Category: Uncategorized

The appeal comes as countries continue negotiations towards an international treaty on plastic pollution, and ahead of World Environment Day on 5 June. “Plastic production has increased exponentially over recent decades and today the world is generating 400 million tonnes of plastic waste yearly,” said David R. Boyd, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and… Continue reading ‘Toxic tidal wave’ of plastic pollution putting human rights at risk

Russian attacks overnight, killed three people – including the girl’s mother – and wounded 11 others, according to news reports. It followed a reported 17 strikes on the capital during May, and the fourth this week. More than 1,500 killed, injured Ms. Brown expressed her sympathy to the families of “over 1,500 children killed and… Continue reading Ukraine: Over 1,500 children killed or injured, concern rises over forced transfers

“Our common interest in preserving the domain of outer space, a province of humankind that benefits us all, requires agile and multi-stakeholder governance responses,” he wrote in the introduction.  The policy brief examines some of the “unprecedented” changes underway in outer space, including the sheer volume of satellites being launched into orbit, the participation of the… Continue reading Oversight’s key to ensure sustainability in outer space: Guterres

31 May 2023Human Rights UN chief António Guterres is “deeply concerned” after Uganda’s president signed into law a punitive so-called “Anti-Homosexuality Act”, the UN Spokesperson said in a statement released late on Tuesday. The draconian law foresees the application of the death penalty and long prison sentences for consensual sex between adults. Non-discrimination principle Mr.… Continue reading Uganda: Guterres voices deep concern as Anti-Homosexuality Act signed into law

In its new Monitor on the World of Work report, ILO shows that while in high-income countries, only 8.2 per cent of people willing to work are jobless, that number rises to over 21 per cent in low-income countries – or one in every five people. Low-income countries in debt distress are worst affected, with… Continue reading Economic woes dash job prospects in low income countries: ILO

The country, commonly known as North Korea, attempted to fire off its first military reconnaissance satellite earlier that day but it crashed into the sea, according to media reports.  The DPRK has reportedly pledged to conduct another launch after it learns what went wrong.  The UN chief noted that any launch using ballistic missile technology… Continue reading UN chief strongly condemns DPRK spy satellite launch 

30 May 2023Human Rights A large group of UN-appointed independent human rights experts on Tuesday called on the Belarusian authorities to immediately release all those being held on “spurious charges”, simply for exercising their fundamental rights to peaceful assembly, association and expression, to be released without delay. “The practice of incommunicado detention of members of the political opposition and… Continue reading Belarus: ‘Unprecedented level of repression’ must end, say UN rights experts

Delivering his latest update, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reported that the situation at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) – the largest in Europe – remains extremely fragile and dangerous. Military operations continue in the region “and may well increase very considerably in the near future,” he warned. Rolling the dice The Zaporizhzhya plant… Continue reading IAEA chief outlines five principles to avert nuclear ‘catastrophe’ in Ukraine

“Racism and xenophobia continue to spoil our communities, like scars that spoil the fabric of society. The hatred and violence they engender persist, demanding our collective efforts to eradicate racial violence in all its forms,” he told the second session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.  Transforming injustice  Mr. Kőrösi said overcoming… Continue reading Racism which scars societies, must be stamped out, forum for people of African descent hears

“It is vital that the recent diplomatic moves are matched with real action,” said Geir Pedersen, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria, briefing the Security Council on recent political and humanitarian developments. A range of diplomatic initiatives have quickened the pace towards finding solutions on, among other things, continuing a direct dialogue with the… Continue reading Fresh diplomatic gains must match action on the ground in Syria to end war

30 May 2023Climate and Environment Global warming’s devastating effects on the world’s sea ice, icebergs and glaciers – part of what is known as the cryosphere – need to be better understood and mitigated, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). WMO warned on Tuesday that glaciers and ice sheet melt in Greenland and Antarctica accounts for some… Continue reading WMO makes urgent call to action over melting cryosphere

30 May 2023Humanitarian Aid A total of 4.9 million people in Haiti – nearly half of the country’s population – are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, according to a new UN-supported report. The latest integrated food security phase classification (IPC) analysis, reported on Sunday that of the total number of affected people, 1.8… Continue reading Nearly half of Haiti going hungry, new food security report warns

WFP’s Country Director in Sudan, Eddie Rowe, told reporters in Geneva that in a major breakthrough, the agency distributed food assistance to 15,000 people in both Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) controlled areas of Omdurman, part of the Khartoum metropolitan area, beginning on Saturday. Speaking from Port Sudan, Mr. Rowe highlighted other recent… Continue reading UN humanitarians complete first food distribution in Khartoum as hunger, threats to children intensify

Sudan, Burkina Faso, Haiti and Mali have been elevated to the highest alert level, joining Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen. Additionally, a likely El Niño – a naturally occurring climatic phenomenon that has a warming effect on ocean surface temperatures in the central and east Pacific – is also raising fears of climate extremes… Continue reading UN agencies warn of rising hunger risk in 18 ‘hotspots’

“United Nations peacekeepers are the beating heart of our commitment to a more peaceful world,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message for the Day. He called for continued support for these men and women, who help countries to transition from war to peace. Hope and help “They are also critical to the protection of… Continue reading International Day of UN Peacekeepers honours 75 years of service and sacrifice

“I can’t think of a better way than using food to bring everyone to the table,” said Elroi Yee, an investigative reporter and producer of the Dari Dapur campaign. “We need shared stories that show migrants and refugees have a place in the Malaysian narratives.” Tales and tastes of Tamil puttu, Cambodia’s nom banh chok,… Continue reading Malaysia: ‘Everyone has a migration story’, now let’s eat

28 May 2023Women Fatoumatta Fatty’s commute on an old, malfunctioning wheelchair takes up to two hours during rainy season in The Gambia, but she is happy joining her co-workers at a sanitary pad production centre, where she takes pride in making products that help women overcome “period poverty” across the country. Period poverty, or the… Continue reading Menstrual Hygiene Day: Putting an end to period poverty

This feature, which focuses on the illegal trade in substandard and fake medicines, is part of a UN News series exploring the fight against trafficking in the Sahel. From ineffective hand sanitizer to fake antimalarial pills, an illicit trade that grew during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 is being meticulously dismantled by the UN and… Continue reading Trafficking in the Sahel: Killer cough syrup and fake medicine

Less than 10 per cent of schools and universities follow formal guidance on using wildly popular artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like the chatbot software ChatGPT, according to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which hosted more than 40 ministers at an groundbreaking online meeting on Thursday. The ministers exchanged policy approaches and plans… Continue reading UNESCO unveils new AI roadmap for classrooms

The US National Hurricane Center acts as WMO’s Regional Specialized Meteorological hub, based in Miami, Florida. There is a 40 per cent chance of a near-normal season, 30 per cent possibility of an “above-normal season”, and also 30 per cent of a below-normal season, according to forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center. The hurricane season… Continue reading Weather experts predict ‘near normal’ season, with 5 to 9 potential hurricanes

26 May 2023Humanitarian Aid Humanitarians reached 5.4 million people in Ukraine with desperately needed aid by April this year, including cash assistance, food, health services, and medicines, the UN said on Friday. “The escalating war is taking a heavy toll on civilians who live close to the front lines, people who cannot go back to… Continue reading Ukraine: UN delivers aid to millions, as civilian suffering continues

26 May 2023Human Rights Allowing space for everyone to speak up, is critical for a free and fully functioning society said the UN human rights chief on Friday, warning that a safe environment online has never been more essential. Volker Türk was issuing a clarion call to protect and expand civic space, arguing that it’s… Continue reading ‘Safe digital public square’ never more important, says Türk

Stéphane Dujarric told correspondents at the regular noon briefing that the opportunity to provide services and support to the millions of Sudanese who are suffering due to the six weeks of fighting between national army forces and their powerful rival militia, the RSF, was only feasible in areas where the ceasefire holds. Relative calm has… Continue reading Sudan: UN and partners scramble to supply aid as fragile ceasefire holds

25 May 2023Human Rights UN Special Representative, Pramila Patten, expressed her ‘deep concern’ on Thursday over increasing allegations of sexual violence against women and girls being carried out in camps for the internally displaced (IDPs) around Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). “Allegations of grave cases of sexual violence against civilians, including… Continue reading UN representative alarmed by sexual violence against women and girls in DRC

Briefing ambassadors on Africa Day, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo presented the latest UN report on securing predictable, sustainable and flexible resources for AU-led peace support operations mandated by the Council. The changing nature of conflict in Africa has forced the partners to adapt their operations in response to new and evolving challenges. Secure funding stream “The… Continue reading Security Council urged to step up on financing for AU peace operations

He said the men and women that serve, from 125 countries, across 12 operations, were working to support security, stability and the rule of law. “They represent the beating heart of the United Nations’ commitment to peace”, said Secretary-General António Guterres. “By bringing peacekeepers together from around the world, peacekeeping has also become an inspiring symbol of multilateralism in… Continue reading UN peacekeepers ‘a beacon of hope and protection’: Guterres

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk appealed to the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and of the Rapid Support Forces, locked in conflict since 15 April, to “issue clear instructions” to those under their command that sexual violence will not be tolerated, and to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable. Mr.… Continue reading Türk appeals to Sudan’s warring generals; calls out ‘dangerous anti-rights tendencies’ worldwide

24 May 2023UN Affairs New ideas must open fresh pathways towards finally ending the era of colonialism and to help advance sustainable development in the world’s 17 remaining colonies, the UN chief said in a video message to the Organization’s decolonization seminar in Bali, Indonesia “Our shared goal is to give greater priority to the… Continue reading Guterres: ‘We can turn the tide’ towards ending colonialism

In Myanmar, the UN appealed on Tuesday for $333 million to assist 1.6 million of the most vulnerable people, many of whom have lost their homes as the cyclone hit the west of the country over a week ago. The UN’s top aid official in the country, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, told reporters in Geneva that the… Continue reading Cyclone Mocha: urgent funding needed as hunger, diseases loom

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was delivering his report to the 76th World Health Assembly, the UN agency’s decision-making body, which is meeting this week.  Threat still remains  “The end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency is not the end of COVID-19 as a global health threat,” Tedros told Member States.  “The threat of… Continue reading World must be ready to respond to next pandemic: WHO chief

Secretary-General António Guterres was addressing the annual opening of the World Health Assembly, the decision making body of the WHO, and said that the agency was born out of a spirit of cooperation, leading to dramatic improvements in human health. “Global life expectancy – up over 50 percent; Infant mortality – down sixty percent in… Continue reading Progress on human health ‘in peril’, warns UN chief

24 May 2023Peace and Security The UN’s top advocate on ending violence against children, joined UN agencies on Wednesday in highlighting the urgent need to protect the rights of young people on the move, amid spiralling crises worldwide. With more than 42 million children displaced worldwide and increasing exposure to multiple forms of violence, the… Continue reading Unprecedented joint call to shield children on the move from violence

“There is no time to spare,” said Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. “We must take action, not only to ensure Palestinian well-being and governance, but as an integral part of ending the occupation and restoring a political horizon toward a viable two-State solution, based on UN resolutions, international… Continue reading ‘No time to spare’: Israel-Palestine ceasefire holds, but hunger, tensions mount

24 May 2023Humanitarian Aid With “crisis atop of crisis” threatening millions in the Horn of Africa, the international community cannot afford to stand idly by, Secretary-General António Guterres said at a pledging event to raise $7 billion for the region, held at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday.  More than 43 million people across… Continue reading UN and partners seek $7 billion to prevent catastrophe in the Horn of Africa

The landmark decision comes as heat-trapping greenhouse gas concentrations are at record levels – “higher than at any time over the last 800,000 years”, WMO warned. Data from Earth and space The new Global Greenhouse Gas Watch will combine observations from Earth and from space with modelling, to fill critical information gaps. It will build… Continue reading Green light for global greenhouse gas tracking network

In 2022, the UN recorded a 53 per cent increase in the number of civilians killed across 12 armed conflicts, from Sudan to Ukraine. Here are five reasons why strengthening the protection of civilians is imperative. 1. Minimize civilian harm Armed conflicts result in civilian deaths, injuries, and psychological wounds. In 2022, nearly 94 per… Continue reading Protecting civilians in times of crisis

The UN chief was speaking during a debate on ensuring the security and dignity of people caught in the crossfire and addressing the related issue of access to food and essential services.  Suffering and ‘outrage’  “Civilians have suffered the deadly effects of armed conflict for too long.  It is time we live up to our… Continue reading Uphold promise to protect civilians caught in conflict: Guterres

The Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in Ukraine. 22 May 2023Peace and Security The Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine lost all external power for several hours on Monday morning, highlighting the urgent need to protect the facility and prevent an accident, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a… Continue reading Ukraine: Power loss at nuclear plant underscores ‘highly vulnerable’ safety situation

More than seven million children under the age of five remain malnourished and in need of urgent nutrition aid, and over 1.9 million boys and girls* are at risk of dying from severe malnutrition. As the region comes out of one of the worst droughts in 40 years, vulnerable communities have lost cattle, crops, and entire livelihoods over the past three years of failed rains.  “The crisis… Continue reading Horn of Africa: Over 7 million children under the age of 5 remain malnourished

“Lives and infrastructure are being destroyed, and the security situation is impeding the delivery of humanitarian aid,” said Volker Perthes, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Sudan, briefing the Security Council on Monday about recent developments. Five weeks since the eruption of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)… Continue reading Ceasefire in Sudan could ‘pave the way’ to peace talks

Captain Cecilia Erzuah, 32, who has served in Abyei since March last year, as the Commander of the Ghana Engagement Platoon, will receive the award from Secretary-General António Guterres during a ceremony marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers this Thursday, said the Department of Peace Operations in a press release. Abyei is a disputed and resource-rich area between Sudan and… Continue reading Ghana peacekeeper named UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year

According to WMO, weather, climate and water-related hazards caused close to 12,000 disasters between 1970 and 2021. Developing countries were hit hardest, seeing nine in 10 deaths and 60 per cent of economic losses from climate shocks and extreme weather.   WMO said that Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States suffered a “disproportionately” high… Continue reading Extreme weather caused two million deaths, cost $4 trillion over last 50 years

That was the message from the President of the UN General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, on an official visit to Salt Lake City in Utah, where he met with top state officials, students and academics, and local community members. “There are commonalities because the entire world is in a water crisis, which is ignited by climate… Continue reading Advocating for sustainable water ‘gamechangers’, Kőrösi goes West

The G7, which consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, together with the European Union, is meeting in the city where the first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945, a place which Secretary-General António Guterres described, as a “testament to the human spirit”. “Whenever I visit, I am inspired by… Continue reading G7 nations, ‘central to climate action’ says Guterres, calling for global reset

From Hurricane Ivan in Jamaica in 2004 to earthquakes in Peru in 2007 and Haiti in 2010, Raul – chief of the regional office for disaster risk reduction – has developed an acute understanding of what the impact of disasters are, and what can be done to avoid or prevent them. “We continuously face a… Continue reading First Person: Rising from disaster

Adedeji Ebo was briefing the Security Council on the issue of Western weapons supplies to Ukraine, called by permanent member Russia – the fourth time it has been presented for discussion in light of the ongoing conflict. The Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs said the transfers of weapons systems and ammunition from… Continue reading Ukrainian civilians subject to ‘unbearable routine’ of Russian attack

