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With humanitarian needs in Syria at their highest levels since the start of the civil war more than 11 years ago, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed on Monday for the Security Council to renew a resolution on delivering lifesaving aid to millions in northwest Syria, through cross-border operations from neighbouring Türkiye.  Overall, more than 14… Continue reading Syria: Guterres underlines ‘moral imperative’ to continue cross-border aid operation from Türkiye

The Secretary-General strongly condemned on Sunday, an attack in Kidal, a city in northern Mali, against a convoy of UN peacekeepers that claimed the life of a blue helmet. The Guinean peacekeeper was killed by an improvised explosive device, which detonated during a UN Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) mine detection operation. “The Secretary-General conveys… Continue reading Mali: Latest attack against UN peacekeepers leaves Guinean ‘blue helmet’ dead

In Colombia, decades of violence and armed conflict created significant obstacles to human development and sustainable peace. To encourage the private sector to move back into hard-hit areas, the UN is financing an innovative project that is supporting local businesses and providing sorely needed job opportunities. For Mélida Montero, coffee is more than a drink.… Continue reading Bringing jobs to Colombia’s conflict-affected communities

After two decades of dictatorship, The Gambia is on the road towards democracy and respect for human rights, The UN is working closely with the government on this journey, a process that involves facing up to the country’s violent past. For Isatou Ceesay and Tombong Njie, the term “witch hunt” is not metaphorical. Under the… Continue reading Building peace: Plotting a route towards democracy in The Gambia

Sweltering conditions in Europe have come earlier than expected this year but the bad news is, they’re the shape of things to come. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the intense heatwave made its way from North Africa. The UN agency explained that an Atlantic low-pressure system between the Azores and Madeira is fuelling the… Continue reading ‘Surprise’ early heatwave in Europe, harbinger of things to come

The current global economic paradigm of infinite growth based on using up a finite amount of resources, such as fossil fuels, will only deliver a “permanent triple whammy of inflation, climate chaos and conflict”, the UN chief warned on Friday. António Guterres was addressing the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate in Washington DC, convened… Continue reading World has ‘gambled on fossil fuels and lost’, warns Guterres

She called for greater support for the Caribbean nation as protracted insecurity and prolonged political uncertainty, together with the dire economic situation and growing humanitarian needs, are severely hampering development and undermining peacebuilding efforts.   Briefing the Security Council, Special Representative Helen La Lime called on Member States to provide greater support to #Haiti and… Continue reading Haiti must remain at ‘forefront’ of international agenda, Security Council hears

One-third of Sudan’s population, or 15 million people, are facing acute food insecurity, according to a new assessment released on Thursday by the World Food Programme (WFP).  The Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment (CFSVA) shows that the combined effects of economic and political crises; conflict and displacement; climate shocks; and a poor harvest in… Continue reading Sudan: One-third of population faces acute food insecurity 

A UN-partnered bid to address the use of explosive weapons in towns and cities took a further step forward on Thursday, as Member States prepared to gather in Geneva to examine a concrete new plan of action. The development has been driven by the recognition that civilians are at increased risk from armed conflicts that… Continue reading Urban warfare needs new curbs on explosive weapons, urge humanitarians

A staggering 100 million people have now been forced to flee their homes globally, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Thursday, highlighting worldwide food insecurity, the climate crisis, war in Ukraine and other emergencies from Africa to Afghanistan as leading causes. “Every year of the last decade, the numbers have climbed,” said UNHCR chief… Continue reading More than 100 million now forcibly displaced: UNHCR report

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned a weekend attack in Burkina Faso that left dozens of civilians dead and displaced scores more, his Spokesperson said on Wednesday.  The incident occurred on Saturday night when armed men launched an assault on the town of Seytenga, located in the Sahel region in the north of the country. … Continue reading Burkina Faso: UN chief condemns brutal attack that left scores dead

“At this time of proliferating crises, the international community must pursue proven strategies for peace and stability. Protecting and promoting women’s rights is such a strategy,” he said during the debate, highlighting the positive role regional organizations have played in protecting and advancing the key agenda. ‘A question of power’ Although gender equality offers a… Continue reading Promoting women’s rights, a ‘proven’ strategy for peace and stability

Ambassadors were briefed by two top UN officials who provided an update on the impact of the agreement between the Government and Houthi rebels, which was recently renewed for an additional two months, while also outlining the challenges that remain.  Grundberg outlines to #UNSC plans including working with the parties to consolidate &implement all truce… Continue reading Yemen truce holding, but full measures still not in place

António Guterres was speaking at the Sixth Austrian World Summit on the climate crisis, convened by the Austrian Government and former Governor of California and Hollywood actor turned climate activist, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mr. Guterres repeated his call for G20 leading economies to “dismantle coal infrastructure, with a full phase-out by 2030 for OECD countries and… Continue reading Climate change: More fossil fuel investment, just ‘delusional’, warns Guterres

“What we are witnessing today is the systematic and widespread use of tactics against civilians, in respect of which there are reasonable grounds to believe the commission of crimes against humanity and war crimes”, High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet told the Human Rights Council. ‘Dire situation’ Since last year’s coup, at least 1,900 killings by the… Continue reading Myanmar: Cycle of ‘human rights violations and abuses’ continues, warns Bachelet

Food assistance to 1.7 million people in South Sudan has been suspended, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday, citing a funding crunch and rising needs. The agency said that had left humanitarians essentially in ‘famine-prevention mode”. 🚨 🆘 ALERT: The suspension of assistance comes at the worst possible time for the people… Continue reading South Sudan: UN humanitarians forced to cut aid to 1.7 million people

A social media campaign launched on Monday by the United Nations aims to bring the world closer to preventing a decaying supertanker, anchored off Yemen, from causing an oil spill that could spell disaster for the region and beyond.  The goal is to raise funds to start the $80 million emergency operation to transfer oil… Continue reading Yemen: UN launches crowdfunding campaign to head off decaying oil tanker threat

Noeleen Heyzer said that since she took up the job six months ago, Myanmar has “continued to descend into profound and widespread conflict”. Already one of the world’s largest refugee emergencies, she reminded that multidimensional crises there have left over one million internally displaced people (IDPs) across the country with “serious regional and international ramifications”. Nearly… Continue reading Myanmar’s multidimensional crises have ‘deepened and expanded dramatically’

El-Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali, urged ambassadors to support the renewal of the mandate of the UN Mission there, MINUSMA, which he heads.  Although the West African country continues to face political, security and humanitarian challenges, “they are far from being insurmountable,” he said.  Deep aspirations  “If anything, the Malian people…harbor… Continue reading Mali: Support ‘deep aspiration’ for reform, top envoy urges Security Council

Now measures are underway to dismantle the human trafficking networks operating within the Dzaleka Refugee Camp, identify and rescue their victims, and bring those responsible to justice. “The situation was much worse than we first envisaged,” says UNODC’s Maxwell Matewere, who initially visited the camp in October 2020, where he trained camp staff and law… Continue reading Refugees at risk: UN uncovers human trafficking at camp in Malawi

The UN issued a statement on Saturday calling for attacks on civilians by multiple armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to “immediately cease”. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the UN was “concerned over the deteriorating security situation…and the increase of attacks against civilians by the Cooperative for Development of the Congo (CODECO) and the M23 as… Continue reading UN calls on militants in eastern DR Congo to ‘immediately cease’ civilian attacks

These future maritime leaders, studying at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, based in the Egyptian coastal city of Alexandria, also used two powerful symbols in their video: an anchor, immediately recognizable in any language, and Semaphore, another universal way to communicate on the high seas, using flags.  Spelling it out  Arms… Continue reading Maritime students send special SOS to upcoming UN Ocean Conference 

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, on Friday condemned the death sentence handed down to three foreign fighters in Ukraine by a court in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. “Such trials against prisoners of war amount to a war crime,” said OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani. The three men – Britons Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner,… Continue reading Death sentence for Ukraine foreign fighters is a war crime: UN rights office

It is essential to close the gap between the great potential of the Americas region and the daily struggles facing its people, UN Secretary-António Guterres told senior officials from across the hemisphere on Thursday.  The UN chief was speaking at this year’s Summit of the Americas, convened by United States President Joseph Biden in Los… Continue reading Forge prosperous, democratic, equitable societies, Guterres tells Americas summit

Five countries have been elected to serve as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council following a vote in the General Assembly on Thursday.  Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland will join the UN body responsible for the maintenance of global peace and security, beginning in January 2023.  Today, the General Assembly elected: 🇪🇨Ecuador –… Continue reading Five countries elected to serve on UN Security Council

Christian Ritscher, who also heads the Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD), upheld that those responsible must be identified, tried, and convicted “at the national and international level.” “Only by prosecuting and referring to such barbaric acts as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, will we be able to… Continue reading ‘Great progress’ being made bringing Da’esh/ISIL terrorists to justice, Security Council hears

An estimated 1.6 billion people in 94 countries are exposed to at least one dimension of the crisis, with around 1.2 billion living in “perfect-storm” countries severely vulnerable to all three dimensions, the policy brief by the Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) has revealed.  The impact of the war in Ukraine on food security, energy… Continue reading Act now to end food, energy and finance crisis, Guterres urges world leaders

If you’re a Ukrainian living in a hard-to-reach part of a city under fire, the chances of the UN being able to get lifesaving aid to you and your family are improving, thanks to an innovative partnership announced on Wednesday, between the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and global transportation platform, Uber. With conventional aid… Continue reading Ukraine: WFP teams up with Uber, in boost for pinpoint aid deliveries

Ensuring a healthy and productive ocean that serves the whole planet, is a “collective responsibility” that can only be fulfilled by working together, the UN chief told an celebratory event marking World Oceans Day on Wednesday. In his message, Secretary-General António Guterres recalled that the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, are… Continue reading ‘Revitalize our seas’ UN chief urges on World Oceans Day

As part of ongoing international efforts to address growing concerns over global food security linked to the war in Ukraine, a top UN official on Wednesday urged countries not to slap restrictions on the export of foodstuffs that are in such short supply elsewhere. “Food insecurity and high prices can become a trigger for instability,” said Qu… Continue reading Food exports must keep flowing worldwide, FAO chief urges

At the end of the month, world leaders, youth, entrepreneurs, and civil society will gather in Lisbon, Portugal, for the second UN Ocean Conference, to mobilize action and jumpstart science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of global ocean action. Co-hosted by Portugal and Kenya, the event will be a platform to effectively… Continue reading INTERVIEW: ‘Deliver the care our ocean needs – together’, urge co-hosts of UN conference

The creator of a women-only rapid intervention team who leads riot control activities inside the Central African Republic’s biggest all male high-security prison, was named the winner of a prestigious new UN award on Tuesday. Téné Maïmouna Zoungrana, of Burkina Faso, serves with the UN Mission in CAR, MINUSCA. She received the United Nations Trailblazer… Continue reading Top woman prison officer with UN Mission in CAR, wins first ever Trailblazer Award

