UN Human Rights

UNESCO education report advises ban on smartphones in schools A new UN report raised concerns on Wednesday about the excessive use of smartphones, calling for them to be banned in schools worldwide. According to the UN’s education, science and culture agency UNESCO, the over-use of mobile phones impacts learning. UNESCO’s report on technology in education urges countries to carefully consider how technology is used in schools. It emphasises the need for a “human-centered vision” where digital technology serves as a tool rather than taking precedence.  Speaking to UN News, UNESCO’s Manos Antoninis also warned of the danger of data leaks in educational tech, as only 16 per cent of countries guarantee data privacy in the classroom, by law.  Read More…

INTERVIEW: Heatwaves endanger workers and reduce productivity Sharply rising temperatures across the globe continue to endanger the safety of workers and impact communities with the “least capacity for adaptation,” according to a senior economist at the International Labour Organization (ILO).  Data from the UN’s World Meteorological Organization reveals this July is set to be the hottest month ever recorded.  Heatwaves not only threaten the environment but create additional obstacles for countries attempting to achieve sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 8, according to the ILO’s Nicolas Maître. Read more…