“Now is not the time to be complacent, or to take for granted that Iraq has turned a corner,” said the UN Special Representative for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. Achievements range from fighting corruption to advancing energy independence, said Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), briefing on recent developments. But… Continue reading Despite gains, Iraq has not yet ‘turned the corner’, Security Council hears

Reports of gender-based violence (GBV) against girls and women there have increased by 37 per cent during the first three months of the year, compared to the same period a year ago, according to the GBV coordination group for North Kivu. More than 38,000 cases of GBV were reported for all of 2022 in North… Continue reading UNICEF alert over ‘sickening’ levels of sexual violence in eastern DR Congo

The report states that some “UN Member States are enabling this trade” through a combination of outright complicity, lax enforcement of existing bans, and easily circumvented sanctions, according to a news release from the UN rights office OHCHR. Access to advanced weaponry  “Despite overwhelming evidence of the Myanmar military’s atrocity crimes against the people of… Continue reading UN rights expert exposes $1 billion ‘death trade’ in arms for Myanmar military

Ambassadors were briefed by UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, who reported on his ongoing engagement with representatives from the internationally-recognized Government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and opposing Houthi rebels, as well as regional and international actors. Mr. Grundberg said he was encouraged by the positive and detailed discussions, noting that all interlocutors… Continue reading UN envoy reports on progress towards Yemen peace agreement

17 May 2023Climate and Environment Global temperatures are likely to surge to record levels in the next five years, fuelled by heat-trapping greenhouse gases and a naturally occurring El Niño weather pattern, according to a new update issued by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Wednesday. There is a 66 per cent likelihood that the… Continue reading Global temperatures set to break records during next 5 years: WMO

Amid claims and counter claims, the army has been reportedly attempting to cut the supply lines of the Rapid Support Forces and defend its bases from continued attack. The RSF claimed to have captured hundreds of soldiers, following an attack on an army base. Airstrikes and heavy fighting have left hundreds of thousands of city… Continue reading Sudan crisis: UN continues to scale up aid, as security allows

“Non-State armed groups continue to carry out large-scale attacks against civilian and military targets and engage in clashes over access to resources, territorial control and influence,” said Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, part of the political and peacebuilding affairs department, and UN Peace Operations. The Council was meeting to assess the… Continue reading Security situation in Sahel remains very worrying, Security Council warned

“The way we produce, use, and dispose of plastics is polluting ecosystems, creating risks for human health and destabilizing the climate,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. ‘Roadmap’ to slash plastic pollution “This UNEP report lays out a roadmap to dramatically reduce these risks through adopting a circular approach that keeps plastics out of ecosystems,… Continue reading New UN ‘roadmap’ shows how to drastically slash plastic pollution

15 May 2023Peace and Security The world must make every effort to eliminate chemical weapons, the UN chief said on Monday, raising grave concerns about their continued use. “We cannot go backwards,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message addressing the fifth Special Session of the States parties to review the operation of… Continue reading Guterres: Eliminate ‘weapons of terror’ to avert future chemical warfare

Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said that it was “imperative that we explore all options to reach civilians”, stressing that all parties to the fighting must allow and facilitate the “rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief”. “I urge the parties to strengthen facilitation efforts so we can reach all civilians in need”, he said. Cut… Continue reading Ukraine: Imperative to ‘explore all options’ to reach civilians – UN relief chief

These buildings were destroyed during an Israeli air strike, amid a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence in Gaza City. (file) 14 May 2023Peace and Security UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed last night’s ceasefire agreement in Israel and Gaza and reiterated that only a negotiated political solution will lead to lasting peace and end the devastating… Continue reading Guterres welcomes ceasefire in Israel and Gaza

12 May 2023Human Rights A declaration by Sudan’s warring parties committing to protect civilians is an “important first step”, after more than three weeks of heavy fighting, the UN’s top official in the African nation said on Friday. Volker Perthes – Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan and Head of the UN Integrated Transition… Continue reading Sudan’s warring generals take ‘important first step’ on humanitarian protection

To date, four warrants have been issued and two others are in the application process, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said, highlighting this key step as recognizing the rights of victims to justice. “If this Council’s referrals are to be vindicated, it requires everyone to step up,” he said. “Partnerships are key to justice.” The Council… Continue reading New arrest warrants seek justice for victims in Libya, ICC prosecutor says

Unless donors meet the gap, 60 per cent of the people the agency assists in the Occupied Palestinian Territories will no longer be receiving food assistance in June, the World Food Programme (WFP) announced, adding that by August, the agency will be forced to completely suspend operations in the West Bank and Gaza. “Desperate times… Continue reading Severe funding shortfalls could leave 200,000 Palestinians hungry

10 May 2023Peace and Security The UN Secretary-General on Wednesday, called for an end to the violence that has continued across parts of Pakistan, following the arrest a day earlier of former Prime Minister, Imran Khan. Mr. Khan pleaded not guilty to corruption charges on Wednesday, appearing before a judge at a police guest house,… Continue reading Pakistan: Guterres calls for end to violence following arrest of Imran Khan

In an alert on the situation, the World Food Programme (WFP) said that it expected between two and 2.5 million more people to face acute hunger in the coming months, because of conflict that erupted on 15 April between forces loyal to rival Generals Abdel Fattah Al Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. This development would… Continue reading Violence in Sudan likely to spark record levels of hunger

In the month of April alone, more than 600 people were killed in violence in the country’s capital, according to information gathered by the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). This follows the killing of at least 846 people in the first three months of 2023. BINUH said that overall, the number of victims of… Continue reading Haiti: International support needed now to stop spiralling gang violence

“The outbreak of violence in the Sudan may deeply impact the chance for political progress on Abyei and border issues,” Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, told the Council. Security in Abyei, a disputed oil-rich border region straddling both African nations, had… Continue reading Sudan violence threatens fragile cross-border progress with Juba

In response to the assault on the principles behind the United Nations, António Guterres said that the international community needed to raise the alarm, and “reaffirm those values.” ‘Elusive and fragile’ Above all, “we need peace” he told the audience gathered for the prestigious award championing multilateralism in Europe, at the Royal Monastery of Yuste,… Continue reading Values of UN Charter under threat like never before, warns Guterres

9 May 2023Peace and Security The top UN official involved in the Middle East peace process raised the alarm on Tuesday following an Israeli military operation which reportedly killed more than a dozen Palestinians, including three commanders from the militant group, Islamic Jihad. “I am deeply alarmed by developments in Gaza after Israel launched a… Continue reading UN Middle East envoy condemns deadly Israeli airstrikes in Gaza

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, António Guterres noted that “most, if not all, United Nations agencies and our humanitarian partners, have been impacted by large-scale looting”, since the military power struggle between the national army and rival RSF militia began, which fighting now entering a fourth week. Speaking to journalists at the daily UN briefing on Monday,… Continue reading Sudan crisis: Guterres condemns looting of main WFP compound in Khartoum

8 May 2023Climate and Environment The sustainable management of the world’s forests takes centre stage at the UN Forum on Forests, which opened on Monday at UN Headquarters in New York. Stakeholders from across the world, from Member States to civil society partners, will gather to discuss this critical planetary resource. Here are 5 key… Continue reading UN Forum on Forests: 5 things you need to know

That’s according to the UN Trade and Development body UNCTAD’s Trade and Environment Review 2023, published on Monday, which analyses the world’s $3-6 billion ocean economy, and assesses how human activity and multiple global crises have significantly impacted sectors like fishing, seafood, shipping and coastal tourism. The report, presented at the 3rd UN Trade Forum in Geneva, calls for… Continue reading Countries must forge ‘Global Blue Deal’ to protect the ocean: UNCTAD

6 May 2023Peace and Security At a time when more than 100 armed groups are plaguing communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with grave human rights violations and sexual violence, the UN chief said on Saturday that swift, bolstered efforts must end the chronic cycle of conflict in the natural resources-rich Great… Continue reading UN chief calls for bolstered efforts to end violence in Great Lakes region

“Everyone must put an end to hate speech, work to restore trust, and refrain from any action that could undermine the progress made for peace” in DRC, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, on the eve of the high-level meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for DR Congo and… Continue reading In Burundi, Guterres outlines challenges facing the region

“We are alarmed about widespread mental health issues and accounts of escalating suicides among women and girls,” they said in a joint statement. “This extreme situation of institutionalized gender-based discrimination in Afghanistan is unparalleled anywhere in the world.” ‘Extreme’ discrimination Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, de facto authorities have issued a… Continue reading Afghanistan: Women tell UN rights experts ‘we’re alive, but not living’

5 May 2023Humanitarian Aid Recurring attacks by armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continue to drive forced displacement and extreme hardship for millions of Congolese, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Friday. The country has 6.2 million internally displaced people, while more than 1.3 million have become refugees. UNHCR said that… Continue reading DR Congo: Desperate situation facing millions displaced by armed violence

Emergencies tend to exacerbate the vulnerabilities people who work in the arts already experience, as they face multiple threats such as online and offline harassment, loss of income, legal prosecution, violence, censorship, and silencing.  Creatives also often lack minimal safety nets due to their precarious legal status, according to the report.  Artists under assault  In… Continue reading UNESCO calls for more protection for artists under attack

According to news reports, Russian airstrikes targeted the capital Kyiv for the third time in four days, following on from what Russian authorities said was an assassination attempt by drone strike, on President Vladimir Putin, earlier on Wednesday. Ukrainian authorities, who deny any involvement in the drone incident in Moscow, said Thursday morning’s large-scale attack… Continue reading UN in Ukraine ‘appalled and saddened’ at deadly airstrikes and attacks

“Despite being charged with terrorism, they were reportedly arrested for resisting forced evictions in the name of the NEOM project and the construction of a 170km linear city called The Line,” the UN experts said. ‘Smart city’ project NEOM is a futuristic urban development project backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Shadly Ahmad Mahmoud… Continue reading Human rights experts alarmed over ‘imminent executions’ in Saudi Arabia

Ambassadors met to examine the Council’s efforts towards building trust that leads to sustainable peace, in light of current and emerging threats.  “Full compliance with human rights is the best antidote to the inequalities, unaddressed grievances and exclusion which are often at the root of instability and conflict,” said Mr. Türk, speaking via videolink from… Continue reading Human rights ‘best antidote’ to advance peace, Security Council hears

El Niño and La Niña are natural phenomena which WMO describes as “major drivers of the Earth’s climate system”. After a three-year La Niña spell, which is associated with ocean cooling, the world faces an 80 per cent chance of an El Niño event developing between July and September. Tell-tale signs are a warming of… Continue reading New temperature records, food security threats likely as El Niño looms

António Guterres was speaking to journalists in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, where he will be chairing a meeting of chief executives from across the whole UN system. Since violence erupted in Sudan on 15 April, more than 334,000 have likely been uprooted and more 100,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UN aid… Continue reading Sudan: ‘Secure and immediate access’ needed for lifesaving aid, urges Guterres

The first so-called blue helmets were deployed as military observers to the Middle East in 1948 and since then more than two million uniformed and civilian personnel have served in 71 peacekeeping operations around the world. The exhibition shows how, over three quarters of a century, peacekeepers have supported nations in the often-difficult journey from conflict… Continue reading From the Field: ‘Ordinary people’ pursuing ‘extraordinary outcomes’ – UN peacekeeping at 75

1 May 2023Climate and Environment Over 2,000 delegates from around the world gathered at the UN in Geneva on Monday to discuss how best to curb chemical pollution, which has had increasingly dire consequences for health and the environment. Over the course of two weeks of meetings, countries are expected to make progress on adding… Continue reading Countries urged to take more action against chemical pollution

1 May 2023Peace and Security A new photo exhibit on UN Peacekeeping opened at Headquarters on Monday, honouring the service and sacrifice of uniformed and civilian peacekeepers as it marks its 75th anniversary. “For 75 years, UN Peacekeeping has helped to end conflict, protect civilians, advance political solutions, and secure sustainable peace,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix,… Continue reading UN Peacekeeping turns 75: Photo exhibit opens at UN Headquarters

1 May 2023Humanitarian Aid The World Food Programme (WFP) has lifted a temporary suspension of operations in Sudan as fighting between rival military groups pushes millions into hunger, Executive Director Cindy McCain announced on Monday.  WFP had paused its life-saving activities after three staff were killed in North Darfur on 15 April, the first day… Continue reading WFP resumes operations in Sudan, as fighting continues

“The scale and speed of what is unfolding is unprecedented in Sudan. We are extremely concerned by the immediate as well as long-term impact on all people in Sudan, and the broader region,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement. The UN again urged the warring sides to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, allow safe… Continue reading Guterres dispatches UN ‘relief chief’ to Sudan as humanitarian crisis deepens

“There is no doubting the importance of the current foundations for the sustainability, from environmental protection to the fight against climate change, and green lifestyles. In the foreseeable future, upholding all these principles will be fundamental if humanity is to thrive. To continue to grow, one must get out of the cradle, and it’s the… Continue reading First Person: ‘Humanity must get out of the cradle’

28 April 2023Peace and Security The acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Matthew Hollingworth, has condemned a wave of deadly strikes that hit several cities early on Friday, reportedly the most intense aerial bombardment in weeks.  Dozens of civilians across the country were killed and injured, and homes and other vital infrastructure, destroyed.  More than… Continue reading UN condemns ‘inexcusable’ deadly airstrikes in Ukraine

“A society can only succeed on its path towards sustainable peace and development when all its constituencies can participate on an equal footing,” Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, said ahead of progress reports delivered by high-level representatives of Colombia, The Gambia, and Timor-Leste. The preventive potential of transitional justice can only be… Continue reading Transitional justice hinges on ‘equal footing’, say UN peacebuilders

“The international community’s response to the crisis in Myanmar is failing, and that failure has contributed to a lethal downward spiral that is devastating the lives of millions of people,” Tom Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, said at the end of a 10-day official visit to Japan. Referring to… Continue reading UN expert urges Japan to ‘step up pressure’ on Myanmar junta

28 April 2023Peace and Security A turbulent transition to civilian rule has been underway in Sudan since the ouster of former President Omar Hassan El-Bashir in April 2019. The civilian-led transitional Government put in place later that year, through a power-sharing agreement between military and civilian leaders, was toppled by a military coup in October… Continue reading In Sudan, the stakes are high for the whole of Africa 

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said that tens of thousands of refugees from South Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea living in the country have fled the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Khartoum area. The newly displaced have found shelter in existing refugee camps further east and south, creating new humanitarian… Continue reading Sudan latest: Tens of thousands on the move; spectre of ethnic clashes, hunger draws closer

“We are at a potentially important juncture, with renewed attention on Syria – particularly from the region – that could assist our efforts in advancing a political solution to this conflict”, he said.  “But for this renewed attention to help unlock progress, many actors will need to take concrete steps – not just one set… Continue reading Syria: UN envoy points to ‘important juncture’ in efforts towards peace

27 April 2023Peace and Security Leaders in Albanian-majority Kosovo and the Serb minority there backed by Belgrade, need to take “courageous” action towards normalizing relations, or risk growing regional instability, the head of the UN mission there (UNMIK) told the Security Council on Thursday. UN Special Representative and head of the UN Interim Administration Mission,… Continue reading Regional stability still at risk without ‘increased commitment’ to negotiations: UN Kosovo mission chief

27 April 2023Human Rights A new UK law affecting people’s rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, is “incompatible” with the country’s international obligations, the UN rights chief said on Thursday. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called the Public Order Bill “deeply troubling legislation”, after it completed its passage through… Continue reading New UK law curtails key civil and political rights: UN rights chief

