The report, released on 12 September, is based on more than 300 interviews with defectors and escapees. It paints a stark picture of life under one of the world’s most secretive regimes, where surveillance has expanded, punishments have grown harsher, and ordinary citizens live under constant fear.
According to the UN findings, sharing foreign media, particularly South Korean dramas, can now result in the death penalty under laws introduced in recent years.
James Heenan, head of the UN Human Rights Office for North Korea, told reporters in Geneva: “Executions have taken place under these new laws, including for distributing foreign TV shows.”
The report adds that executions have increased for both ordinary crimes and so-called political crimes, marking a wider effort by the regime to block outside influence and reinforce ideological control.
The study describes a state where technology has extended government surveillance into nearly every aspect of daily life. Citizens are monitored “in all parts of life,” the report states, with those suspected of defiance often facing severe punishment.
Testimonies also reveal that children from poor families are being forced into hazardous labour. Many are recruited into “shock brigades” and sent to work in coal mines and construction sites. Families unable to pay bribes face harsher treatment, highlighting the inequality within the system.
The UN report stresses that North Korea remains one of the most repressive states in the world. It documents widespread violations, including public executions, torture, sexual violence, deliberate starvation, and mass imprisonment. Between 80,000 and 120,000 people are estimated to be held in political prison camps.
Although investigators noted minor improvements such as reduced violence by guards in detention and some reforms aimed at strengthening fair trial guarantees they concluded that overall repression has intensified since around 2014.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned that without change, “the people of the DPRK will continue to live in fear and suffer increasing brutality.”
On Friday, September 12, 2025, UN member states endorsed the New York Declaration, a seven-page framework prepared with the involvement of France and Saudi Arabia.
The declaration, first approved by the UN in July 2025, lays out steps for the implementation of the two-state solution.
The idea of dividing the land between Israelis and Palestinians is not new; it was first endorsed by the UN in 1947. However, repeated challenges have prevented its implementation, leading to renewed debate in recent years.
According to the New York Declaration, the plan should be carried out within 15 months, in phases. It envisions the creation of a sovereign, independent, economically viable, and democratic state of Palestine — but without a standing army.
It also requires Hamas to disarm and transfer governance of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority, while foreign nations would formally recognize Palestine as a state.
On Friday, Rwanda voted in support of this framework, alongside countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Qatar. In total, 142 countries voted in favor, while 10 opposed — including Israel, the United States, Tonga, and Hungary.
Another 12 countries abstained, among them the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Fiji, South Sudan, and Samoa.
Rwanda’s vote came just one day after issuing a statement condemning recent Israeli strikes in Qatar that targeted leaders of Hamas.
The ship carries 2,500 tonnes of food, shelter, and medical supplies, in implementation of the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This comes as part of the UAE’s relief bridge to support the friendly Afghan people following the earthquake that struck the eastern regions of the country.
The Joint Operations Command confirmed that the ship was prepared in cooperation with the UAE Aid Agency with the participation of several charitable and humanitarian organisations and institutions in the UAE, reflecting the spirit of national solidarity and the integration of efforts among various entities to provide urgent relief support to Afghanistan.
The Emirati aid ship comes within the framework of the UAE’s keenness to strengthen the urgent humanitarian response for the friendly Afghan people, helping them overcome the repercussions of these exceptional circumstances and working to meet their basic needs.
This humanitarian support reflects the noble values adopted by the UAE, aimed at enhancing peace and stability in the region, providing aid and assistance to those affected by humanitarian crises, and affirming its commitment to supporting relief efforts around the world.
CRBC was among the first international firms to resume operations in Rwanda after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, partnering with the government to help rebuild a nation that had been devastated.
Recently, CRBC drew renewed attention in Rwanda after the Ministry of Infrastructure confirmed its partnership with the company to introduce self-flying air taxis in the country.
These electric drones, known as eVTOLs, are manufactured by the Chinese company EHang. They are 100% electric, capable of carrying either two passengers or more than 620 pounds of cargo. Each drone can cover a distance of up to 30 kilometers and sustain a flight of about 25 minutes per charge.
Huang Qilin, Director General of the CRBC Rwanda Office, described the partnership as a bridge between innovation in China and Rwanda.
“We are Rwanda’s steadfast friends. We are a bridge linking innovations from China with those in Rwanda. We want Rwanda to become a model for Africa,” he said.
The company is currently in discussions with the Rwandan government on how this drone technology can be scaled up to support transportation and tourism.
Huang emphasized CRBC’s broader ambition to contribute significantly to Rwanda’s economic growth through the transfer of advanced technologies.
“I call on other companies from China and around the world to invest in Rwanda. This country offers one of the best environments for investment,” he added.
Over the past five decades, CRBC has played a key role in Rwanda’s infrastructure development. According to Huang, the company has been responsible for building 70% of the paved roads in the country.
He said CRBC has already implemented more than 60 major construction projects in Rwanda, with a combined value exceeding $1 billion.
