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Meanwhile, political stakeholders are still struggling to find common ground and define a path to elections against this backdrop, she added.  Haitian-led solution critical  “An economic crisis, a gang crisis, and a political crisis have converged into a humanitarian catastrophe. We must not lose hope, but rather combine our efforts to find a pathway to… Continue reading Security Council urged to act in face of ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ in Haiti

The UN and its humanitarian partners are stepping up efforts to assist more than 150,000 people who have been impacted by fighting across the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, where Government forces recently announced they had regained full control after months of Russian occupation. The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Denise Brown, was in Kharkiv on… Continue reading Ukraine: UN and partners ramp up assistance to over 150,000 in Kharkiv region

The UN chief on Monday issued a statement expressing deep sadness at the death of 15 people, including 11 children, at a school in the Russian city of Izhevsk, following an attack by a lone gunman who killed himself at the scene. Two dozen people were wounded. According to news reports, the gunman who was… Continue reading Russia school shooting: Guterres ‘deeply saddened’ by attack which left 15 dead

The UN chief was speaking at an event to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, held as the annual debate in the General Assembly Hall draws to a close.  Nuclear disarmament is not a utopian dream. I urge all countries to ease tensions, reduce risk & forge a new consensus… Continue reading UN chief calls for an end to ‘nuclear blackmail’ and risk of ‘humanitarian Armageddon’

Colombia’s 2016 Peace Agreement has led to an unexpected outcome: the discovery of a new species of dinosaur. Researchers now know that, around 175 million years ago, a 12-metre long sauropod, roamed around an area of northern Colombia. The scientific world is attributing the discovery of this new species of herbivorous dinosaur to the improved… Continue reading Colombia’s ‘dinosaur of peace’

The bodies of 71 migrants have reportedly been recovered following another shipwreck in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Syria, which heads of UN agencies described as a “simply tragic” development that demanded an international response to improve conditions for those forced to flee their homes. In a joint news release issued late on Thursday, the International… Continue reading At least 70 dead in latest ‘tragic’ shipwreck, off Syria coast: UN agencies

The UN Human Rights Committee found on Friday that Australia’s failure to adequately protect indigenous Torres Islanders against climate change impacts, has violated their rights to enjoy their culture, free from “arbitrary interference” with their private life, family and home. The Committee issued its ground-breaking decision after examining a joint complaint filed by eight Australian nationals and six of… Continue reading Australia: Groundbreaking decision creates pathway for climate justice on Torres Strait Islands

After lashing parts of Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands with 140 kilometres-per-hour winds, Hurricane Fiona is expected to make landfall in Canada late Friday and Saturday, the UN said. “Fiona is expected to affect portions of Atlantic Canada as a powerful hurricane-force cyclone…significant impacts from high winds, storm surge and heavy rainfall are likely,”… Continue reading Canada braces for Hurricane Fiona after a week of lashing wind and rain in Caribbean

Refugees from Ukraine are eager to work in their host countries but need additional support to do so, and to ensure their inclusion in the communities where they are staying, according to a new survey published on Friday by UN refugee agency, UNHCR.  Lives on Hold: Intentions and Perspectives of Refugees from Ukraine, is based… Continue reading Ukraine refugees: Eager to work but need greater support

“Even before the pandemic, many least developed countries were off-track in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and had limited capacity to tackle complex challenges such as climate change or food insecurity,” Csaba Kőrösi said. “However, this year’s Ministerial Meeting assumes unique significance as it takes place amid a whole range of interlinked crises rippling… Continue reading Least developed countries impacted by ‘range of interlinked crises’ – Assembly President

Rising insecurity, including the proliferation of terrorist and other non-State armed groups, coupled with political instability, is creating a crisis in the Sahel that poses a “global threat”, the UN chief warned Thursday’s high level meeting on the vast African region, which took place behind closed doors at UN Headquarters in New York. “If nothing… Continue reading Sahel security crisis ‘poses a global threat’, Guterres warns

The conflict, now in its seventh month, has also sparked a global food, energy and finance crisis that is pushing more people into extreme poverty and hunger, and growing fears of potential nuclear disaster.  “As I have said from the start, this senseless war has unlimited potential to do terrible harm – in Ukraine, and… Continue reading Redouble efforts to end ‘senseless’ Ukraine war, UN chief tells Foreign Ministers

Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review 2022, identifies domestic market size as a major factor influencing job growth in renewables, along with labour and other costs. Solar growing fastest Solar energy was found to be the fastest-growing sector. In 2021 it provided 4.3 million jobs, more than a third of the current global workforce in… Continue reading Renewable energy jobs rise by 700,000 in a year, to nearly 13 million

During a private meeting of Heads of State and Government, held on Wednesday at UN Headquarters in New York, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for more action and leadership to tackle the climate crisis, warning that efforts to keep the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels is “on life support”. Speaking… Continue reading 1.5 degree climate pledge ‘on life support’, Guterres tells leaders during frank exchanges

Since the Myanmar military launched its “disastrous” coup last year, UN-appointed independent human rights expert Tom Andrews said on Wednesday that conditions have worsened, “by any measure”. “With each report I have warned that unless UN Member States change course in the way they collectively respond to this crisis, the people of Myanmar will suffer even… Continue reading Myanmar spiralling ‘from bad to worse, to horrific’, Human Rights Council hears