26 April 2023UN Affairs One year after the General Assembly adopted its so-called “veto initiative”, Member States met on Wednesday to discuss how it could contribute to a more efficient and impact-oriented UN.  The landmark resolution, adopted by consensus, calls for the General Assembly to automatically meet within 10 days if any of the five… Continue reading Security Council veto should be ‘very last resort’: General Assembly President

Gang violence is expanding at an alarming rate in areas previously considered relatively safe in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and outside the city, with a shocking increase in criminality and abuses, and a police force that is unable to handle the situation.  At the same time, almost half the population, 5.2 million people, needs humanitarian aid,… Continue reading ‘Unprecedented insecurity’ in Haiti requires urgent action: new UN envoy

António Guterres was addressing an emergency session of the UN Security Council in New York, and again demanded an end to the fighting between troops loyal to Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) leader Fatttah al-Burhan, and his deputy on the so-called Transitional Sovereign Council, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemedti”. “It is incumbent… Continue reading Power struggle imperils Sudan’s future, ‘lights fuse that could detonate across borders’

Launching a special edition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) progress report, he warned that their collective promise made in 2015 of a more green, just and equitable global future, is in peril.  “Unless we act now, the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been,” he said.  Rising poverty… Continue reading Guterres urges countries to recommit to achieving SDGs by 2030 deadline

Mr. Wennesland expressed deep concern over recent violence and inflammatory actions, particularly the violent confrontations inside al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem earlier this month.  He urged the sides, regional States and the international community, to show leadership, re-engage and work towards peace and the vision of a two-State solution.  “There must be an end to the… Continue reading Israel-Palestine: UN envoy calls for greater effort towards peace amid mounting violence

Ten days of fighting between rival military forces have had a devastating impact on the country’s population. The UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) warned that people are lacking food, water, medicines and fuel, power is limited, and the prices of essential items as well as transport have skyrocketed. OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke told reporter in… Continue reading Sudan: UN aid operation continues amid dire humanitarian conditions

25 April 2023Human Rights Authorities in Burkina Faso must conduct a full and independent investigation into the recent killing of scores of civilians in a village near the border with Mali, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday.  The incident occurred on Thursday when armed men in uniform encircled Karma village, located in… Continue reading Burkina Faso: UN rights office calls for probe into latest deadly attack on civilians

This is particularly vital during key life stages such as pregnancy and lactation, childhood, adolescence and older age, says the study, entitled  Contribution of terrestrial animal source food to healthy diets for improved nutrition and health outcomes. Comprehensive analysis It’s the most comprehensive analysis yet of the benefits and risks of consuming animal source foods and is based on data and evidence… Continue reading FAO makes case for meat, eggs and milk as ‘essential source of nutrients’

“We face unprecedented and interlocking crises,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his briefing at the Council’s ministerial-level open debate on effective multilateralism through the defence of the principles of the UN Charter. “Tensions between major powers are at an historic high, so are the risks of conflict, through misadventure or miscalculation. It is time… Continue reading Guterres: Urgency of global challenges demands bold, swift action

Dr. Calvin advises NASA leadership on its science programmes and related strategic planning and investments. Also serving as its senior climate advisor, she provides insights and recommendations for related science, technology, and infrastructure projects for climate action, from developing a new instrument to track pollution hourly to launching a water-tracking satellite. NASA Chief Scientist and… Continue reading First Person: Saving the Earth from space

“I am horrified by the toll the clashes are having on civilians”, said Abdou Dieng. “At least 331 people have been killed nationwide, including five aid workers, and nearly 3,200 have been injured.” The fighting between troops from the national army and a powerful rival militia known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted six days ago, and… Continue reading UN coordinator calls for urgent ‘humanitarian pauses’ in Sudan, as death toll mounts

WMO latest State of the Global Climate report shows that the last eight years were the eight warmest on record, and that sea level rise and ocean warming hit new highs. Record levels of greenhouse gases caused “planetary scale changes on land, in the ocean and in the atmosphere”. The organization says its report, released… Continue reading Human, economic, environmental toll of climate change on the rise: WMO

Antonio Guterres was addressing via videolink, the fourth meeting of the Major Economies Forum, convened by the United States President Joe Biden, which is designed to galvanize efforts to keep the global temperature rise of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, within reach – in line with the Paris Agreement. Biggest coffers, biggest emitters “You are the… Continue reading Current climate polices ‘a death sentence’ for the world, warns Guterres

The meeting took place amid reports that a 24-hour ceasefire between rival forces, which began on Wednesday evening, appeared to be holding in the capital, Khartoum, according to media reports.  Clashes between the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – who are at odds over the return to civilian… Continue reading UN reiterates appeal for end to Sudan crisis

The UN chief spoke earlier in the day to President William Ruto of Kenya and with the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki.  Mr. Guterres will attend a virtual meeting on Sudan on Thursday, bringing together the AU Chairperson, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the Executive Secretary of the East African… Continue reading UN, African and Arab leaders to hold virtual talks on Sudan crisis

19 April 2023Humanitarian Aid UN humanitarians have reached nearly two million Ukrainians whose lives have been impacted by Russia’s ongoing invasion with multi-purpose cash assistance in just the first three months of 2023, the UN Spokesperson said on Wednesday. Stéphane Dujarric described the direct transfer of money, mostly to those who have been displaced and… Continue reading Nearly 2 million Ukrainians provided with crucial cash assistance

The region is plagued by violence emanating largely from multiple armed groups, including the rebel M23 force, which has been fighting a major campaign against Government troops, who are backed by the UN mission there known by its French acronym, MONUSCO, as part if its vital protection-of-civilians mandate. Hundreds of civilians have been killed at… Continue reading ‘Fragile ceasefire’ holds in eastern DR Congo, Security Council hears

For the first time in the Sahel, 45,000 people are at risk of experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger, or one step away from famine, they said.  The majority, 42,000, are in Burkina Faso and Mali, where violent unrest in some areas has hampered the delivery of humanitarian aid.   The combined effects of conflict, climate… Continue reading West Africa and Sahel: Food insecurity, malnutrition, set to reach 10-year high

“There has been a new dynamic in Libya,” Abdoulaye Bathily said, urging authorities to meet the people’s expectation that they will be able to choose new leaders via the ballot box, and deliver on all their commitments. “All international partners should support the current momentum and speak with one voice on Libyan matters.” “Intensive consultations… Continue reading Libya’s ‘new dynamic’: Bathily calls on partners to support momentum

18 April 2023Human Rights The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, on Tuesday called for an immediate end to the hostilities in Sudan and pleaded for the opposing sides in the military power struggle to return to the negotiating table, as reports emerged of a proposed 24-hour pause in the fighting.  “Sudan has… Continue reading Sudan: UN rights chief calls for a return to talks, amid reports of 24-hour pause

12 October 2019Climate and Environment Saturday marks World Migratory Bird Day which, this year, is raising awareness about the serious threats that plastic pollution poses to bird life, with a call for urgent measures to end the problem.  These include getting caught up in fishing gear and other plastic debris; confusing plastic waste with food and… Continue reading World Migratory Bird Day highlights deadly risks of plastic pollution

23 September 2019Climate and Environment UN Secretary-General warned leaders not to come to his landmark Climate Action Summit with beautiful speeches, but to present concrete plans for cutting harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and strategies for carbon neutrality by 2050. So what, exactly, was promised at Monday’s all-day event at UN Headquarters in New York? Country… Continue reading Actions not words: what was promised at the UN’s landmark climate summit?

The eyes of all future generations are upon you, and if you choose to fail us, I say, we will never forgive you. Greta Thunberg, Climate Activist She added, bluntly, “you are failing us, But the young people are starting to understand your betrayal. The eyes of all future generations are upon you, and if… Continue reading Greta Thunberg tells world leaders ‘you are failing us’, as nations announce fresh climate action

The landmark new report, which will be presented to the UN Climate Action Summit, underlines the glaring – and growing – gap between agreed targets to tackle global warming and the actual reality. Compiled by the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the report, United in Science, includes details on the state of the climate and… Continue reading Ahead of UN summit, leading scientists warn climate change ‘hitting harder and sooner’ than forecast

“We have been waiting for you!” Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN Youth Envoy, said, welcoming the boisterous crowd of young climate leaders, who made it clear from the very start of the day-long event that global political leaders are now on notice: they must make radical changes to shift the world away from fossil fuels and… Continue reading At UN, youth activists press for bold action on climate emergency, vow to hold leaders accountable at the ballot box

20 September 2019Climate and Environment Staff at UN Headquarters in New York joined untold numbers of students, scientists, organized labour, and everyday people worldwide, who took to the streets on Friday, demanding action to address climate change. The global climate strike was inspired by weekly demonstrations held by the Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg, and… Continue reading UN staff support youth-driven global action on climate crisis

Young activists, innovators, entrepreneurs and change-makers are due to gather at UN headquarters in New York at the Youth Climate Summit on Saturday 21 September to put pressure on global leaders to take action to prevent climate change. Ms. Wickramanayake will be there, and UN News asked her why young people are so important to… Continue reading World’s 1.8 billion youth must ‘have a say in the future of the planet’

World leaders will be gathering at the United Nations in New York next week at a Climate Action Summit convened by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Ms. Andersen will be there to promote the idea of nature-based solutions to combatting climate change. UNEP is supporting one of the nine summit action tracks designated by… Continue reading Nature ‘one of most effective ways’ of combatting climate change

Ms. Sharif will be joining world leaders at United Nations headquarters in New York next week at the Climate Action Summit convened by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres. UN-Habitat is supporting one of the nine action tracks designated by the Secretary-General “Infrastructure, Cities and Local Action” under the leadership of the Governments of Kenya and Turkey. UN News… Continue reading Cities: a ’cause of and solution to’ climate change

“We know why tackling climate change is important”, said Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on Wednesday. “The devastation wreaked by Dorian on the Bahamas, what the Secretary-General called a Category Hell hurricane, is a glimpse into one aspect of a future powered by climate change – a future with super storms that grow in intensity and… Continue reading New UN report launched to help ratchet up action to combat climate crisis

For UN Secretary-General António Guterres, there is no time to lose in the face of climate change, rising inequality, increasing hatred and intolerance; and what he described as an “alarming” number of peace and security challenges. “The biggest challenge that leaders and institutions face is to show people we care – and to mobilize solutions… Continue reading UN summits to urge ‘ambition and action’ on climate change, sustainable development: Guterres

Heads of State, representatives from the private sector, and the teenage activist Greta Thunberg are expected in New York to tackle what the UN considers the defining issue of our time. Amina J. Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, outlined some of the expectations during a press conference on Tuesday. “The Summit will present practical and… Continue reading UN climate summit aims to speed up transition to cleaner, greener future

16 September 2019Climate and Environment At the current momentum, scientists predict the planet’s protective shield of gas – or ozone layer as we know it – will be completely healed as far as some regions of the planet are concerned, by the 2030’s, the UN’s environmental agency (UNEP) revealed on Monday. The phaseout of controlled… Continue reading Ozone on track to heal completely in our lifetime, UN environment agency declares on World Day.

Ozone on track to heal completely in our lifetime, UN environment agency declares on World Day At the current momentum, scientists predict the planet’s protective shield of gas – or ozone layer as we know it – will be completely healed as far as some regions of the planet are concerned, by the 2030’s, the… Continue reading Monday’s Daily Brief: Ozone layer heals, ‘regional conflagration’ risk rises over oilfield attacks, South Sudan update, Myanmar genocide threat remains

Dorian was “Category Hell”, said Secretary-General António Guterres, “but he was not powered by a devil. We have always had many hurricanes, but now they are more intense, and more frequent, and they are powered by climate change.”  He said it was key for the international community to learn two things from the monster storm… Continue reading In The Bahamas, Guterres sees impact of ‘Category Hell’ hurricane, ‘powered by climate change’ 

13 September 2019Climate and Environment A major UN conference on fighting desertification agreed on Friday to make the Sustainable Development Goal target of achieving “land degradation neutrality” (LDN), a national target for action. The Governments which are party to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), met in the Indian capital of New Delhi over… Continue reading Delhi Declaration: Countries agree to make ‘land degradation neutrality’ by 2030, a national target for action

UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued the charge on Friday during a visit to The Bahamas, which continues to reel from the onslaught of Hurricane Dorian. UN agencies are on the ground to support relief efforts in the affected islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama. Speaking to journalists in the capital, Nassau, the UN chief expressed… Continue reading In visit to hurricane-ravaged Bahamas, UN chief calls for greater action to address climate change

Around three years ago, the global community gathered in Paris in order to build a common approach to fighting climate change. They agreed to make efforts to restrict the rise in global temperatures to “well below”  2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and, if possible, reach 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, in July of this year… Continue reading Is the world living up to its climate commitments?

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s Commodities and Development Report 2019, maintains that diversification could be either “horizontal”, meaning venturing into new goods and sectors to reduce dependence on a narrow range of commodities – or vertical, which involves increasing a commodity’s value. UNCTD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi (2019) by UN News Kiswahili/ Patrick Newman “The climate crisis…will… Continue reading Climate crisis could see ‘collapse’ of some economies without diversification, warns UN trade chief

In a direct appeal to the forum’s 47 Member States to unite to tackle climate change, Michelle Bachelet insisted that every region of the world stands to be affected. In the short-term, however, the worst effects of the fires and “drastic acceleration of deforestation” in Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil were on the families living in… Continue reading We are ‘burning up our future’, UN’s Bachelet tells Human Rights Council

“We certainly expect the death toll to rise, I can’t tell you what that would be, but we’re really worried about it,” Dr. Ian Norton, Manager of the World Health (WHO) Emergency Medical Teams Initiative, told journalists in Geneva. In the eye of the storm, you either drown, or survive “What we’ve seen unfortunately in this… Continue reading Hurricane Dorian: Bahamas death toll expected to rise as thousands remain missing

6 September 2019Climate and Environment The urgent need to move towards a low carbon economy and build resilience, would not only mitigate the worst impacts of climate change in the Asia-Pacific, but also lift the region economically, according to the body overseeing the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). As Asia-Pacific Climate Week (APCW 2019)… Continue reading Mitigating climate change in Asia-Pacific could give region an economic boost

6 September 2019Climate and Environment Investing in land restoration could not only help keep our planet healthy, but also be the starting point for resolving some of the biggest issues of our time, the head of the UN entity tackling desertification told journalists on Friday via video conference, from the ongoing global summit on the issue, underway in India’s… Continue reading Restore land to save the planet, boost the economy, says head of UN body combating desertification

Restore land to save the planet, boost the economy, says UN expert Investing in land restoration could not only help keep our planet healthy, but also be the starting point for resolving some of the biggest issues of our time, the head of the UN entity tackling desertification told journalists on Friday via video conference, from the… Continue reading Friday’s Daily Brief: Desertification summit, Dorian death toll rising, UN project eases Mali tensions, Yemen funding crisis, hope for Cameroon

Briefing journalists one year since she took office, High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, appealed for greater international cooperation. In our increasingly interconnected world, human rights violations in one part of the planet can have serious repercussions on another, she maintained. “We have seen this with large numbers of people fleeing their countries due… Continue reading Human rights are everyone’s business, amid relentless crises around world: UN’s Bachelet

