs
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The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Remaining Fixtures
Wednesday: West Indies v Scotland
Thursday: UAE v Zimbabwe
Friday: Afghanistan v Ireland
Sunday: Final
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Fighting with My Family
Director: Stephen Merchant
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Nick Frost, Lena Headey, Florence Pugh, Thomas Whilley, Tori Ellen Ross, Jack Lowden, Olivia Bernstone, Elroy Powell
Four stars