The salvage of the ageing supertanker FSO Safer, off the Yemeni coast, can now begin, the UN said on Wednesday, after it announced that more than $75 million has been pledged to carry out the vital operation. David Gressly, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, briefed journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, following… Continue reading Yemen: Marking ‘significant milestone’, UN says stricken tanker salvage operation can begin

The number of people facing life-threatening levels of hunger worldwide without immediate humanitarian aid, is expected to rise steeply in coming weeks, the UN said on Wednesday, in a new alert about looming famine in the Horn of Africa and beyond. In Somalia, “hundreds of thousands are already facing starvation today with staggering levels of… Continue reading Famine looms in Somalia, but many ‘hunger hotspots’ are in deep trouble

The UN chief on Tuesday strongly condemned attacks by Government troops in Myanmar on a northern rebel stronghold which targeted a school, leaving at least 13 dead, including 11 children. According to news reports, helicopter gunships together with troops under the command of the ruling Junta, opened fire last Friday on the temple school in Let… Continue reading Myanmar: Guterres strongly condemns army attacks which left 11 children dead

Global perspective Human stories

During his first speech at the General Assembly as the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro said that the world’s addiction to money, oil and carbon is destroying the rainforest and its people under the excuse of a “hypocritical” war against drugs. Mr. Petro described his country as one of the most beautiful and nature-rich in… Continue reading Irrational war on drugs, destruction of the Amazon, expose humanity’s failures, Colombia’s Petro tells UN

Millions of people in Pakistan are still deeply affected by catastrophic flooding which “is not going anywhere”, UN relief agencies said on Tuesday. Close to eight million people have been displaced by the disaster and the UN along with the authorities and partners have continued to race to reach affected populations with desperately needed relief… Continue reading Pakistan floods: Six month wait for water to recede, warn relief agencies

Climate disasters and skyrocketing fuel prices have made the need to “end our global addiction to fossil fuels” crystal clear, he said, underscoring the importance of investing in renewables, building resilience, and scaling up adaptation. “Had we invested massively in renewable energy in the past, we would not be in the middle of a climate… Continue reading Guterres: ‘Global addiction to fossil fuels’ must end and a ‘renewables revolution’ be jumpstarted

The UN Peacebuilding Fund, (PBF), which emphasizes the role of women and youth in peacebuilding efforts through their meaningful participation, began work in Haiti in 2019 in response to needs identified by the government.  Ahead of the International Day of Peace marked annually on 21 September, here are five things you need to know about… Continue reading Building peace, preventing violence, and supporting community resilience in Haiti

UN Special Representative Nicholas Haysom said that although key provisions of the Agreement are set to end by February, the parties agreed in August on a Roadmap that extends the current transitional period by 24 months.  While a welcome development, he reminded that “there is no alternative to the implementation of the peace agreement”.  “Let me… Continue reading South Sudan: Extended roadmap for lasting peace deal, a ‘way point, not an end point’ 

An escalation in what the UN is calling “violent civil unrest” in Haiti, and the subsequent blockading of roads across the country, is making it “very challenging for humanitarian partners to provide assistance” according to the UN Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. Nationwide protests sparked initially by the almost doubling of petrol prices has brought the Caribbean… Continue reading ‘Violent civil unrest’ in Haiti hampers aid delivery

As the Montreal Protocol to Protect the Ozone Layer turns 35 on Friday, World Ozone Day, the United Nations has said that continuing the level of cooperation that led to the treaty’s adoption and success is just what is needed to protect life on Earth, end the climate crisis and ensure a brighter future for… Continue reading Global cooperation to protect the ozone layer can ensure a better future for us all

While thanking those in attendance for “joining us to sound the call for peace”, Secretary-General António Guterres reminded that “today, peace is under assault”.   “The poison of war is infecting our world,” by jeopardizing millions of lives, “turning people against each other, pitting nation against nation, eroding security and wellbeing, [and] reversing development”. “It… Continue reading Beware the ‘poison of war’ says Guterres, championing a ‘call for peace’

Humanitarian Affairs chief Martin Griffiths recalled previous warnings over the impact of conflict in Ethiopia, Somalia He spoke about his recent trip to Somalia, where more than 200,000 people are currently at risk of famine – a figure expected to reach 300,000 by November – “with millions more” on the verge of starvation. Recent humanitarian… Continue reading ‘Tsunami of hunger’ could trigger multiple famines, Security Council warned

A senior official from the UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs department has called on Armenia and Azerbaijan “to take immediate and concrete steps to deescalate tensions” following several days of fighting this week which reportedly left dozens dead on both sides. Miroslav Jenča, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas, briefed an emergency… Continue reading UN remains deeply concerned over ‘dangerous escalation’ following fighting across Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Najat Rochdi said she had already seen the potential for bridging divides between Syrians during civil society dialogues, and the divergent views represented through the Women’s Advisory Board, which “demonstrates to all of us that, despite many differences among them, common ground can be found.” She added that “Syrians can come together to rescue their… Continue reading Syrians ‘can come together to rescue their country’ from war, Security Council hears