Briefing journalists in Geneva, Jens Laerke from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that initial assessments from Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands – where the storm made landfall and is effectively stationary as of Tuesday morning, local time – were “rather catastrophic”. He added: “As we heard, it made… Continue reading UN ‘prioritizing needs’, ramping up aid, as Hurricane Dorian continues to batter the Bahamas

3 September 2019Climate and Environment Somalia’s 2019 cereal harvest is the poorest the country has seen since 2011, when famine strained already scarce resources, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), announced on Tuesday, blaming unreliable weather patterns and “climatic shocks”. Delayed rains during what is known as the “Gu” peak season for crop growing (April-June), and parched river beds, have produced… Continue reading Somalia: worst harvest since 2011, with more than 2 million expected to go hungry

2 September 2019Climate and Environment Subsistence farmers in Ghana are learning how to hold back the decline in the fertility of the smallholdings they cultivate while revitalizing their soils as desertification increasingly threatens their land and livelihoods.  An increase in the population in the West African country has put more pressure on agricultural lands resulting in the clearing of forests and woodlands, a development which is hastening… Continue reading FROM THE FIELD: Restoring life to Ghana’s land

30 August 2019Climate and Environment Two days after disembarking from her carbon-free yacht in New York, teen climate activist Greta Thunberg paid a visit to UN Headquarters on Friday, after joining participants of her global climate strike movement, Fridays for Future, at the Organization’s gates. The 16-year-old and two other teens got a preview of the… Continue reading Activist Greta Thunberg gets preview of UNHQ ahead of climate summit

29 August 2019Climate and Environment “Little undermines development like disaster,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres told attendees at a thematic session on Africa and climate change, on day two of the Tokyo international Conference on African Development (TICAD), now in its seventh year. “Decades of sustainable development gains can be wiped out overnight,” he lamented in Yokohama, citing… Continue reading Decades of progress ‘can be wiped out overnight,’ UN chief laments at climate session in Yokohama

“Diplomacy, not isolation, is the only way forward,” the senior official from the Department of Peace Operations said. “The lack of unity and action in the Security Council does little to slow the negative trajectory on the Korean Peninsula.” The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), more commonly known as North Korea, “is unconstrained, and… Continue reading Diplomacy, not isolation, must reverse ‘negative trajectory’ on Korean Peninsula

“One year on since the parties agreed to a truce under UN auspices, Yemen is again at a critical juncture,” he said, speaking via videoconference.  “I believe we have not seen such a serious opportunity for making progress towards ending the conflict in eight years. But the tide could still turn unless the parties take… Continue reading Yemen at ‘critical juncture’ in bid to end eight-year war: UN Special Envoy

16 April 2023Humanitarian Aid The World Food Programme (WFP) has temporarily halted all operations, as a result of the fighting between rival military groups in Sudan, which led to the deaths of three WFP employees on Saturday. According to a statement attributable to the Executive Director of the UN agency, Cindy McCain, the workers were… Continue reading WFP chief puts hold on Sudan aid operations, following death of 3 staff in unrest

16 April 2023Humanitarian Aid Haiti’s population is being held hostage to brutality and gang violence, according to a report from the UN humanitarian office (OCHA), which contains harrowing testimony from a country seemingly in freefall. Artwork from Francisco Silva, featured in a UN humanitarian report on Haiti. The 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) for Haiti describes… Continue reading From the Field: Haiti’s ‘hostage population’ struggle to survive

15 April 2023Peace and Security Following an outbreak of armed fighting in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, on Saturday, the head of the UN Mission in the country has issued a statement strongly condemning the violence, and other senior officials are voicing concern. The statement was released on Saturday by Volker Perthes, the Special Representative of… Continue reading Fighting between Sudan military forces strongly condemned by senior UN official

A toddler’s dress, and a five-year-old’s dress and sweater. Washed, cleaned, but still stained with blood. These are the personal items that Immaculée Songa donated to “Stories of Survival and Remembrance -​ A call to action for genocide prevention,” currently on show at UN Headquarters, along with a photo album, showing her daughters, Raissa and… Continue reading First Person: Keeping memories of Rwandan genocide victims alive

UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that the gathering was taking place at a unique moment:  on the last Friday of Ramadan, as Christians celebrate Easter, Jews mark the end of Passover, and Sikhs enjoy the festival of Vaisakhi.    “Even the calendar is sending a message of unity,” he remarked.   “Today, at this blessed… Continue reading Religious leaders join UN in praying for peace – ‘our most precious goal’

“We are together to mourn the more than one million children, women, and men who perished in 100 days of horror 29 years ago,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “We pay tribute to the resilience of the survivors [and] recognize the journey of the Rwandan people towards healing, restoration, and reconciliation. And we remember –… Continue reading ‘It can happen anywhere’: General Assembly reflects on Rwandan genocide

14 April 2023Peace and Security Nearly a decade after Boko Haram militants abducted 276 schoolgirls from their dormitory in Chibok, northeast Nigeria, 96 remain in captivity, the UN children’s agency UNICEF said on Friday.  Meanwhile, thousands more girls and boys have been subjected to grave violations amid ongoing conflict in the region, UNICEF added, underscoring… Continue reading Conflict in NE Nigeria still affects children 9 years after Chibok girls ‘nightmare’: UNICEF

14 April 2023Humanitarian Aid The UN and partners are appealing for $720 million to support more than three million people in Haiti, where gangs, hunger, and cholera have plunged nearly half the population into humanitarian need.  The 2023 funding appeal is the largest for the Caribbean country since the devastating 2010 earthquake and more than… Continue reading Haiti: $720 million plan to support millions facing gangs, hunger and cholera

“There has been an ongoing and unchecked tragedy: the forced eviction of Palestinians from their homes,” they said in a joint statement.  “Israel’s transfer of its own population into the occupied territory confirms a deliberate intention to colonize the territory it occupies, a practice strictly prohibited by international humanitarian law,” they said. “It amounts to… Continue reading UN independent experts spotlight ‘prima facie war crime’ in East Jerusalem

“Somalia faces many challenges, but in the spirit of Ramadan, I also bring a message of hope and renewal – the United Nations stands in solidarity with the Somali people. “Let us come together to advance peace and security, sustainable development and human rights – and build a better future for all Somalis,” the UN… Continue reading Guterres delivers message of ‘hope and renewal’ for Somalia

Military aircraft dropped bombs and fired on a crowd of people in Kanbulu Township, located in Sagaing Region, who had gathered that morning for the opening of a new town hall, according to media reports.  Guterres condemns attack  UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack and called for those responsible to be held accountable,… Continue reading Myanmar: UN condemns deadly military airstrike on crowd of civilians

“I am also here to ring the alarm on the need of massive international support,  because of the humanitarian difficulties the country is facing, massive humanitarian support in relation to the build-up of a security capacity of Somalia, and massive humanitarian support in stabilisation and development of the country,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in the… Continue reading On surprise visit to Mogadishu, UN chief urges ‘massive international support’ for Somalia

“Emanating from any arms transfer is the inherent risk of diversion of the equipment to unauthorized end users,” said Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. Addressing the Council during the first open meeting of Russia’s month-long presidency – and during which many delegates referenced the ongoing conflict in Ukraine – she emphasized that… Continue reading International system crucial to countering threat of weapons diversion, Security Council hears

The 2016 peace deal between the authorities and the FARC-EP militia group ended five decades of conflict, and the report is the first to cover verification of its chapters on comprehensive rural reform and ethnic issues, in line with a Security Council resolution adopted in January.  The report spans the period from late December to… Continue reading Curbing ‘expressions of violence’ a key to peace in Colombia: Guterres

10 April 2023Peace and Security Talks between Saudi and Omani delegations with officials from the Houthi rebel movement in Yemen’s capital Sana’a over the weekend, were described as “a welcome step towards the de-escalation in tensions”, by the UN Spokesperson on Monday. Stéphane Dujarric was responding to questions from correspondents at the regular noon briefing… Continue reading Yemen: UN says Saudi-Houthi talks in Sana’a ‘a welcome step’

According to news reports, as yet unidentified militants fired a barrage of rockets across the border, forcing Israeli civilians to seek shelter, and wounding at least two people. Avoid unilateral action “Concerning the situation between Lebanon and Israel, I can tell you that we condemn the multiple rockets being fired from Lebanon into northern Israel today”,… Continue reading Tensions mount in Middle East as UN reiterates need for ‘maximum restraint’

5 April 2023Migrants and Refugees The UN chief has called for people of faith worldwide to “join their voices in a common prayer for peace”, as the holy festivals of Ramadan, Easter and Passover coincide this week. Secretary-General António Guterres issued his plea for peace acknowledging that it is “dramatically lacking” in many parts of the world,… Continue reading Guterres calls for world ‘united in peace’ as Ramadan, Easter, Passover coincide

5 April 2023Peace and Security UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland on Wednesday appealed for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to exercise restraint following the latest violence surrounding a holy site in Jerusalem.   Israeli forces stormed Al-Aqsa mosque, also commonly known as al-Qibli mosque, overnight, arresting more than 350 people, according to media reports.    The… Continue reading Israel-Palestine: UN calls for restraint following violence at Al-Aqsa mosque

The appeal comes in the latest report by the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances, which visited the country in November.  The report examines five “waves of disappearance” in Iraq, including enforced disappearance. It covers the period starting with the Ba’ath era from 1968-2003 – characterized by the authoritarian rule of Saddam Hussein – through to… Continue reading Iraq: Rights experts call for new laws to end ‘waves of disappearance’

“Since the escalation of the war, at least 501 children have been killed,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “This is another tragic milestone for Ukraine’s children and families.” OHCHR’s latest update recorded 765 civilian casualties in Ukraine, from 1 to 31 March, which included 178 deaths and 587 injuries. Since the invasion on 24… Continue reading Child deaths hit ‘tragic milestone’ in Ukraine

3 April 2023Climate and Environment The global transition to renewable energy will require greater investment in integrated weather and climate services, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Monday.  This investment is critical, including to ensure that energy infrastructure is resilient to climate-related shocks, and to harness the power of energy generated from sources such… Continue reading WMO calls for more investment in integrated weather and climate services

“For the millions living amidst the chaos of armed conflicts, especially women and children, every step can put them in danger’s path, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, in a message for the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, observed on 4 April. Why mine action cannot wait The international day’s theme… Continue reading Mine Action Week: ‘Peace brings no assurance of safety’

“Libyan authorities, armed groups, smugglers, and human traffickers should not assume that the eyes of the international community have now left Libya,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said. “It is crucial that we redouble efforts to secure accountability for past violations and continue to monitor the reality on the ground to prevent… Continue reading New mechanism must track and tackle ‘gross’ violations in Libya

The report by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan details how perpetrators of the most serious crimes – including widespread attacks against civilians and extrajudicial killings – go unpunished, with senior Government officials and military implicated in serious violations.  “Over several years, our findings have consistently shown that impunity for serious crimes… Continue reading Impunity driving violence in South Sudan, UN rights commission says

Born into peace but maimed by a weapon of war Two deminers work to decontaminate the land in Bunia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “Minga had never owned a toy. In her village, in Angola, children often made do with sticks or broken wheels – but this was something different. It was green, metal… Continue reading The deadly legacy of landmines

“The risk of a nuclear weapon being used is currently higher than at any time since the depths of the cold war,” said Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. “The war in Ukraine represents the most acute example of that risk.” The Security Council met on the heels of President Vladimir Putin’s announcement… Continue reading Top UN official urgently calls for de-escalating nuclear tensions over Belarus

Children in conflict zones must be protected, not punished, said the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, together with Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, UN Special Rapporteur on the protection and promotion of human rights while countering terrorism, in a joint statement. “It is now time to bring them home,” they said. “Many children are… Continue reading ‘Bring them home’: UN experts call for repatriating detained Syria children

“A more gender-responsive mission builds trust with the communities they serve and improves its effectiveness,” said UN Women’s Executive Director Sima Bahous at the start of the event. She also highlighted the vital role women play in today’s multifaceted peacekeeping missions and stressed the need to ensure the equal participation of women. The Fund was… Continue reading Women in peacekeeping: UN Fund calls for new ideas and investment

Aware of the worsening situation involving multiple armed groups clashing with Government forces, and each other, a Security Council delegation visited the DRC earlier this month in solidarity with the people of DRC, and to mobilize the United Nations peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in the face of security, electoral and structural challenges. Abuses by militia… Continue reading DR Congo: Security Council warned of ‘considerable’ deterioration in restive east

The resolution was put forward by the cyclone-battered Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu, supported by a “core group” of 17 countries from various regions, and is focused on the adverse impacts of climate change on small island developing States as well as climate justice.  The ICJ, also known as the world court, is the UN’s… Continue reading General Assembly votes to seek world court’s opinion, in quest for ‘bolder’ climate action

28 March 2023Human Rights Top UN officials called for creating a new institution to help locate tens of thousands of missing Syrians and bring peace to their families, as the General Assembly debated on Tuesday the human rights situation in the country. Entering its 13th year of brutal civil war and scrambling to recover from… Continue reading UN chief calls for new tool to find 100,000 ‘disappeared’ Syrians

Leaders from across the continent joined ambassadors in examining how to counter terrorism and better prevent violent extremism through stronger cooperation between the UN and regional organizations.  The debate was chaired by President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique. The country, which holds the rotating Security Council presidency this month, has been battling a deadly insurgency in… Continue reading UN underlines support for Africa’s fight against terrorism

Some 13 months of often brutal fighting and attacks on civilians since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine began, have left millions displaced, with key civilian infrastructure in need of urgent protection. Ensuring nuclear safety Touring the area around Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) met with… Continue reading Ukraine: End war so children can ‘regain their childhoods’

27 March 2023SDGs UN food and atomic energy agencies are readying to reap the rewards of a ground-breaking ‘astrobotany’ investigation, announcing on Monday that seeds sent to space in 2022 are now poised to return to Earth. “This is science that could have a real impact on people’s lives in the not-too-distant future, by helping… Continue reading Cosmic crops poised for harvest on Earth

27 March 2023Health UN agency chiefs issued a call on Monday for global action to balance and optimize the health of people, animals and the environment, as part of a new “One Health” approach. The heads of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the… Continue reading Holistic approach urgent for health of people, animals and environment

In the case of State security forces, human rights violations were committed to quash dissent and exploit vulnerable migrants, with no justice in sight, according to the latest report, from the Independent Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Libya. It documents the “widespread practice” of arbitrary detention, murder, torture, rape, enslavement and enforced disappearance in the country. In addition,… Continue reading Libya: Crimes against humanity committed since 2016 – rights probe

Known by her nickname, Ega was one of 15 women selected to participate in the UN Development Programme-supported Perempuan Inspiratif Mitra Polhut (Inspiring Women to Partner with Forest Rangers) initiative, which aims to protect the Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park and provide opportunities to nearby communities. Fadlun Arrayan Bonde (Ega) “I have always been passionate… Continue reading First Person: The Indonesian power ranger

The Agenda sets out a series of action-oriented game changing commitments, from making smarter food choices to re-evaluating water as a powerful economic driver, and part of the Earth’s cultural heritage. Water-secure future for all The conference, and its 2,000 participants, forged an “ambitious vision”, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said. “Your dedication to action… Continue reading New agenda sets sail with bold action as UN Water Conference closes