“Just think about the time we have been here. We want Rwanda to achieve its vision of becoming a prosperous nation, and we are determined to play our part. Our ambition is to remain in Rwanda for more than 100 years, with each decade marked by visible achievements,” said Huang Qilin.
Among CRBC’s landmark projects is the Kivu Belt Road, which runs along the shores of Lake Kivu, connecting the districts of Rubavu, Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyamasheke, and Rusizi. The road was completed in 2017.
Over the past 15 years, CRBC has also built 36 kilometers of roads in different parts of Kigali. Seven years ago, it embarked on another project to construct an additional 54 kilometers of road networks.
“Three years ago, we completed the Sonatubes–Gahanga road project. It continues to play an important role in Rwanda’s development,” Huang noted.
Beyond roads, CRBC has made significant contributions to other strategic infrastructure. The company is part of the consortium constructing the Bugesera International Airport, expected to be completed in 2028.
Once operational, the airport will handle up to eight million passengers annually and 150,000 tons of cargo.
Huang said CRBC is also responsible for building the airport’s primary cargo terminal.
“This facility will house equipment capable of processing more than 10,000 tons. It will be the largest steel structure of its kind in Rwanda,” he explained.
Regionally, CRBC is the company behind the 472-kilometer Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking the Kenyan cities of Mombasa and Nairobi.
Huang added that the firm is also looking ahead to the possibility of extending the SGR network further to connect Kenya and Uganda.
In Rwanda, one of the most frequently discussed railway projects is the line connecting Rwanda and Tanzania.
An agreement to construct the Isaka–Kigali railway, covering 532 kilometers, was signed on March 9, 2018. The project was initially valued at $3.6 billion.
Tanzania, which borders Rwanda to the east, is expected to serve as the main transit route for the railway line into Rwanda. Markers have already been placed along the proposed route.
Under the agreement, Rwanda is responsible for contributing more than $1.5 billion, while Tanzania, which covers the larger portion of the line, is expected to provide over $2.5 billion.
“What we want is to ensure that, based on our capacity, we fulfill everything required for the construction of a railway in Rwanda. It would be a highly beneficial project,” Huang Qilin said.
CRBC operates in more than 30 African countries, with each branch capable of delivering large-scale national projects.
By 2024, the company had built approximately 1,500 kilometers of roads in West Africa. In Rwanda alone, over its 50 years of presence, CRBC has created more than 500,000 jobs.
The company employs more than 2,200 Rwandans, who represent 96% of its workforce, with women making up around 20%.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is assessing whether the materials can be accessed and in what condition, said Araghchi in an interview during his visit to Cairo.
Once the assessment is completed, he said, a report will be submitted to the Supreme National Security Council, which will decide on the next steps based on Iran’s security considerations.
The foreign minister stressed that under Iran’s agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency signed on Tuesday, no inspection has been conducted to date, nor is there any consensus to carry out.
He said the accord recognizes that cooperation with the agency must take place under new conditions, shaped by both security concerns and a law passed by the Iranian parliament.
Araghchi noted that the agreement will remain valid only as long as no hostile action is taken against Iran, including activation of the so-called “snapback” mechanism to reinstate UN sanctions. He warned that should the mechanism be triggered, “the agreement will no longer be valid” and Iran would respond accordingly.
He reiterated that Iran has told its European counterparts that military action and the “snapback” mechanism cannot resolve the nuclear issue, warning such steps would only complicate the situation.
The agreement signed in Cairo on Tuesday aims to establish a new framework for cooperation following Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.
According to Rwanda’s Vision 2050 Sanitation Master Plan, the country has mapped out the projected volume of waste that will be generated in different districts, along with designated sites where both organic and non-organic waste will be collected and processed.
Dr. Kabaasha told IGIHE that several landfill projects are already underway. In Kigali, the Nduba landfill has been officially designated, while in Nyanza, Kayonza, and Nyagatare districts, new landfills have been completed.
Construction works are advancing in Musanze, Karongi, Rusizi, and Rubavu, while feasibility studies are ongoing in Muhanga, Huye, Bugesera, and Rwamagana.
“As the construction of modern landfills across the country progresses, sanitation and hygiene standards will continue to improve, and more waste will be recycled,” he explained.
On the issue of wastewater treatment, Dr. Kabaasha noted that the sector is steadily expanding.
“So far, Kigali has 35 small treatment plants, while Nyamagabe, Nyanza, Rulindo, Gicumbi, Kayonza, and Nyagatare districts each have their own facilities. In addition, four new plants are under construction in Rusizi, Karongi, Rubavu, and Musanze,” he said.
Once completed, these facilities will also serve neighboring districts that do not yet have treatment plants. In Kigali, [ further projects are->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/construction-of-kigali-s-frw-100-billion-wastewater-treatment-plant-to-begin] already taking shape.
“A new treatment plant is being built in Masaka to process wastewater from toilets. Another large plant will soon be constructed at Giti cy’Inyoni to handle wastewater from Nyarugenge District. Feasibility studies have also been conducted for Gasabo and Kicukiro, and we are now mobilizing resources to build treatment plants there as well,” Dr. Kabaasha explained.
