How do we remember war, and who gets remembered? In this episode of Talk to Al Jazeera, Step Vaessen speaks to Sabina Tanovic, a Sarajevo-born expert in memorial architecture. From the genocide in Srebrenica to the destruction in Gaza, Tanovic explores how monuments shape justice, history, and collective healing.
As Sudan’s war effects spill into Chad, the country faces the world’s most underfunded refugee crisis. Nearly a million Sudanese, mostly women and children, have fled, but aid is vanishing, disease is looming, and the system is on the verge of collapse. In this episode of Talk to Al Jazeera, Ahmed Idris speaks to a United Nations lead official in Chad and to a Sudanese refugee activist who fled the same forces now threatening his people. As the world looks away, they warn that the cost of inacti...
As Israel bombs Iranian nuclear sites under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection, questions mount over nuclear double standards and the credibility of the global system. Iran accuses the IAEA of bias and complicity, while Israel - an undeclared nuclear power - remains outside treaty obligations. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi responds to allegations, addresses fears of a nuclear arms race and warns of the consequences if diplomacy fails. Is the non-proliferation regime colla...
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis emphasises his country's robust defence ties with Israel amid its war on Gaza. He asserts now is not the time to revisit their largest defence deal, including a $1.6bn contract for Greek air force training. Gerapetritis highlights Greece’s peace efforts in the Middle East and stresses the importance of high defence spending due to geopolitical dynamics and Greece’s extensive Mediterranean coastline. The Greek foreign minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, tal...
More than 200 days into Israel’s war on Gaza, the death toll has surpassed 34,000 while more than 77,000 Palestinians have been wounded. Amid the destruction and ongoing violence, the United Nations appointed Sigrid Kaag as its senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza. With her experience navigating the European Union’s varied positions on the conflict, Kaag leads crucial relief efforts. As the world waits for a ceasefire and an end to the violence, the question arises: "What ...
The documentary Israelism examines the rift among Jews regarding Palestine, highlighting young people's increasing criticism of Israel and Zionism. This divide is driven by firsthand accounts of Israel's actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. As the film faces opposition from groups trying to cancel its screenings, its main protagonist, Simone Zimmerman, and its co-director and producer, Erin Axelman, talk to Al Jazeera.
Amid rising gang violence in Haiti, Santo Domingo fears spillover effects. With criminal gangs dominating most of Haiti's capital, the Dominican Republic faces human and security ramifications. What steps will the Dominican government take to confront these challenges? We explore these critical issues as the Dominican Republic's Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez Gil talks to Al Jazeera.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez ends his latest Middle East tour in Qatar. The Gulf state has hosted several talks on ending Israel's war on Gaza, and Sanchez's calls for a ceasefire have resonated worldwide as the death toll now stands at about 33,000. Spain's foreign policy extends beyond the Middle East. It balances relations with major powers like the United States and Russia while navigating the broader implications of the war in Ukraine. How will Spain manage this era of global challe...
Journalists, especially in war zones, face immense challenges in reporting conflict realities. In the context of Israel’s war on Gaza, their role has been pivotal in exposing the devastation and suffering. Among these journalists, Wael Dahdouh, Al Jazeera Arabic Gaza bureau chief, stands out for his dedication to covering his homeland’s conflicts over 25 years. Despite personal losses, including family deaths in air strikes and his own injuries, Dahdouh’s commitment remains unwavering. His story...
Since Israel's inception in 1948, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has centred on the occupied Palestinian territory, human rights violations and Palestinian self-determination, leading to cycles of violence and failed peace efforts. The Oslo Accords in 1993 led to the appointment of a United Nations special coordinator to oversee regional peace initiatives. Amid Israel's continuing war on Gaza, with severe humanitarian crises and escalating violence, the coordinator faces the challenging task o...
From Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship to democracy, Chile has navigated a complex history marked by human rights abuses. Efforts to reconcile with its past continue amid social movements and constitutional debates. We explore the nation's journey that reflects the enduring impact of authoritarian rule and the continuing quest for justice as Carolina Toha, Chile's interior minister, talks to Al Jazeera.
In this episode, we explore the essential role of non-governmental organisations in confronting global emergencies. The International Rescue Committee, initiated by Albert Einstein, is known for its impactful work. The organisation delivers aid and hope to at-risk populations in conflict zones, notably Gaza, marked as the most hazardous area for civilians and aid workers. Amid turmoil in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ukraine, David Miliband, president of the International Rescu...
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi discusses her country's stance at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel's occupation of Palestine amid the Gaza conflict. Highlighting Indonesia's advocacy for Palestinian rights and the adherence to international law, Marsudi also confronts concerns over declining democracy under President Joko Widodo. As Indonesia faces a presidential transition to Prabowo Subianto, she reflects on whether she would like to continue in office, emphasising ...
Sebastiao Salgado's photography, initially rooted in news, evolved into a profound documentary-style work that captures human and environmental narratives. His work spans from the raw realities of Brazil's Mina Pelada goldmines, African famines, and the Rwandan genocide to the beauty and urgency of conservation and the lives of indigenous communities. Salgado's lens reveals the depth of human resilience, fragility, and the natural world, transforming his images into more than documentation but a...
In an era where freedom of expression faces unprecedented challenges globally, Irene Khan stands as a beacon of hope. With a rich background in human rights advocacy, Khan has battled against censorship, intimidation and the suppression of free speech. Her efforts underscore the importance of this fundamental human right in holding the powerful to account, even as wars and repressive regimes threaten its very existence. We explore her mission to ensure that voices worldwide can speak out without...