“The international armed conflict has led to a wide range of human rights violations affecting both civilians and combatants”, the executive summary states, adding that the Office has “verified numerous allegations of arbitrary deprivation of life, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment, and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).” During the reporting period, a total of 5,987 civilian… Continue reading Human rights in Ukraine still ‘dire’ amid wide-ranging violations: OHCHR

During the UN Water Conference, held at UN Headquarters between 22-24 March, Two countries joined the Convention, against the backdrop of a growing global water crisis, in which climate change, pollution, and rising demand are posing challenges for developing and developed countries alike. On Thursday Nigeria became the 48h country to join the treaty. The… Continue reading UN Water Conference: reducing cross-border tensions

24 March 2023Humanitarian Aid Without urgent action, millions in Yemen could face ever greater risks of hunger and malnourishment, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Friday. Eight brutal years of conflict have left around 11 million children in need of humanitarian assistance and many of their families facing serious malnourishment. “The lives of millions… Continue reading UNICEF calls for urgent support to save millions from desperate hunger in Yemen

A worldwide network of water analysis laboratories and a tool to foster collective national level action to improve coordination on water management, were among the commitments announced on Thursday by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on the margins of the UN 2023 Conference, which has been… Continue reading UN’s nuclear agency and food and agriculture wing announce key commitments to tackle global water crisis

War-torn Syria and neighbouring Türkiye were rocked by twin earthquakes on 6 February, which killed more than 56,000 people and caused widespread destruction, displacing millions.   “The situation today is so unprecedented that it calls for leadership, bold ideas and a cooperative spirit,” said Mr. Pedersen, speaking via videoconference from Geneva.  “A political solution is… Continue reading Deadly Syria earthquake provides chance to move forward: UN envoy

UN Secretary-General António Guterres (left), is participating in a meeting with the Heads of State and Government of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium. 23 March 2023UN Affairs UN Secretary-General António Guterres attended an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, seeking support for action on climate change, sustainable development and addressing the ongoing challenges linked… Continue reading UN chief calls on EU to help world get ‘back on track’

23 March 2023Climate and Environment Humanity is facing a “difficult truth” the UN chief said just ahead of World Meteorological Day, marked on Friday – the damage already being caused by climate change is “making our planet uninhabitable.” He laid down the challenge to governments worldwide, to make 2023 a year of “transformation, not tinkering” when it… Continue reading Climate change making Earth ‘uninhabitable’ Guterres warns

22 March 2023SDGs Glaciers are “critical to all life on Earth”, the UN chief reminded the UN 2023 Water Conference on Wednesday, warning that unless the rise in sea level due to global warming is reversed, “the consequences will be catastrophic.” Secretary-General António Guterres told a conference side event dedicated to the issue of preserving the world’s glaciers that new… Continue reading Guterres warns of ‘catastrophic’ consequences of a world without glaciers

Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo was speaking on Wednesday at a meeting at UN Headquarters to draw attention to the widening financing gap at the year-old operation. “Despite initial generous donor support, contributions have significantly declined, leaving the mission in a dire financial situation,” she said.  Contributing to progress  ATMIS builds on the work of a previous… Continue reading Funding for African Union Somalia mission critical to security: UN political chief

“This should be a period for safe and peaceful religious reflection and celebration for all,” said Tor Wennesland, the UN’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. Diplomatic engagement The Special Coordinator recalled that, on 26 February, senior officials from Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Palestine and the United States met in Aqaba, Jordan, to reaffirm… Continue reading Crystalize recent diplomatic shifts, top UN envoy urges Israelis, Palestinians

21 March 2023Climate and Environment On the morning of the 2023 UN Water Conference, ultra-marathon runner Mina Guli has completed a year-long, campaign to run 200 marathons, raising awareness of the world’s water crisis. She completed her last run at UN Headquarters, the location of the major event, the first of its kind in almost… Continue reading Running towards a global water solution

Launched ahead of the UN 2023 Water Conference, the new edition of the UN World Water Development Report focuses on twin themes of partnerships and cooperation. Published by the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the report highlights collaborative ways actors can work together to overcome common challenges. “There is an urgent need to… Continue reading Flagship UN report extolls win-win water partnerships to avert global crisis

21 March 2023Climate and Environment A global initiative launched by the UN Secretary-General to ensure that all countries are protected by early warning systems, by 2027, is being fast-tracked into action on the ground, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Tuesday. UN chief António Guterres convened an Advisory Panel of top UN agency officials… Continue reading Extreme weather: UN global early warning initiative ‘fast-tracked into action’

21 March 2023Climate and Environment Six months after catastrophic floods struck Pakistan, more than 10 million people, including children, still lack access to safe drinking water, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday. The crisis has left families in the flood-affected areas with no choice but to use potentially contaminated water. “Safe drinking water… Continue reading Pakistan: 10 million deprived of safe drinking water in flood-affected areas

“We are gravely concerned that extreme violence continues to spiral out of control in Haiti,” said Marta Hurtado, spokesperson for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Volker Türk. In the first two weeks of March alone, clashes among gangs left at least 208 dead, 164 injured, and 101 kidnapped. Mirroring those grave concerns, UN… Continue reading Haiti: Deploy specialized force to take down gang violence, UN rights chief

Covering 31 per cent of Earth’s land and providing a home to 80 per cent of all land-based species, forests are crucial to human health and well-being, but their loss across the planet is threatening people everywhere. Here are five things you need to know about the age-old and ever-growing interlinked relationship between forests and… Continue reading Healthy forests, healthy planet, healthy humans

Called “Peace begins with me” the poem pays tribute to the strength and resilience of communities affected by conflict as well as those who help them rebuild their lives and livelihoods. It is a reminder of our responsibility to promote peace in our communities, countries and across the world – a conviction that has driven more… Continue reading Young poets lend their talents to promote peace, marking the 75th anniversary of UN peacekeeping

“For hundreds of Yemeni families, today is a good day,” Special Envoy Hans Grundberg told reporters at a press conference in Switzerland. “Today, hundreds of Yemeni families can look forward to reuniting with their loved ones.” The Supervisory Committee on the Implementation of the Detainees’ Exchange Agreement concluded the latest round of talks with several… Continue reading Yemen: Fresh negotiations conclude with release of 887 prisoners

20 March 2023Peace and Security The parties to a watershed political agreement in Sudan – signed in December 2022 – have launched a fresh round of consultations on key challenges facing the country, the senior UN official in Khartoum told the Security Council on Monday, citing several important breakthroughs that have already emerged from that… Continue reading Sudan holds massive political ‘workshops’, embarks on new transition phase, Security Council hears

UN agencies on Monday were scrambling to reach millions affected by the deadly tropical cyclone Freddy, which has worsened cholera outbreaks in Malawi and Mozambique as communities recover from devastating damages caused by storms, massive flooding, and mudslides.

20 March 2023Humanitarian Aid Humanitarians have strongly condemned the latest deadly assault on aid workers in South Sudan, urging the Government to step up security and bring those responsible to justice.  The appeal comes after a convoy of more than 100 trucks transporting food and other assistance was ambushed on Friday in Jonglei state.  Two… Continue reading South Sudan: Humanitarians call for justice after latest deadly attack

The study, “Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report”, released on Monday following a week-long IPCC session in Interlaken, brings into sharp focus the losses and damages experienced now, and expected to continue into the future, which are hitting the most vulnerable people and ecosystems especially hard. Temperatures have already risen to 1.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial… Continue reading A liveable future for all is possible, if we take urgent climate action: flagship UN report

20 March 2023Peace and Security A Japanese initiative to colourize photos of Hiroshima survivors, taken before the war, has been hailed by the UN as a way to breathe new life into conversations about peace, and a world without nuclear weapons. Only a few survivors of the World War Two Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombings… Continue reading Rebooting memories of life before the nuclear devastation of Hiroshima

19 March 2023Climate and Environment A new analysis from the UN children’s agency, UNICEF, shows that some 190 million children in 10 African countries are at the highest risk from a convergence of three water-related threats – inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); related diseases; and climate hazards. The study, released on Monday ahead of… Continue reading 190 million children at risk from water-related crises: UNICEF

In an ancient Peruvian folktale, a hummingbird fetches water to put out a forest fire, one drop at a time. The other animals look on and laugh at her. Then, the little bird replies, “I’m doing what I can.” The tale inspired UN-Water, which coordinates the world body’s work on water and sanitation, to launch… Continue reading Origami hummingbirds to make a splash at UN Water Conference

Water is at the core of sustainable development. It supports all aspects of life on Earth, and access to safe and clean water is a basic human right. However, decades of mismanagement and misuse have intensified water stress, threatening the many aspects of life that depend on this crucial resource. Clean water is essential to… Continue reading 5 Things You Should Know About the UN 2023 Water Conference

18 March 2023Peace and Security The Black Sea Grain Initiative, a UN-brokered deal aimed at supplying markets with food and fertilizer amid global shortages and rising prices, exacerbated by the Ukraine war, was extended on Saturday, the day it was due to expire. The announcement was made in a Note to Correspondents, released by the… Continue reading Black Sea Grain Initiative extended on deadline day

Martin Griffths, the UN Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefed ambassadors on the eve of the expiration of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has allowed nearly 25 million metric tonnes of foodstuff from Ukraine to reach global markets.  The accord was signed in Türkiye in July 2022, in parallel with a Memorandum of… Continue reading Ukraine-Russia: Extension of grain export deals vital to global food security

Their role is to act as climate justice advisers and push for the acceleration of bold climate goals based on their diverse expertise and grassroots work, across the different countries they represent. The announcement was made as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) gathers in Switzerland to wrap up its crucial Synthesis Report, the… Continue reading Announcing new youth advisers, Guterres praises their ‘unrelenting’ drive for climate justice

17 March 2023Peace and Security The UN chief condemned on Friday the latest ballistic missile launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), calling on Pyongyang to resume dialogue leading towards sustainable peace and a nuclear weapons-free Korean Peninsula. Strongly condemning DPRK’s Thursday launch of an intercontinental-range missile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his… Continue reading DPR Korea: UN chief strongly condemns ballistic missile launch

Overall levels of documented violent incidents rose by 27 per cent, from 714 recorded acts of violence in 2021, to 982 last year. 2022 was marked by three distinct surges of violence, the UNMISS report said: between April and May, in southern Unity State; between July and September, in Warrap State; and between August and December, in the… Continue reading South Sudan: Violence against civilians ticks up despite fall in attacks overall

“Brutal” armed conflict has left 10 million children in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in need of humanitarian assistance – more than double the number in 2020, UNICEF warned in a new report. And hostilities spilling over into neighbouring countries, are putting an extra four million children at risk. “The conflict may not have clear boundaries, there… Continue reading Central Sahel: Lives of 10 million children on the line as conflict rages

“Our work is not done,” said Aleksander Zouev, Assistant-Secretary-General in the Department of Peace Operations told the UN Security Council. Providing members with a progress report, he cited gains made on implementing the UN Secretary-General’s bold vision for security sector reform outlined in his inaugural report on the issue, published in 2022. New plan and… Continue reading Security Council: Despite progress on reforming global security, ‘our work is not done’

According to the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, set up one year ago at the request of the Human Rights Council, Russian troops committed a “wide range” of violations across the country, many of which are war crimes. These included attacks with explosive weapons in populated areas, wilful killings of civilians, unlawful confinement, torture, rape… Continue reading Russia’s energy grid attacks, torture in Ukraine, could be crimes against humanity: UN rights probe

15 March 2023Peace and Security More than 100,000 people have been displaced, and dozens killed, following a string of armed group attacks in North Kivu province in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN reported on Wednesday.  Citing humanitarian sources, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said more than 50,000 people displaced… Continue reading Attacks by armed groups displace more than 100,000 in DR Congo

“The truce can only be a stepping stone,” said Hans Grundberg, the UN’s Special Envoy for Yemen. Reiterating that short-term solutions and piecemeal approaches can only bring partial relief, he outlined a range of fresh diplomatic efforts currently underway to bring the conflict to a sustainable end. Truce holding, despite lapse The nearly decade-long conflict in Yemen – and the… Continue reading Diplomacy in Yemen reaches new pitch following year of relative calm, Security Council hears

14 March 2023Human Rights Some countries and private companies are using “counter-terrorism and security rhetoric” to justify a major increase in the deployment and use of cutting-edge surveillance technology, with no regulation, and at an “enormous cost” to human rights, said an independent UN expert on Tuesday. In a report to the latest session of the Human Rights Council,… Continue reading Counter-terrorism ‘rhetoric’ used to justify rise of surveillance technology: human rights expert

13 March 2023Peace and Security The UN chief on Monday confirmed the UN would “do everything possible to preserve the integrity” of the Black Sea Grain Initiative – the deal agreed between Ukraine and Russia last July that is due to expire in just a few days. Russia announced earlier that it would agree to… Continue reading UN stresses ‘full commitment’ to Ukraine grain deal as Russia offers 60-day extension

13 March 2023Climate and Environment World leaders need to listen to and act on solid scientific guidance to urgently reduce global warming, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message at the opening of the new session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on Monday. Underlining the “urgent need to end… Continue reading Sticking to ‘cold, hard’ climate facts can end global warming: Guterres

The Commission of Inquiry on Syria pointed to “failures that hindered the delivery of urgent and lifesaving aid” to the largely opposition-held northwest region, in the days after the 6 February quakes. Humanitarian assessments point to more than 7,000 people killed in Syria by the natural disaster. Rescue equipment lacking At a press conference in… Continue reading Syria rights investigators back calls for earthquake ‘failures’ probe

10 March 2023Peace and Security Support provided to Syria following the recent deadly earthquakes must be directed towards finding a political solution to the civil war, now entering its 12th year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Friday.  “Now is the time for us to act in unison, to secure a nationwide ceasefire, advance the… Continue reading Syria: Guterres demands ‘renewed energy’ for peace as war enters 12th year

10 March 2023Humanitarian Aid A three-truck convoy of aid from UN agencies reached the Ukrainian town of Chasiv Yar on Friday, close to the most intense battle of the war on the eastern front, for the shattered city of Bakhmut. The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said the humanitarian supplies had been off-loaded in Chasiv… Continue reading Ukraine: UN aid trucks reach frontline town of Chasiv Yar

The International Day was proclaimed following the unanimous adoption of an Assembly resolution last March that called for global dialogue that promotes tolerance, peace and respect for human rights and religious diversity.  As the UN Secretary-General stated, the nearly two billion Muslims worldwide – who come from all corners of the planet – “reflect humanity… Continue reading UN observes first International Day against Islamophobia

In a statement, the dozen experts said representatives from the Russian-owned mercenary outfit had been “offering pardons for criminal sentences to prisoners who join the group and take part in the war in Ukraine, as well as a monthly payment to their relatives”. The experts – members of the Working Group on the use of Mercenaries, the Working Group… Continue reading Rghts experts ‘deeply disturbed’ by Russian Wagner Group recruitment of prisoners

Renewed violent clashes between non-state armed groups and government forces have sparked the latest emergency, with 300,000 people forced to flee their homes in North Kivu Province in February alone. According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, another 20,000 fled at the start of the week and nearly 50,000 became displaced from the Kitchanga region in Masisi territory… Continue reading 300,000 flee ongoing violence in DR Congo in February alone: UNHCR

Pierre Vauthier is the chief of office for the FAO in Ukraine. He told UN News how the FAO team in the country – around 100 staff members, mostly Ukrainian specialists in agriculture-related areas – was dispersed throughout the country, in often difficult working conditions. “One of the difficulties we faced, once the war began,… Continue reading First Person: Vulnerable Ukrainian farmers plough a self-sufficient furrow