UNITAMS chief and UN Special Representatives, Volker Perthes, warned that amid “continuing deterioration” on a socio-economic level, the overall situation in Sudan, “will continue to worsen unless a political situation is found to restore a credible, fully functioning civilian-led government”. He said following last October’s military takeover – which ended the power-sharing administration between civilian… Continue reading Humanitarian needs ‘growing exponentially’ across Sudan, mission chief warns Security Council

“Climate science is clear: we are heading in the wrong direction”, declares a major, multi-agency UN climate science report released on Tuesday, with a focus on increasing fossil fuel emissions and rising greenhouse gases, now at a record high, which risk thwarting plans to reduce global temperatures and avoid climate catastrophe. The researchers behind “Uniting… Continue reading Climate change impacts ‘heading into uncharted territory’, warns UN chief

Council members highlighted the tangible benefits of the agreement between the Government and Houthi rebels, now in its sixth month. They include a 60 per cent reduction in casualties.   Additionally, fuel coming through critical Huydadah port has quadrupled, while commercial flights from the capital, Sana’a, have allowed 21,000 people to receive medical treatment and… Continue reading Security Council calls for intensifying efforts to expand Yemen truce

The UN chief landed in Sindh province before flying over some of the worst-affected areas on his way to Balochistan, where he met with local residents, some of whom were directly impacted by the floods. Many had lost their loved ones, homes and everything they owned, amid the near continuous monsoon rainfall, flash flooding, and… Continue reading UN chief sees ‘great heights’ of human endurance and heroism amid ‘climate carnage’ in Pakistan

China has a dizzying range of rich natural resources. The country is home to 10 per cent of all known plant species, and 14 per cent of all known fauna. The UN, with the Chinese authorities, is working to ensure that the benefits from these resources are shared in a fair and equitable way. Chinese… Continue reading From the Field: Black pigs, green tea, and pink orchids – preserving China’s natural resources

Shelling in the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar is putting the embattled Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) at risk, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned in a statement on Friday.  The shelling has destroyed the power infrastructure feeding the city, where staff operating the plant live, causing a complete blackout that also… Continue reading Ukraine: Shelling in nearby city putting Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant at risk

A large-scale influx of weapons to conflict-affected zones raises many concerns, including the potential for diversion, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, warned the Security Council on Thursday. “These concerns should be taken with due regard, and the international community does have some instruments, such as UN Register of Conventional Arms, to… Continue reading Large scale influx of weapons to conflict-affected zones raises ‘many concerns’: UN disarmament chief

A new report has revealed how projects supported by a UN trust fund for victims of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel are helping victims to regain their dignity, learn new skills, and improve their livelihoods while avoiding stigmatization. Details of the projects, and the ways in which they are having a positive impact on the… Continue reading Trust Fund seeks sustained support as it empowers victims of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN personnel

Advancing the rights and needs of people whose lives have been upended by terrorism is the goal of a two-day meeting that opened at United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday. The first UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism will address key issues that include protection, remembrance and recognition, and access to justice,… Continue reading UN meeting upholds need to remember and support victims of terrorism

Water stress and hazards like withering droughts and devastating floods are hitting African communities, economies and ecosystems hard, according to a new report launched on Thursday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).  The State of the Climate in Africa 2021 reveals that rainfall patterns are disrupted, glaciers are disappearing and key lakes are shrinking. And rising… Continue reading WMO: Climate change in Africa can destabilize ‘countries and entire regions’

“These are only verified figures and the actual numbers are likely significantly higher,” explained Rosemary DiCarlo. Displacement All wars are tragic, but none more than wars of choice. The disturbing allegations of forced displacement and abuse in “filtration” camps in #Ukraine must be investigated. We need peace in Ukraine, peace based on the @UN Charter… Continue reading Security Council hears top concerns of displacement, global security and civilians in Ukraine

The political climate in Somalia is now more conducive to addressing key national priorities following the end of the “contentious” electoral process in May, UN Special Representative James Swan told the Security Council on Wednesday. “To capitalise on this opportunity, federal and state authorities must collaborate closely to achieve progress on the new government’s goals,… Continue reading Somalia: UN envoy calls for collaboration to achieve new administration’s goals

“As the globe warms, wildfires and associated air pollution are expected to increase, even under a low emissions scenario,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. “In addition to human health impacts, this will also affect ecosystems as air pollutants settle from the atmosphere to Earth’s surface”. ‘Foretaste of the future’ The annual WMO Air Quality and… Continue reading Pollution and climate change upsurge the risk of ‘climate penalty’

International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, marked on 7 September, takes place in a world where almost all the air we breathe is polluted, and some seven million people die from air pollution every year. Ahead of the Day, UN News spoke to two experts about the scale of the problem, and the… Continue reading ‘The air that keeps us alive is making us sick’, warn UN experts on Clean Air Day

Guterres gravely concerned  Europe’s largest nuclear plant has come under repeated shelling in recent weeks, sparking fears of a potential nuclear disaster.    Highlighting his continued grave concern over the situation, the UN chief again warned that any damage to Zaporizhzhia, or to any other nuclear facility in Ukraine, could result in a wide-reaching catastrophe.  … Continue reading Ukraine: Guterres calls for ‘safety’ and ‘security’ of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant 

As fighting continues in South Sudan, a new UN report released on Tuesday documents 173 civilian deaths over a four-month period along with widespread human rights violations committed without repercussion. Published jointly by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the document reports… Continue reading South Sudan: Human rights violations in Unity state committed with ‘impunity’

