UN: Middle East conflict may cost Arab States a staggering $194 billion (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Penang)
The ongoing military escalation in the Middle East, now entering its fifth week, may cost economies in the region from 3.7 to 6.0 percent of their combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - equivalent to a staggering loss of US$120-194 billion, according to the latest estimates by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Afghanistan: Taliban ban on women at UN premises sparks outcry (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Penang)
A large group of United Nations human rights experts has voiced deep concern over the ongoing ban that prevents Afghan women - including UN national staff, contractors, and visitors - from accessing UN premises.

Rights: Afghan girls repeat grades to avoid exclusion (PRIV)
(IPS, Kabul)
It is almost unheard of for a student to deliberately fail final school exams for no apparent reason.