The FSO Safer has been moored off the west coast of Yemen for over three decades but has not been properly maintained since war erupted across the country in 2015 between Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and Houthi rebels.  The decrepit ship has been described as a “time bomb” because it could leak,… Continue reading Vessel to remove oil from stricken Yemen tanker could arrive by May

This is the first time the site has lost all power since November 2022 – but the sixth time that all off-site power has been cut since the Russian invasion last February – IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said, in a statement to agency directors. The agency said late on Thursday that power had been restored after 11 tense… Continue reading Ukraine: IAEA chief slams ‘complacency’ over stricken Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant

8 March 2023Peace and Security In response to the latest violent unrest in the West Bank, the UN Middle East envoy has underlined the need for Israelis and Palestinians to exercise restraint to avoid further escalation.  “We are in the midst of a cycle of violence that must be stopped immediately,” Tor Wennesland said in… Continue reading Envoy ‘deeply disturbed’ by mounting violence between Israelis and Palestinians

António Guterres expressed “deep solidarity” with all of those who have become victims of the full-scale Russian invasion of February last year. Violation of the Charter “The position of the United Nations, which I have consistently expressed, is crystal clear: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a violation of the UN Charter and international law”, declared… Continue reading In Ukraine, Guterres pledges to keep seeking ‘solutions and a just peace’

Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, was speaking during a Council meeting to reaffirm the importance of Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security,  adopted in October 2000, and to take stock of implementation since it turned 20 nearly three years ago.  “As we meet today at the mid-point between the 20th and 25th anniversaries, on… Continue reading ‘Radical change of direction’ needed in women, peace and security agenda

7 March 2023Climate and Environment Tropical Cyclone Freddy – which is threatening communities in Madagascar and Mozambique for a second time in as many weeks – could become the longest-lasting storm of its kind on record, the World Meteorological Office (WMO) said on Tuesday.  WMO continues to monitor the “remarkable” tropical storm, which has cut… Continue reading Tropical Cyclone Freddy on track to become record-breaking storm

7 March 2023Health Malawi’s deadly cholera outbreak could worsen if – as expected – Tropical Cyclone Freddy triggers further heavy rainfall in the south of the country, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday. “Malawi is really experiencing the deadliest cholera outbreak in its recorded history – nothing less than that – and the country is also… Continue reading Tropical cyclone Freddy set to further weaken cholera-hit Malawi

In a statement released by his Spokesperson, António Guterres welcomed the international and regional efforts which took place last week, led by the President of Angola and African Union (AU) Champion for Peace and Reconciliation, João Lourenço, with the Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23). Eastern DRC is home to multiple armed groups, including the rebel M23 force, which has been… Continue reading DR Congo: Guterres urges M23 rebels to respect Tuesday ceasefire agreement

“We see 2023 as a ‘make or break’ year and as a test for all parties on the peace agreement,”said Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Briefing the Council on the UN Secretary-General’s latest report on South Sudan, he offered a priority action… Continue reading South Sudan faces ‘make or break’ year on road to lasting peace

6 March 2023Human Rights The human rights situation in Eritrea remains dire against of backdrop of “complete” impunity for State security and defence forces, the UN’s deputy human rights chief said on Monday. Addressing the Human Rights Council, Nada Al-Nashif warned that serious violations of people’s basic freedoms in Eritrea have continued “and show no sign of improvement”.… Continue reading Eritrea: human rights situation remains dire amid complete impunity

5 March 2023Law and Crime Prevention Secretary-General António Guterres has congratulated UN member countries for finalizing a text to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, calling it a “breakthrough” after nearly two decades of talks.    “This action is a victory for multilateralism and for global efforts… Continue reading UN delegates reach historic agreement on protecting marine biodiversity in international waters

“I urge decision-makers and people on all sides to give effect to the recommendations of our reports and to step back from the precipice to which increasing extremism and violence have led,” said Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), after presenting the Council with his latest annual report on the situation.… Continue reading Occupation ‘eating away’ at Israeli, Palestinian societies: Türk

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, tens of thousands of people have been killed and maimed on Ukrainian soil, many Ukrainian cities have been reduced to rubble, and their inhabitants forced to flee; UN investigations have found evidence of war crimes. Throughout the year, UN staff have continued to provide humanitarian… Continue reading The UN and Ukraine: year-long war spreads global fallout

3 March 2023Peace and Security Increasingly sophisticated and high-calibre firearms and ammunition are being trafficked into Haiti, fuelling an ongoing surge of gang violence that has plagued residents for months, according to a new UN assessment released on Thursday. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, Haiti’s criminal markets: mapping trends in firearms… Continue reading Haiti: Surge in gun trafficking fuels spike in gang violence

“Continuous” violence, including the killing, arbitrary arrest, torture and enforced disappearance of opponents in Myanmar between 1 February 2022 and 31 January 2023, have left the country’s people desperate for outside help, OHCHR’s James Rodehaver said, unveiling the Office’s latest report on the crisis. “Despite all the challenges that they face, so far there has… Continue reading Myanmar: Tatmadaw army’s ‘scorched earth’ policy in spotlight

“One million species teeter on the brink of extinction, due to habitat destruction, fossil fuel pollution and the worsening climate crisis. We must end this war on nature,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned in his message for the Day.  The scores of species of fauna and flora under threat from human activities include some that… Continue reading To save a million species, World Wildlife Day underscores crucial role of partnerships

2 March 2023Climate and Environment Niger announced on Thursday that it is to join a key UN water-sharing agreement with its Lake Chad neighbours in the increasingly drought-prone Sahel region. The development comes ahead of the UN water summit in New York next month, where countries will gather to find solutions to tensions caused by… Continue reading Niger joins crucial UN transboundary water-sharing accord

1 March 2023SDGs The United Nations on Wednesday called for more action to protect one of the most widespread and important marine ecosystems on the planet, marking the first ever commemoration of World Seagrass Day. Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that are found in shallow waters from the tropics to the Arctic Circle, covering over… Continue reading First-ever World Seagrass Day focuses on conservation

“I am here in a visit of solidarity to underscore the commitment of the United Nations to support Iraq in the consolidation of its democratic institutions and advancing peace, sustainable development and human rights for all Iraqis,” Mr. Guterres told journalists in Baghdad, after touching down late on Tuesday. After “decades of oppression, war, terrorism, sectarianism and foreign interference” in… Continue reading Guterres stresses UN commitment to Iraq during first visit in 6 years

The UN Emergency Coordinator and the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria called for robust support for ongoing emergency efforts and a “bold” plan for paving a political path towards lasting recovery and reconciliation. Race against time Briefing the 15-member body on the severity of humanitarian needs, Rasha Muhrez, Response Director at the international non-governmental organization… Continue reading UN officials call for Security Council’s support for post-quake Syria

Bringing together Governments, institutions, banks, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), youth, women, indigenous peoples and many other stakeholders from around the world, the UN 2023 Water Conference (22 to 24 March) will seek to find game-changing solutions to the multifaceted global crisis of ‘too much water’, such as storms and floods; ‘too little water’, such as… Continue reading INTERVIEW: Turn the tide on water crisis with game-changing commitments, urge co-hosts of UN conference

27 February 2023Human Rights Independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council on Monday welcomed Armenia’s commitment to combat the use of mercenaries and private security companies, following an eight-day mission to the country.  The members of the UN Working Group on the use of mercenaries also called for greater oversight by the Government… Continue reading Armenia: Rights experts commend laws to curb use of mercenaries

“The political process remains protracted and falls short of the aspirations of Libyans, who seek to elect their leaders and reinvigorate their political institutions,” said Abdoulaye Bathily, Special Representative for Libya and head of the UN’s political mission in the country, known as UNSMIL. “In short, Libyans are impatient,” he stressed, noting that they are… Continue reading Libya: Bathily proposes election support body, as public frustration mounts

Despite a six-month truce last year, widespread suffering persists mainly due to the deteriorating economy and the collapse of basic services.  UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the truce “delivered real dividends for people” following years of death, displacement, destruction, starvation and suffering. Funding and commitment  However, humanitarian needs continue to soar as more than 21… Continue reading UN and partners appeal for $4.3 billion for aid operations in Yemen

Speaking only days since a large majority of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the UN chief stressed that Russia’s decision to go to war against its neighbour on 24 February 2022 had unleashed “widespread death, destruction and displacement”. Also present at the opening… Continue reading Human Rights Council: Russia responsible for ‘widespread death and destruction’ in Ukraine

25 February 2023Climate and Environment Women in arid parts of rural Sudan, where water is becoming increasingly scarce due to climate change, are learning techniques to adapt to new weather patterns which will build their resilience for the future, thanks to support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Women farmers in Sudan are being… Continue reading From the Field: Weathering climate change in Sudan

25 February 2023Peace and Security The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, said on Thursday that genocide denial and the glorification of war criminals continues to present a “serious challenge” to reconciliation efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Raising concerns over such continuous reports of revisionism concerning atrocity crimes perpetrated during… Continue reading UN special adviser denounces genocide denial in Bosnia

Accurate early warnings and early action on the ground helped limit loss of life over the course of the cyclone, UN officials said. UN agencies delivered a host of supplies ahead of the approaching cyclone and are providing assistance to those in need. Currently, strong winds and high seas are threatening Mozambique with dangerous and… Continue reading Early action saves lives, as Tropical Cyclone Freddy hits Mozambique

“Since the start of the full-scale war we, along with our humanitarian partners in Ukraine, have made every effort to ramp up operations to provide life-saving support to those who need it most,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York.  Last year, thousands of convoys delivered vital supplies to people in all regions… Continue reading Ukraine: 18 million need support as war enters second year

“Life is a living hell for the people of Ukraine,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Council, which has held more than 40 debates on the conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion one year ago. On the occasion, the 15-member organ held a ministerial-level meeting on the heels of the UN General Assembly’s new demand that… Continue reading UN Security Council hears echoed demands to end war in Ukraine

23 February 2023Peace and Security The UN General Assembly on Thursday called for ending the war in Ukraine and demanded Russia’s immediate withdrawal from the country, in line with the UN Charter. At its resumed eleventh emergency special session, the world body adopted a new resolution calling for an end to the war, only hours… Continue reading UN General Assembly calls for immediate end to war in Ukraine

The UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Ilze Brands Kehris, concluding a 10-day visit to the country on Wednesday, reported a resurgence of attacks by armed groups and the devastating toll on communities alongside the need for action. “The violence must stop,” she said, encouraging authorities to redouble their efforts to counter rising hatred and… Continue reading DR Congo: Senior UN rights official calls on authorities to stop ‘appalling’ violence

23 February 2023Peace and Security Top UN officials have called for halting escalating cycles of violence following Israeli-Palestinian clashes and airstrikes on Wednesday that left 11 dead and more than 100 injured. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called to halt the “illogic of escalation” that has been building up to the detriment… Continue reading Raising alarms over deadly Israel-Palestinian clashes, UN officials call for immediate de-escalation

Ms. Gbeho said she has welcomed the Federal Government’s continued commitment to implementing the women, peace, and security agenda, as demonstrated by the launch of a new national action plan on Security Council resolution 1325.  The landmark document, adopted more than 20 years ago, reaffirms women’s role in peacebuilding and conflict prevention and resolution.  Action… Continue reading Somalia: UN official underlines need to advance women’s participation in public life

Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi said that, for almost a full year, the world body, UN Secretary-General, and international community have been consistent and vocal in calls to end this war, and to adhere to the UN Charter and international law. “Let this anniversary and the anguish of millions before our eyes over the last year… Continue reading Ukraine: General Assembly resumes emergency special session, taking up new text to end war

22 February 2023Peace and Security Regional and international partners must collectively work with greater urgency and determination to help Palestinians and Israelis break chronic cycles of violence and restore a credible political horizon, the UN chief said on Wednesday. “Our immediate priority must be to prevent further escalation, reduce tensions, and restore calm,” UN Secretary-General… Continue reading ‘Time is working against us’, UN chief says, calling for action to end clashes, restore credible Israeli-Palestinian political horizon

The report – Building blocks out of the crisis: The UN’s SDG Stimulus Plan – was issued ahead of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Bangalore, India, which begins on Friday.  UNDP has called for action to protect developing nations from the impact of today’s overlapping crises while also ensuring that… Continue reading SDG stimulus could unlock $148 billion in debt savings: UNDP

Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza reported on recent progress by the Government, including in election preparations and security sector reform.  Political engagement with the leaders of armed groups remains essential and is starting to yield modest results, she added, pointing to the dissolution of four armed groups who were signatories to the February 2019 Peace Agreement. … Continue reading Local elections chance to advance peace in Central African Republic: UN envoy

Instead, he said, the UN Secretary-General “is someone we trust” to lead an investigation following reports in September of four leaks in the 1,224-kilometre-long pipelines that supply gas from Russia to Europe. There was “proof that explosives had been planted” near the pipeline during a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) exercise in the summer of… Continue reading UN Security Council debates Nord Stream pipeline incidents

21 February 2023Peace and Security Three peacekeepers in Mali were killed and five others seriously injured when their vehicle hit an explosive device, the UN Mission in the country, MINUSMA, reported on Tuesday. The incident took place that morning near the village of Songobia, in central Mali, as their supply convoy was heading to its… Continue reading Mali: Three UN peacekeepers killed in explosive attack

Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari, who briefed the Council on Monday afternoon, reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s strong condemnation of the launch and his appeal for action to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.  “The Secretary-General deeply regrets the divisions that have prevented the international community from acting on the DPRK, as well as on other threats… Continue reading Korean Peninsula ‘must be an area for cooperation’, Security Council hears

“We are witnessing a surge in violence, including some of the deadliest incidents in nearly 20 years,” said Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO). “We have seen ominous signs of what awaits if we fail to address the current instability.” Raising concerns that developments on the ground are continuing along… Continue reading Amid ‘ominous’ surge in Israeli-Palestinian violence, top UN officials call on parties to swiftly reduce tensions

20 February 2023Peace and Security The UN chief on Sunday strongly condemned the launch of yet another ballistic missile of intercontinental range by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), as news reports said two more missiles had been launched on Monday. News reports said DPRK had launched a long-range missile on Saturday that landed… Continue reading UN chief strongly condemns DPRK missile launch

18 February 2023Climate and Environment Some 1.8 billion people on the planet are threatened by flood risks, the United Nations General Assembly President warned on Saturday, at a water management event in Tokyo, Japan. “This is a challenge that we can master with ingenuity and determination,” said Csaba Kőrösi, calling for science-based solutions and solidarity,… Continue reading UN Assembly President calls for Apollo 13 ingenuity to navigate flood risks

18 February 2023Economic Development UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his support for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa on Saturday, in remarks delivered to the African Union Summit, which is being held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Mr. Guterres praised the many African Union (AU) initiatives aimed at bringing about this vision for the… Continue reading Despite challenges, Africa ‘poised for progress’ – Guterres

Johannes Fromholt is currently near the frontline in Donetsk Oblast and has been describing the support the UN is providing. “I am currently in Kurakhove, which is close to the frontline. We see heavy fighting, which has intensified even in the past week. We came here as part of a UN interagency humanitarian convoy, to… Continue reading First Person: The towns in Ukraine which no longer exist

