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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

Tatyana Mcfadden is considered the fastest woman in the world. She is a six-time US Paralympian and 20-time Paralympic medalist. She has won 23 World Major Marathons and has broken five world records in track and field. Ms. Mcfadden was born with spina bifida and spent the first years of her life in an orphanage… Continue reading Sport and climate change: Paralympic champion Tatyana Mcfadden explains the link

Here at UN News, we’ve taken a deep dive into the UN Charter to try and give you the answers you might be looking for. Can the Security Council stop a war? Well, first let us review its mission. The functions and powers of the Security Council are set out in the UN Charter, the… Continue reading What can the UN do? 5 of your questions answered

“We are dealing with a State that is turning the veto of the United Nations Security Council into the right to die”, President Zelynskyy warned.  If it continues, countries will rely not on international law or global institutions to ensure security, but rather, on the power of their own arms. I regret the divisions that have… Continue reading Ukraine’s President calls on Security Council to act for peace, or ‘dissolve’ itself

An eight truck convoy of life-saving humanitarian aid provided by the UN and humanitarian partners reached Sievierodonetsk on Tuesday, in eastern Ukraine’s Luhansk region, where sustained and intense fighting is taking an enormous toll on civilians. Infrastructure damage from shelling has left thousands of people in residential buildings across eastern Ukraine without electricity or gas… Continue reading UN humanitarian aid convoy reaches Sievierodonetsk in eastern Ukraine

The UN chief on Tuesday together with the Security Council, strongly condemned an attack by suspected militia members, on peacekeepers serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which left one Nepali ‘blue helmet’ dead. In a statement issued by his Deputy Spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres said that the attack, believed to be carried out by the Coopérative… Continue reading Nepal peacekeeper killed, as UN strongly condemns attack in DR Congo

Plant pests and diseases cause food crop losses of up to 40 per cent, according to FAO estimates. And the damage they cause to agriculture and food production, exacerbates world hunger and threatens rural livelihoods. In her opening remarks, to the 16th session of what’s formally known as the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM), FAO Deputy… Continue reading Plant health summit aims to boost food security, safeguard human health

The Secretary-General’s comments came after shocking images from Bucha on the outskirts of Kyiv showed hundreds of dead people, some with bullet wounds and their hands tied behind their backs and others burned or in mass graves, in areas previously under the control of Russian troops. Mr. Guterres, who was addressing the UN Security Council, said… Continue reading Ukraine: UN’s Guterres joins call for Bucha probe

We’ve taken a careful look at the influential report, beyond the headlines, and UN News has identified eight positive takeaways from the IPCC report on mitigation, which we hope will reduce feelings of climate anxiety. 1.     Electric vehicles are on the rise © IMF/Tamara Merino A worker at an electric bus charging terminal in Santiago,… Continue reading 8 reasons not to give up hope – and take climate action

An astonishing 99 per cent of the world’s population breathes polluted air that exceeds internationally approved limits, with negative health impacts kicking in at much lower levels than previously thought, UN medical scientists said on Monday. Noting that fossil fuels are responsible for most of the harmful emissions that are linked to acute and chronic… Continue reading Almost everyone now breathing polluted air, warns WHO

In a statement on Monday, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said she was horrified by the images of people lying dead on the streets and in improvised graves.  “Reports emerging from this and other areas, raise serious and disturbing questions about possible war crimes, grave breaches of international humanitarian law and serious violations of… Continue reading Bucha killings raise ‘serious’ questions about possible war crimes: Bachelet

A new flagship UN report on climate change out Monday indicating that harmful carbon emissions from 2010-2019 have never been higher in human history, is proof that the world is on a “fast track” to disaster, António Guterres has warned, with scientists arguing that it’s ‘now or never’ to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.… Continue reading UN climate report: It’s ‘now or never’ to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees

In his message for the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, observed on Monday, he urged all countries to join the 1997 treaty.  “Mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices, continue to kill or injure thousands of people every year – many of whom are children,” he said.  Over the weekend, the… Continue reading End landmine scourge once and for all: Guterres

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday called for an independent investigation into the killing of civilians in the Ukrainian town of Bucha, a suburb of the capital, Kyiv. Scores of bodies have been found in streets and in yards in the wake of Russian withdrawal from the area following weeks of intense fighting, according to… Continue reading Ukraine: Secretary-General calls for probe into Bucha killings

Commitment will be critical to the success of the two-month truce in Yemen that began on Saturday, the UN Special Envoy for the country, Hans Grundberg, has said. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in more than seven years of fighting between Yemeni forces, backed by a Saudi coalition, and Houthi rebels. Mr.… Continue reading Commitment key to Yemen truce success: UN envoy

A two-month truce in Yemen which goes into effect on Saturday must be a first step in ending the county’s devastating war, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on the eve of the ceasefire.  Yemen’s Government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and Houthi rebels have been battling since 2015.  Mr. Guterres commended the sides for reaching… Continue reading UN welcomes announcement of two-month truce in Yemen

Recent violent clashes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have forced thousands to escape to neighbouring Uganda, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported on Friday.  UNHCR, together with the Ugandan Government and partners, is assisting some 10,000 people who have found shelter in the southwest Kisoro district, after fleeing the violence which began… Continue reading Thousands escape to Uganda following violent clashes in DR Congo

Highlighting it as a period of compassion and empathy, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Friday that the holy month of Ramadan is a “time for reflection and learning, an opportunity to come together and uplift each other”. Ramadan begins this weekend and is celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world. The month – when… Continue reading UN chief calls for unity to ‘build a peaceful world’, ahead of Ramadan

Antarctica, the world’s coldest, windiest and driest continent, has often been referred to as a stable ‘sleeping giant’, but increasingly extreme temperatures, together with unusual rain and ice shelf shifts, remind us that it must not be taken for granted, the UN Weather Agency (WMO) warned on Friday. During the third week of March, research… Continue reading Antarctica ‘should not be taken for granted’ scientists declare, amid extreme weather uptick

Efforts to help thousands of desperate residents flee the embattled Ukrainian city of Mariupol continued on Friday, as humanitarians warned that there is “no Plan B”, after weeks of constant shelling since the Russian invasion on 24 February. The development follows an initial attempt to evacuate civilians from the southern port city at the beginning… Continue reading Ukraine: No ‘plan B’ for evacuation of shattered Mariupol, say humanitarians

Nataliia Vladimirova fled her home in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on the first day of the Russian invasion, on 24 February, with her four-year-old daughter Oleksandra and mother-in-law. They are amongst the thousands of Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection status in Portugal. She shares her heart-wrenching story of family separation and loss, with UN News. Ms. Vladimirova is an… Continue reading First Person: ‘I fear I will never see my husband again’

