What’s happening in the world today.
Ebola continues to spread over West Africa
West Africa’s Ebola outbreak has claimed the lives of 467 people, according to a statement by the World Health Organisation on Tuesday. The number of Ebola cases across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone is said to be 759. 11 West African health ministers are meeting on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss how to combat the virus. Liberian authorities announced on Tuesday that anyone caught hiding Ebola patients will be prosecuted.
Human Rights upholds ban on veils in France
The European court of Human Rights has upheld the French ban of the burqa (veil). A 24-year-old French woman approached the court with the claim it breached her right to freedom of speech and religion. Representative for the Belgium government, who introduced a similar ban in 2011, said the law helps people integrate, declaring the burqa and niqabs are “incompatible” with the law.
Hospitals under attack in Sudan
Medical and humanitarian staff were shot at along with patients of four hospitals in South Sudan. 58 people have been confirmed dead, including 25 patients and two government officials. The recent attacks are part of the ongoing violence occurring in South Sudan since conflict began in December 2013.
Democracy rally in Hong Kong
The annual democracy rally in Hong Kong has had its largest number of participants, with organisers counting a total of 510,000 people. The rally marks the anniversary of the day Hong Kong was given back to China. Over 4000 police officers were on patrol during the rally.
– Compiled from wire and internet sources by Daisy Montalvo and Ra’Eesah Lillah
Top photo shows officials in hazmat suits for Ebola outbreak from the European Commission DG Echo’s Flickr photostream.
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