17 February 2023Climate and Environment Weather balloons play an important part of a vast, intricate global observation system, providing vital information for climate monitoring and forecasters, the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Friday. On the heels of recent news reports about Canada and the United States shooting down several flying objects, including an… Continue reading Amid ‘spy balloon’ controversy, WMO highlights key role of weather balloons in climate monitoring

17 February 2023Peace and Security While a peaceful resolution is desperately needed to the war in Ukraine, any agreement reached must be tangible, implementable and address the conflict’s root causes, officials told the Security Council on Friday, citing lessons learned from the fate of the so-called Minsk accords. “Peace is not just about signing an agreement,”… Continue reading Ukraine needs ‘implementable’ peace, Security Council hears, meeting on anniversary of Minsk accord

“The suffering across the country remains immense,” Commissioner Barney Afako said at a press conference in Juba, the capital. “South Sudanese women and girls continue to face unspeakable sexual violence.” On the penultimate day of a five-day visit, the Commission took stock of reports from civil society and stakeholders in Juba and Upper Nile state,… Continue reading Rights experts say peaceful transition in South Sudan crucial, amid ‘immense suffering’

“What is urgently needed is the political will to break the protracted political stalemate and achieve progress on multiple fronts,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the latest meeting of the High-level Committee on Libya, taking place in Addis Ababa. Progress is sorely needed towards holding elections and advancing gains in security, national reconciliation and… Continue reading Guterres in Africa: End political stalemate in Libya now, UN chief urges leaders

16 February 2023Climate and Environment Reducing mercury use by nearly 370 tons in nine countries, a UN environment agency initiative now plans to scale up efforts in 15 other affected nations, making conditions safer for millions of small-scale miners. “Over 100 million people rely on artisanal gold mining for their livelihoods, so it’s critical that… Continue reading UN environment agency tackles mercury-tarnished gold mining industry

15 February 2023Peace and Security A newly signed plan for election security represents a “major development” for peaceful, inclusive elections in the Central African Republic (CAR), a spokesperson for the UN mission in the country said on Wednesday. The security plan represents “an essential tool” paving the way for the coming local elections, UN mission… Continue reading UN mission signs new plan for election security in Central African Republic

The situation for many in Ukraine remains desperate, amid “relentless” shelling of civilian targets and infrastructure, the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, told journalists in Geneva. Humanitarian funding is needed to continue supporting lifesaving aid convoy deliveries to communities on the front line, “into areas of great danger and difficulty and priority needs”, said… Continue reading Ukraine: UN appeals for $5.6 billion to help millions affected by relentless conflict

The initiative will support a holistic approach to phase out the harmful chemical and promote the beauty of all skin tones.  Consumers unaware of risks  Skin lightening products inhibit the body’s production of melanin, the pigment that plays a role in determining skin, hair and eye colour.    They have been used around the world… Continue reading UN-backed project aims to eliminate mercury from skin lightening products

“The impact of rising seas is already creating new sources of instability and conflict,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who opened the meeting. Noting that some nations’ coastlines have already seen triple the average rate of sea level rise, he warned that, in the coming decades, low-lying communities – and entire countries – could disappear forever. “We would witness… Continue reading Sea level rise poses ‘unthinkable’ risks for the planet, Security Council hears

“Even without verified numbers it’s tragically clear the number of children killed, the number of children orphaned is going to keep on rising”,” said UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) spokesperson James Elder. In Türkiye, the total number of children living in the 10 provinces before the emergency was 4.6 million, and 2.5 million in Syria. Growing… Continue reading Children sleep in streets, too afraid to go home after quake disaster

Only a single crossing point – Bab al-Hawa – has been open to humanitarians since the 6 February earthquakes struck across the border region of southern Türkiye and northwest Syria, which has been in the grip of civil war for the past 12 years, and is the last remaining region partly under the control of… Continue reading Earthquake disaster: UN chief welcomes Syria decision to open aid corridors

“Sport has the power to convey essential values of respect, inclusion, and solidarity,” said Mauro Miedico, deputy director and chief of the special projects and innovation branch at the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). “When applied in tandem with wider preventing violent extremism (PVE) strategies, it can work against the drivers of radicalization which lead… Continue reading Power of sport to counter violent extremism amplified at UN

Virginia Gamba, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict, who is currently preparing her latest report, said data gathered so far reveals that trends showing high levels of violations are continuing.  Nearly 24,000 grave violations were verified in 2021, the last reporting year.  Most involved killing and maiming, as well as recruitment and… Continue reading Experts demand better measures to protect children caught in conflict

11 February 2023Peace and Security With extremist groups expanding their reach, the international community cannot let up its guard against terrorism, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Sunday. The appeal came in his message to mark the first-ever International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism, established in December… Continue reading ‘We must be more vigilant than ever,’ Guterres says on first International Day to prevent violent extremism

10 February 2023Human Rights Extreme violence and gross human rights abuses, including mass incidents of murder, gang rape and sniper attacks, have sharply increased in Cité Soleil on the outskirts of the Haitian capital, said a UN report published on Friday. “The findings of this report are horrifying,” said Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner… Continue reading New UN report warns of spike in gang attacks, ‘gross human rights abuses’ in Haiti

Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov briefed the Security Council where he presented the latest UN report on the terrorist organization, underlining the need for concerted global action.  Mr. Voronkov began by focusing on the plight of victims and survivors of terrorism worldwide.  “Because beyond the headlines and behind the numbers, there are numerous people and communities who… Continue reading ISIL terror threat still high and increasing in conflict zones, Security Council hears

“Violence continues to take a heavy toll on children’s lives in and around Port-au-Prince, and schools are no longer spared,” said Bruno Maes, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative in Haiti. “As children reel from the effects of armed violence, insecurity in Haiti shows no sign of abating.” ‘Huge impact’ on children “The targeting of… Continue reading Haiti: UNICEF reports nine-fold increase in violence targeting schools

Speaking during the meeting, which was requested by the delegation of the Russian Federation, Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, noted that a number of governments have already provided heavy conventional armaments and munitions to Ukraine. Those include battlefield vehicles, air defence capabilities, large-calibre artillery systems, and uncrewed combat aerial vehicles, or drones,… Continue reading Ukraine: Influx of weapons ‘must not derail aspiration for peace’, Security Council hears

Human Rights Officers from MINUSMA conduct regular monitoring visits to a jail in Sévaré, in the Mopti region of Mali. 7 February 2023Peace and Security The UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday he deeply regrets Mali’s recent decision to declare the top UN human rights representative as persona non grata. The transitional Government of… Continue reading UN chief ‘deeply regrets’ Mali’s decision to expel senior rights official

The event aimed to mobilize Prime Ministers to support the Early Warnings for All initiative (EW4ALL) in the face of mounting climate hazards.  2021 was the region’s fourth costliest hurricane season on record, with 21 named storms, including seven hurricanes.   Protecting vulnerable communities  UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced EW4ALL at the COP27 climate change… Continue reading Caribbean sees first regional launch of global plan on early warning systems

Fernando Arias, Director-General of the UN-backed OPCW, said the findings are laid out in the third report of an Investigation and Identification Team tasked with ascertaining the perpetrators of specific instances of chemical weapons use in Syria. According to the report, he said, there is evidence that, on 7 April 2018, at least one Syrian air force helicopter –… Continue reading ‘Reasonable grounds’ to believe Syrian Government was behind deadly chlorine gas attack on Douma: OPCW report

The study focuses on the environmental dimensions of AMR, which occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines.  It calls for strengthening action to reduce the emergence, transmission and spread of “superbugs” – strains of bacteria that have become resistant to every known biotic – and other… Continue reading Reduce pollution to combat ‘superbugs’ and other anti-microbial resistance

“My Command appreciates the recognition of female officers as a catalyst of systematic change within the Zambia Police Service,” said the Inspector General of Police Lemmy Kajoba. “We take very seriously our role in driving policy reforms, ensuring gender mainstreaming and accountability for gender equality and women’s empowerment within our institution.” Rostering more female officers… Continue reading Zambia: New grant gives boost to women peacekeepers

According to the Government of Türkiye, at least 3,381 people died and more than 20,000 were injured after a 7.8 magnitude quake struck close to the southern city of Gaziantep early on Monday, followed by another 7.5 magnitude earthquake several hours later. Almost 6,000 buildings have reportedly collapsed in the country, too, said Jens Laerke,… Continue reading Türkiye, Syria quake latest: full scale of disaster still unfolding, UN humanitarians warn

The report entitled, Journey to Extremism in Africa: Pathways to Recruitment and Disengagement, underscores the importance of economic factors as drivers of recruitment. Desperation factor Lack of income, the lack of job opportunities and livelihoods, means that “desperation is essentially pushing people to take up opportunities, with whoever offers that”, said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator,… Continue reading Lack of jobs, the main driver of violent extremism in sub-Saharan Africa: UNDP

6 February 2023Human Rights The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Monday called on Malian authorities to rescind their expulsion order for his top representative in the country. “I deeply regret the decision by the Malian authorities to declare my representative, Guillaume Ngefa, as persona non grata and to order him to leave the… Continue reading UN human rights chief calls on Mali to reverse ‘regrettable’ expulsion order

“On the eve of the horrific one-year milestone, we have a lot to do and we can do better,” said Martin Griffiths, who also serves as the Emergency Relief Coordinator. 14,000 civilian casualties A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report documented 14,000 civilian casualties, 17.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and 7.5 million… Continue reading UN relief chief tells Security Council ‘we can do better’ in Ukraine

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack, which left the South African ‘blue helmet’ dead, and another wounded. Emergency landing According to news reports, the severely injured peacekeeper was able to continue flying, and along with the rest of the crew, managed to land at the airport of the… Continue reading South African peacekeeper killed after helicopter comes under fire mid-flight in DR Congo

3 February 2023Humanitarian Aid Two UN aid convoys have reached communities with acute needs near the contact line in Ukraine’s war-shattered east this week, relief coordinators reported on Friday. Medicines, roofing repair kits, bottled water and solar lamps were offloaded, highlighting the desperate plight of many thousands of people who are unable or unwilling to… Continue reading UN aid convoys deliver lifesaving relief to Ukraine’s war-ravaged east

Internally displaced mothers with their children attend a WFP famine assessment exercise in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria. 2 February 2023Peace and Security The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide on Thursday voiced concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, while urging the authorities to ensure counter-terrorism operations are conducted in line with… Continue reading Nigeria: UN genocide expert warns against worsening security situation

Highlighting recent achievements and challenges ahead following a year of tensions and political discord, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said the hope is that the confirmation of the new Government will provide an opportunity to structurally address the many pressing issues. ‘Glass half full’  “Effecting meaningful change will take time, as this can only happen through structural change… Continue reading Iraq must seize ‘brief window of opportunity’ to turn tide of instability

On World Wetlands Day, observed this Thursday, the United Nations is calling for urgent action to revive and restore these ecosystems, which are disappearing three times faster than forests.  Wetlands cover roughly six per cent of the Earth’s land surface and are vital for human health, food supply, tourism and jobs.   Fighting climate change … Continue reading Revive and restore wetlands, home to 40 per cent of all biodiversity

1 February 2023Climate and Environment A UN-led plan to tackle climate change by radically improving the way heat-trapping atmospheric pollutants are measured all over the planet, is being given serious consideration by governments and the international scientific community, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Wednesday. The WMO initiative would create a network of ground-based measurement… Continue reading Climate change: WMO unveils plans for sustainable monitoring of greenhouse gases

“Our priority in 2023 is to take a ‘peace to people’ approach with the Government’s facilitation,” Stephen Par Kuol, Minister of Peacebuilding of South Sudan, told the Commission, via video link. Addressing the ambassadorial-level meeting on building peace in communities through local governance and community reconciliation in South Sudan, he said efforts included tackling such… Continue reading Peace in South Sudan hinges on local accountability, landmark Peacebuilding Commission meeting hears

The State Administration Council (SAC) is illegal and illegitimate, Special Rapporteur Thomas Andrews said at the launch, co-hosted by the democracy and electoral assistance body, International IDEA. He called on the international community to stand firm against military rule, create a coalition of Member States to enforce strong, coordinated sanctions, and support the democratic National… Continue reading Deny legitimacy of Myanmar’s military junta, UN expert urges

The rights experts – who include the UN Working Group on Mercenaries – said that a “climate of terror and complete impunity” has surrounded Wagner’s activities in the northwest African country. Systematic killings “We are particularly worried by credible reports that over the course of several days in late March 2022, Malian armed forces accompanied… Continue reading Mali: Independent rights experts call for probe into Wagner Group’s alleged crimes

30 January 2023Peace and Security The UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday called for Member States to urge the military leadership in Myanmar to respect the will and needs of its own people, as risks to regional stability grow. Ahead of 1 February – marking two years since the military overturned and arbitrarily detained members… Continue reading Two years on from Myanmar military coup, UN chief stresses international unity, as arrests, airstrikes continue

30 January 2023Peace and Security Alarmed by the recent killing and injury of many children in Israel and Palestine, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) voiced an appeal to parties on Monday to de-escalate tensions and refrain from violence. “Children continue to pay the highest price of violence,” the statement declared. “As the situation remains very… Continue reading Israel-Palestine: UNICEF warns children are paying ‘the highest price’ as violence escalates

30 January 2023Peace and Security The UN chief and top officials have strongly condemned the suicide bombing at a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan on Monday, that left at least 59 dead and 150 injured. News reports stated that a militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred at a crowded mosque. Reports showed that… Continue reading Guterres strongly condemns deadly mosque attack in Pakistan

Mr. Trukhanov spoke to UN News shortly after the decision was announced, on Wednesday, and explained the laborious process that led to the inclusion. Odesa Mayor, Gennady Trukhanov Gennady Trukhanov We applied for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List back in 2009 and were accepted into the provisional list. But the procedure dragged on and,… Continue reading ‘A great victory’: Odesa mayor reacts to UNESCO Heritage List inclusion

27 January 2023Peace and Security The UN Secretary-General on Friday strongly condemned Friday’s terrorist attack by a Palestinian man outside a synagogue in a Jerusalem neighbourhood which has left at least seven Israelis dead, and three others injured. According to news reports, the incident happened in the Neve Yaakov district in the middle of the… Continue reading Guterres strongly condemns attack at Jerusalem synagogue which left at least seven Israelis dead

The envoy was addressing ambassadors at what he called a “unique juncture” in the efforts to promote lasting peace and security in the West African country.    “Mali is ushering in a critical year in terms of returning to constitutional order,” he said, with several votes scheduled starting in March.   Work in progress  Mr.… Continue reading Mali: ‘Critical year’ begins in country’s return to constitutional order

27 January 2023Climate and Environment The head of the UN migration agency IOM, and leading climate justice activist, Greta Thunberg, called on Friday for immediate action to help tackle the impacts of climate change on those forced to flee their homes, or leaving in search of a better life. António Vitorino, and Ms. Thunberg said… Continue reading Climate crisis and migration: Greta Thunberg supports IOM over ‘life and death’ issue

Traveling with UN Women chief Sima Bahous, and other senior officials, she told journalists on Thursday that she had informed Taliban leaders that a society based on exclusion and repression could never flourish.  The first goal of the visit focused on “solidarity and the importance of women’s rights…with a view to education, secondary and tertiary”.  … Continue reading UN deputy chief reminds Taliban: Islam does not ban women from education 