Regional authorities in Egypt, the host country of the 2022 UN climate conference (COP27), are ramping up initiatives designed to improve the country’s environmental credentials, and speed up its transition to a low carbon economy. The event will begin on 4 November, in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. Several COP27-related initiatives are underway… Continue reading Egypt prepares for flagship UN climate conference, in a year of unprecedented global weather shocks

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported an increase in the levels of mental disorders amongst the population of the Gaza Strip, especially among children, many of whom were already in need of mental health services and psychosocial support. Over three violent days in early August, until a ceasefire was… Continue reading One third of Gaza Strip population in need of psychological and social support

Known as ‘the island in the Sea of the Seven Colors’, San Andres is the biggest island in the Seaflower, containing part of one of the richest coral reefs in the world San Andres itself is a coral island, meaning it was geologically built by organic material derived from skeletons of corals and numerous other… Continue reading Women lead marine restoration efforts in the UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve

Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi was speaking on Thursday after he and IAEA experts visited Europe’s largest nuclear plant, which has seen repeated shelling in recent weeks, sparking fears of a catastrophe.  “It’s obvious that the plant, and the physical integrity of the plant has been violated, several times. [Whether] by chance [or deliberately], we… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘Physical integrity’ of Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant ‘has been violated several times’

Police officers from more than 90 countries who serve at UN operations around the world represent “multilateralism in action”, Secretary-General António Guterres said in New York on Thursday.  Mr. Guterres was delivering remarks to the third UN Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS), which brought together ministers, police chiefs, and senior representatives of regional and professional… Continue reading Police in the field embody ‘promise, hope and optimism’ of whole UN: Guterres

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region with the most children out of school, 98 million, and it is also the only region where this number is increasing.  The Central and Southern Asia region has the second highest out-of-school population, with 85 million.  Education goals at risk  “No one can accept this situation,” said Audrey Azoulay, the… Continue reading UNESCO chief calls for transforming education, with 244 million still out of school

Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrived in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Wednesday, the latest stage in their efforts to inspect conditions at the embattled nuclear power plant there.  Speaking to reporters, agency chief Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed confidence that they will be able to safely conduct their technical mission, which… Continue reading Ukraine: IAEA experts arrive in Zaporizhzhia ahead of mission to nuclear plant

From record-breaking heatwaves in British Columbia, to wildfires in the Mediterranean, floods in Nigeria, and droughts in Taiwan; the period between 2021 and 2022 saw record-breaking catastrophic disasters in all corners of the world. Some 10,000 people lost their lives, and an estimated $280 million was incurred in damages worldwide. The latest Interconnected Disaster Risks… Continue reading Wildfire, floods don’t need to turn into disasters: UN risk report

The Secretary-General has paid warm tribute to the last leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, whose death aged 91 was announced on Tuesday, describing him as the person who “more than any other” brought about the peaceful end of the Cold War, which had dominated international relations since the 1940s. António Guterres said he was deeply… Continue reading Mikhail Gorbachev: UN chief hails ‘one of a kind statesman who changed the course of history’

The North African country became divided between two rival administrations in the years after the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi a decade ago.  The Government of National Accord (GNA) is based in the capital, Tripoli, located in the west, while the Libyan National Army (LNA) is in the east.   Elections remain the only… Continue reading Libya: Political stalemate and lack of progress on elections

UN Humanitarian Coordinator Martin Griffiths, who briefed ambassadors, reported on the ongoing hardships and uncertainty facing Afghans, nearly half of whom – 24 million people – require aid relief to survive.  #Afghanistan is more than a humanitarian crisis. But it is not a hopeless crisis. Preserving basic service delivery alongside humanitarian assistance remains the only… Continue reading UN relief chief stresses need to stay and deliver for all Afghans

The UN chief on Monday issued a call for “calm and restraint” in the Iraqi capital Baghdad following a day of reportedly violent protests in and around the national parliament building, in the wake of the announcement from political leader and cleric Muqtada al-Sadr that he was leaving politics. In a statement issued via his… Continue reading ‘Very survival’ of Iraqi State at risk, UN mission warns, as UN chief calls for calm and restraint

“Lack of funding comes with severe consequences”, Joyce Msuya told ambassadors, “including more drop-outs from school, higher malnutrition rates, and less protection interventions. If we do not act now, a generation of Syrian children might be lost. “It is critical that this Council shares responsibility for humanitarians’ life-saving work in Syria”, she said. The senior OCHA official and deputy… Continue reading Whole generation of Syrian children ‘might be lost’, senior humanitarian warns Security Council

Chief Warrant Officer Alizeta Kabore Kinda is the recipient of the 2022 United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year Award, announced on Monday.  The Award was established in 2011 to recognize the exceptional contributions of women police officers to UN peace operations and to promote women’s empowerment.  Gender and protection advocate  Chief Warrant Officer… Continue reading Burkinabé peacekeeper in Mali is UN Woman Police Officer of the Year

The World Food Programme (WFP) is supporting Pakistan as the country takes stock of floods which have reportedly killed more than 1,000 people and displaced some 33 million, the UN agency said on Monday. Through its National Disaster Management Authority, the Pakistani Government – which has declared a national emergency – is leading the response… Continue reading Pakistan: WFP working to expand food aid as deadly flooding continues