The UN Secretary-General has condemned “in the strongest terms” a brutal attack on a Catholic church in southwest Nigeria at the weekend, which left at least 50 people dead and wounded dozens more. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, António Guterres described the attack in the St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, as “heinous”,… Continue reading Nigeria: Guterres condemns ‘heinous’ church attack which left dozens dead

Allegations of sexual violence by Russian troops in Ukraine are mounting, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Monday, expressing regret over a stark discrepancy between that painful reality, and the global community’s ambition to end the use of rape as a weapon of war. Pramila Patten, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Sexual… Continue reading Reports of sexual violence in Ukraine rising fast, Security Council hears

The annual UN Climate Change Conference in the German city of Bonn began on Monday, designed to lay the groundwork for a successful COP27, due to take place in the Egyptian coastal resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh next November. Governments are meeting for the first time since the conclusion of COP26 in Glasgow last November, which saw… Continue reading ‘We can do better, we must’ declares departing UN climate change chief, as COP27 looms on horizon

The devastating harm caused by explosive weapons falling on population centres has been seen again and again, from Syria to Ethiopia, Myanmar and Iraq. The flood of images coming out of Ukraine have shocked many. On top of the deaths, the use of these weapons is a cause for long-term harm, destroying livelihoods, and vital… Continue reading Protecting civilians from explosive weapons in conflict: 5 things you should know

The Stockholm+50 environment conference came to a close on Friday with a call for real commitments to urgently address global environmental concerns, and for a just transition to sustainable economies, that work for all. “We came to Stockholm 50 years after the UN Conference on the Human Environment knowing that something must change. Knowing that,… Continue reading Stockholm+50 issues call for urgent environmental and economic transformation

Two Egyptian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in Mali, MINUSMA, were killed on Friday – the second fatal attack this week on a peacekeeping convoy in the West African country.  The blue helmets were killed, and another injured, when their Armoured Personnel Carrier hit an improvised explosive device outside the town of Douentza, located… Continue reading Mali: UN condemns second ‘cowardly’ attack in three days against peacekeepers

“It is vital we safeguard the health of its atmosphere, the richness and diversity of life on Earth, its ecosystems and its finite resources.  But we are failing to do so,” said the UN chief.   “We are asking too much of our planet to maintain ways of life that are unsustainable,” he cautioned, noting… Continue reading World Environment Day: Earth ‘cannot keep up with our demands’

Mental health support must be included in national responses to climate change, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a new policy brief, launched on Friday at the Stockholm+50 environmental summit.  Climate change poses serious risks to people’s mental health and well-being, the agency said, which concurs with a report published in February by the… Continue reading Make mental health support part of climate action plans: WHO

There’s no doubt that food loss and waste, has been undermining the sustainability of our food systems. In an effort to counter this, some small businesses around the world are putting the focus on new sustainable waste management practices. UN News paid a visit to one such project recently, in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, where the… Continue reading Zero waste: The Portuguese business turning leftover fish into dog treats

Strengthening accountability and justice for serious violations of international law, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, was the focus of debate in the UN Security Council on Thursday.  Ambassadors were briefed by the President of the UN’s highest court, the UN human rights chief, and an Oxford University law professor, who advocated for… Continue reading Security Council debates tightening laws to deter crimes against humanity

A truce between the Government in Yemen and Houthi rebels has been renewed for an additional two months, UN Special Envoy for the country Hans Grundberg announced on Thursday.  “By agreeing to implementing and now renewing the truce, the parties have provided a rare glimmer of hope to Yemenis that an end to this devastating… Continue reading Top UN Envoy hails two-month renewal of Yemen truce

Global wellbeing is at risk – and it’s in large part because we haven’t kept our promises on the environment – UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Thursday. Although there have been successes in protecting the planet since 1972, including rescuing the ozone layer, Mr. Guterres warned that “Earth’s natural systems cannot keep up with our demands”. Triple… Continue reading Rescue us from our environmental ‘mess’, UN chief urges Stockholm summit

For roughly an hour, the convoy came under direct fire from suspected members of a terrorist group using small arms and rocket launchers.  Four Jordanian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in Mali, MINUSMA, were injured in the attack, one of whom died from his injuries after being evacuated.  Under constant threat   The Mission… Continue reading Mali: Deadly convoy attack ‘tragic reminder’ of threats to peacekeepers

Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine is causing immense suffering and devastation there, but also creating a “perfect storm” which could devastate the economies of “many developing countries”, the UN chief warned on Wednesday. UN Secretary-General António Guterres was speaking in Sweden alongside Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, where he is attending the Stockholm+50 conference, which he… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘Perfect storm’ threatens economic devastation in developing world

In Ukraine, nearly 100 days since the Russian invasion, at least two children have been killed every day with many more injured, UN humanitarians said on Wednesday, the International Day for Protection of Children. Highlighting the devastating and lasting consequences of the war on millions of the country’s youngsters, UN Children’s Fund UNICEF, maintained that… Continue reading Ukraine: At least two children killed in war every day, says UNICEF

The recent resurgence of the M23 armed group in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) constitutes a serious threat to peace, security and stability in the region, and urgent action towards curbing the violence is needed, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Tuesday.  “It is imperative that this Council lend… Continue reading Security Council urged to support efforts to end M23 insurgency in DR Congo

Sometime before the COVID-19 pandemic, Cassie Flynn was heading to work on a rush-hour packed New York City subway train. As the Strategic Advisor on Climate Change for the UN Development Programme (UNDP), she often used the monotony of the commute to think of innovative ways to get ordinary people involved in the climate fight,… Continue reading Video games for climate action: winning solutions for the planet

A young Cambodian woman says it is her dream to help remove all land mines from the south of Lebanon and improve living conditions for all people living under the threat of death or injury. Decades of civil conflict have left Lebanon with a legacy of hundreds of thousands of land mines and cluster munitions… Continue reading People for Peace: Dreaming of a mine-free Lebanon

It’s been five decades since Sweden hosted the world’s first conference to make the environment a major issue, in recognition of the “human sacrifice zone” it could become if we fail to look after it, according to rights experts. On Monday, ahead of fresh discussions in Stockholm this week to discuss further action, the experts warned… Continue reading Do more for environment or risk planet becoming ‘human sacrifice zone’: UN experts

There is an “urgent need” to support the victims of sexual exploitation and abuse in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) according to a local organization which works on the issue with the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, MONUSCO. The eastern DRC has experienced conflict and instability over many years and many people… Continue reading People for Peace: Supporting victims of sexual abuse in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Talking to UN News ahead of the International Day of Peacekeepers, which is marked annually on 29 May, she explains how she continues to break down gender barriers. “I’m the Coordinator of the Security Teams at the Ngaragba Central Prison in Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic (CAR). This is the largest and most… Continue reading People for Peace: Breaking prison barriers in Central African Republic

From protecting civilians in war-torn areas and building social cohesion, to ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, rebuilding infrastructure, and providing livelihood skills to impoverished communities – peacekeepers work with local and international partners to help create conditions for political solutions and sustainable development. Ahead of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers (29… Continue reading 5 ways UN Peacekeeping partnerships drive peace and development

The Ocean is the planet’s largest ecosystem, regulating the climate, and providing livelihoods for billions. But its health is in danger. The second UN Ocean Conference, due to take place in June, will be an important opportunity to redress the damage that mankind continues to inflict on marine life and livelihoods. With delegates from Member… Continue reading 5 things you should know about the UN Ocean Conference, a chance to save the planet’s largest ecosystem

Delegates from some 184 countries gathered in Bali for the 2022 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction where they reviewed efforts to protect communities against a rising number of climate hazards and other catastrophes globally. The summit concluded with an outcome document entitled the Bali Agenda for Resilience, which aims to prevent the world from… Continue reading ‘Think resilience’ to protect against climate and other catastrophes

Israelis and Palestinians must push beyond the paradigm of managing the conflict and move towards resolving it, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council on Thursday, as he expressed particular concern that dynamics in the occupied West Bank could spiral out of control “at any time”. “There are tangible, ongoing arrangements… Continue reading Resolve the conflict, don’t just manage it, top envoy tells Israelis, Palestinians

“We are concerned that the protracted political impasse is having an increasingly negative impact on security,” said Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo. “A coordinated and constructive effort is required to prevent further polarization and end the political stalemate.” Commendable progress Last week, UN Special Advisor Stephanie Williams convened a second round of… Continue reading ‘Protracted political impasse’ further polarizing Libya

Secretary-General António Guterres began the commemoration by laying a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial at UN Headquarters, in homage of the more than 4,200 blue helmets who have sacrificed their lives over the past seven decades.  ‘Forever in our hearts’  He also honoured the 117 peacekeepers who died last year.  “Our fallen colleagues came from… Continue reading Peacekeepers’ Day ceremony honours service and sacrifice of UN blue helmets

From protecting civilians in war-torn areas and building social cohesion, to ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, rebuilding infrastructure, and providing livelihood skills to impoverished communities – peacekeepers work with local and international partners to help create conditions for political solutions and sustainable development. Ahead of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers (29 May) whose… Continue reading 5 ways UN Peacekeeping partnerships drive peace and development

The UN Syria Commission of Inquiry said on Thursday that not extending current cross-border aid to Syria along the remaining route, would be a “failure of the highest order”. The warning to the Security Council comes as humanitarian needs throughout Syria are at their highest, since the start of the devastating 11-year war. Calling on… Continue reading UN Syria Commission: ‘unconscionable to consider closing last border crossing’

Updating the ambassadors on the latest UN report on protecting civilians in armed conflict, Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of the Coordination Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said that hostilities in densely populated areas, “sharply” increased the risks of death and injury for civilians. “When explosive weapons were used in populated areas,… Continue reading ‘Grim reality’ of war’s deadly toll on civilians laid bare in Security Council

The attempted destruction of Ukraine’s historic culture by invading Russian forces, will have a devastating impact on the pace of recovery in the post-war era, an independent UN human rights expert warned on Wednesday.  “As in other conflicts, we currently witness the unfolding of suffering in Ukraine that does not seem to end and we… Continue reading Cultural destruction in Ukraine by Russian forces will reverberate for years, UN rights expert warns

Governments must take greater action to ensure school remains a safe place for boys and girls, the head of the UN children’s agency, UNICEF, said on Wednesday, following the latest deadly school shooting in the United States.  At least 19 children and two teachers were killed on Tuesday when 18-year-old gunman Salvador Ramos opened fire… Continue reading UNICEF urges leaders to keep schools safe following deadly Texas shooting

Ms. Mohammed was speaking at the opening of the Seventh Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction – the first international forum on the issue since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic – bringing together governments, the UN and key stakeholders. During the three-day meeting, participants will take stock of implementation of a 2015 agreement known as the… Continue reading Disaster prevention, risk reduction, critical to sustainable future: UN deputy chief