Women and children increasingly bear the brunt of climate change, which deepens the inequalities and vulnerabilities they already face, such as poverty, violence, lack of opportunities and basic human rights. Yet women are not victims; they are survivors, innovators and solution-multipliers who deserve a real seat at the table. Two Colombian activists tell us why… Continue reading The key to climate action and sustainable peace? Women’s full and equal participation

UN humanitarian agencies and partners on the ground in Ukraine, were able to reach the town of Sumy, in the country’s northeast on Thursday, but access to the besieged and stricken city of Mariupol, where thousands of civilians are believed to have died amidst the brutal Russian bombardment, has yet to be given. Briefing journalists… Continue reading Ukraine: Second UN convoy reaches Sumy, Mariupol access thwarted

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday urged private investors businesses, cities, states and regions, to do more to cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Guterres’s comments came as he unveiled a plan to develop stronger standards for “net-zero” pledges by partners below the national government level, in the fight against climate change. “Despite growing pledges… Continue reading UN chief hails net-zero pledge plan for partners in climate change fight

According to news reports, Houthi rebels, who have been battling the coalition in support of the internationally-recognized Government, since 2015, refused to take part in the talks, given the summit venue. In addition to calling for the talks to be held in a neutral country, the Houthis (formally known as Ansar Allah) wanted the coalition… Continue reading Work ‘in concert’ to help bring Yemen closer to a peaceful future

After a month of war, local authorities have reported that more than 733 educational institutions have been damaged or destroyed. Beyond learning, education offers a protective environment that is even more relevant to crisis-affected populations, particularly children, the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said in a press release. UNESCO has also announced that it… Continue reading Ukraine: UNESCO’s response to children’s education needs

The UN chief has called for $100 million each year in assessed contributions from Member States, to fund the world body’s peacebuilding activities, describing such an investment as “a bargain” compared with the punitive costs of war. Secretary-General António Guterres was briefing the Peacebuilding Commission on Wednesday on his latest report on peacebuilding and sustainable peace.  “When we consider… Continue reading Peacebuilding, ‘a bargain’ and ‘proven investment’, UN chief tells Member States

Credible reports indicate that Russian armed forces have used cluster munitions in populated areas of Ukraine, at least two dozen times since they invaded on 24 February, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Wednesday. “For more than one month now, the entire population of Ukraine has been enduring a living nightmare,” she said. “The lives of millions… Continue reading Ukraine war: Russia used cluster weapons at least 24 times, says UN’s Bachelet

Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday night condemned recent terrorist attacks in Israel that have claimed the lives of at least 11 Israeli citizens.   “Such acts of violence can never be justified and must be condemned by all,” he said in a statement issued through his Spokesperson. Tuesday’s terrorist assault on the street in Bnei Brak, a… Continue reading Recent terrorist attacks in Israel undermine ‘prospects for peace’: Guterres

At least 1,100 civilians have been killed in a month of fighting in Ukraine, a senior UN humanitarian official told the Security Council on Tuesday, stressing that the conflict “shows no signs of abating.” Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, told the 15-member Council that the real death toll is likely much higher than what has… Continue reading ‘Difficult months ahead’ in Ukraine, as deaths rise, along with global shortages

Amid deteriorating security in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the top UN envoy in the country has called for a comprehensive political strategy that includes measures to address the structural causes of the conflicts. Bintou Keita, who heads the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo… Continue reading DR Congo: UN envoy calls for strategy to address root causes of conflict

“Urgent action is needed to protect already vulnerable populations from its worst impacts,” Andrew Harper, UNHCR Special Advisor on Climate Action, told a regular press briefing in Geneva.  Subsistence farming ‘decimated’ In 2021, the fragile country – struggling to overcome political and economic challenges since it gained independence in 2011 – had its worst recorded… Continue reading Dire impact from floods in South Sudan as new wet season looms 

The alert from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) follows assessments in 19 of Ukraine’s 24 oblasts, or regions, which indicated that it was uncertain that Ukraine could harvest crops, plant new ones or sustain livestock production. “An immediate and worrying finding is that food shortages are expected immediately or in the next three months in over 40… Continue reading Ukraine war could create widespread food insecurity, warns FAO

The United Nations envoy for Sudan told the Security Council today that consensus has emerged on many issues towards establishing a functional government, warning that Khartoum could lose out on billions of external aid without such an administration. “Unless the current trajectory is corrected, Sudan will head towards economic and security collapse as well as… Continue reading Consensus emerging on many issues, UN’s Sudan envoy tells Security Council

The Horn of Africa is experiencing the worst drought since 1981, and a shortfall in aid funding is putting the lives of millions of Somalis in danger. Standing in front of his makeshift home in a camp for internally displaced people (IDP) in southern Somalia’s Luuq district, Ahmad Hassan Yarrow looks out towards what remains… Continue reading Growing risk of Somalia famine, as drought impact worsens

The UN Secretary-General appealed for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Ukraine on Monday, so that “serious political negotiations” can advance towards a peace agreement, based on the principles of the United Nations Charter. “A cessation of hostilities will allow essential humanitarian aid to be delivered and enable civilians to move around safely. It will save… Continue reading Ukraine invasion: Guterres appeals for ‘immediate humanitarian ceasefire’

The Secretary-General on Monday welcomed consultations due to begin next week, on a political declaration to protect civilians living in cities and towns who come under fire from heavy bombing and shelling.  From Ukraine to Syria, Ethiopia to Myanmar, the loss of life and devastation caused by the use of explosive weapons in populated areas… Continue reading Guterres welcomes consultations to protect civilians caught in urban conflict 

Recent escalation of the conflict in Yemen drew strong condemnation from Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday. “The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about reports of ongoing airstrikes in Hudaydah city and the targeting of Hudaydah’s ports, which provide a critical humanitarian lifeline for the Yemeni population,” the UN chief’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said in a statement.… Continue reading UN chief condemns attacks on civilian facilities in Saudi Arabia and Yemen

Noting that climate disruption, biodiversity loss and pollution threaten lives, jobs and health the world over, the UN chief said on Saturday that it was essential “to make peace with nature.” “Without nature’s help, we cannot thrive or even survive on this planet Earth”, Secretary-General António Guterres underscored in his message for Earth Hour, commemorated… Continue reading Dimming the lights for a brighter future

“The unity of the Security Council in this matter is essential to ease tensions, overcome the diplomatic impasse and avoid a negative action-reaction cycle,” said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. In pursuing its nuclear capability and ballistic missile programmes, the #DPRK defies the @UN Security Council. We remain committed to working with all parties… Continue reading Call for unity in Security Council over latest DPR Korea missile test

The UN chief on Friday welcomed the declaration of an indefinite humanitarian truce on the part of the Ethiopian Government, and the commitment by forces in the Tigray region to comply with the immediate ceasefire, amid deep concern for the five million people who need emergency aid there. “The conflict in Ethiopia has caused terrible suffering for millions of… Continue reading Ethiopia: Guterres welcomes Tigray humanitarian ceasefire agreement