A team of UN atomic energy experts set out on Monday for Zaporizhzya nuclear power station in Ukraine, after months of rising tensions between Ukrainian and Russian forces, who have accused each other of shelling the plant.  A team of UN atomic energy experts set out on Monday for Zaporizhzya nuclear power station in Ukraine,… Continue reading Ukraine: UN atomic energy experts head to stricken nuclear power station

Myanmar is believed to be experiencing one of the highest rates of mangrove loss in the world. When a company bought land containing a mangrove forest in the  country’s Tanintharyi region, with plans to convert it into prawn farms, the local community fought back. Mangroves in Bon Taung village, Myanmar, by Green Network Tanitharyi Region… Continue reading From The Field: Restoring Myanmar’s Mangroves

Rafael Mariano Grossi said Ukrainian authorities had informed the nuclear watchdog of renewed shelling at the site over the past three days, but they stated that all safety systems remained operational and there had been no increase in radiation levels. “The latest shelling once again underlined the risk of a potential nuclear accident at the… Continue reading Ukraine: Renewed shelling at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant underlines accident risk

Exports of Ukrainian grain and other foodstuffs under a landmark UN-brokered agreement have surpassed one million metric tonnes, the Coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Amir Abdulla, reported on Saturday.  This “remarkable achievement” was made possible through the collective efforts and hard work of the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), he said, referring to the… Continue reading Ukraine: More than one million tonnes of grain and food items exported under Black Sea deal

Following four weeks of intense discussions at UN Headquarters in New York, the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT ended late on Friday without an outcome document because Russia objected to text about its control over Ukrainian nuclear facilities. The Secretary-General expressed disappointment that countries were unable to reach consensus on a… Continue reading UN chief disappointed nuclear treaty conference ends without consensus

Torrential rainfall has triggered unprecedented flooding in Chad, affecting more than 340,000 people living in 55,000 households – surpassing last year’s figure of more than 250,000 impacted, according to a report released on Friday by the UN humanitarian coordination office, OCHA. Swollen rivers have destroyed nearly 2,700 hectares of crops and farming land as well as hundreds of homes,… Continue reading Chad: Unprecedented flooding affects more than 340,000 people

The forecast for October to December, issued at the Greater Horn of Africa Seasonal Climate Outlook Forum, shows high chances of drier than average conditions across most parts of the region, which will further worsen the crisis for millions of people.  “It pains me to be the bearer of bad news,” said Guleid Artan, Director of… Continue reading WMO: Greater Horn of Africa drought forecast to continue for fifth year 

Speaking from Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine, where shelling has intensified in the last week, the UN’s top aid official in the country issued an urgent appeal on Friday for guarantees from Russia and affiliated forces, to allow humanitarians to deliver “absolutely necessary” relief items across the contact line.  “Winter is coming,…[and] all we want to… Continue reading Ukraine: Top UN aid official appeals for access across contact line

“Such a strategy will require significant steps from all sides,” said Tor Wennesland.  It must involve strengthening the ability of the Palestinian Authority to engage with Israel on political, economic and security issues, as well as working towards the return of the legitimate Palestinian Government to the Gaza Strip, he affirmed. He called for reducing… Continue reading Security Council: Managing Israel-Palestine conflict ‘no substitute’ for meaningful political process

On Thursday, the UN-partnered Cluster Munition Monitor civil society group, released their 2022 Cluster Munition Monitor report, on the risk these weapons pose to civilians.   Cluster bombs are weapons designed to be scattered over large areas, containing several hundred “mini-bombs” called sub-munitions. As they make no distinction between civilians, civilian property and military targets, cluster… Continue reading Ukraine: Cluster munitions pose long-term risk to civilian safety

Groundwater, which sustains drinking water supplies, sanitation systems, farms, industries and ecosystems, is being overused, polluted and neglected, speakers warned at a World Water Week event on Thursday. “It is our duty to ensure groundwater has its rightful place in all of our action plans,” said Gilbert Houngbo, Chair of UN-Water, in his video message to… Continue reading UN spotlights ‘invisible’ value of groundwater during World Water Week

The robbery of over half a million tonnes of fuel from the World Food Programme (WFP) in Ethiopia’s Tigray region will make it impossible to continue operations that support millions of hungry people, the UN agency said on Thursday. Armed men entered the WFP compound in the regional capital, Mekelle, on Wednesday and seized 12… Continue reading Ethiopia: Massive fuel theft puts WFP operations in Tigray at risk

Some one million refugees remain in the vast camps of Cox’s Bazar, without any immediate prospect of being able to return home, which more than 150,000 mostly-Muslim Rohingya are still “confined in camps” in their native Rakhine state, said a statement issued on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Today marks five years since the… Continue reading ‘Comprehensive’ solution needed to end mass displacement of Rohingya

Amidst deteriorating levels of malnutrition and Ethiopia’s worst drought in 40 years, 17 million people are being targeted for humanitarian assistance, the UN spokesperson said on Wednesday.  “Ethiopia is facing a very difficult humanitarian situation to say the least,” Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at UN Headquarters in New York at a regular press briefing.    Over… Continue reading Drought, hunger and fighting leave Ethiopia in ‘very difficult humanitarian situation’ 