Time is short for Sudan to reach a solution to its protracted political crisis, the Special Representative for the country told the Security Council on Tuesday, warning that if the impasse is not urgently overcome, the consequences will be felt beyond national borders, impacting a whole generation. “The crisis facing Sudan is entirely homegrown and… Continue reading Time is short for Sudan to resolve political crisis, Mission chief warns

Commending Military Observer Major Winnet Zharare, 39, as “a role model and a trailblazer”, Secretary-General António Guterres, will present her with the award on Thursday during a ceremony marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. ‘Building trust, advocating for peace’ Throughout her 17-month-long service with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Major Zharare advocated for gender parity… Continue reading First Zimbabwean peacekeeper wins UN 2021 gender advocate award

In their red school uniforms, with backpacks on their heads to protect from falling debris, More than 200 students and teachers from Tanjong Benoa Elementary School on the Indonesian island of Bali, filed calmly up three flights of stairs to the rooftop of a hotel, close to their classrooms. Thankfully, the alarm that prompted them… Continue reading Deputy UN chief praises resilience of Bali students in face of disaster threats

Today’s college graduates can become the generation to succeed “where my generation has failed” the UN chief said on Tuesday, urging the class of 2022, not to work for “climate wreckers” in industries that continue to profit from fossil fuels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres was delivering the commencement address at Seton Hall University in New Jersey,… Continue reading ‘Don’t work for climate wreckers’ UN chief tells graduates, in push to a renewable energy future

Over-consumption in the world’s richest countries is creating unhealthy, dangerous, and toxic conditions for children globally, according to a new report published on Tuesday by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). “Not only are the majority of rich countries failing to provide healthy environments for children within their borders, they are also contributing to the destruction… Continue reading World’s richest countries damaging child health worldwide: UNICEF

Captain Abdelrazakh – who joined the UN Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in January 2021 – was deployed at the Aguelhok Super Camp in the northeast when it was attacked by an armed terrorist group attempting to seize the base and its outposts. He led a bold counterattack to defend the camp, protect the… Continue reading Fallen Chadian Captain wins second-ever UN peacekeeping award for ‘exceptional courage’

James Swan, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) urged both the authorities and the international community to capitalize on this “moment of opportunity”.  Spirit of collaboration  “We call on Somali leaders to work together in a spirit of collaboration and national purpose. We call on Somalia’s international friends and partners, including… Continue reading International community urged to support new administration in Somalia

A portable solar generator in a black case, and an eggplant grown in organic soil, were among the diverse items that a group of young climate leaders in Jakarta shared with the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed this weekend, embodying their own personal inspiration, and efforts to advance the fight against climate change. She was… Continue reading ‘We Have to Make Peace with Nature’: UN Deputy Chief meets inspiring young climate leaders in Indonesia

“We have a critical opportunity to build consensus on how digital technologies can be used for the good of people and the planet, while addressing their risks,” Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, told the Security Council. “But collective action by Member States remains essential towards this goal”. New technologies support political processes,… Continue reading More consensus needed over digital technology for ‘people and the planet’

Three-quarters of the land-based environment and about 66% of the marine environment have been significantly altered by human actions. On the International Day for Biological Diversity, the UN Secretary-General urged to end the ‘senseless and destructive war against nature’. “Biodiversity is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, ending the existential threat of climate change,… Continue reading Biodiversity Day: UN chief calls to ‘build a shared future for all life’

With a scorching summer fast approaching, food prices rising and access to water and electricity limited in many parts of Syria, donors must make good on $4.3 billion in humanitarian pledges committed at last week’s Brussels funding conference, the UN’s senior humanitarian official told the Security Council on Friday. Martin Griffiths, Humanitarian Affairs chief and… Continue reading Syria: ‘Largest-ever number’ in need, warns UN relief chief

Climate change is set to increase pressure significantly on people’s access to water and sanitation unless governments do more to prepare key infrastructure now, the UN warned on Friday.    “Climate change is already posing serious challenges to water and sanitation systems in countries around the world,” said Thomas Croll-Knight, spokesperson for the UN Economic Commission… Continue reading Climate change threatening access to water and sanitation

Some 60 per cent of the world’s undernourished people live in areas affected by conflict he said, adding that “no country is immune”. Conflict means hunger Last year, most of the 140 million people suffering acute hunger around the world lived in just ten countries: Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Haiti, Nigeria,… Continue reading Food insecurity threatens societies, exacerbates conflicts and ‘no country is immune’

A record 59.1 million people were displaced within their homelands last year, or four million more than in 2020, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Thursday, citing the latest Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID).  IOM has welcomed the report, produced by its partner the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), calling it a… Continue reading More than 59 million internally displaced in 2021

Mali’s decision on 15 May to withdraw from the G5-Sahel group and its Joint Force is “unfortunate” and “regrettable”, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council on Wednesday, as she urged countries in the region to redouble efforts to protect human rights, amid protracted political and security crises.  Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant… Continue reading Mali’s withdrawal from G5 Sahel, Joint Force ‘a setback’ for the region 

Greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rises, ocean heat levels and acidification, all set new records during 2021, while some glaciers reached the point of no return, according to the latest flagship report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), published on Wednesday. The State of the Climate 2021 indicates that extreme weather – the day-to-day face… Continue reading ‘Lifeline’ of renewable energy can steer world out of climate crisis: Guterres

“National elections took place well over seven months ago and multiple deadlines for the formation of a government have been missed,” Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert told the Security Council. Comprise needed She pointed out that while political leaders subscribe to the notion of dialogue, the necessary willingness to compromise is painfully absent. Noting that notorious… Continue reading UN envoy urges Iraqi politicians to ‘roll up sleeves’ and meet peoples’ aspirations

“Armed violence has reached unimaginable and intolerable levels in Haiti,” High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said, urging the Haitian authorities, with the support of the international community, to promptly restore the rule of law and protect people from the fighting. Downward spiralling situation Between 24 April and 16 May, at least 92 people unaffiliated with gangs… Continue reading Haiti: Armed violence reaches ‘unimaginable and intolerable levels’

Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated the Lebanese people on the passage of the vote, the first elections since the devastating explosions in Beirut’s port area in 2020, which killed more than 200, and exacerbated an economic crisis which has led to shortages of food, fuel and basic medicines. “Despite the challenging circumstances, the authorities demonstrated their commitment… Continue reading Lebanon elections: Guterres calls for ‘swift formation’ of inclusive Government

Investigators probing allegations of war crimes in the Ukraine conflict must work closely together and in compliance with international standards of forensic best practice, the UN expert on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions said on Monday.  Special Rapporteur Morris Tidball-Binz called on the international community to step up support for Ukraine’s own investigations, and welcomed… Continue reading Ukraine: Support for war crimes investigations ‘of paramount importance’

Hans Grunberg noted that the first flight to leave the Houthi-controlled airport in Sana’a – since not long after fighting intensified between the rebel forces there and the Saudi-backed coalition supporting the internationally-recognized Government – had been a key part of the Truce agreement last month. “This should be a moment of coming together to… Continue reading Return of commercial flights from Yemeni capital after 6 years, an ‘important’ step

The United Nations in Somalia welcomed the conclusion of the country’s presidential election held on Sunday, praising the “positive” nature of the electoral process and peaceful transfer of power. The United Nations in Somalia welcomed the conclusion of the country’s presidential election held on Sunday, praising the “positive” nature of the electoral process and peaceful transfer of power. “I would… Continue reading Somalia: UN welcomes end of fairly contested presidential election, calls for unity

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday appealed for greater harmony one day after 10 people were killed, and three wounded, in a racist attack at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York. The suspect, 18-year-old Payton S. Gendron, who is white, live-streamed the attack, which was carried out at a Tops supermarket in a predominantly black… Continue reading Guterres condemns deadly ‘vile act of racist violent extremism’ at supermarket in Buffalo, USA

Governments, cities, companies, and communities around the world are taking action to address a significant and growing threat to wildlife, including many species of migratory birds – light pollution. The issue is the focus for World Migratory Bird Day, observed this Saturday, 14 April, under the theme “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night.” Light… Continue reading World Migratory Bird Day illuminates the dark side of light pollution

Amid new claims by Moscow of a covert biological weapons programme in Ukraine, the Director of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) affirmed on Friday that the UN is not aware of any such programme and has neither the mandate nor the technical operational capacity to investigate it – a message first delivered to the Security Council on… Continue reading Ukraine: Amid fresh Russian claims, no trace of secret bioweapons programme 

Humanity is “at a crossroads” when it comes to managing drought and accelerating ways of slowing it down must happen “urgently, using every tool we can”, said the head of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on Thursday, calling for a global commitment to support drought preparedness and resilience. Through its newly published Drought in… Continue reading World ‘at a crossroads’ as droughts increase nearly a third in a generation

The top UN official in the Middle East has urged Israel to halt all settlement activity following the latest approval given to new construction in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, announced on Thursday.  “I condemn today’s decision by Israeli authorities to advance plans for over 4,000 housing units in settlements in the occupied West Bank,” Tor… Continue reading UN envoy condemns latest Israeli settlement expansion plan

“Our recent efforts to evacuate civilians in the east has shown us that there is good will and common ground for us to build on between the parties,” she told ambassadors.    Monumental feat Joint operations by the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) resulted in more than 600 people being evacuated… Continue reading Mariupol evacuations ‘a glimmer of hope’ in Ukraine war

On the very first International Day of Plant Health, marked on Thursday, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has called for more investment in innovation to boost food security, especially for the billions worldwide living close to the bread line. Plants under threat Healthy plants have the power to help end hunger, reduce poverty,… Continue reading UN spotlights plant health, crucial for boosting food security worldwide

High Representative Christian Schmidt said that more than 26 years after the signing of the General Framework Agreement for Peace – known as the Dayton Accords – citizens are once again talking about the possibility of another conflict, posing the risk of inflammatory incidents.  “The conflict in Ukraine, not so far away, is a sobering… Continue reading Another European war ‘not an impossibility’; Unity crucial in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The FSO Safer, which is holding more than a million barrels of oil, has been described as a “time bomb” because it is at risk of causing a major spill, either from leaking, breaking apart or exploding.  The commitments were made at a pledging conference in The Hague, co-sponsored by the UN and the Netherlands,… Continue reading Yemen: $33 million pledged to address decaying oil tanker threat

The world is facing “multiple and interlinked global crises,” the UN chief told journalists in Austria on Wednesday during a joint press conference with Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Expressing his “deep gratitude” for the country’s “unwavering commitment to multilateralism,” Secretary-General António Guterres said that support and commitment are “more critical today… Continue reading Dialogue and cooperation needed for ‘interlinked global crises’ UN chief says in Austria

The latest deadly prison violence in Ecuador has again highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of the country’s criminal justice system, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday.  More than 44 people died, and over a dozen were injured, after riots broke out on Monday at the prison, located in the… Continue reading Ecuador: Latest prison riot highlights need for criminal justice reform

“As a moral duty, a legal obligation, and a strategic imperative – let’s put human rights where they belong: Front and centre in the fight against terror,” Mr. Guterres said in a video message to the High-Level International conference on Human Rights, Civil Society and Counter-Terrorism.  The two-day event is taking place against the backdrop… Continue reading Human rights must be ‘front and centre’ in the fight against terrorism: Guterres