Tracing Norway’s diplomatic journey from Trygve Lie’s pivotal role as the first United Nations secretary-general to its instrumental part in the Oslo Accords, a landmark agreement in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Norway has long been a beacon of international peace and neutrality. Its commitment to these principles faces new tests with the current war on Gaza, raising questions about its arms export policies and the indirect implications for regions in turmoil. Amid these complexities, Norwe...
Amidst challenges like poverty, protests and the impact of climate change, Rio de Janeiro’s Mayor Eduardo Paes focuses on transforming the city. In his third term, he’s developing Rio as a smart city, blending technology with environmental sustainability and social integration. In response to climate change, Paes aims for as many as 40 percent "green" jobs by 2030. Reflecting on Rio’s experience in hosting the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, his advice is to avoid simultaneous events. Find...
Amidst challenges like poverty, protests and the impact of climate change, Rio de Janeiro’s Mayor Eduardo Paes focuses on transforming the city. In his third term, he’s developing Rio as a smart city, blending technology with environmental sustainability and social integration. In response to climate change, Paes aims for as many as 40 percent "green" jobs by 2030. Reflecting on Rio’s experience in hosting the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, his advice is to avoid simultaneous events. Find...
In a world where literature often mirrors the pulsating heart of society, Paul Lynch’s Prophet Song stands out as a beacon of emotional and narrative depth. This masterpiece delves into the complexities of human experience, weaving a story that resonates deeply with the themes of tyranny and resilience. Set against a backdrop that parallels global conflicts, Lynch portrays the struggles of a mother in a totalitarian regime, drawing parallels with real-world events. We dissect how his novel is a ...
Once a 15th-century maritime power, Portugal sparked the Age of Discovery and established a global empire. But, as the winds of change swept around the world in the 19th century, Portugal entered an era marked by decolonisation and a shift towards democratic principles in international relations. How does this history shape Portuguese diplomacy amid contemporary global conflicts like those in Gaza and Ukraine? Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho discusses Portugal's strategies and reflects on i...
Following the Cold War’s ideological rift, East-West rivalry persists, fuelled by advances in AI, cybersecurity, telecommunications and biotechnology. Emerging from conflict, Serbia, once a war-torn nation, has left its pariah status behind. Two decades after reintegration into the international community, it focuses on science and technology to bridge global divides. Jelena Begovic, Serbia’s minister of science, technological development and innovation, talks to Al Jazeera about the nation’s ad...
Social media has revolutionised our understanding and perception of wars and conflicts. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, with their real-time, unfiltered content, offer a new perspective that’s immediate and often raw. These platforms enable users worldwide to witness conflicts like the war on Gaza as they unfold, offering a variety of viewpoints that traditional media may not cover. This shift has led to a more multifaceted and grassroots-level narrative, one which we will explore...
The United Nations, a longtime advocate for human rights through treaties and laws, faces stark realities. Despite its efforts, rights violations persist, especially in conflict zones like Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine, where life, safety and basic needs are severely compromised. Meanwhile, emerging technologies and the climate crisis further challenge these rights. Addressing these critical issues, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, talks to Al Jazeera. Subscribe to our channel h...
Nine weeks into Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, the United Nations faces increasing challenges in delivering aid to the besieged and bombarded enclave. Israel’s offensive has displaced 85 percent of the population. About 1.3 million people are crammed into UN facilities there, exceeding their capacity four times over. These facilities have also been frequent targets of Israeli attacks. Additionally, the killings of humanitarian aid workers in air strikes further complicate the crisis. This situa...
For 74 years, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, has provided healthcare, education and social services to many. Yet, the war on Gaza has severely affected UNRWA as Israeli air strikes have hit its facilities and killed at least 130 of its humanitarian workers. UNRWA’s work was recognised at the Doha Forum 2023, where we caught up with its commissioner general. Philippe Lazzarini talks to Al Jazeera.
For 74 years, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, has provided healthcare, education and social services to many. Yet, the war on Gaza has severely affected the UNRWA as Israeli air strikes have hit its facilities and killed at least 130 of its humanitarian workers. The UNRWA’s work was recognised at the Doha Forum 2023, where we caught up with its commissioner general. Philippe Lazzarini talks to Al Jazeera.
In a world grappling with its geopolitics being fragmented, the East versus West competition for power is seemingly threatening to divide and polarise the global order. Russia's ability to selectively influence leaders and events in various parts of the world is vital when discussing international crises. On this special edition of Talk to Al Jazeera, we go to the Doha Forum 2023, where we connect with Russia's top diplomat to discuss the war on Gaza and Ukraine and his country’s apparently cont...
Born in Senegal and raised in France, Patrice Evra rose to fame playing for Manchester United and Juventus, facing racism on and off the pitch. Later in his career, Evra revealed that he was sexually abused as a child by a schoolteacher, a secret he kept for 25 years. Now retired from football, he advocates against child sexual abuse as a UN ambassador and uses his social media presence to fight racism in sports. Evra has also ventured into technology investments, participating in the Web Summit...
Since the start of Israel's war on Gaza after Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, Iran's role has been a subject of speculation. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, has denied the country's involvement but labelled the offensive a success. The conflict has killed thousands and left nearly two million displaced. After a weeklong truce, Israeli attacks recommenced, casting the spotlight on Iran's next moves. For an in-depth look at the Iranian position on these rapidly evolving events...
Brazil, renowned for its cultural diversity and vast rainforests, is experiencing significant political transformation. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s return to power marked a departure from Jair Bolsonaro’s conservative government. This shift heralds a renewed focus on social welfare, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth, mirroring Lula’s previous term in the 2000s. However, Brazil’s journey is mired in global challenges, from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the war on Gaza. These issues raise ...
