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The UN migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is facing significant layoffs, with around 20% of its Geneva headquarters staff expected to be affected, amounting to over 200 employees. This follows recent cuts that saw 3,000 staff let go, mainly from the US refugee resettlement program, which has been halted by the Trump administration. Employees described a painful atmosphere, with reports of staff leaving meetings in tears. While the IOM has not confirmed the full extent of the layoffs, a spokesperson acknowledged necessary adjustments to maintain operational efficiency. The agency, which relies on the US for over 40% of its funding, has been severely impacted by cuts to foreign aid. Employees expressed frustration over the handling of the layoffs, especially as IOM’s director general was seen dancing during a recent visit, prompting outrage among staff facing job loss. 
Published: Mar 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe United States is poised to revoke more student visas in the wake of recent events, as revealed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday. This announcement follows the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student facing deportation due to his pro-Palestinian activism. During a press briefing after a G7 foreign ministers' meeting, Rubio stated, "In the days to come, you should expect more visas will be revoked as we identify people that we should have never allowed in." The move signals a tightening of immigration policies amid rising tensions surrounding political activism and foreign relations. The implications of this policy shift could affect numerous international students in the US, as the government intensifies scrutiny of visa holders involved in activism.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 11 pmeznews.inMark Carney was sworn in as Canada's prime minister on Friday in Ottawa, marking a significant shift in the political landscape amid strained US-Canada relations under President Donald Trump. The 59-year-old former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England took his oath in both English and French, pledging allegiance to King Charles III. Carney, who lacks prior political experience, triumphed in the Liberal Party leadership race, drawing attention for his crisis management skills. His first major challenge will be to mend US relations, prompting a cabinet reshuffle that sees Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc move to international trade and Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne taking over finance. Carney emphasized his commitment to defending Canadian sovereignty, stating he would only meet Trump when respect for Canada is shown, and plans to maintain retaliatory tariffs on US goods. Efforts are underway to arrange a call between the two leaders, according to Foreign Minister Melanie Joly.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA 31-year-old South Carolina woman, An T. Ngo, has been charged with homicide by child abuse following the alleged stabbing death of her newborn son shortly after birth. According to an arrest warrant, Ngo gave birth to a boy on March 7 in her apartment, where she is accused of using a metal letter opener to cut the umbilical cord before fatally stabbing the infant multiple times. Police were alerted by Ngo's boyfriend and found the severely injured baby, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Easley Police Chief Brandon Liner described the incident as "gruesome" and emphasized the need for justice for the child, stating that Ngo is responsible for the tragedy. After being treated at the hospital, she was arrested on March 11 and has been denied bail, with her next court appearance scheduled for May 15.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 9 pmeznews.inMark Carney, a former central bank leader and investment banker, has become Canada's Prime Minister after launching an unusual campaign without prior parliamentary experience. Born in the Northwest Territories and raised in Edmonton, Carney has a distinguished career, serving as Governor of the Bank of Canada during the 2008-2009 financial crisis and later leading the Bank of England. He describes the current political climate, influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, as a "serious crisis." Carney's leadership style is characterized as "boring" but "reassuring," appealing to voters seeking stability amid economic uncertainty. However, he faces challenges connecting with the electorate, especially as the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, attack his elite background and climate policies. With a federal election looming, Carney aims to focus on investment-driven solutions to climate change while navigating a tight race against the opposition.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA United Nations investigation has concluded that Russia has committed crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances and torture, during its ongoing war in Ukraine. The UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine reported that these acts were part of a systematic and widespread assault on civilians, executed under a coordinated state policy. The report highlights the detention of large numbers of civilians in areas under Russian control, with many transferred to detention facilities in occupied Ukraine or Russia, where further violations occurred. Many detainees remain missing, and some have died in captivity. The inquiry also noted that prisoners of war have faced torture and enforced disappearances, with Russian authorities employing brutal interrogation methods, including sexual violence. Furthermore, testimonies suggest a policy of executing captured or surrendering Ukrainian soldiers, constituting a war crime. The report will be formally presented to the UN Human Rights Council next week.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 9 pmeznews.inHeavy rainfall near Florence has led to severe flooding, prompting authorities to issue a red weather alert for the historic city and its surroundings. Eugenio Giani, head of the Tuscany region, urged residents to exercise "maximum care and attention" as intense rain continued throughout the day. The Uffizi Galleries and the Duomo closed early, while images from the fire service showed cars partially submerged in Sesto Fiorentino, where 60 millimetres of rain fell in just six hours. Over 500 firefighters are responding to the crisis, with floodgates opened to relieve pressure on the swollen Arno River, expected to peak later in the evening. In nearby Prato, schools and parks have been closed, and the mayor of Empoli described the flooding as worse than in 2019. Authorities in Emilia Romagna also issued warnings amid concerns of further flooding, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by climate change.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a significant diplomatic development, G7 foreign ministers, gathered in Quebec, have issued a unified statement endorsing a US-led proposal for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly highlighted the consensus among the member nations—Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States—despite tensions stemming from President Donald Trump's previous outreach to Moscow. Joly emphasized that the proposal, which has the support of Ukraine, is now contingent on Russia's response, stating, "the ball is now in Russia's court." The talks gained momentum following a meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine expressed support for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. This shift in diplomacy marks a notable moment in the ongoing conflict that escalated after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA recent fire incident involving an Air Busan passenger plane at Gimhae International Airport has raised alarms about the safety of portable power banks. The fire, which occurred on January 28 and resulted in three passengers suffering minor injuries, is believed to have been ignited by a power bank found in the overhead luggage compartment. Preliminary investigations by South Korea's transport ministry suggest a breakdown in the battery's insulation may have triggered the blaze, although the exact cause remains undetermined. This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries, known for their potential to overheat and ignite when damaged. In response, airlines globally have long prohibited power banks in checked luggage, with the International Civil Aviation Organisation banning them from cargo holds since 2016. Following the fire, Air Busan has tightened its policies, and other airlines, including Singapore Airlines, are set to implement similar restrictions on power banks.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay'i, known as Abu Khadija, the leader of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, describing him as a significant global terrorist threat. Al-Rufay'i was killed by Iraqi security forces with assistance from the US-led coalition combating Islamic State. The group, notorious for its brutal rule over millions in Syria and Iraq, has been attempting to regain influence in the region and beyond. Following the death of former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019, the group has faced significant setbacks. However, the US Central Command reported in July that Islamic State has been trying to reconstitute itself, citing a surge in attacks—153 claimed in the first half of 2024—suggesting a troubling resurgence in its operational capabilities.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inFormer Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attended the International Criminal Court (ICC) hearing via videolink on Friday, as he faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial anti-drug campaign. The 79-year-old, who appeared frail and sleepy, confirmed his identity but did not actively participate in the proceedings due to reported health issues. His lawyer claimed Duterte was "abducted" to The Hague, characterizing the situation as "extrajudicial rendition" or "kidnapping." The presiding judge allowed him to follow the hearing in absentia, noting that a court doctor deemed him mentally fit. Duterte is accused of orchestrating a campaign that allegedly resulted in tens of thousands of extrajudicial killings targeting drug users and dealers. The case has sparked mixed reactions in the Philippines, with victims' families seeking justice while supporters claim he was unfairly treated. The next hearing is scheduled for September 23.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 8 pm
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