More than 90 per cent of Syrians live in poverty, gender-based violence and risks to children are on the rise, and potential exposure to explosive ordnance remains high. Moreover, food insecurity has soared to new records as 12 million Syrians go hungry every day and nearly one-in-two children are missing school – leaving them vulnerable… Continue reading UN launches joint appeal for Syria: ‘Apathy is not an option’

There is a 50:50 chance of average global temperature reaching 1.5 degrees Celcius above pre-industrial levels in the next five years, and the likelihood is increasing with time, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), published on Tuesday in Geneva.  The Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update also reveals a 93… Continue reading Climate: World getting ‘measurably closer’ to 1.5-degree threshold

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to investigate deadly armed group attacks in Djugu Territory, Ituri Province, on Sunday. At least 38 civilians, including women and children, were killed in the attacks carried out by the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo (CODECO) at the Blakete-Plitu… Continue reading DR Congo: UN chief calls for probe into deadly armed attack on mining site

Against the backdrop of a UNCCD warning that up to 40 per cent of all ice-free land has already degraded, threatening dire consequences for climate, biodiversity, and livelihoods, world leaders are meeting in Abidjan under the theme of “Land, Life. Legacy: From scarcity to prosperity”. “We are faced with a crucial choice,” Deputy Secretary-General Amina… Continue reading High-level UN conference debates precious commodity: Land

The World Council of Churches (WCC), UNEP, Muslim Council of Elders, and NY Board of Rabbis have all signed the Climate-Responsible Finance – A moral imperative and responsibility to all children and the living world. “We, leaders of the undersigned organizations, affirm our commitment to engaging with the financial institutions through which we bank, invest,… Continue reading UN joins faith-based initiative for shift towards climate-responsible finance

Bilohorivka is close to the Government-held city of Severodonetsk, where heavy fighting was reported in the suburbs on Saturday. “This attack is yet another reminder that in this war, as in so many other conflicts, it is civilians that pay the highest price,” Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement on behalf of the UN chief. According to… Continue reading Ukraine: UN chief condemns school attack; welcomes new evacuees to Mariupol

Chisinau in spring – there are chestnut trees in bloom, music pouring from sidewalk cafés, children and young people everywhere. However, it just seems peaceful in the capital of Moldova, if you listen you can hear everyone speaking about the war, discussing the latest news from Ukraine and exchanging alarming prognoses. Since 24 February, over… Continue reading Moldova: ‘A small country with a big heart’

The UN chief welcomed on Friday afternoon, the unity of the Security Council in support of peace in Ukraine, while also assuring that he would continue to “spare no effort” in saving lives, reducing suffering and finding the path of peace. “As I have often said, the world must come together to silence the guns… Continue reading Security Council ‘speaks with one voice for peace in Ukraine’

Ports in the Odesa area of southern Ukraine must be re-opened urgently to prevent the global hunger crisis from spinning out of control, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday.  The move would allow for food produced in the war-torn country to flow freely to the rest of the world as well as avoid… Continue reading WFP appeals for re-opening of Ukraine ports to avert looming famine threat

Already reeling from COVID-19, the fighting in Ukraine has introduced significant and worrying new risks likely to heavily impact Africa, UN development experts warned on Friday. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will effect food security on the continent, both through availability and pricing of imported food, along with rising uncertainties in global financial markets and supply… Continue reading Africa: COVID has ‘pushed back’ democracy, Ukraine war further raises risks 

Ten weeks into the war in Ukraine, UN humanitarians on Friday said that they were urgently ramping up efforts to provide vulnerable children with specialist and psychosocial support, amid “tremendous” mental health needs and ongoing dangers linked to the Russian invasion and sexual and gender-based violence. “We’re anticipating numbers in terms of all forms of violence against children… Continue reading UNICEF highlights devastating mental health dangers for Ukraine’s children

“I said the same thing in Moscow as I did in Kyiv…Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a violation of its territorial integrity and of the Charter of the United Nations,” he told the Ambassadors.     “It must end for the sake of the people of Ukraine, Russia, and the entire world…the cycle of death, destruction, dislocation… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘Cycle of death, destruction’ must stop, UN chief tells Security Council

A veteran Cameroonian activist working to preserve her country’s forests, and improve the lives of people who depend on them, is the latest winner of a UN-backed international environmental prize.  Cécile Ndjebet is the recipient of the 2022 Wangari Maathai Forest Champions Award by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), which is chaired by the… Continue reading Champion of women’s right to manage land and forests wins top environment prize

The UN’s leading expert on issues facing children caught up in war, on Thursday released a new analysis on the importance of considering how gender differences impact young people during armed conflicts. The study, The Gender Dimensions of Grave Violations Against Children In Armed Conflict, sheds light on the importance of better understanding the various risks… Continue reading New study outlines importance of gender for children caught up in conflict

“Acute hunger is soaring to unprecedented levels and the global situation just keeps on getting worse,” said David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP).  The annual report from the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC) – an international alliance of the UN, European Union (EU), governmental and non-governmental agencies – shines a… Continue reading Better prevention and targeting of root causes needed to combat food crises

The “enormous challenges” faced by the northeastern Nigerian state of Borno, which include a continuing terrorist insurgency, need to be recognized by the international community to create what the UN Secretary-General has called a “state of hope and a state of reality”, in a region which he said did not live up to its reputation… Continue reading Recognize ‘enormous challenges’ facing northern Nigeria to forge new hope, Guterres urges

This is Ouallam district one of the hottest places in Niger, in one of the hottest countries in Africa, where rain falls rarely and sparingly but where shattered communities can find a refuge from the increasing acts of violence and terrorist activity which have struck the region. Ouallam and two other neighbouring districts in northern… Continue reading A refuge from terror in Niger, as UN Chief pledges to be voice for the displaced

Pramila Patten, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative working to end rape in war, was speaking at a press conference in the capital, Kyiv.  Wartime rape can no longer be dismissed as an “inevitable byproduct of war”. It must be recognized by all parties as a crime that can be prevented and punished. https://t.co/6YYFoJJwQH — UN Against… Continue reading Ukraine war: UN signs framework to assist survivors of sexual violence

Clashes in Haiti between rival gangs in the capital, Port-au-Prince, have forced hundreds of people to flee their homes, the UN Deputy Spokesperson said on Tuesday. Speaking at the regular daily press briefing, Farhan Haq said that according to the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, in Haiti, unrest has been growing between gang members in… Continue reading Haiti: Gang clashes in capital force hundreds to flee their homes

The Global Forest  Resources Assessment Remote Sensing Survey warned however, that from livestock grazing in South America to the expansion of croplands in Asia, the earth’s tropical rainforests still face a tremendous threat.   “This survey is important, not just for the new numbers it gives us but for what it tells us about forest area… Continue reading Natural resources must be ‘part of the solution’ in fight against deforestation

In Ukraine on Tuesday, UN humanitarians began to help the first evacuees arriving from Mariupol’s devastated Azovstal steel works, more than two months since Russia’s invasion began, and said that they would do everything possible to assist those still trapped. “I’m relieved to confirm that the safe passage operation from Mariupol has been successful. “The… Continue reading Mariupol steel works convoy: UN aids arrivals after going ‘through hell’ on harrowing journey

The number of terrorist attacks in the Sahel region of Africa “continues to increase” according to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who arrived in the capital of Niger, Niamey, on Monday, the second of three countries he is visiting on a tour of West Africa to mark the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Speaking after meeting… Continue reading In Niger, Guterres calls for more resources to fight terror attacks in Africa’s Sahel

Speaking in Dakar, the capital of the West African country, Senegal, on his first visit to the continent since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Guterres said, “when discussing the socio-economic situation, it is impossible not to mention the war in Ukraine and its impact on Africa.”  The UN chief made the remarks after… Continue reading Guterres in Senegal: ‘Triple crisis’ in Africa aggravated by war in Ukraine

A United Nations and Red Cross (ICRC) operation to evacuate desperate civilians trapped in the Azovstal steel plant in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol is underway, the Spokesperson for the humanitarian affairs office in the country confirmed on Sunday. “A safe passage operation…is ongoing today”, said Saviano Abreu, of OCHA in Ukraine, adding that… Continue reading Ukraine: UN-Red Cross operation underway to evacuate civilians from stricken Mariupol plant

The United Nations has condemned a deadly explosion at a Sufi mosque in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, on Friday, which reportedly killed at least 10 people and injured up to 15 more, many of them seriously.  The blast at the Khalifa Sahib mosque, located in the Darulaman area in the west of the city, is the… Continue reading Deadly mosque explosion ‘another painful blow to the people of Afghanistan’

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the historic Chemical Weapons Convention, the Security Council issued a statement on Friday, underscoring the members of the Council’s commitment, to never use them “anywhere, at any time”, or under “under any circumstance” The members also reiterated the call for “the complete destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles and abandoned chemical weapons,” in accordance with what’s formally known as… Continue reading Consign chemical weapons to ‘pages of history’, urges disarmament chief

The extreme heat is impacting hundreds of millions of people in one of the most densely populated parts of the world, threatening to damage whole ecosystems. Working closely with health and disaster management agencies, the national meteorological and hydrological departments in both countries, plan to roll out heat health action plans, which have been successful… Continue reading Extreme heat impacting millions across India and Pakistan

Recent intercommunal violence in areas of West Darfur, Sudan, that has left scores dead, including two health workers, must stop immediately, a senior official with the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.  Nearly 200 civilians were killed over the past six days alone in renewed clashes between the Arab Rzeigat and African Masalit communities,… Continue reading West Darfur: Health workers, children, among 200 killed in ‘senseless and brutal attacks’

“I am here to focus on ways on how the UN can expand support for the people of Ukraine, saving lives, reduce suffering and help find the path of peace”, Secretary-General António Guterres told reporters from across the world gathered in a stately room, with curtains drawn. Shortly after the press conference, two missile strikes reportedly rocked… Continue reading ‘The world sees you’ UN chief tells Ukrainians, pledging to boost support

In early April, 29 countries pledged more than $5 billion to the UN-backed Global Environment Facility (GEF). The Fund said this was “record support, providing a major boost to international efforts to protect biodiversity and curb threats to climate change, plastics and toxic chemicals”. But why this fund? Well, the GEF is a multilateral fund… Continue reading Small solutions, big impacts: 5 community-level projects tackling climate change

UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited sites of suspected war crimes in Ukraine on Thursday, where he condemned the “evil” acts committed against civilians and urged criminal accountability. The UN chief’s visit to the Kyiv suburbs of Borodyanka, Bucha and Irpin comes nine weeks since the Russian invasion began. Mr. Guterres urged Russia “to accept to… Continue reading Guterres in Ukraine: War is ‘evil’ and unacceptable, calls for justice