Ongoing violence in Ukraine has left millions of people “in constant fear” of indiscriminate shelling, the UN warned on Friday, as efforts continued to reach the country’s most vulnerable populations, one month on from the Russian invasion. More than 3.7 million people have fled the country, but “some 13 million people are estimated to be… Continue reading UN alarm over mounting Ukraine casualties, amid desperate scenes in Mariupol

The UN chief on Thursday strongly condemned the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, more commonly known as North Korea, its first such long-range test, since 2017.  In a statement, issued by his Spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres called the move “another breach” of DPRK’s 2018 self-imposed moratorium that… Continue reading Guterres strongly condemns DPR Korea long-range ballistic missile launch

The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly demanded civilian protection and humanitarian access in Ukraine on Thursday, while also criticizing Russia for creating a “dire” humanitarian situation resulting from its invasion exactly one month ago. During its 11th Emergency Special Session, 193 Member States adopted a resolution – drafted by Ukraine and 90 co-sponsors entitled Humanitarian consequences of the… Continue reading Ukraine: General Assembly passes resolution demanding aid access, by large majority

Acknowledging the grim milestone in a briefing to the Security Council on Thursday, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, urged the members of the Constitutional Committee’s Small Drafting Body to work “with the sense of seriousness and spirit of compromise that the situation demands”.  History of disappointment The Syrian Constitutional Committee, first established… Continue reading Syrian constitutional reform body seeking breakthrough, Security Council hears

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been the “main contributing factor” to the potentially devastating one per cent drop in projected global economic growth this year, UN development economists UNCTAD said on Thursday, in the body’s latest global economic update. “The main headline is a downgrading of the projection for global growth this year,” said… Continue reading UNCTAD calls for IMF, World Bank measures as global downturn bites

Secretary-General António Guterres said that first and foremost, Ukraine needed support, towards ending the war, and to help the millions who have fled, return home. “Many developing countries were already struggling to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: record inflation; rising interest rates; unmanageable debt burdens”, he said, adding that now, “they face… Continue reading Russia’s war on Ukraine, an assault on the world’s vulnerable: Guterres

The first resolution, put forward by Ukraine and other Member States, Humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine, calls out Russia’s assault on Ukraine for creating the “dire” humanitarian situation, pushes for a humanitarian corridor, and demands that fighting stops and troops are withdrawn.  Supporters of that draft, hope to build on the resolution that… Continue reading Ukraine: Competing drafts on humanitarian assistance debated at General Assembly 

António Guterres issued the warning during a meeting on the expanding cooperation between UN and the 22-member League of Arab States, with ambassadors adopting a presidential statement praising that increasingly critical partnership. ‘Cascading challenges’ Touching on the various conflicts and humanitarian hotspots across the region, Mr. Guterres described the UN’s work – in partnership with League… Continue reading Ukraine war: Middle East food prices soaring, as donor fatigue kicks in, Security Council hears

“Early warnings and action save lives,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message during a ceremony marking the day, adding that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) would “spearhead new action to ensure every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems within five years.” The agency will lead the effort and present an… Continue reading UN weather agency to spearhead 5 year early warning plan, boosting climate action

The 2016 resolution describes Israeli settlements on Occupied Palestinian Territory, according to 1967 borders, which includes East Jerusalem, as a flagrant violation of international law, and obstacle to any future two-State solution. ‘No justification’ for acts of terror I strongly condemn the killing of 4 Israeli civilians that took place this evening by an Israeli… Continue reading Wennesland condemns killing of 4 Israeli civilians, as Security Council hears ‘little progress’ is being made on settlements

It’s time for a diplomatic solution to be found to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, amidst signs of hope that progress can be made to end an “unwinnable” and “indefensible” war, said the UN chief on Tuesday. António Guterres briefed journalists outside the Security Council in New York, telling them from his own outreach efforts with “various actors”,… Continue reading Time to negotiate end to ‘unwinnable’ war in Ukraine, Guterres declares

High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet told the 49th session of Human Rights Council (HRC) that the country’s humanitarian crisis continues to expand as systematic brutality by security forces known as the Tatmadaw, has inflamed pre-existing armed conflicts in multiple ethnic states. “The economy is on the brink of collapse. Over 14.4 million individuals are now assessed… Continue reading Human rights in Myanmar face ‘profound crisis’ – Bachelet

While groundwater accounts for 99 per cent of all running freshwater on Earth, it is often undervalued, mismanaged, and overexploited, according to a report published on Monday by the UN scientific organization, UNESCO.  “Groundwater is a critical natural resource, invisible but indispensable for life on our planet”, UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said in the Foreword… Continue reading New UN report looks underfoot, to solve global water crises 

As the total forced to flee their homes in Ukraine rises above 10 million, attacks on healthcare facilities there due to Russia’s continuing bombardment are averaging more than two per day, the UN warned on Monday. “We, along with our partners, remain deeply concerned over the impact of reported fighting on civilians trapped in cities… Continue reading More than 2 attacks a day on Ukraine health facilities; 6.5 million now internally displaced

Speaking via video link, Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted some of the progress made at COP 26 last year but pointing to “the enormous emissions gap” conceded that “the main problem was not solved – it was not even properly addressed.”   “Keeping 1.5 alive requires a 45 per cent reduction in global emissions by 2030 and… Continue reading UN chief warns against ‘sleepwalking to climate catastrophe’

The Commission’s new report, based on interviews conducted with victims and witnesses over several years, describes a “hellish existence for women and girls”, with widespread rape being perpetrated by all armed groups across the country. According to the UN Commission, sexual violence has been instrumentalized as a reward and entitlement for youth and men participating… Continue reading South Sudan: ‘hellish existence’ for women and girls, new UN report reveals

“They act as natural filters, providing clean air and water, and they are havens of biological diversity…[and] help to regulate our climate by influencing rainfall patterns, cooling urban areas and absorbing one-third of greenhouse gas emissions,” explained Secretary-General António Guterres. Commemorated annually on 21 March, the international day reminds everyone that the sustainable management of… Continue reading Time for ‘tangible and credible’ forest management, says UN chief

Foreign combatants with armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) can find it hard to return home once they decide to stop fighting. The UN Mission in the country (MONUSCO) is helping them to demobilize, and adjust to a new life. “I married my wife while I was fighting in the bush.… Continue reading After 10 years fighting in the bush – it’s time to go home

Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, spoke at an emergency meeting called by Moscow in the midst of its continuing invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, following that delegation’s circulation of new documents it says back up its claims. The Council last discussed the issue of alleged biological materials in Ukraine in a meeting on 11… Continue reading No sign of Ukraine bioweapons labs says disarmament chief, after further Russian claims

After a missile attack near the airport in Lviv in western Ukraine early on Friday, UN humanitarians warned that the situation across the country remains dire, as Russia’s military invasion continues. “What happened in Lviv this morning, is nothing new, just as it was in other parts of the country, but it’s a strong reminder… Continue reading Ukraine invasion: Needs keep growing with cities facing ‘fatal shortages’

