World News in Brief: AI diagnostics, humanitarian deal for DR Congo, rights abuse allegations in Belarus, Ukraine children bear heaviest burden

This article is published in association with United Nations.

New data shows that nearly three in four countries in Europe now use Artificial Intelligence in their health services to make a diagnosis.

According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO) joint report with the European Union, 74% of countries in the bloc use AI tools in medical imaging, disease detection and to assist in clinical decision-making.

The study also found that 63 per cent of EU countries offer a chatbot service for patients, part of an effort by health systems to use AI safely, fairly and responsibly, the UN agency said.

Legal and ethical responsibilities

As the AI technology becomes more deeply embedded in clinical settings, WHO stressed how important it is that health professionals have the skills and knowledge to use these technologies safely and effectively to maintain high standards of patient care. 

The development comes as the EU prepares to implement the world’s first legal framework specifically regulating AI. The WHO-backed report stresses the need for wider consultation with patients and the public “to strengthen trust” of AI.

However, without meaningful public input, the UN agency warns that AI-supported systems “may face resistance or rejection”, potentially worsening the care people receive. 

UN welcomes humanitarian access deal in DR Congo

This article is published in association with United Nations.

The UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has welcomed a new agreement aimed at easing the flow of aid to conflict-affected regions.

Following talks in Montreux, Switzerland, the Congolese Government and the AFC/M23, both prominent armed groups operating in the country’s east, signed a protocol on humanitarian access and judicial protection. 

MONUSCO described the signing as an “important step toward rapid, safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access.”

‘Tremendous burden’ on civilians

This is vital for ensuring that life-saving aid reaches civilians who continue to carry a “tremendous burden” due to the ongoing violence.

MONUSCO Spokesperson Ndeye Khady Lo told UN News that it was important for all combatants “to continue their commitment for the benefit of civilian populations in eastern DRC.”

A separate memorandum was also signed to operationalise the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus, a move intended to strengthen monitoring on the ground. However, MONUSCO cautioned that for these mechanisms to remain “credible, safe and effective,” specific security conditions must be maintained.

UN experts warn of torture and deaths in Belarus penal colony

Independent UN human rights experts on Monday raised grave concerns over reports of torture, suicide attempts, and deaths at the Navapolatsk Correctional Colony in Belarus.

The experts highlighted the case of journalist and blogger Ihar Losik, who was reportedly held in prolonged isolation and denied contact with his family or legal counsel. 

According to the Human Rights Council-appointed experts, Mr. Losik attempted suicide twice in custody; however, rather than receiving medical care, he was allegedly placed in disciplinary isolation.

“Punishing detainees for suicide attempts rather than ensuring urgent psychological and medical care is profoundly disturbing,” the experts stated. 

Serious concerns 

They warned that such practices, if confirmed, “may amount to torture and ill-treatment, and, under certain circumstances, may entail the commission of enforced disappearance.”

The alert also detailed the 2023 death of an elderly detainee who was reportedly held in punitive isolation without adequate healthcare. The experts emphasised that deaths in custody amid allegations of denied care raise “the most serious concerns under international law.”

The experts calling for an urgent investigation are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They have urged Belarusian authorities to ensure humane conditions going forward and protect inmates from reprisals.

Children bear the heaviest burden of war in Ukraine

With the war now into its fifth year “children in Ukraine continue to bear the heaviest burden of this war,” said the top UN official advocating for children caught up in armed conflict, Vanessa Frazier.

Concluding a five-day mission to Ukraine, where she attempted to strengthen the protection of war affected children, Special Representative Frazier warned against the continued attacks killing and injuring children adding “their most fundamental rights are being violated daily.”

Beyond killing and maiming, attacks on civilian infrastructure have also devastated schools, hospitals, water and heating systems, impacting access to the essential services that children rely on for their wellbeing and development.  

Empowerment for peace

“I’ve heard directly from children who are speaking out for their right to education, their longing for peace and to live their childhoods without fear,” she said.

Through the Prove it Matters campaign, which aims for children to advocate for themselves, the UN is “also providing the platform for the voices of Ukrainian children and others affected by conflict to be heard by decision makers globally,” said Ms. Frazier. 

In Ukraine, children from some 1,800 schools have written more than 6,500 messages of peace on origami doves as part of the global initiative.