Volker Türk, Under-Secretary-General for Policy laid out the “multiple, compounding risks” which are stacking up – from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, to climate change, to the threats posed by emerging technologies. “The number of violent conflicts is at the highest level since 1945 with terrible human consequences, seen in record levels of forced displacement and global… Continue reading Sustaining peace, more important, but ‘more complex’ than ever, as wars rage

As part of the UN’s climate action efforts, the Secretary-General’s Net-Zero Expert Group met for the first time on Wednesday, on a mission to develop stronger and clearer standards for net-zero emissions pledges by non-State entities — such as businesses, investors, cities and regions—and speed up their implementation. In a video message, António Guterres thanked… Continue reading ‘We cannot afford greenwashing’: Guterres highlights key role of Net-Zero experts

Although the war in Syria may not be making headlines lately, the international community must remain focused on achieving a comprehensive political solution to the conflict, UN Envoy for the country, Geir Pedersen, said on Tuesday in his latest briefing to the Security Council in New York.  Recalling that Syria is “a hot conflict, not… Continue reading Don’t lose focus on Syria, UN envoy tells Security Council

Human activity and behaviour is contributing to an increasing number of disasters across the world, putting millions of lives in danger, together with a wide range of social and economic gains over recent decades, a new UN report published on Tuesday warns. The Global Assessment Report (GAR2022), released by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)… Continue reading More than one disaster a day looming without action on risk reduction, UN warns

Sand and Sustainability: 10 Strategic Recommendations to Avert a Crisis, makes clear that the world cannot continue to keep taking 50 billion tonnes of sand out of the ground and sea every year without serious consequences.  “Our sand resources are not infinite, and we need to use them wisely,” said Pascal Peduzzi, Director of GRID-Geneva… Continue reading Use sand resources ‘wisely’ or risk development fallout – UNEP report

The defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant, and the city of Slavutich – whose residents maintain the site, which needs constant monitoring to ensure radioactive material does not leak out –  was occupied by Russian troops for over a month. Bogdan Serdyuk, chairman of the union that represents plant workers, recalls the battle near the site, which… Continue reading Heightened security fears on Chernobyl disaster anniversary

The UN General Assembly decided on Tuesday to automatically meet within 10 days, if the veto is used in the Security Council by one of its five permanent members. China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States have the power to veto Security Council resolutions, enshrined in the UN Charter – a right… Continue reading UN General Assembly mandates meeting in wake of any Security Council veto 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed the need to “keep alive the values of multilateralism” amid the war in Ukraine and its fallouts across the globe. Speaking in Moscow on Tuesday, he outlined proposals that would establish conditions to allow for safe evacuations of civilians and delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid, in both the… Continue reading Ukraine war: UN chief arrives for talks in Moscow as ‘messenger of peace’

The figure is more than double the initial appeal published just days after Russia invaded the country on 24 February.  The war in #Ukraine has left at least 15.7 million people in urgent need of life-saving assistance. Humanitarians need $2.25 billion to support 8.7 million of the most vulnerable people inside the country.https://t.co/PCpnlEbQm9 — UN… Continue reading Humanitarians seek $2.25 billion for Ukraine response

Despite “inflammatory rhetoric and violent clashes” between Palestinians and Israeli Security Forces (ISF) at the Holy Sites, Tor Wennesland said that the situation in Jerusalem, remains “relatively calm.” However, rocket launching in Gaza is “undermining the fragile stability that has prevailed since last May,” he continued. “Let me be clear: there is no justification for… Continue reading Middle East: ‘No justification’ for terrorism or violence against civilians, Security Council hears 

Additional peacekeepers have been deployed to Leer county, South Sudan, following a surge of violence, including rapes, gang rapes, beheadings, burning civilians alive, and attacks on humanitarians, the UN Mission in the country, UNMISS, reported on Monday.  UNMISS has strongly condemned the violations committed by armed youth from Koch and Mayendit counties, located in neighouring… Continue reading UN condemns ‘horrific’ surge of violence in South Sudan

The UN’s crisis coordinator in Ukraine called on Sunday for an immediate stop to fighting in besieged Mariupol to allow trapped civilians to leave the city safely. “The lives of tens of thousands including women, children, and older people, are at stake in Mariupol,” said Amin Awad in a statement. “We need a pause in… Continue reading ‘Tomorrow could be too late’: The UN calls for an immediate halt to fighting in Mariupol, Ukraine

The Torres Strait Islands, an autonomous part of Australia, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis, and extreme weather, including storms, rising sea levels and erosion, are a major threat to the indigenous people, who have inhabited the islands for some 70,000 years. With the case ongoing, Mr. Molby and his fellow… Continue reading First Person: Torres Strait Islanders fight the loss of their ancestral home

The UN chief announced on Friday that he will be traveling to Russia to meet with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and will also be received by President Vladimir Putin. Secretary-General António Guterres informed correspondents in a note that on Tuesday, 26 April, he will have a working meeting and lunch with Mr. Lavrov in Moscow.… Continue reading UN Secretary-General to meet with Putin in Moscow

Marking International Mother Earth Day, UN General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid urged on Friday, for collective action to safeguard biodiversity and protect ecosystems. Nature is suffering. Oceans are filling with plastic and turning more acidic; extreme heat, wildfires and floods have affected millions; and we are still facing COVID-19, a worldwide health pandemic linked to the health… Continue reading Biodiversity and ecosystem protection highlighted on Mother Earth Day

OHCHR Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani stressed that the use of force in law enforcement operations is strictly limited and governed by international norms and standards.   Review policies and procedures  “The use of force by Israeli police resulting in widespread injuries among worshippers and staff in and around the Al Aqsa Mosque compound must be promptly,… Continue reading Rights experts call for action to address rising violence in Israel and occupied Palestinian territory

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Friday condemned the “horrors” committed against civilians in Ukraine as the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that it feared the worst in devastated areas of the country’s east and south.  In an appeal to all parties to the conflict to respect internationally agreed rules of war, the High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement that… Continue reading UN’s Bachelet condemns ‘horrors’ faced by Ukraine’s civilians 

But before we get to the exciting stuff, there’s no denying the gravity of the problem. The Earth is facing a ‘triple planetary crisis’: climate disruption, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. “This triple crisis is threatening the well-being and survival of millions of people around the world. The building blocks of happy,… Continue reading Earth Day: 5 ways we’re working to repair the damage to our planet

In honour of David Attenborough’s dedication to research, documentation, and advocacy in protecting and restoring nature, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) announced on Thursday that he is the recipient of the prestigious Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award.  “Sir David Attenborough has devoted his life to documenting the love story between humans and nature, and broadcasting it… Continue reading Earth champion David Attenborough bestowed Lifetime Achievement award

Disarmament research agency UNIDIR called on Thursday for more women to take their rightful place in international security discussions – a move that’s been warmly welcomed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet.  Ms. Bachelet said that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “had created a new threat to the global peace and security that is the… Continue reading Rights chief Bachelet back call for greater women’s role in disarmament talks

“The actions we take now must lead us to…a new social integration based on the principles of prosperity, transformation, adaptation, equity and respect for human rights,” said Martha Delgado, President of the UN-Habitat Assembly. Highlighting urbanization as one of today’s great megatrends, she joined others in calling for resilient, sustainable “smart cities” that are more… Continue reading Sustainable development hinges on fate of world’s cities

Although the overall security situation in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan has remained calm, the “trust deficit” between the two main communities continues to be a great concern, UN Peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the Security Council on Thursday. Mr. Lacroix briefed on the work of UNISFA, the UN Interim Security… Continue reading Security Council hears of ‘trust deficit’ in disputed Abyei region 

Over the past two months, Ukraine has seen “suffering, devastation, and destruction on a massive scale”,  the UN Crisis Coordinator for the country told journalists on Thursday, and echoed the Secretary-General in saying, “we must stop the bloodshed and destruction”. “At least 15.7 million people in Ukraine are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘Massive scale’ devastation, one-quarter of population in need

Pristina and Belgrade must engage more actively in dialogue facilitated by the European Union (EU), the head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)  told the Security Council on Wednesday. “While this process has led to meaningful results on various practical matters, a comprehensive normalization of relations between the two sides so far… Continue reading More dialogue needed to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia

Three weeks have passed since some 500 people were allegedly summarily executed in Moura, a village in central Mali – and UN investigators have yet to be granted access, the UN rights office, OHCHR, said on Wednesday.  According to reports, Malian Armed Forces accompanied by foreign military personnel allegedly carried out killings and other grave violations during… Continue reading Interview: Despite security and political crises, ​​​​​​​UN expert remains optimistic about Mali

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Mr. Guterres has asked President Vladimir Putin to receive him in Moscow and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to receive him in Kyiv.  The letters were handed over to the countries’ UN Missions in New York on Tuesday.  Urgent steps towards peace  “The Secretary-General said, at this time of great peril and… Continue reading UN chief requests meetings with Russian and Ukrainian Presidents

The top UN humanitarian official in the Central African Republic (CAR) on Wednesday underlined the need for safe access to vulnerable people following two recent attacks against aid organizations operating in the south of the country.  Denise Brown, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the CAR, was deeply shocked and dismayed by the attacks, which occurred on… Continue reading UN condemns recent attacks on humanitarians in Central African Republic

The United Nations has condemned the deadly bomb blasts at two educational institutions in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, on Wednesday, which killed at least six people and wounded nearly 20 others.  The explosions took place at the all-boys Abdul Rahim Shahid high school and the nearby Mumtaz Education Centre, both located in the Dasht-e-Barchi area,  a… Continue reading Afghanistan: UN condemns deadly blasts targeting educational institutions in Kabul

In five days, Ukrainians and Russians will mark Easter, a holiday that joins in celebration the Orthodox Christians in both Russia and Ukraine, as well as Catholic Ukrainians. “Easter is a season for renewal, resurrection and hope. It is a time for reflection on the meaning of suffering, sacrifice, death – and rebirth. It is… Continue reading UN chief appeals: ‘Forge a path to safety’ during a 4-day Holy Week humanitarian truce

Seven weeks since the Russian invasion, an estimated six million people need food and cash assistance, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), which has provided relief to previously inaccessible areas such as Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel and Borodianka.  The development follows a renewed ceasefire call from Secretary-General António Guterres, whose spokesperson said on Monday… Continue reading Ukraine: Aid agencies step up relief deliveries as humanitarian situation worsens 

By the end of the second week, we heard continuous shelling approaching from the northern part of the city, targeting residential districts near us. Two missiles hit a nine-storey building on the other side of the road, right across from our basement. We saw the fourth floor engulfed in flames and people jumping to their… Continue reading First Person: A month in a Mariupol basement 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has again called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Ukraine to allow delivery of life-saving aid as well as evacuations, his spokesperson said on Monday. The appeal followed attacks on cities across the country– most recently Lviv, Dnipro, Kharkiv and Mykolaiv – which resulted in numerous civilian casualties and destruction. Mr.… Continue reading Guterres appeals for urgent humanitarian ceasefire in Ukraine