Billions of humans, animals and plants rely on a healthy ocean, but rising carbon emissions are making it more acidic, weakening its ability to sustain life underwater and on land. Plastic waste is also choking our waters, and more than half of the world’s marine species may stand on the brink of extinction by 2100. … Continue reading UN Ocean Conference 2022: The launch of a ‘fleet’ of solutions

Of the Council’s 15 members, 14 voted in favour of resolution 2626 (2022), with the Russian representative abstaining. Priority tasks The adopted text renews the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for one year with a shift in priority tasks. The Security Council today extended the mandate of the @UN Assistance Mission… Continue reading Security Council votes to bolster UN priorities in Afghanistan

Speaking from Kabul, at the end of a four-day visit to Afghanistan, Mr. Grandi said that he had met families “who do not know what they will eat for their next meal”. Acknowledging that the world is “rightfully preoccupied with the war in Ukraine,” he pleaded for help with another humanitarian crisis. Today, in Kandahar… Continue reading World must deliver support to Afghans: UN refugee chief

Amid a political impasse that threatens to see Libya fractured again by two parallel governments, the priority must be maintaining hard-won gains and fulfilling the electoral aspirations of nearly three million registered voters, the UN political affairs chief told the Security Council on Wednesday. #Libya faces a crisis that could, if left unresolved, lead to instability… Continue reading Tensions rise in Libya as risk of ‘parallel governments’ grows, Security Council hears

“The challenges we face today – the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, the growth and spread of conflicts – are largely the result of our male-dominated world and male-dominated culture,” Secretary-General António Guterres  said in a statement during a side event of the 66th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). He explained that… Continue reading Gender equality ‘fundamental prerequisite’ for peaceful, sustainable world

Russia must immediately suspend military operations in Ukraine, the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Wednesday, in The Hague. By a vote of 13 to two, with Vice-President Kirill Gevorgian of Russia and Judge Xue Hanqin of China dissenting, the ICJ ruled that Russia “shall immediately suspend the military operations that it commenced on… Continue reading International Court orders Russia to ‘immediately suspend’ military operations in Ukraine

War in Ukraine risks seeing 90 per cent of the country “freefall into poverty” and extreme vulnerability, nearly three weeks since Russia invaded its neighbour, a new UN report said on Wednesday. UNDP warned that if the conflict drags on – and if more support to the country is not forthcoming quickly – it could wreck almost two… Continue reading Ukraine war: $100 billion in infrastructure damage, and counting

After more than seven years of war, Yemen is living in a chronic state of emergency, marked by hunger, disease and other miseries that are rising faster than aid agencies can reverse, UN relief chief Martin Griffiths told the Security Council on Tuesday, as the Special Envoy for the country called for joint efforts by Yemenis and the international… Continue reading Yemen war now ‘chronic emergency’ as millions face hunger

Speaking to the 148 country-strong Group of Friends on Gender Parity, a side event of the 66th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Secretary-General António Guterres restated the UN’s commitment to equality for women everywhere.  “Today, I am proud to report that we are on a positive trajectory towards achieving gender parity” across… Continue reading UN on ‘positive trajectory’ towards full gender parity  

Nearly five million children born in Syria since March 2011 have known nothing but conflict. After 11 years of war, the crisis continues to leave them struggling with physical and psychological scars, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday. Only yesterday three children were reportedly killed by unexploded ordnance in Aleppo city, the statement… Continue reading Syria: Children ‘live in fear of violence’, scarred by 11 years of war

The war in Ukraine is the most severe test the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has faced since its creation in 1975, the top UN political affairs official told the Security Council on Monday, as the 15-member organ held its annual briefing on the OSCE’s work against the backdrop of intensifying bombardments… Continue reading Ukraine war ‘most severe’ test ever for European security body

The UN agency’s relief effort continues, despite missile attacks on healthcare facilities, workers, and patients in Ukrainian cities, which have killed 12 people and injured 34. Nurses have had to ventilate patients manually in hospital basements, away from Russian shelling. Among the most-needed lifesaving supplies, the UN health agency has sourced oxygen and insulin, surgical… Continue reading Ukraine health facilities ‘stretched to breaking point’, warns WHO

He described the climate and environmental crises, coupled with the ongoing economic and social fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, as “the defining issues of our time,” reminding that “our collective response will chart our course for decades to come”. This year’s Commission on the Status of Women is all about #ClimateChange. Through events and negotiations,… Continue reading Women and girls must lead battle against ‘widespread and interlinked crises’

Secretary-General António Guterres addressed correspondents outside the Security Council chamber in New York, and said that with each passing hour in Ukraine, the death and destruction is getting worse: “Whatever the outcome, this war will have no winners, only losers.” Ukraine is on fire and being decimated before the eyes of the world. This tragedy… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘We need peace now’ declares Guterres, warning of global hunger meltdown

Today, more than 17.4 million Yemenis are food insecure; an additional 1.6 million “are expected to fall into emergency levels of hunger” in coming months, taking the total of those with emergency needs, to 7.3 million by the end of the year. Famine to rise fivefold Of extreme concern to humanitarians is the likelihood that… Continue reading Yemen facing ‘outright catastrophe’ over rising hunger, warn UN humanitarians

The flooding of Lake Albert, in Africa’s Great Lakes Region, has caused huge economic losses on the shores of Uganda, where people were already struggling to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Buliisa district alone, situated on the north-eastern edge of Lake Albert, the flooding is thought to have resulted in more… Continue reading Economic effects of Lake Albert flooding ‘devastating’ for affected Ugandans

In a fast-breaking meeting called by Russia to address its claims of United States support for military biological research in Ukraine, Ms. DiCarlo said Russian armed forces are pursuing laying siege to several cities in the south, east and north of the country, with a large concentration reportedly massed along several approaches to the capital,… Continue reading UN political affairs chief warns of ‘utter devastation’ facing Ukraine cities by Russian forces

The UN rights office, OHCHR, reiterated deep concern on Friday at the increasing number of civilian casualties in Ukraine following the Russian invasion which began on 24 February, before issuing a reminder to Moscow that any targeting of non-combatants could be a war crime. “Civilians are being killed and maimed in what appear to be… Continue reading Russian attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine could be a war crime: UN rights office

Syria’s 11 years of brutal fighting has come at an “unconscionable human cost”, subjecting millions there to human rights violations on a “massive and systematic scale”, said the UN chief on Friday, marking yet another tragic anniversary “The destruction that Syrians have endured is so extensive and deadly that it has few equals in modern history”, said Secretary-General Antonio… Continue reading ‘We cannot fail the Syrian people’ Guterres declares, marking 11 years of brutal war