The “sad and tragic milestone” coincided with Ukraine’s 31st anniversary of independence, and Mr. Guterres congratulated the country’s people. Today marks a sad and tragic milestone – six months since Russia’s 24 February invasion of Ukraine. Thousands of civilians have been killed. Millions have been displaced. The people of Ukraine and beyond need peace and… Continue reading Guterres underlines need for peace as Ukraine marks six months of ‘senseless war’

Recent weeks have seen an escalation in shelling in and around Europe’s largest nuclear facility.  The Council meeting was requested by Russia, whose forces have occupied Zaporizhzhia since March, or shortly after the start of the war, while Ukrainian personnel continue to carry out their on-site operations.  ‘Suicidal’ threat  Ms. DiCarlo reiterated the UN’s ongoing… Continue reading Ukraine: Urgent agreement needed to end fighting around Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

Briefing from Khartoum, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan updated the ambassadors on a landmark moment for both justice in the restive region and the ICC-UN Security Council relationship. “We must collectively ensure it is the beginning of true accountability and not a false dawn,” he said on the proceedings, which commenced on 5 April and cover… Continue reading Darfur: Trial of Janjaweed leader must not be ‘a false dawn’ for justice, Security Council hears

OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said the trials by the Russian-backed authorities could begin in the occupied city, possibly within days – and warned that such a process could amount to a war crime. “We are very concerned about the manner in which this is being done. There are pictures in the media of cages being… Continue reading Ukraine prisoner of war trials in Mariupol could be a war crime: OHCHR

Path to peace ‘forged by dialogue and cooperation’ Guterres tells Security Council  Recommit to “dialogue, diplomacy and mutual trust”, Secretary-General António Guterres urged ambassadors in the UN Security Council on Monday, describing them as “the eternal tools of peace”.  “The path to peace is forged by dialogue and cooperation,” and shaped by “a common understanding… Continue reading Path to peace ‘forged by dialogue and cooperation’ Guterres tells Security Council 

Nearly 1,000 boys and girls have been killed or injured in the war in Ukraine, the head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported on Monday, underscoring the urgent need for peace.  “Once again, as in all wars, the reckless decisions of adults are putting children at extreme risk. There are no armed operations of… Continue reading Nearly 1,000 children killed or injured in Ukraine but real number likely higher: UNICEF

On Sunday, UN Secretary-General António paid tribute to victims of terrorism, marking the international day established to ensure that “victims and survivors are always heard and never forgotten.” Each year, acts of terrorism harm and kill thousands of innocent people. Despite international attention, those affected often struggle gaining access to key physical, psychological, social, and… Continue reading ‘Make sure that victims of terrorism are never forgotten’: UN chief

As extreme weather events grow in intensity and frequency, nowhere is guaranteed to be safe from danger, as New Yorkers discovered on 1 September 2021, when Hurricane Ida struck, causing floods that led to some 29 deaths, and shutting down much of the subway system. Amrita Bhagwandin was at her home in the New York… Continue reading First person: Surviving a deadly hurricane in New York

Ships carrying grain have been leaving there under a recent UN-brokered agreement, and Mr. Guterres said Odesa was a symbol of what countries can achieve when they work together for the common good.  Speaking to journalists, the UN chief revealed that it was a moving experience to be at the port, where he witnessed wheat… Continue reading UN chief to rich nations: ‘Open wallets’ and ‘hearts’ for developing countries to purchase Ukrainian grain

On the eve of World Humanitarian Day, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, called on Thursday for joint action to address the aid crisis in the country and end attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers. “It takes a village to raise a child. In the same way, it takes an array of partners to… Continue reading South Sudan: ‘Urgent collective efforts’ needed in most dangerous humanitarian situation

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemned on Thursday, a fatal attack on a Mosque in the capital, Kabul. “We deplore yesterday’s attack in a Kabul Mosque, the latest in a disturbing series of bombings which have killed & injured more than 250 people in recent weeks, the highest monthly number of civilian casualties… Continue reading UN deplores deadly attack in Afghanistan, killing scores and injuring many others

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Imran Riza, on Wednesday concluded a four-day mission to the northeast, where he visited camps hosting thousands of displaced persons.  The region is in the grip of a severe water crisis in all aspects – from drinking water, to irrigation, food production, and power generation – which… Continue reading Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria completes mission to northeast

The first vessel transporting Ukrainian wheat grain to support humanitarian operations run by the World Food Programme (WFP) has left the port of Yuzhny, also known as Pivdennyi, the UN agency reported on Tuesday.  The MV Brave Commander departed with 23,000 metric tonnes of wheat grain for WFP’s response in the Horn of Africa, where… Continue reading WFP: First Ukrainian humanitarian grain shipment leaves for Horn of Africa

Although $4.4 billion is required to fund humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, $1.8 billion has been received so far, or roughly 40 per cent, a senior UN official told journalists in New York on Monday, warning of the dire consequences as winter approaches.  “The situation can be best described as a pure catastrophe,” said Dr. Ramiz… Continue reading Humanitarian funding still needed for ‘pure catastrophe’ situation in Afghanistan

Amidst calls for flexibility, openness and the spirit of compromise that prevailed in 1982, when the landmark “constitution for the oceans” was adopted, the new treaty aims to codify international law around territorial waters, sea lanes and marine resources. The session, which runs until 26 August, was convened following a decision taken by the General… Continue reading Conference opens to draft first-ever treaty on ocean’s biological diversity