At the start of a two-month nationwide truce, the Houthis signed an Action Plan with the UN to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict; the killing and maiming of children; and attacks on schools and hospitals. “The United Nations welcomes efforts by all parties to the conflict to end… Continue reading Yemen: New Houthi commitment ‘encouraging step’ to protecting children

One in three natural sites and one in six cultural heritage sites are currently threatened by climate change, the UN cultural agency, UNESCO, warned on Monday, the  International Day for Monuments and Sites. In addition to providing interesting places to visit and learn about the past, these sites are also climate change observatories that gather… Continue reading International Day for Monuments and Sites spotlights climate change

Senior UN officials, including the Secretary-General, António Guterres, have expressed concern over a spate of violent incidents at the al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem, an important religious site for both Muslims and Jews. According to media reports, more than 150 people were injured in clashes between Palestinians, and Israeli police on Friday, which took place during… Continue reading UN chief condemns rising violence in Jerusalem

The world’s best-known coral reefs could be extinct by the end of the century unless we do more to make them resilient to our warming oceans. That’s the stark message from UNESCO, which is behind an emergency bid to protect these natural marine wonders, 29 of which are on the agency’s protected World Heritage list.… Continue reading Coral reefs’ very survival is at stake, warns UNESCO in bid to boost resilience

The first nationwide truce in six years coincided with the start of the holy month of Ramadan and includes provisions to improve the freedom of movement of civilians and goods, across the war-torn Arab nation. Grundberg to #UNSC: “Since the start of the truce, there has been a significant reduction in violence and civilian casualties&… Continue reading Yemen: ‘Light at the end of the tunnel’ as first nationwide truce in six years continues

Addressing the Our Ocean Conference in Palau on Thursday, the President of the UN General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, urged the international community to expand protective areas of the ocean, support the scientific community and tackle plastic pollution.  This year, the Conference, which is hosted for the first time by one of the countries of the… Continue reading General Assembly President at Palau conference, outlines key ocean health measures 

Citing the State Border Guard Service, UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said that 30,000 people are crossing back into Ukraine every day. “The situation for people living with #HIV in Ukraine is desperate. We’re trying to deliver medicines, food & other assistance to people in need but the work is dangerous & volunteer drivers are… Continue reading 30,000 Ukrainians returning home every day, say relief agencies

Pramila Patten, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative working to end rape as a weapon of war, was addressing a high-level debate on strengthening accountability as a means to deliver justice for survivors and prevent future violence.  War’s oldest and least-condemned crime  Recalling that the Council has passed 10 resolutions on Women, Peace and Security, five of… Continue reading Justice critical to fighting sexual violence in conflict

Millions of displaced families across eastern Africa will fall deeper into hunger as food rations dwindle due to humanitarian resources being stretched to the limit as the world grapples with a toxic cocktail of conflict, climate shocks, and COVID-19, UN humanitarians warned on Wednesday. UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, and the UN World Food Programme… Continue reading Eastern Africa: Millions displaced, amid growing hunger, ‘unprecedented needs’

World merchandise trade volume is expected to grow just 3 per cent this year, down from the previous forecast of 4.7 per cent, and 3.4 per cent in 2023, though these figures could be revised given the uncertainty surrounding the conflict.    The Russian invasion began on 24 February and WTO said the most immediate… Continue reading Ukraine conflict putting global trade recovery at risk: WTO

Women and children are at high risk of being pushed into contemporary forms of slavery, UN-appointed independent rights experts said on Wednesday.    In an alert to coincide with the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on 2 December, they warned that global challenges such as COVID-19, climate change and armed conflict have amplified existing vulnerabilities.   According to figures released by UNICEF and ILO in June, almost 80 million… Continue reading Women and girls at high risk of being pushed into modern slavery

Sexual and reproductive health rights, are human rights, the independent UN expert on the right to health reminded Member States in the General Assembly on Wednesday, saying that it was essential to restore services in the field, that have been eroded during the COVID-19 pandemic “Millions of women globally had limited or no access to… Continue reading Restore sexual, reproductive health rights lost during COVID, rights expert urges

UN humanitarians expressed deep concern on Friday about serious and ongoing abuses carried out against displaced civilians who are also facing dire food insecurity in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, after months of conflict.  In an alert, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA,  said that it was aware of “gross violations”, including gender-based violence in the war-torn north.  Vile attacks  “The situation of women and adolescent girls in Tigray and border… Continue reading Grave concerns over ‘dire’ and deteriorating situation in war-torn Tigray region 

The Republic of Vanuatu is one of the few countries in the world without a single woman representative in parliament, but two determined activists are committed to ending that situation, and ensuring that women’s voices are heard by the island nation’s most senior decision-makers. Anthea Arukola, a former political advisor to the Vanuatu Government, plans… Continue reading INTERVIEW: The women activists aiming to make history in Vanuatuan politics

“Coups have no place in our modern world”, Mr. Guterres said in a pre-recorded video address at the Council’s 46th regular session, his comments coming after the forum held a special session on 12 February, in which it adopted a resolution expressing deep concern at the junta’s move.  “Today, I call on the Myanmar military to stop the repression immediately”, the UN chief continued. “Release the prisoners. End the violence. Respect human rights and the will of the… Continue reading ‘No place’ for coups in today’s world, UN chief tells Myanmar military 

Inequality between the rich and poor worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic and poverty increased, for the first time in decades. In part two of our series on how the virus has changed the world, we look at the ways the pandemic has pushed back efforts to create more equitable societies. Inequalities exposed © UNICEF/Nahom Tesfaye… Continue reading The virus that shut down the world: The yawning gulf between rich and poor

COVID-19 is overshadowing what has become a “pandemic of femicide” and related gender-based violence against women and girls, said independent UN human rights expert Dubravka Šimonović on Monday, calling for the universal establishment of national initiatives to monitor and prevent such killings.   Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, marked on 25 November, Ms. Šimonović said the rise in femicides and violence was “taking the lives of women and girls… Continue reading UN expert calls for urgent action to end ‘pandemic of femicide and violence against women’ 

In reviewing, assessing and acknowledging the effects of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, enslavement and colonialism, the groundbreaking Durban World Conference of 2001, represented a “milestone” in the common fight against racism, xenophobia and related intolerance, the UN human rights chief said on Monday.  High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet said that in examining “the… Continue reading Greater equality a ‘prerequisite’ for overcoming global crises: Bachelet 

World Breastfeeding Week got underway on Saturday, with the UN urging communities everywhere to “support breastfeeding for a healthier planet”. Health agency (WHO) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) issued a joint call for governments to protect and promote women’s access to skilled breastfeeding counselling – a critical component of breastfeeding support. The UN has long advocated… Continue reading Breastfeeding ‘for a healthier planet’

The African Continental Free Trade Area represents a major opportunity for countries to boost growth, reduce poverty, broaden economic inclusion and help “expand opportunities for all Africans”, hailed a World Bank official on Monday, which if fully implemented, could boost regional income by around $450 billion. By making African countries more competitive and lifting some… Continue reading Trade pact could boost Africa’s income by as much as $450 billion: World Bank

The coronavirus pandemic should not be used as an excuse to clamp down on fundamental freedoms, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reminded authorities in Zimbabwe on Friday. OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell, speaking to journalists in Geneva, expressed concern over allegations suggesting that Zimbabwean authorities may be using the COVID-19 crisis as a pretext to… Continue reading Zimbabwe: COVID-19 must not be used to stifle freedoms, says UN rights office

More than 700,000 women are in prison around the world, and that number is growing much faster than men, the Human Rights Council has heard. In a debate about conditions in detention and how to do more to protect female detainees during the COVID-19 crisis, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, warned that overcrowding had… Continue reading Rise in women prisoners and COVID measures, ‘making sentences worse’

Mainly perpetrated against women and girls, CRSV also affects men and boys. “It reverberates throughout communities and societies, perpetuating cycles of violence and threatening international peace and security”, Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message for the day. And the already dramatically under-reported crime has been buried further by the coronavirus during national lockdowns, limiting… Continue reading COVID-19 intensifies ‘brutal crime’ of sexual violence in conflict 

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate, the World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about its impact on women, children and young people. “The indirect effects of COVID-19 on these groups may be greater than the number of deaths due to the virus itself”, agency chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday. The pandemic has… Continue reading Health experts concerned about indirect effects of COVID-19 on women and youth

Even as countries buckle under the devastating social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, they must consider the links between gender inequality and crisis, particularly in communities affected by climate change and conflict. That’s the premise of a new UN report which argues that understanding these connections can help policymakers and donors to mitigate… Continue reading New UN report highlights link between gender, climate and security

As all eyes, hearts and minds focus on the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) garnered attention on Tuesday when a new UN report revealed that only ten countries in the European region have levels of air pollution below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limit.  The UN Economic Commission for Europe’s (UNECE) first regional report on SDG progress has singled… Continue reading New report from UN Economic Commission for Europe measures progress on Global Goals

It’s 7pm at Swirl wine bar in the Faubourg St John neighborhood of New Orleans a wine tasting is underway.  Some 300 different wines from all over the world, but with an emphasis on Italy and France, are stacked in wooden racks around the small but bustling wine bar-cum store. The Swirl staff circulate and… Continue reading Women in Business ‘must be knowledgeable and trust their knowledge’

The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances said it was urgent now to accelerate “excavations and the identification and return of the remains of the missing”. The call from the delegation of independent experts came at the end of an official visit at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.… Continue reading Cyprus: Rights experts call for urgent solutions for missing persons tragedy

The ratification means more than 96 per cent of the world’s gross shipping tonnage is now covered by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which also applies to most countries that supply workers for the sector.  📢 The @ilo Maritime Labour Convention reaches 100th ratification! 🙌🏾 Over 96% of the world’s shipping and most of the… Continue reading Oman now 100th country to ratify Maritime Labour Convention

Nonetheless, racist slurs and hate speech spiked on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some people going as far as blaming the Roma – who are Romania’s largest ethnic minority – for the spread of the virus. “Hate-speech is especially present in times of crisis,” said Csaba Ferenc Asztalos, President of the National Council… Continue reading Roma rights advocates warn of rising hate speech: Many ‘don’t even know’ they’re being racist

Everyone has the right to live a healthy, full, and productive life with dignity, regardless of their HIV or other medical status, the UN agency leading the fight against HIV/AIDS said on Tuesday, Zero Discrimination Day.  “People most vulnerable to HIV are often also the most marginalized in society,” said the UNAIDS Country Director for Indonesia,… Continue reading Scrap harmful laws that increase discrimination, UNAIDS urges 

Speaking on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, he also reminded the participants of the challenges which face the so-called Non-Self-Governing Territories which remain around the world.  “Global cooperation is central to addressing its impacts”, he underscored, urging the Committee, also known as C-24, to “commit to making 2022 a year of recovery for everyone”.  ‘A… Continue reading Effects of colonialism ‘still being felt to this day’ 