Stéphane Dujarric told correspondents at the daily briefing in New York that an estimated 1.9 million Ukrainians have been internally displaced, while more than 2.3 million have now crossed the western border in search of safety, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. “Three things are critical in the short term, as Emergency Relief Coordinator… Continue reading UN and partners boost presence and aid supplies inside Ukraine

The UN chief was speaking at a meeting on enhancing international cooperation – part of the landmark Our Common Agenda blueprint for multilateralism and collective action going forward, launched last year. It was the fifth and final Assembly-led consultation, and Mr. Guterres thanked all Member States for their “constructive and active engagement” together with all other stakeholders… Continue reading Ukraine: World must unite in face of Russia’s ‘violation of international law’

To date, more than 2.2 million people have fled Ukraine according to UN refugee agency UNHCR; most have found shelter in Poland and more than 200,000 have reached Hungary. Slovakia has taken in more than 150,000 people from its embattled neighbour since 24 February, when Russian forces began shelling and bombarding Ukrainian cities. Guterres praises… Continue reading Invasion of Ukraine: Neighbours struggle with refugee influx; UN expresses ‘horror’ at Mariupol hospital attack

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, has said that it is taking measures as best it can, to try and protect some of Ukraine’s priceless heritage from destruction in the face of the Russian invasion, noting that the international community also has a duty to help protect and preserve the country’s historic buildings,… Continue reading UNESCO bolsters protection for Ukrainian heritage under fire

“The response by Europe has been remarkable,” Filippo Grandi said in a statement on Tuesday, while urging other nations to step up.  At the Polish/Ukrainian border I was impressed by the outpouring of solidarity by communities through Poland in support of refugees: many volunteers in action, and piles of donations everywhere, all effectively organized by… Continue reading UN refugee chief praises European response to Ukraine exodus

The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the “deteriorating security situation” this week in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, where daily violence has claimed the lives of six Palestinians, including a child. Tor Wennesland added that 26 Palestinians and seven Israelis have also been… Continue reading ‘No justification for violence or terror’ says UN Envoy amid rising tensions in Jerusalem

On day 13 of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and amid rising numbers of civilian casualties, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday repeated her ceasefire call, with humanitarians on the ground describing conditions as increasingly “apocalyptic”. Addressing the Human Rights Council, Ms. Bachelet said that since Russia began its offensive on 24 February, at least… Continue reading Ukraine war now ‘apocalyptic’ humanitarians warn, in call for safe access

Mariia Shostak, a 25-year-old woman living in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, started having contractions on 24 February, the day the Russian Federation launched a military offensive in Ukraine, and gave birth amid the sounds of air raid sirens. She describes the harrowing conditions she endured, bringing a new life into a world of sudden and… Continue reading First Person: Giving birth during the Ukraine crisis

Mr. Griffiths, together with Catherine Russell, head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), briefed ambassadors on how the UN and partners are responding to rising needs since the Russian offensive began 11 days ago.  “People are watching as this unnecessary conflict engulfs cities and civilians. As well as what’s happening in Ukraine, they have an… Continue reading UN relief chief outlines immediate humanitarian priorities for Ukraine

South Sudan’s unity government marked its two-year anniversary against a backdrop of stalled constitutional progress and ongoing cycles of community violence – often fuelled by political groups and armed militias – the senior UN official in the country told the Security Council on Monday. “As we enter the remaining 12 months of the transitional period… Continue reading South Sudan marks milestone amid stalled progress, spreading violence

Unaccompanied and separated children fleeing the conflict in Ukraine must be protected, two senior UN officials said in a joint statement on Monday.  Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the UN children’s agency, UNICEF, alongside the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, urged countries taking in displaced Ukrainians to ensure these youngsters are immediately identified… Continue reading Protect unaccompanied children fleeing Ukraine: UN agency chiefs

A convoy from the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA) hit an improvised explosive device north of Mopti on Monday, killing at least two ‘blue helmets’, and wounding four others. In a statement, MINUSMA said the peacekeepers were part of a logistics convoy on its way to Timbuktu. The UN Special Representative and head of… Continue reading Two UN peacekeepers killed in Mali, four wounded

Ukraine addressed the UN’s highest court on Monday to reject as a “grotesque lie” Russia’s claims that genocide has been committed in eastern Ukrainian oblasts, or regions, before calling for emergency measures to halt Russian aggression. The development at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) came on day 12 of the crisis in Ukraine, where more than 1.5 million refugees have sought shelter across the country’s borders and where cities have been surrounded… Continue reading Russia reduced Genocide Convention ‘to confetti’, Ukraine tells world court

Reports that Ukraine’s, and Europe’s, largest nuclear power plant is under the control of Russian forces is a cause for grave concern, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, said on Sunday. In a statement released by the IAEA, Mr. Grossi said he had been informed by Ukrainian authorities that,… Continue reading ‘Deteriorating situation’ at Ukraine’s largest nuclear plant cause for grave concern, UN nuclear energy agency warns

UN chief António Guterres called on Sunday for a pause in fighting to allow civilians to escape conflict zones in Ukraine, as the UN rights body (OHCHR) announced it had recorded 1,123 civilian casualties since the beginning of Russia’s armed attack on the country. In a Tweet, the UN Secretary-General declared that it is absolutely… Continue reading Ukraine: UN chief calls for safe passage from conflict zones, rights body records 1,123 civilian casualties, WHO outlines health concerns

Amin Awad, the United Nations Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine, called on Saturday for an “immediate humanitarian pause” in fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces, as UN aid supplies arrive in the country. Mr Awad, who is in the country with his team, attempting to find ways to scale up humanitarian operations, said in a statement… Continue reading Ukraine: crisis chief calls for ‘humanitarian pause’, urgent UN aid arrives, WHO condemns healthcare attacks

The plastic bracelets the women wore in a bar in Argentina indicated the number of men they had been forced to have sex with. In Thailand, men and children from Myanmar were exploited in the fishing industry: an electric shock device was used if they refused to work. And a Chinese symbol for “slave” was… Continue reading Securing evidence: The key to convicting human traffickers

Amid reports of dwindling food supplies in embattled areas in Ukraine, the World Food Programme (WFP) on Friday began ramping up operations, warning that the conflict could have consequences beyond the country. Ukraine has long been the “breadbasket” of Europe, but the fighting could disrupt global wheat trade, with knock-on impacts on food prices and… Continue reading WFP ramping up operations as hunger rises in Ukraine

UN humanitarians on Friday described as “unprecedented,” the continuing outflow of children and families fleeing the “relentless shelling” of Russian military action in Ukraine – as they await assurances for the safe passage of relief teams to provide urgently needed assistance. “500,000 children have been forced to flee their homes in just seven days… unprecedented… Continue reading ‘Unprecedented’ number of traumatized people flee Ukraine

After Russian forces took control overnight of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in south-eastern Ukraine, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief said on Friday that it there was “no release of radioactive material” and that it continued to be operated by its regular staff. “Ukrainian counterparts informed the IAEA that a projectile overnight… Continue reading Ukraine: Russia hits Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, no radioactive leaks