UN troop rotations in the peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA) resumed on Monday with a new approval mechanism one month after they were suspended by the ruling junta, which accused 49 Ivorian soldiers of entering the country without permission.  The soldiers, who were described by the Government of Mali as “mercenaries,” were part of logistical support… Continue reading Mali: Security situation deteriorates, human rights concerns rise

While continuing to count on international support to implement, extend, and expand the current truce, Hans Grundberg underscored the “need to end the conflict, not merely manage it”. ‘Build a lasting peace’ The UN envoy lauded the parties for extending the truce until 2 October, continuing “the longest pause in fighting since the war began”… Continue reading Yemen: UN envoy underscores need to ‘end the conflict, not merely manage it’

A UN-chartered vessel should soon arrive at the Ukrainian port of Yuzhny, also known as Pivdennyi, to collect wheat that will help feed millions of hungry people in the Horn of Africa, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported on Friday. This will be the first shipment of humanitarian food assistance under the Black Sea Grain Initiative… Continue reading Vessel to collect first humanitarian wheat shipment under Ukraine grain deal

The mountainous Colombian island of Providencia – which lies midway in the extension of the Caribbean Sea that separates Costa Rica and Jamaica – is home to stunning colours of the sea, lush underwater landscapes, extensive mangrove forests, and even tropical dry forests. The diversity of marine ecosystems and surrounding natural wonders, including the yearly… Continue reading After the storm: what an environmental tragedy can teach us about climate resilience and ecosystem restoration

“These military actions near such a large nuclear facility could lead to very serious consequences,” Mr. Grossi said at the meeting requested by Russia, which was marked by resounding calls to allow the Agency’s technical experts to visit the area amid mounting safety concerns. IAEA has been in frequent contact with both Ukraine and Russia… Continue reading ‘Very alarming’ conditions at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant,  IAEA chief warns

Despite an unprecedented scale-up in assistance in Afghanistan over the past year, immense needs still exist and the future looks bleak, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Thursday.   Following the Taliban takeover last August, UN agencies and their partners remained in Afghanistan, providing aid to nearly 23 million people, or nearly 94… Continue reading Afghanistan: Humanitarian assistance has saved lives, but immense needs remain

A new UN-backed humanitarian logistics hub and training centre in Barbados aims to strengthen emergency preparedness and response across the Caribbean, the World Food Programme (WFP) said in announcing the news on Thursday.  The facility is a partnership between the UN agency, the Barbadian Government, and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and will… Continue reading Barbados: New UN disaster preparedness hub built on ‘frontlines of climate change’

A devastating drought in Somalia has reached unprecedented levels, leaving one million people within the country currently registered as displaced, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Thursday. More than 755,000 people have been internally displaced in Somalia because of the severe dry spell this year, bringing the total figure to one million since January… Continue reading ‘Catastrophic’ drought displaces one million in Somalia, world asked to ‘step up’ support

Military activities around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant in Ukraine must stop immediately, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Thursday, warning of the potential danger to the area and beyond amid ongoing shelling.  Europe’s largest nuclear plant has been occupied by Russian forces since March, and last week the external power supply system was damaged in… Continue reading Ukraine: UN chief appeals for end to military activities at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

UN experts on Wednesday denounced the decision by Belarus to withdraw from an international agreement that upholds people’s right to access information, as well as justice, in environmental matters.  The Aarhus Convention, adopted in 1998, also requires that individuals exercising these rights are not persecuted, penalized or harassed for doing so.  Belarus’s President Aleksandr Lukashenko… Continue reading Belarus: Rights experts denounce withdrawal from key environmental agreement

In a visit to Mongolia on Tuesday, Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the UN’s full solidarity for the country, which he described as “a symbol of peace in a troubled world”.  Mr. Guterres was speaking to journalists at a press conference in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, following a meeting with the Foreign Minister, Battsetseg Batmunkh.  My gratitude… Continue reading Nuclear-free Mongolia a ‘symbol of peace in a troubled world’: Guterres

The evidence gathered to date by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), which is outlined in its Annual Report, indicates that sexual and gender-based crimes, including rape and other forms of sexual violence, and crimes against children have been perpetrated by members of the security forces and armed groups. “Crimes against women and children… Continue reading Myanmar: Crimes against humanity committed systematically, says UN report

“Da’esh and its affiliates continue to exploit conflict dynamics, governance fragilities and inequality to incite, plan and organize terrorist attacks,” said UN counter-terrorism chief Vladimir Voronkov, presenting the Secretary-General’s fifteenth report.  They also exploit pandemic restrictions, misuse digital spaces to recruit sympathizers and have “significantly” increased the use of unmanned aerial systems, as reported in… Continue reading Da’esh, affiliates remain ‘global and evolving’ threat, Security Council hears

Amidst extreme heat, drought and wildfires, many parts of the world had just experienced one of three warmest Julys on record, the UN weather agency said on Tuesday. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), temperatures were close to 0.4℃ above the 1991-2020 average across much of Europe, with southwestern and western Europe being the… Continue reading Heat, drought and wildfires during one of the warmest Julys on record– WMO