{{How far has Rwanda gone in recycling household waste?}}
The Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), has introduced a program to process and recycle waste from the Nduba landfill.
On June 19, 2024, new facilities were inaugurated after construction that began in July 2021, with support from the Ministry of Environment and the Luxembourg Environment Agency for Biodiversity.
Among the new infrastructure is a Waste Sorting and Separation Facility with the capacity to process at least 100 tons of waste per day.
According to Dr. Asaph Kabaasha, CEO of WASAC Group, several pilot projects on waste recycling have already been implemented in districts including Nyanza, Huye, Bugesera, Kayonza, Nyagatare, Nyarugenge, and Nduba.
“From these pilot projects, we have seen possibilities, such as producing organic fertilizer from biodegradable waste. We are encouraging entrepreneurs with the expertise, capacity, and interest to design projects, approach financial institutions, and partner with the government,” Dr. Kabaasha said.
He added that as Rwanda’s capacity grows, citizens will be trained on household waste separation, which will significantly reduce the volume of waste ending up in landfills.
He delivered the message on September 11, 2025, at the burial in Cyato Sector. The victims, who had been working on the dam in Rwaramba Village, Bisumo Cell, were buried after their bodies were collected from Kibogora Hospital.
The ceremony drew residents, friends, relatives of the deceased, along with government and security officials.
Governor Ntibitura explained that DNG Rwanda Ltd, the company building the dam, has insurance coverage and that the process will follow legal provisions.
He said, “The insurance company has already come on-site to assess the situation. This means that as local authorities, we will continue working with the company to ensure proper follow-up on the insurance process.”
The Governor also reported that ten people were injured in the accident. Two have already been discharged, while eight remain hospitalized—seven at Kibogora Hospital and one transferred to the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB).
He added, “We have conveyed a message of comfort to the affected families, assuring them that the leadership stands with them. The loss of a citizen is not only a tragedy for the family but also a loss to the nation.”
An assessment conducted jointly by the company and local authorities confirmed that 26 employees were working on the wall at the time of the collapse. Eight died instantly, while ten sustained injuries.
“The forces have entered the city of Bara … and cleansed it,” the army spokesman’s office said in a statement, vowing to press on “step by step” until the country is rid of militias and mercenaries.
An eyewitness in Bara told Xinhua that the city had seen heavy battles since Wednesday morning, and that by midday Thursday the army had taken control of its main neighborhoods and key facilities.
Meanwhile, a military source said to Xinhua on condition of anonymity that the army encircled the city over several days, weakening the RSF’s defensive lines and cutting off supplies, eventually forcing the paramilitary force to withdraw.
The RSF did not immediately comment.
Bara is seen as a strategic hub on the road linking El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan, with several vital routes in the region. Fighting around the city has been intense in recent months, with control shifting between the two sides.
War between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF broke out in April 2023. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions inside and outside Sudan, and deepened a humanitarian crisis in one of the world’s poorest countries.
Justices Carmen Lucia and Cristiano Zanin cast their votes to convict him on Thursday.
Bolsonaro was found guilty on five counts — plotting a coup d’etat, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, participation in an armed criminal organization, aggravated damage, and deterioration of listed heritage sites.
The Supreme Federal Court opened the case on Sept. 2, with a conviction requiring a majority of the five-justice panel reviewing the case.
Justices Alexandre de Moraes and Flavio Dino on Tuesday found Bolsonaro guilty of the related charges, while Justice Luiz Fux on Wednesday voted for acquittal.
The 70-year-old former president is currently under house arrest. He may still appeal the verdict to the full Supreme Federal Court of 11 justices.
The accident occurred on September 10, 2025, at a spot known locally as Dawe Uri mu Ijuru in Rufumberi Cell, Ngoma Village, Gishyita Sector, Karongi District.
According to eyewitnesses, the driver lost control while negotiating a sharp bend at Dawe Uri mu Ijuru. The truck hit roadside barriers before overturning onto its side.
One of the three people on board identified as Alexandre Dusengumukiza, 30, a resident of Kabare in Kayonza District, died on the spot. The driver, Alpha Uzabakiriho, and another passenger, Asinathe Nyirahabumugisha, sustained minor injuries. They received treatment at Mugonero Hospital and were later discharged.
Police Spokesperson for the Traffic and Road Safety Department, SP Emmanuel Kayigi, said the crash was caused by reckless driving and overspeeding by the driver.
“The accident resulted from failure to regulate speed and improper driving. Fatigue was also a factor since the driver had been driving all night without rest,” Kayigi explained.
He urged drivers to prioritize their health and safety before embarking on journeys.
“We ask drivers to properly plan their trips. If a driver feels tired, they should take a rest. Passengers also have a responsibility of not pressuring drivers to continue driving when it’s clear they are exhausted,” he added.
This incident comes just days after another accident in Nyamasheke District, where a public bus veered off the road and crashed into a tree after the driver, who had warned passengers he was feeling drowsy, was pressured to continue the journey.