Kenya’s Nzambi Matee beams brightly, thrusting a brick forth to coincide with the click of the camera. It is no ordinary brick – the entire thing is made from plastic waste – and no ordinary photo, either. Behind her, stands the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed. Ms. Mohammed rests her hands on… Continue reading Turning waste to wealth: In Nairobi, UN deputy chief lauds youth-led development solutions

Russia’s military attack on Ukraine has “opened a new and dangerous chapter in world history,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet told an urgent debate on Thursday, leading calls for a ceasefire.  Convened at the request of Ukraine, the Human Rights Council gathered in Geneva to consider a draft resolution on the “situation… Continue reading Bachelet leads calls for ceasefire in Ukraine during urgent debate at UN rights council

“The planet was already showing signs of buckling under the weight of humanity” back in 1972 when the agency was founded, he explained to the event in Nairobi via video message. “In the following decades, UNEP and its partners would work with Member States to combat air pollution, restore the ozone layer, protect the world’s… Continue reading UNEP combats pollution, restores ozone and protects seas – UN chief tells 50th anniversary session

The “senseless war” in Ukraine has forced one million people to flee the country in just seven days, while countless others have been displaced within its borders, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said on Thursday.  “I have worked in refugee emergencies for almost 40 years, and rarely have I seen an exodus as… Continue reading ‘Senseless war’ forces one million to flee Ukraine: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

“Six months of indecision … are eroding vital social and economic coping systems and pushing the population into greater uncertainty,” said Deborah Lyons, who is the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the UN mission in Afghanistan, known as UNAMA.  Thanking donors for generous humanitarian contributions since August 2021, when international forces left Afghanistan after… Continue reading To spare Afghanistan, world must engage with Taliban, Lyons tells Security Council

Everyone must commit to preserving the Earth’s “invaluable and irreplaceable wildlife,” the UN chief said on Wednesday in his message for World Wildlife Day. “Each year…we celebrate the beauty and wonder of our planet’s wild plants and animals,” reminded Secretary-General António Guterres, describing the day as an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied… Continue reading Push for ‘more caring, thoughtful’ relationship with nature: UN chief

Heads of State, environment ministers and other representatives from 175 nations, endorsed a historic resolution at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi on Wednesday to end plastic pollution, and forge an international legally binding agreement, by the end of 2024. The landmark resolution addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design and disposal. On… Continue reading Nations sign up to end global scourge of plastic pollution

The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution on Wednesday demanding that Russia immediately end its military operations in Ukraine.  Known informally as the world’s “town hall”, the Assembly is where all 193 UN Member States have a voice. A total of 141 countries voted in favour of the resolution, which reaffirms Ukrainian sovereignty, independence… Continue reading General Assembly resolution demands end to Russian offensive in Ukraine

On day seven of the Ukraine crisis, UN-led efforts to ramp up support to the country’s embattled health workers have continued, with the first shipment of lifesaving supplies due to arrive in neighbouring Poland in the coming hours. Initial concerns about a lack of medicines to treat chronic conditions such as diabetes, gave way on… Continue reading Ukraine: Oxygen shortage putting lives in danger

The conflict in Ukraine could put the safety of nuclear facilities there at risk, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned on Wednesday.  Addressing an emergency meeting of the agency’s Board of Governors, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi revealed that he remains gravely concerned over the “unprecedented situation” in the country.  “It… Continue reading Ukraine conflict could jeopardize safety of nuclear facilities, IAEA warns

The number of people fleeing the Russian onslaught in Ukraine surpassed 874,000 as of Wednesday morning New York time, data from the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has revealed.  More than half have headed west to Poland, according to a new UNHCR operational data portal that is keeping track of refugee arrivals in neighbouring countries.  Others… Continue reading Ukraine crisis: UN agencies support rising tide of refugees

Rockets have been “raining down” on Ukraine’s cities and hundreds of people have been killed or injured since the Russian military offensive began, the UN Secretary-General said on Tuesday, at the launch of a $1.7 billion flash appeal to provide urgently-needed assistance. António Guterres’s comments came as latest UN data indicated that 677,000 people have fled Ukraine… Continue reading Ukraine: $1.7 billion appeal launched to help refugee exodus, host countries

“We know that children have been killed, we know that thousands and thousands are at risk, and we know that more children, gutwrenchingly, are going to die or be injured in this unless fighting ends,” said UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) spokesperson James Elder. Between 24 Feb and midnight last night, @UNHumanRights recorded 536 civilian casualties… Continue reading UN humanitarians call on combatants to spare Ukraine civilians as aid ramps up

Delegates were looking to advance a global agreement on plastic pollution, among a series of draft resolutions on biodiversity and health, green economy, and circularity, as the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly kicked off in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Monday. Ministers of environment and other representatives from over 170 nations… Continue reading UN Environment Assembly opens, sets sites on ending plastic pollution

Addressing the Council, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi highlighted that despite the evolving situation in Ukraine, UN humanitarian organizations and NGO partners have remained in the country and are “now caught up in this deadly conflict.” “They are still striving to deliver help to people in need whenever a small window of relative… Continue reading Crises unfolding in Ukraine ripple throughout Europe – Security Council hears

The intensification of the Russian offensive in Ukraine is having devastating consequences on women and children, senior UN officials have reported.  Catherine Russell, the newly appointed Executive Director of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said on Monday that the situation for boys and girls caught up in the conflict grows worse by the minute.  Four-year-old… Continue reading Concern for women and children caught up in Ukraine conflict

“Any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable and the absence of accountability for the past use of such weapons remains a blight on the conscience of the international community,” said High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu. OPCW updates She updated the Ambassadors on the activities of the Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) with counterparts at the Organization… Continue reading Syria: Use of chemical weapons ‘blight’ on international community’s conscience

Assembly President Abdulla Shahid underscored that the military offensive launched by Russia five days ago was a violation of the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.  An affront to UN principles  Mr. Shahid cited the UN Charter, the Organization’s founding document, which outlines a world where countries settle disputes by peaceful means, without the threat or… Continue reading General Assembly holds emergency special session on Ukraine crisis

Fighting in Ukraine has so far pushed roughly a half million people across the border, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported on Monday.  “This is a massive outflow that we’re witnessing, and this has all just happened in the space of five days, so this is a fast-growing refugee emergency,” Spokesperson Shabia Mantoo told UN News.    Olga,… Continue reading Nearly half a million have fled Ukraine, UN refugee agency reports

“This report is a dire warning about the consequences of inaction,” said Hoesung Lee, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). “It shows that climate change is a grave and mounting threat to our wellbeing and a healthy planet. Our actions today will shape how people adapt and nature responds to increasing climate… Continue reading IPCC adaptation report ‘a damning indictment of failed global leadership on climate’

