Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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UK Disinformation diplomacy: Undermining democracy – Foreign Affairs Committee

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

What is the nature and scale of disinformation campaigns against the US? Which countries engage in information operations against Latin American countries? And what is the impact on global media freedoms, as independent media is suppressed, media workers are detained and in 2025, so far, 38 journalists have been killed?

The Foreign Affairs Committee is continuing to explore how malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy, turning its attention to the Americas and questions of global media freedoms.

The US Government identified Russia, China and Iran as key actors conducting interference operations, but government agencies aimed at countering disinformation such as the Global Engagement Centre have been closed down since President Trump took office. Ongoing disputes with social media companies in Latin America are also of concern.

In Brazil, the Government has expressed increasing concern over the role of social media platforms in enabling the spread of disinformation. Broader questions on the regulation of social media platforms will be considered by the second panel as MPs take a closer look at the dispute between the Brazilian Government and X during the 2022 Presidential election and subsequent attack on Congress.

The 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Sans Frontiers estimates that 38 journalists have been killed and more than 550 media workers detained globally so far in 2025. The Committee will explore how global media freedoms have declined in the last few years and what initiatives are available to assist journalists to combat foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CHBWIVJpX0

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South Africa: WhatsApp Video 2025-11-17 at 22.05.01.mp4

Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

Good Morning Mzansi!

It begins! Today, South Africa hosts the inaugural G20 Social Summit, a people-centred platform where grassroots voices meet global governance.

Under the theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, we are elevating the African Agenda and ensuring the lived realities of citizens shape the future.

#G20SocialSA2025 #ReKaofela #GovZAUpdates #G20SouthAfrica @g20org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxgte1bsUE8

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Sudan: Darfur is a “horror show”, El Fasher is a “crime scene” – Press Conference | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

“The UN is a ship that was not built to stay in the harbor,” UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said, urging a dramatic expansion of UN presence in Sudan as violence intensifies in Darfur.

Briefing reporters in New York City via a video conference from Sudan, Fletcher said “we need more UN boots on the ground,” stressing that his latest visit is part of a broader push “to make sure we’re mobilized closer to those we serve.”

Fletcher described Darfur as a “horror show,” adding that El Fasher is a “crime scene” based on testimonies from survivors. He said his trip was coordinated with other senior UN officials, noting that IOM’s Amy Pope and WFP’s Carl Skau were also there on the ground as part of a five- to six-week surge in leadership engagement.

Beyond Darfur, Fletcher warned that the UN must also monitor closely the Kordofans, emphasizing the need to investigate atrocities in El Fasher while preventing new ones.

Humanitarian needs remain overwhelming, he said, with “nearly two in every three people in Sudan” requiring assistance and the UN appeal 32 per cent funded of the 4 billion that is needed for 2025. He added that cuts were forcing “brutal life and death choices.”

Fletcher said the UN had made progress in securing access to El Fasher “on UN terms,” stressing that assistance must remain neutral.

He highlighted intensified diplomatic efforts and suggested “a moment of opportunity” may be emerging.

On engagement with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Fletcher said he spoke with General Hemedti and pressed both him and local RSF representatives for “complete unhindered access, safe passage,” and an end to atrocities.

Citing strong regional and international messaging including from the White House Fletcher said all parties must grant humanitarian access and work to end the conflict. The level of impunity in Sudan, he warned, is “utterly, utterly unacceptable.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztBZCCqlf44

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Conflict-related food insecurity: Fuels displacement and violence – Deputy UN Chief | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

UN Deputy Secretary-General said, “Food itself has become a weapon.”

Addressing the Security Council Amina J. Mohammed said, “Armed conflict drives acute food insecurity in 14 of 16 hunger hotspots worldwide. Last year, 295 million people faced acute hunger – 14 million more than the year before. The number of people experiencing catastrophic hunger have more than doubled to 1.9 million.”

She also said, “This is the new arithmetic of conflict: when food systems are attacked, weaponized, the impact is global. Food itself has become a weapon. Through deliberate starvation tactics, which we are seeing all too often, including recently in Gaza. But also, through the systematic destruction of agricultural systems.”

She highlighted, “And in a spiral of death, we continue to invest in military expenditure rather than putting and end of hunger. The world’s total military expenditure over the past decade, estimated at $21.9 trillion, yet ending hunger by 2030 costs much less – $93 billion per year.”

She stressed, “We cannot and must not accept these examples as the new normal. The hunger-conflict nexus is a strategic and existential threat, and this Council must treat it as such.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooXuuy3R9eY