Brazil must comply with its international obligations, and reinforce its national prevention mechanisms against torture, UN independent experts said on Friday, after concluding a visit to the country, which is home to the third largest prison population in the world. The head of the three-member delegation from the UN torture prevention body which visited earlier… Continue reading Brazil: Key torture prevention mechanism whittled down for detainees

Marking the first anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar, the independent UN expert monitoring the country implored States on Tuesday to take more robust action, reiterating his call for an arms embargo to stop the killing of innocent people. “Now is not the time for more rhetoric, it is time for meaningful action”, said… Continue reading Myanmar: ‘Meaningful action’ needed to stop the slaughter

The UN Country Team in Myanmar remains “deeply concerned over the humanitarian impact” of the country’s ongoing crises stemming largely from the military coup in February, the UN Spokesperson said on Tuesday. Updating journalists at the daily media briefing in New York, Stéphane Dujarric cited humanitarians in saying that “conflict, food insecurity, natural disasters and… Continue reading Myanmar: Three million in urgent need of life-saving assistance, protection

Working out of Geneva, there are experts in gender violence and crimes against children; analysts with experience in international justice; specialists in open source evidence; and investigators working with sophisticated information systems.   The team of professionals are formally known as the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, (IIMM) or Myanmar Mechanism, and was created in 2018 by the Human Rights Council.  Experts have collected 2 million pieces of information about human rights violations in Myanmar. Nicholas Koumjian, head… Continue reading Myanmar: In race against time, experts collect evidence of rights violations 

An “urgent” international response is needed to prevent the crisis in Myanmar from becoming a “catastrophe” in the heart of Southeast Asia and beyond, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned. In a report sent to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, the UN chief also said he feared that the military’s grip on power would become increasingly… Continue reading ‘Urgent’ international response needed in Myanmar: UN chief 

Urgent action is needed to prevent the situation in Myanmar from escalating into a “full-blown conflict”, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet warned on Thursday.    Ms. Bachelet’s alert came in a new report from her office OHCHR, which details widespread violations by the military against the country’s people, some of which may constitute crimes against humanity or war crimes.   Crisis escalating… Continue reading Human rights ‘catastrophe’ in Myanmar: UN calls for urgent action  

According to Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews, since its power grab and overthrow of the democratically-elected Government, the junta and its forces have murdered more than 1,100 people, arbitrarily detained more than 8,000, and forcibly displaced more than 230,000 civilians, bringing the total number of internally placed persons in Myanmar to well over half a million.… Continue reading Myanmar: UN expert says current international efforts failing, urges ‘change of course’

Christine Schraner Burgener said the situation in Myanmar “is still very worrisome”, amid a “severe” third wave of COVID-19 infections.  Last week, senior army general Min Aung Hlaing announced he was appointing himself Prime Minister, and pledged to hold elections by 2023.  Solidifying their grip  “In my view, the Commander-in-Chief appears determined to solidify his grip on… Continue reading Myanmar military leaders attempting to legitimize power: UN Special Envoy

The World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Friday that it is facing a 70 per cent funding shortfall in Myanmar, where millions face growing food insecurity. Amid the “triple impact of poverty, the current political unrest and economic crisis”, coupled with the rapidly spreading third wave of COVID-19, that is “practically like a tsunami that’s… Continue reading Myanmar: COVID-19 third wave has hit like a ‘tsunami’, warns WFP

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday, welcomed the setting up of a new Heads of State and Government Group to get the world back on track to reduce premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart and lung disease, by a third – in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and promote mental health and well-being.… Continue reading WHO welcomes initiative to combat noncommunicable diseases, responsible for 7 in 10 deaths worldwide

The UN Secretary-General on Monday called on China to present an “ambitious” Nationally Determined Contribution in the run-up to the UN Climate Conference, COP26, starting in Glasgow at the end of this week.   António Guterres commended the country’s decision to end financing of coal-fired power plants abroad, and direct support for green and low carbon energy production, stating that the world “must do everything possible to keep the 1.5-degree goal of… Continue reading UN chief calls for China commitment to ‘ambitious’ climate goals 

The arrest of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and woman human rights defender Chow Hang-Tung, on charges of “incitement to subversion” and being a foreign agent, is a source of “deep concern” four UN independent human rights experts said on Tuesday. The human rights lawyer, who was arrested on 8 September, was a member of the… Continue reading Hong Kong: Arrests under Security Law, a serious concern

In his pre-recorded video address, President Xi said “the year 2021 is a truly remarkable one for the Chinese people”, as it marks the centenary of the Communist Party of China as well as the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations, a historic event that China will solemnly commemorate.  Beating COVID-19 crucial to… Continue reading China headed towards carbon neutrality by 2060; President Xi Jinping vows to halt new coal plants abroad

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday welcomed important commitments made towards climate action by the world’s two largest economies, as the 76th High Level Debate began in New York. He hailed United States’ President Jose Biden’s announcement that the US would significantly increase its international climate finance to approximately $11.4 billion a year. “This increased… Continue reading World’s two largest economies commit to climate action – Guterres

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee voted on Sunday to inscribe in its catalogue Quanzhou in China, Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple in India, Trans-Iranian Railway in Iran, and Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro in Spain.  Meeting online in this year’s host city of Fuzhou, China, the world body chose the newly added sites for their cultural, historical or scientific significance.   China UNESCO/© Quanzhou Maritime Silk Road World heritage Nomination Center Qingjing Mosque in Emporium of the World, Song-Yuan China. In China, Quanzhou’s Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan, thrived… Continue reading Outstanding sites added to UNESCO World Heritage List 

A COVID-19 vaccine produced in China has been given the green light for global rollout, potentially paving the way for its use in underserved countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday.  The UN agency has approved the Sinopharm vaccine for emergency use, which is a prerequisite for inclusion in the global vaccine solidarity… Continue reading WHO approves Chinese COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use

The report from a team of international scientists assembled by the World Health Organization (WHO) to examine how COVID-19 first spread to humans was published on Tuesday, and was described by the UN health agency’s chief as a welcome start, but far from conclusive. “This report is a very important beginning, but it is not… Continue reading COVID-19 origins report inconclusive: We must ‘leave no stone unturned’ – WHO chief

Independent UN human rights experts have urged companies to closely scrutinize their supply chains following concerns over the alleged detention and forced labour of Muslim Uyghurs in China, according to a statement issued on Monday.  The experts said they have received information that connected more than 150 Chinese and foreign domiciled companies to serious allegations… Continue reading Rights experts concerned about alleged detention, forced labour of Uyghurs in China

Arriving in Guangzhou as a first-time visitor to China, I could not help but think of former U.S Secretary of State Henry Kissinger’s description of what he saw as an underdeveloped provincial city in the 1980s.   As I gazed at the city’s architecture and infrastructure from the airport and hotel during my 21-day quarantine… Continue reading Sharing the story of China’s development miracle: A UN Resident Coordinator’s blog

Dr. Peter Ben Embarek from the World Health Organization (WHO) was speaking during a press conference in Wuhan, China, at the end of a four-week mission to the city where the new coronavirus first emerged in December 2019.  “Our initial findings suggest that the introduction through an intermediary host species is the most likely pathway and… Continue reading COVID-19 ‘extremely unlikely’ to have come from a lab, experts say

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Thursday voiced deep concerns over the arrests of over 50 individuals under the new National Security Law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, and called for their immediate release.  Fifty-three political activists, academics, former legislators, current district councillors, and lawyers, were arrested on Wednesday, according to… Continue reading Hong Kong: UN human rights office urges immediate release of arrested activists

“The right to nationality ensures concrete protection for individuals, in particular children”, said Committee member Shuichi Furuya.  In what they called “a ground-breaking decision”, the Committee’s first on the right of a child to acquire a nationality, the members referred to a petition by a boy named Denny, who in 2010 was born in the… Continue reading Netherlands violates nationality rights: UN rights committee 

China has mounted a “shocking” five-year assault on lawyers who stand up for human rights, putting them in prison and even torturing them, an expert mandated by the UN Human Rights Council said in a statement on Wednesday. Mary Lawlor, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, said lawyers in China continue to be… Continue reading China undermining human rights by locking up rights lawyers, UN independent expert says

The Chinese President Xi Jinping called for enhanced international solidarity to fight the coronavirus on Tuesday during his UN General Assembly address, declaring that his country would aim to become carbon neutral, in the wider battle against climate change, by 2060.  “We should follow the guidance of science, give full play to the leading role… Continue reading ‘Enhance solidarity’ to fight COVID-19, Chinese President urges, also pledges carbon neutrality by 2060

More than 70 million people are expected to fall into extreme poverty because of COVID-19, the UN Human Rights Council heard on Tuesday, as a leading rights expert slammed “greatly exaggerated” claims of global poverty eradication between 1990 and 2015. Highlighting his predecessor Philip Alstom’s final report, UN-appointed independent Special Rapporteur Olivier de Schutter, insisted… Continue reading Independent rights expert speaks of ‘anguish, stress and disempowerment’ of poverty

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has expressed alarm at the arrest of demonstrators in Hong Kong, following China’s adoption of a national security law for the Special Administrative Region (SAR). Spokesperson Rupert Colville told journalists in Geneva on Friday that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was continuing to analyze the… Continue reading UN rights office expresses alarm at Hong Kong arrests under new security law

The repression of “fundamental freedoms” by the Chinese Government prompted nearly 50 UN independent experts on Friday to express their continuing alarm, urging the country to “abide by its international legal obligations”. After having “repeatedly communicated” their concerns, they highlighted the repression of protests and democracy advocacy in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR);… Continue reading Independent UN rights experts call for decisive measures to protect ‘fundamental freedoms’ in China

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Friday that her office was closely following developments as China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress, holds talks on a proposed national security law for Hong Kong. Michelle Bachelet stressed that the draft law for the Special Administrative Region must fully comply with China’s human… Continue reading Hong Kong: Draft law on national security must comply with rights obligations

Since the respiratory disease emerged in central China in late December, health officials have raced to locate where and how the virus was first transmitted from its animal host to humans. “It would be of great help if we could get hold of the #virus before it adapted to humans because then we would better… Continue reading UN virus hunters continue search for animal link to human COVID-19 infections

Xiang Lu is one of the thousands of Chinese doctors who was dispatched to fight the COVID-19 outbreak in the hardest-hit province of Hubei, as it reached its peak. When UN News spoke to him on 23 March, he said that the situation is vastly improved and he may, at last, be able to return… Continue reading First Person: Heartbreak and hope – one doctor’s story from China’s coronavirus ground zero

A young woman who works as an intern for the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in China has been talking about the anxiety she faced after being hospitalized for several days with a suspected case of coronavirus or COVID-19. The UN Development Programme in China has supplied critical medical supplies to the Chinese government., by UNDP… Continue reading FROM THE FIELD: Surviving a coronavirus scare in China