The Security Council voted on Sunday to call for a rare emergency special session of the 193-member UN General Assembly on Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, which will be held on Monday.  The measure convening the General Assembly session was adopted by a vote of 11 in favor, with Russia voting against, and China, India… Continue reading Security Council vote sets up emergency UN General Assembly session on Ukraine crisis

As extreme weather events become commonplace, threatening communities and economies across the world, the UN is helping policy-makers and leaders by projecting the impact of future climate hazards, and recommending the best, most cost-effective ways to adapt. “The floods have grown in intensity and turned into much stronger events that reach neighbourhoods, and areas that… Continue reading Limiting the damage: UN helps policy-makers tackle climate change

Even before the recent events that “convulsed the world” last week, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator reminded that an eight-year-long conflict in Eastern Ukraine had already level three million people in need of humanitarian assistance “on both sides of the contact line”. Martin Griffiths, who also serves as the humanitarian affairs chief, told journalists on… Continue reading 3M Ukrainians already in need – with future repercussions ‘spooling out’ before our eyes

A UN project, in association with one of India’s leading clean energy companies, is training women salt farmers in the Indian state of Gujarat to work in the solar power industry, and build a better life. Salt farming in India is hard work. In Gujarat, women set up huts, dig wells, and pump up brine,… Continue reading Women building a sustainable future: India’s rural energy pioneers

It was not surprising when Russia, a permanent member of the Council, refused to support the draft resolution. While eleven of the 15-member UN body voted in favour, India, China and the United Arab Emirates abstained from the vote. ‘Never give up’ Speaking to journalists after the session, Secretary-General António Guterres, stressed that “we must… Continue reading Russia blocks Security Council action on Ukraine

Perpetrators responsible for recent escalating violence in Unity state, South Sudan, must be held accountable, the UN Mission in the country, UNMISS, said in a statement on Friday.  Fighting between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition and armed youths, which began in Mirmir Payam, has spread to several villages in Koch, Mayiandit and Leer.… Continue reading South Sudan: UN Mission to step up patrols following rising violence in Unity state

“We will convene a series of Constitutional Committee meetings in March, May and June; and we will continue rolling out a set of consultations on step-for step within the wider issues…and on how we can make progress,” he said.  The UN official underscored that the full implementation of Security Council resolution 2585 – on humanitarian… Continue reading ‘Hot conflict’ pushes 12 million Syrians into food insecurity 

The warning comes after tropical cyclone Emnati made landfall on Wednesday in one of Africa’s most storm-prone countries and just days ahead of the launch of a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Four storms in one month Cyclone Emnati is the fourth tropical storm to hit Madagascar in one month. Reports… Continue reading Without climate action, extreme weather will trigger global humanitarian needs

Amid reported deadly missile attacks from Russia’s so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine, including the capital Kiev and other cities, terrified families have been forced to seek shelter underground, the UN said on Friday, adding that at least 100,000 people have likely been displaced by the violence.  “There have been major attacks in Kiev that have created greater fear and… Continue reading Ukraine crisis: Terrified families seek shelter underground in capital

Political leaders in Iraq must urgently overcome their divisions and work for the good of the people, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Thursday.  Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert reported that four months after parliamentary elections, politicians still struggle to form a government.   .@JeanineHennis: priority should be to urgently… Continue reading ‘Political impasse’ hampering change and reform in Iraq

Despite a sustained UN-led and international diplomatic push to avert military action in Ukraine, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin did just that – triggering a barrage of reactions, beginning with the UN chief, condemning the move and appealing for peace. “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against… Continue reading Ukraine Crisis: Protecting civilians must ‘Priority Number One’; Guterres releases $20M for humanitarian support

Amid reports on Thursday that people were fleeing en masse from the Ukrainian capital of Kiev following Russia’s so-called “special military operation,” UN humanitarians warned of the “devastating” consequences of military action.  “There are no winners in war, but countless lives will be torn apart,” said Filippo Grandi, head of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.  Civilian lives and infrastructure… Continue reading Ukraine: Humanitarians fear ‘devastating’ consequences  

Hours after diplomats took the floor at the General Assembly to deplore Russia’s actions toward Ukraine and appeal for diplomacy, Mr. Guterres said that instead of repeating what he’d already stated, his political chief would update the Council on “a number of events” that took place during the day. But before handing the microphone to… Continue reading Ukraine: Russia declares special military operation during emergency Security Council meeting

Briefing the Security Council, Tor Wennesland underlined the need for “firm action” that will enable Israelis and Palestinians to re-engage on the path to meaningful negotiations.  “There is no substitute for a legitimate political process that will resolve the core issues driving the conflict,” he said.  West Bank concerns  Mr. Wennesland reported on ongoing worrying… Continue reading Israel-Palestine: No substitute for legitimate political process, UN envoy tells Security Council

He was speaking in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, on the first day of his visit to the country, representing the Secretary-General, António Guterres.  Mr. Lacroix held different discussions with provincial authorities of Ituri and North Kivu and reiterated the need for the international community and other regional partners to support the DRC… Continue reading UN pledges more support for internally displaced persons in DR Congo’s Ituri province

“It is time for restraint, reason and de-escalation. There is no place for actions and statements that would take this dangerous situation over the abyss”, he said, calling for a ceasefire, dialogue and negotiations to save the people in Ukraine and beyond from the scourge of war. He also encouraged all parties to make full… Continue reading Ukraine: UN chief calls for ‘restraint, reason and de-escalation’

Wildfires are projected to rise by 50 per cent by the end of the century due to the climate crisis and changes in land use, according to a report published on Wednesday by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and GRID-Arendal, a non-profit environmental communications centre based in Norway.  The study found that even the Arctic… Continue reading UN-backed report warns of rising wildfire threat

“Our world is facing the biggest global peace and security crisis in recent years – certainly in my tenure as Secretary-General,” he said. Having cut short an overseas visit that included “a very important summit of African leaders”, the UN chief told journalists that “we face a moment that I sincerely hoped would not come.”… Continue reading Ukraine crisis testing ‘entire international system’ – UN chief

The island nation of Madagascar is shoring up for its fourth tropical cyclone in a month, UN aid agencies warned on Tuesday, as they outlined plans to help the authorities assist the most vulnerable.  While tropical cyclone Emnati was due to make landfall in the south of the East African State on Tuesday – on Madagascar’s… Continue reading ‘Race against time’ as Madagascar braces for 4th tropical cyclone in a month

Following Russia’s decision to recognize the independence of certain areas of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Tuesday added her voice to the UN’s growing chorus of alarm. “I am deeply concerned that any significant escalation in military action creates a heightened risk of serious human rights violations as… Continue reading Ukraine: Senior UN officials decry growing risks of dangerous breaches