After three days of deadly fighting, the Security Council held an emergency meeting on Monday to assess a fragile truce between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants in Gaza. Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, called on all sides to abide by the agreement while delegates denounced the deliberate targeting of… Continue reading Fresh Israel-Palestinian Islamic Jihad truce prevents ‘full-scale war’

Cristina Duarte, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Africa, briefed ambassadors during a debate to examine capacity building for sustaining peace on the continent, and to explore the way forward.  She highlighted how African countries’ efforts to both prevent and address violence are being undermined by external factors such as competition over natural resources, which fuels… Continue reading Security Council examines capacity building for sustaining peace in Africa

“Any attack to nuclear plants is…suicidal,” the UN chief said, adding that he hoped that the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would be able to access the plant for inspection. Both Moscow and Kyiv have denied responsibility for the strike on the Zaporizhzhia plant over the weekend.  While Europe’s largest nuclear power site has… Continue reading Attacking a nuclear plant ‘suicidal,’ UN chief tells journalists in Japan

In July, a UN human rights officer embarked on an outreach visit to the Horn of Africa’s Sool and Sanaag regions, a seven-day round-trip of more than 1,600 kilometres by road. UNSOM Human Rights Officer, Sia Mawalla (left), and leader of a visiting UN team, poses for a photo with a civil society representative in… Continue reading From the Field: Outreach across the Horn of Africa

Around one million species are facing extinction, according to a report from IPBES, an independent intergovernmental science and policy body supported by the UN. It may be surprising to learn that even giraffes, parrots, and oak trees are included in the list of threatened species, as well as cacti and seaweed. It may be surprising… Continue reading Giraffes, parrots, and oak trees, among many species facing extinction

The ongoing and serious escalation of violence in and around Gaza between Palestinian militants and Israel has claimed the lives of 13 Palestinians by Israeli airstrikes, including a 5-year-old child and one woman, informed Lynn Hastings, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the territory. In a statement published on Saturday, Ms. Hastings expressed her grave concern for… Continue reading UN Humanitarian Coordinator ‘gravely concerned’ by escalation of violence in Gaza

It is totally unacceptable for states in possession of nuclear weapons to admit the possibility of a nuclear war, António Guterres underscored early on Saturday in Japan at a ceremony marking the 77th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. “Nuclear weapons are nonsense. Three-quarters of a century later, we must ask what we’ve learned from… Continue reading From Hiroshima, UN chief calls for global nuclear disarmament

Nuclear weapons will continue to pose a risk to humanity unless countries fully adhere to the treaty that prohibits their testing, a senior UN official said at a press conference in New York on Friday.  Journalists were briefed by Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the body that oversees the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which… Continue reading Nuclear-free world is possible, test-ban treaty chief says

“I vehemently condemn the obstinacy of the Coalition of Patriots for Change and other armed groups who continue to spread terror, insecurity and suffering among the civilian population and victims of violations and abuses,” said Yao Agbetse, who monitors rights abuses in CAR. Armed groups in the Central African Republic (CAR) must lay down their arms and… Continue reading Central African Republic: Militias spreading ‘terror, insecurity’, must lay down arms

As the North Atlantic hurricane season enters its traditional peak period, the US National  Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) has adjusted its forecast to monitor the conditions which impact cyclonic activity, according to the UN weather agency, WMO, on Friday.   The conditions do still point towards an “above-normal” 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, according to NOAA’s annual… Continue reading WMO reports decrease in likelihood of severe Atlantic hurricane season ahead 

One of the most devastating insect pests infesting fruits and vegetables in Mexico has been eradicated in the state of Colima, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In cooperation with IAEA and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), scientists there was able to use a UN-developed nuclear-based sterile insect technique (SIT) to eradicate the… Continue reading Nuclear technology helps Mexico eradicate invasive insect pest

Rising acute food insecurity in Somalia has caused more than 900,000 people to flee their homes in search of humanitarian assistance since January last year, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned. Due to drought and lack of livelihood support, people living in eight areas of the country could be experiencing famine by September.… Continue reading Somalia: ‘We cannot wait for famine to be declared; we must act now’

Activists who raise concerns about business projects in Colombia are under serious threat for speaking out, and UN human rights experts are urging the government to do much more to protect them.  “Serious threats, including death threats, are commonplace in Colombia for defenders who raise concerns about corporate activity, in particular in land-intensive industries,” said… Continue reading Step up protection for activists who challenge big business in Colombia

Three more ships have been given the green light to leave Ukraine’s Black Sea ports on Friday, carrying just over 58,000 tons of corn, in a move that will raise hopes further for the success of a UN initiative aimed at lowering prices of essential foods and easing the global crisis. The Joint Coordination Centre… Continue reading More lifesaving grain shipments authorized to leave Ukraine

The United Nations continues to engage with authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the wake of the deadly shooting this past weekend involving peacekeepers from its Mission there, MONUSCO.  On Thursday, the head of UN Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, briefed a closed-door session of the Security Council to discuss the situation in… Continue reading DR Congo: UN regrets Government move to expel Mission spokesperson

A powerful new sculpture unveiled at UN Headquarters on Wednesday honours the memory and mission of two human rights experts who were murdered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) five years ago.  Speaking at the ceremony, UN Secretary-General António Guterres again expressed deepest condolences to the families of Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp,… Continue reading New sculpture at UN honours rights experts killed in DR Congo