While more than 153,00 cases of the respiratory illness have been recorded globally as of Sunday, it is on the decline in China, demonstrating that the course of the outbreak there has been altered, according to WHO Representative in the country, Dr. Gauden Galea.   “It is an epidemic that has been nipped as it was growing and stopped in its tracks. This is very… Continue reading China shows COVID-19 Coronavirus can be ‘stopped in its tracks’

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the coronavirus outbreak has now spread to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The vast majority of cases continue to be declared in China, with more than 6,000 confirmed, 68 of them outside of the country. ‘The whole world needs to be on alert now’ WHO announced that… Continue reading Coronavirus: First case confirmed in Gulf region, more than 6,000 worldwide

Following confirmed cases of the Novel coronavirus in Europe, the United Nations health agency released a statement on the  need for the international community to work together as one to combat the infectious disease.  The evolving outbreak that began in China is “a sign that every country needs to be ready to timely detect and… Continue reading UN health agency: Time is now to ‘act as one’ in fighting infectious coronavirus

Independent United Nations human rights experts expressed apprehension on Thursday over the “incommunicado detention” of a Uyghur Muslim academic who has reportedly been sentenced to death.  The whereabouts of former Xinjiang University President Tashpolat Tiyip have been unknown since his detention in 2017. “The Chinese authorities have indicated to us that Mr. Tiyip is being tried… Continue reading Independent UN rights experts raise alarm over ‘incommunicado detention’ of Chinese scholar

Tensions around global trade and technology continue to rise and the international community needs to “do everything possible” to prevent the world being split into two competing spheres, led by the United States and China.  That was the message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday, speaking during the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund… Continue reading Global economy: ‘we must do everything possible’ to avoid global ‘fracture’ caused by US-China tensions, urges Guterres

The Asia and Pacific region’s economic recovery from COVID and other global shocks, must be anchored in an inclusive “new social contract”, to protect the vulnerable in the years ahead, according to a new Economic and Social Survey of the region, published on Tuesday by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the… Continue reading ‘Build forward fairer’ report, urges new social contract for Asia and the Pacific

The alert from the World Food Programme (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) followed the latest food security assessments which showed that six million people in Somalia will face acute food insecurity in the coming months, unless the rains come. That is almost double the number at the start of the year, said Lara Fossi, WFP Deputy… Continue reading Humanitarians urge action to avert famine in Somalia and South Sudan

Governments and pharmaceutical companies need to work together in a better way, to deliver vaccines “to every person, everywhere” – not simply in the wealthiest nations, said the UN chief on Friday. Secretary-General António Guterres was addressing the GAVI COVAX international vaccine equity initiative’s Advance Market Commitment Summit 2022, which saw world leaders commit $4.8 billion to… Continue reading New COVID wave a reminder pandemic is ‘far from over’: Guterres

“Arboviruses” might not be something most of us are familiar with, but for almost four billion people, they’re a deadly threat – which is why the UN health agency on Thursday, launched a plan to prevent them from causing a new pandemic. The most common arboviruses are in fact some of the world’s most dangerous… Continue reading UN health agency launches bid to stop a new global pandemic

A third of the world’s population has yet to receive a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine, including a shocking 83 per cent of all Africans, said the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday. “This is not acceptable to me, and it should not be acceptable to anyone”, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “If the world’s… Continue reading A third of the world remains totally unvaccinated against COVID: Tedros

New analyses released by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), show that only a tiny proportion of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in developing countries, leading to a widening gap between rich and poor. In September 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) set an ambitious global target. The UN health agency called for 70 per cent… Continue reading UN analysis shows link between lack of vaccine equity and widening poverty gap

Data analysis on unintended pregnancy and abortion from 150 countries has revealed major disparities in accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare, the UN health agency, WHO, said on Thursday. With partner organisation the Guttmacher Institute, the WHO said that the results would allow health authorities to better understand family planning needs in their countries, including contraception… Continue reading WHO publishes first-ever country estimates on unintended pregnancy, abortion

World TB Day is marked on 24 March, and this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent investment in the fight against tuberculosis, “to save millions more lives”. Although TB is preventable and curable, it remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers, WHO noted on Wednesday. “For the first time in over a… Continue reading UN health agency appeals to reverse gains lost in fight against tuberculosis

Alerting that 4.5 million Haitians are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, WFP pointed to lower-than-expected humanitarian food assistance and continued fallout from the last August earthquake as key drivers. “Hunger levels are rising unabated as persistent political instability, growing inflation and recurrent disasters continue to conspire against the people of Haiti”, the agency… Continue reading Haiti: UN agencies warn of ‘unabated’ rise in hunger

The first injection to offer long-lasting protection against HIV is being rolled out in South Africa and Brazil, as an alternative to daily medication, according to the UN agency UNITAID.  Hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNITAID announced the groundbreaking development on Friday, which it is hoped will boost HIV prevention worldwide.  Developed by… Continue reading Gamechanger HIV injection rolls out in South Africa and Brazil 

“After several weeks of declines, reported cases of COVID-19 are once again increasing globally, especially in parts of Asia”, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus told journalists in Geneva.  In the past week, the agency has seen an 8 per cent increase in detection of COVID-19 cases, with more than 11 million positive test results. “These… Continue reading Misinformation that Omicron is ‘the last COVID-19 variant’ fuelling uptick worldwide: WHO

To date, more than 10.5 billion vaccine doses have been administered globally, “enough to protect the entire world population from severe symptoms, hospitalization and death,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet. Despite this achievement, Ms. Bachelet insisted that the “grim reality” was that only around 13 per cent of people in low-income… Continue reading UN rights chief leads call for global COVID-19 vaccine equity

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), an independent, UN-backed body, is calling on governments to do more to regulate social media platforms that glamourize drug-related negative behaviour and boost sales of controlled substances. In its annual report, released on Thursday, the INCB notes increasing evidence of a link between exposure to social media and drug… Continue reading Break the link between illicit drugs and social media: UN-backed report

The UN health agency’s assessment was made six weeks after the virus was declared a global health emergency when there were fewer than 100 cases and no deaths outside China.  Two years later, more than 6 million people have died. “Although reported cases and deaths are declining globally, and several countries have lifted restrictions, the… Continue reading Two years on, COVID-19 pandemic ‘far from over’

Craig Lissner, the UN health agency’s acting director for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, said on Wednesday’s launch, that “being able to obtain a safe abortion is a crucial part of healthcare”. “Nearly every death and injury that results from unsafe abortion is entirely preventable,” he insisted. “That’s why we recommend women and girls… Continue reading WHO issues new guidelines on abortion to help deliver lifesaving care

The World Health Organization (WHO), for the first time, included an oral antiviral drug in its COVID-19 treatment guidance. The updated “living guidelines” on related therapeutics now include conditional recommendations on the medication, molnupiravir, the UN agency announced on Thursday. Citing concerns and data gaps, WHO advanced that molnupiravir should be provided “only to non-severe COVID-19 patients with… Continue reading UN health agency updates guidelines on COVID-19 therapeutics

Alerting that over one billion people aged 12 to 35, risking losing their hearing due to prolonged and excessive exposure to loud music and other high volume recreational noise, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued new international safety advice on Wednesday to tackle the rising threat of hearing loss.  The new international standard for safe… Continue reading Over one billion people at risk of hearing loss: WHO

Ambassadors met to review implementation of two resolutions: one on the Secretary-General’s appeal for a global ceasefire during the crisis, and the other on cooperation to facilitate vaccine access.  Ted Chaiban, Global Lead Coordinator for COVID-19 Vaccine Country-Readiness and Delivery, highlighted the need for urgent action this year.  “The window of opportunity is gradually closing.… Continue reading COVID-19 vaccine access in conflict areas remains critical

Increasing reports of sexual violence and human trafficking in Ukraine – allegedly committed against women and children in the context of massive displacement and the ongoing Russian invasion – are raising “all the red flags” about a potential protection crisis, the head of the UN’s gender agency warned the Security Council on Monday. Sima Bahous,… Continue reading Ukraine war: Trauma ‘risks destroying a generation’, Security Council hears

A UN-led development plan for Ukraine launched on Monday, to provide immediate economic help and longer-term assistance to the millions left struggling to meet basic needs, in the wake of the Russian invasion. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) aims to counter the devastation that’s been caused by the shelling of cities and early projections that… Continue reading Ukraine resilience-building programme to help most vulnerable

Fabien Mwingwa once fought as a child soldier with an armed group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Today, he has turned his life around, and works for the UN peacekeeping mission in the country as a firefighter, helping to keep local people safe. Mr. Mwingwa was 17 when a rebel group –… Continue reading First Person: From taking lives to saving lives, in DR Congo

David Gressly outlined plans to address the threat posed by the FSO Safer, described as a time bomb sitting off Yemen’s Red Sea coast.  The 45-year-old floating storage and offloading (FSO) facility holds 1.1 million barrels of oil, or four times the amount of the Exxon Valdez – the tanker that caused one of the… Continue reading UN unveils plan to prevent stricken oil tanker disaster off Yemen coast

In a statement, on Friday, UN Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine, Amin Awad, said that many suffered terrible injuries at Kramatorsk railway station and that the number of fatalities was likely to rise. “It was widely reported over the last two days that the station and surrounding area had been full of civilians attempting to flee… Continue reading Ukraine: UN condemns deadly attack on train station, dozens of civilians killed

The UN’s peacekeeping chief in Mali on Thursday, made an urgent call for adequate resources for the mission to carry out its mandate, and meet the growing demand to address a deteriorating security situation across the north and centre of the restive country.  El-Ghassim Wane, Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in… Continue reading More resources need to help secure Mali, peacekeeping mission head tells Security Council 

“We honour their memory. We stand in awe of the resilience of the survivors. And we reflect on our failures as an international community,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message to a virtual event commemorating the 28th International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. He reminded the… Continue reading 28 years after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, ‘stain of shame endures’

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Thursday calling for Russia to be suspended from the Human Rights Council.  The resolution received a two-thirds majority in the 193-member Assembly, with 93 nations voting in favour and 24 against.   Fifty-eight abstained from the process.  The meeting marked the resumption of a special emergency session… Continue reading UN General Assembly votes to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council

An urgent call to protect health and mitigate the climate crisis was issued by the UN health agency on Wednesday, to mark World Health Day on Thursday. In its call-to-action, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a shocking report on Monday, noting that 99 per cent of people breathe unhealthy air – mainly resulting from the… Continue reading World Health Day: Take climate action, take care of each other

Thirty years after the siege of Sarajevo, the UN team in Bosnia and Herzegovina reiterated the importance on Wednesday of pursuing justice and reparation for victims, survivors and their family members. The siege began after Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence in the wake of the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia.  Bosnian Serbs largely opposed independence,… Continue reading Justice and reparations still critical, 30 years on from Sarajevo siege

The UN chief issued a statement on Wednesday welcoming the transition to a new African Union (AU) mission in Somalia, pledging the Organization’s “unwavering commitment” to the country, the mission, and the Somali security forces in their ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab militants. In the statement issued by his Spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres urged all partners… Continue reading UN chief welcomes new Somali mission, lauds work of African Union