Weapons exports to the military rulers in Myanmar by UN Member States must stop, the UN independent expert on the human rights situation in the country said on Tuesday. In a report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews insisted that these arms had been used against civilians. He also… Continue reading Stop weapons supply to Myanmar, rights expert urges

Secretary-General António Guterres is “greatly concerned” by the Russian Federation’s decision on the status of certain areas of Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, his Spokesperson said on Monday According to news reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally recognized separatist regions in Ukraine’s east as independent states. In a statement issued by Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the… Continue reading Latest decision by Russia violates Ukraine’s territorial integrity, UN chief says

Students in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince are getting used to being back in class after gang violence closed their school for three years. The Lycée National de La Saline, which reopened in January, is located in one of the poorest, most troubled and disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince. Some 5000 people live in La Saline.… Continue reading Students go back to Haitian school three years after gang attack

Attacks on kindergartens and schools have been a sad reality for children in eastern Ukraine over the last eight years, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said on Friday. Since the beginning of the conflict, more than 750 schools have been damaged. On Thursday, according to media reports and the Ukrainian Government, shells fired by separatists… Continue reading Conflict in Ukraine disrupting entire generation of children, says UNICEF

Special Representative Helen La Lime, who also heads the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), outlined the need for structural reforms to tackle gang violence, address impunity and corruption, strengthen the justice system and sustainably transform the economy. “The contours of a common vision shared by all, will ultimately depend on Haitian stakeholders placing the… Continue reading Haiti remains in ‘acute political and institutional crisis’, Security Council hears

Thousands of Eritrean refugees sheltering at a camp in the Ethiopian Afar region, have fled following a deadly attack on the facility earlier this month, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Friday. At a briefing for journalists in Geneva, a spokesperson the UN agency said that unidentified assailants targeted Barahle camp on 3 February… Continue reading Ethiopia conflict: thousands of Eritrean refugees flee new deadly attack on camp

With tensions continuing to mount over the Ukraine crisis, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Friday that he still believed military conflict in Europe “will not happen” – although if it did, “it would be catastrophic”. Addressing world leaders at the Munich Security Conference on Friday – amid an intense spike in shelling in eastern Ukraine by… Continue reading Time to ‘seriously de-escalate’ tensions over Ukraine, Guterres tells Munich conference

“Whatever one believes about the prospect of such a confrontation, the reality is that the current situation is extremely dangerous,” said Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, acknowledging reports of fresh ceasefire violations across the contact line just hours earlier, which if verified, “must not be allowed to escalate.” Call for intense diplomacy She called… Continue reading Ukraine crisis: UN political affairs chief calls for ‘maximum restraint’

Reported incidents of violence against civilians fell by around 42 per cent in 2021 compared with the previous year, according to a new report released by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday. The UNMISS Human Rights Division’s annual brief on violence affecting civilians, documented 3,414 civilian victims subjected to killing, injury, abduction,… Continue reading South Sudan: Sharp decline in violence against civilians

Deadly wildfires, noise pollution and other looming environmental threats could cause widespread ecological damage, and need to be urgently addressed, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said in a new report published on Thursday. “The Frontiers Report identifies and offers solutions to three environmental issues that merit attention and action from governments and the public at… Continue reading New environmental report offers solutions for ‘triple planetary crisis’

Conflict prevention, counter-terrorism and support to Afghanistan, top the list of issues on which the UN and the Collective Security Treaty Organization – a Eurasian regional grouping comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation and Tajikistan – should bolster their cooperation, Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Wednesday. “Our founders understood that no single organization can alone ensure peace,… Continue reading Counter-terrorism, Afghanistan, top priorities for UN cooperation with Eurasian security body

Recent attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia indicate how the conflict in Yemen risks spiralling out of control, the chief UN mediator for the country told the Security Council on Tuesday, as he called for “serious efforts” to be made by Yemeni parties, the region and the international community, to end the fighting,… Continue reading Sharp escalation in fighting across Yemen risks spiralling out of control

Somalia’s leaders must put aside their differences and urgently conclude a credible election process, the UN’s senior official in the country told the Security Council on Tuesday, noting that national elections are now more than a year behind schedule and women’s representation remains significantly off-track. James Swan, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the… Continue reading Somalia: Elections must be finalized amid worsening drought, Security Council hears

Amid increasing tension over Ukraine between Russia and Western countries of the NATO alliance, the UN Secretary-General declared on Monday that “there is no alternative to diplomacy.” “I am deeply worried by the heightened tensions and increased speculation about a potential military conflict in Europe”, António Guterres told journalists, in a statement at UN Headquarters in New… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘Do not fail the cause of peace’ Guterres urges

The meeting opened to approve the report of the second IPCC Working Group focusing on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability to climate change which will be added to the Sixth Assessment Report later this month.  The report of the first IPCC Working Group, which focussed on the physical science of climate change, influenced the work of… Continue reading Climate change ‘happening worldwide’ 

As Timor-Leste prepares to choose a new president in March, Roy Trivedy, the senior UN official in the country, explains the Organization’s role in securing the vote for all citizens across the small island nation, which gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, and expresses his hopes for safe, inclusive, and transparent elections. “The United Nations… Continue reading Ensuring safety and inclusive elections in Timor-Leste: A UN Resident Coordinator blog

More than 600 family members of ISIL fighters have been repatriated from Syria to Kazakhstan over the last three years, as part of an initiative to rehabilitate women and children from the country. One formerly radicalized wife who married a member of the terrorist group, has been speaking to UN News about her regrets, and… Continue reading The bittersweet taste of home: Former ISIL wife returns to Kazakhstan

In Ukraine, home to heavy industry and one of the largest coal mining operations in the world, passionate women entrepreneurs are adopting new approaches to business, putting environment and people first. Valentina and Tetiana Denysenko were forced to flee Donetsk in eastern Ukraine after armed conflict broke out there seven years ago. They moved to… Continue reading Women building a sustainable future: green business begins to sprout in Ukraine

The UN chief is “following closely” the latest political crisis unfolding in Libya, which threatens to return the country to a stand-off position between two rival authorities, following the failure to hold presidential elections in December. In a statement issued by his Spokesperson on Friday, Secretary-General António Guterres called on “all parties to continue to preserve stability in Libya… Continue reading Stability for Libya must be ‘top priority’ urges Guterres

The planet is facing the triple crises of climate disruption, biodiversity loss and pollution, Secretary-General António Guterres told the One Ocean Summit on Friday, warning that “the ocean shoulders much of the burden”. As the ocean serves as a giant carbon and heat sink, it is growing warmer and more acidic, causing its ecosystems to… Continue reading World must ‘change track’ to protect oceans from climate crisis: Guterres

Although internal conflict erupted within the world’s youngest country after independence in 2011, Radio Miraya, the news service launched by the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan in 2005, has stuck fast to its original mandate of trying to bring the country together, becoming the most popular and trusted source of information in the country… Continue reading Radio Miraya builds trust in South Sudan, amid hate and disinformation