26 January 2023Peace and Security The top UN official for the Middle East peace process, said on Thursday he was “deeply alarmed and saddened” at the continuing cycle of violence in the occupied West Bank, after nine Palestinians were killed during an Israeli military raid. Tor Wennesland described the deaths – during an intense gun battle at… Continue reading UN envoy ‘deeply alarmed’ over deaths of nine Palestinians in West Bank raid

“People’s sense of safety and security is at a low in almost every country, with six in seven worldwide, plagued by feelings of insecurity”, she stated. The world is facing the highest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War she said, with a quarter of humanity live in war zones – triggering grave… Continue reading Peacebuilding must be rooted in ‘bedrock of inclusive, sustainable development’

25 January 2023Peace and Security “Swift progress” has been made at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the trial against a former Janjaweed leader in Sudan’s Darfur region, but cooperation with the Government has deteriorated, the UN Security Council heard on Wednesday.  Presenting his latest report, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan updated ambassadors on proceedings against… Continue reading Sudan: Progress in Darfur militia leader trial, but Government cooperation wanes

The UN humanitarian affairs office OCHA is calling for $4.3 billion to reach the 17.3 million most vulnerable people in need, whose lives have been turned upside down because of protracted war, displacement and economic collapse, compounded by recurrent natural disasters. Yemen’s civil war began in 2014 when Houthi rebels took the capital, Sana’a, forcing… Continue reading Two-thirds of Yemenis need humanitarian support and protection

25 January 2023Peace and Security UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the fight against terrorism will never succeed if we perpetuate the “denial and destruction” of human rights.  Speaking at the ninth meeting of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact in New York, he urged for all counter-terrorism policies and initiatives to be “firmly grounded”… Continue reading Human Rights must be defended in the fight against terrorism: UN chief

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay made the appeal in her message to mark the International Day of Women in Multilateralism, which highlights their role in building peace and ensuring sustainable development.  It also provides an opportunity to advocate for increased representation of women in key decision-making positions in global collaboration.  ‘Incomprehensible inequality gap’   “Celebrating their… Continue reading ‘Equal rights cannot wait’ on International Day of Women in Multilateralism

25 January 2023Peace and Security The historic centre of the port city of Odesa, in Ukraine, has been inscribed on the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage List, 11 months since the full-scale Russian invasion.  This decision recognizes the outstanding universal value of the site and the duty of all humanity to… Continue reading Odesa added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List amid threats of destruction

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a tweet posted on Tuesday that WHO was working with local authorities to investigate the abduction of Dr. Mahamadou Diawara, who had worked for the agency in the town for around three years, “and ensure our colleague’s quick return to his family.” WHO said in a statement that he had… Continue reading Mali: WHO doctor seized by ‘unidentified assailants’, as UNHCR raises alarm over continuing violence

The UN fears risk of these atrocities is heightened given current global crises that include conflict, soaring food and energy costs, and deepening inequalities and tensions, all exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.  In her opening remarks, ECOSOC President Lachezara Stoeva highlighted how the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, together with global commitment… Continue reading Top UN body asks what more can be done to stop genocide, atrocity crimes

24 January 2023Peace and Security Haiti’s protracted political and humanitarian crisis – marked by spiking levels of gang-related violence and a badly struggling national police force – are reversing crucial security and development strides made since the country’s devastating 2010 earthquake, the senior UN representative in Port-au-Prince told the Security Council on Tuesday.  “Years of… Continue reading Police overwhelmed, development stalled, as gang violence spirals in Haiti

“And by working as one, it’s a race we can win. Let’s all become the champions the ocean needs. Let’s end the ocean emergency and preserve this precious blue gift for our children and grandchildren,” urged the UN chief.   The Secretary-General was speaking from the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo, in São Vicente, a state-of-the-art facility… Continue reading ‘Let’s all become the champions the ocean needs’ – UN chief Guterres

23 January 2023Humanitarian Aid Amid worsening security, economic, and humanitarian crises, the third Lake Chad Basin High Level Conference has begun, aimed at addressing a range of long-standing issues and the needs of the population, including some 11 million people, who are in need of assistance. The UN describes the conference as a critical international… Continue reading UN convenes Lake Chad countries, amid growing regional crisis

For hours, António Guterres’ car had moved along a sinuous road, which opened against an arid landscape, but then one last curve, and a few hundred feet up a hill, the view outside his window bursts into myriad shades of green, as small terraces supported by stone walls filled with banana trees, palms and sugar cane,… Continue reading In drought-stricken Cabo Verde, UN chief finds hope for creating sustainable oasis

The answer goes back to 2015, when the national Government detailed a strategic plan on how the blue economy would be a central part of the island nation’s future, as well as to a series of investments that have been made since then.   But this evening, looking out at nearly a dozen boats participating in… Continue reading Cabo Verde ‘on the frontlines’ of climate crisis, says Guterres ahead of Ocean Summit

Jens Laerke from UN aid coordinating office, OCHA, said that three trucks had been granted access to the heavily disputed city in the Donbas region, which has been an intense battleground, as Russian forces seek to advance on the strategically important town of Bakhmut. He told journalists at Friday’s briefing in Geneva that the convoy… Continue reading Ukraine: UN aid reaches Soledar as IAEA boosts safety measures at nuclear sites

19 January 2023Peace and Security The United Kingdom’s plans to offer limited immunity from prosecution to those accused of crimes during Northern Ireland’s “Troubles” have been called into question by UN rights chief Volker Türk.  The High Commissioner for Human Rights acknowledged on Thursday that addressing the violent legacy of intercommunal relations in Northern Ireland from the 1960s to… Continue reading Northern Ireland: UK ‘immunity’ legislation could hamper victims’ rights, warns Türk

The UN humanitarian coordination office, OCHA, said in a press release that a seven-truck convoy had reached Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region – just five kilometres from the Russian border. “This community has been heavily impacted by months of hostilities and the 4,500 people who remain there depend on humanitarian aid to meet their needs.”… Continue reading UN aims to boost aid to frontline areas of Ukraine; Black Sea grain exports near 18 million tonnes

“The violent trends that dominated the last months of 2022 continue to take a devastating human toll,” said Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.  Citing rising political tensions and the long-stalled peace process, he said preventing more loss of life must go hand-in-hand with the international community’s ultimate goal – ending the… Continue reading Negative trends prevail in Occupied Palestinian Territory; human toll ‘devastating’: Senior UN Official

Following that sobering assessment, António Guterres also told the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, that he remained committed to alleviating the suffering of Ukrainians and vulnerable people in the wider world, still reeling from the conflict’s “dramatic, devastating impacts” on the global economy. “There will be an end…there is an end of everything,… Continue reading Ukraine war: No chance for serious peace negotiations yet, says UN chief

17 January 2023Human Rights Addressing the Security Council on Tuesday, Ilze Brands Kehris, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, expressed concern about restrictions to freedom of religion in Ukraine, including territory under Russian control. The theme of the Council meeting briefing on Ukraine came under the “Threats to International Peace and Security” agenda item.… Continue reading Security Council: UN rights official raises concerns over Ukraine religious freedoms

The coup ended a power-sharing agreement between military and civilian leaders established following the April 2019 overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir, who had ruled for 30 years.  “After almost 15 months after the coup of 25 October 2021, returning to the transition path would be a major, major step forward for all Sudanese whether they… Continue reading UN envoy sees ‘real chance’ of political solution in Sudan

17 January 2023Peace and Security Following the latest meeting of rival military leaders in Sirte, Libya, the head of the UN Mission in the country (UNSMIL) has called upon the national authorities to recommit to fully supporting the implementation of Libya’s 2020 ceasefire agreement. On Monday, Abdoulaye Bathily, who is also the Special Representative of… Continue reading Recommit to Libya ceasefire, urges senior UN representative

Associate Spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay told Monday’s regular briefing for correspondents in New York that António Guterres had condemned Saturday evening’s missile strike adding that it was “another example of a suspected violation of the laws of war.” Violation of international law In a statement issued later in the day, the Spokesperson reiterated that “attacks against… Continue reading Ukraine: Civilian attacks ‘must end immediately’ says UN, as search for Dnipro survivors continues

Special Envoy Hans Grundberg reported on his ongoing mediation efforts with the Government and Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, following their failure last October to extend a landmark truce that lasted six months.  Regional and international efforts towards ending their eight-year war have also intensified, pointing to “a potential step-change” in the trajectory… Continue reading Yemen: Lull in major fighting provides space for dialogue

“Only renewables can safeguard our future, close the energy access gap, stabilize prices and ensure energy security,” he said in a video message to the 13th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly, taking place this weekend in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. “Together, let’s jumpstart a renewables revolution and create a brighter… Continue reading UN chief calls for renewable energy ‘revolution’ for a brighter global future

The upcoming summit “will be an occasion to unite the global community to take action and address the broad challenges surrounding water,” said Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and the Secretary-General of the UN 2023 Water Conference, during a press conference at UN Headquarters. He noted that the Conference, taking place from 22 to 24… Continue reading Water’s a ‘dealmaker’ for multilateral cooperation and the SDGs

Addressing a private meeting of the Council, Roza Otunbayeva reiterated to ambassadors that Taliban decisions including the ban on girls attending high school, preventing women from going to university, and barring them from doing humanitarian work, are all “grave violations of fundamental rights”, according to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. He told reporters at the noon briefing… Continue reading Unity in Security Council essential, in face of Taliban rights violations against women and girls

Rosemary DiCarlo reiterated the view of the Secretary-General, in reminding that Russia’s invasion of 24 February, was a violation of the UN Charter and international law. “It has created a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe, traumatized a generation of children, and accelerated the global food and energy crises”, she told ambassadors. “And yet, this grave… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘Humanitarian and human rights catastrophe’ continues, Security Council hears

“From the smallest village to the global stage, the rule of law (ROL) is all that stands between peace and stability, and a brutal struggle for power and resources”, he said, arguing that it protects the vulnerable; prevents discrimination; bolsters trust in institutions; supports inclusive economies and societies; and is the first line of defence… Continue reading Rule of law stands between peace and ‘brutal struggle for power’ – Guterres

12 January 2023Climate and Environment The UN weather agency, WMO, said on Thursday that 2022 was the fifth or sixth warmest year on record, adding to deep concerns that the likelihood of breaching the 1.5 degree Celsius limit of the Paris Agreement “is increasing with time”. In an alert, the agency also explained that 2022… Continue reading 2022 confirmed as one of warmest years on record: WMO

Carlos Ruiz Massieu welcomed recent Government actions on rural reform and greater equality, in line with the 2016 Peace Agreement between the Government and the FARC EP militia group that ended five decades of civil war.  “The Council’s decision today to authorize the expansion of the Mission’s mandate to include the Agreement’s comprehensive rural reform… Continue reading Colombia: UN mission to verify rural reform and indigenous representation in peace process

In her briefing, Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of the UN Office for the region, UNOWAS, urged ambassadors to continue to support a strategy centred on building resilience, promoting good governance, and strengthening peace and security.  Ms. Biha presented the latest UNOWAS report covering trends and developments over the past… Continue reading ‘Unprecedented’ insecurity in West Africa and the Sahel, Security Council hears

9 January 2023Peace and Security UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the launch of the final phase in the political process towards restoring a civilian-led transition in Sudan, more than one year after the military coup, his Spokesperson said on Monday.  Military and civilian leaders began meeting in the capital Khartoum, on Sunday, for four… Continue reading Sudan: Start of final phase towards civilian rule an ‘important step’

In comments to journalists on Monday, Mr. Guterres said that he had been shocked by reports that a mob had entered and ransacked government buildings on Sunday in Brasilia. But he said that he remained “absolutely convinced that Brazil can deal with this situation” and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.… Continue reading Brazil: UN chief ‘totally confident’ in country’s democratic strength

The Summit will bring together mayors and city leaders to discuss strategies to combat the global burden arising from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the increasing toll on urban health systems caused by injuries. NCDs, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and injuries arising from varied causes such as street violence, car crashes and falls,… Continue reading Mayors from around the world to meet for first ever ‘healthy cities’ summit

Ambassadors unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the renewal of the cross-border mechanism, a day before it was set to expire.  UN Secretary-General António Guterres has taken note of the development, his Spokesperson said in a statement, which described the humanitarian operation as an “indispensable lifeline” for some 4.1 million people in the region.  Expand humanitarian… Continue reading Security Council unanimously agrees to extend Syria cross-border aid lifeline

But the group also warned of the unintended impacts on the ozone layer of new technologies such as geoengineering. In a report published every four years on the progress of the Montreal Protocol, the panel confirmed the phase-out of nearly 99 per cent of banned ozone-depleting substances. The Montreal Protocol was signed in September 1987 and is a landmark multilateral… Continue reading Ozone layer recovery is on track, due to success of Montreal Protocol

“If there is any doubt about loss and damage, go to Pakistan,” he told delegates at the International Conference on climate resilient Pakistan. “There is loss. There is damage. The devastation of climate change is real. From floods and droughts to cyclones and torrential rains. And as always, those countries least responsible, are the first… Continue reading Guterres urges radical global finance shake-up to help Pakistan after deadly floods

8 January 2023Climate and Environment Rising sea levels are threatening the very existence of Monkey River, a coastal village in south-east Belize. With the support of the UN, the community is trying to stem the tide, and protect what is left. “My grandma and my grandfather are now washed out in the sea,” says Mario… Continue reading ‘I don’t want to see more graves go to the sea’: Saving a Belize village from man-made erosion

7 January 2023Peace and Security The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called on the transitional authorities in Burkina Faso to ensure that their investigation into the killing of at least 28 people at the end of December will hold those responsible to account, regardless of their position or rank. In a… Continue reading Investigation into 28 killed in Burkina Faso must be transparent: UN rights chief

“We estimate that up to around nine million people – additional people – could be pushed into poverty due to the flood impact” said Knut Ostby, UNDP Resident Representative in Pakistan. Climate risk knows no borders Although the Pakistan flooding was “unprecedented”, it could happen to other countries affected by climate change, Mr. Ostby warned.… Continue reading Pakistan floods: 9 million more risk being pushed into poverty, warns UNDP

Ambassadors were briefed by Khalid Khiari, a UN Assistant Secretary-General, who expressed concern over the developments and the broader ongoing tensions and violence in the occupied West Bank. On Monday, Israel’s new National Security Minister, far-right party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the hilltop compound in Jerusalem’s old city that is sacred to both Jews and… Continue reading UN working to reduce tensions following Israel minister’s holy site visit

5 January 2023Peace and Security Any use of chemical weapons anywhere is simply “unacceptable”, the deputy head of the UN Disarmament Affairs office (UNODA) told the Security Council on Thursday, briefing on efforts to eliminate the scourge from the battlefields and towns of Syria.  Speaking on behalf of High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu, her deputy, Adedeji… Continue reading Syria: Chemical weapons pose unacceptable threat, and are a ‘danger to us all’ 

And as a growing number of European ski resorts at lower altitudes struggle to provide adequate snow cover for their early-season visitors, the WMO pointed to widely accepted peer-reviewed scientific data from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicating that the frequency of cold spells and frost days “will decrease”. “Strong declines in… Continue reading Europe: Warm start to 2023 breaks records, and skiers’ hearts says WMO

4 January 2023Peace and Security In Ukraine, the country’s farmers and smallholders urgently need more support to avoid a food crisis, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Wednesday, as it announced a $15.5 million initiative to help them. With funding from the European Union, the project will help sustain agricultural production in Ukraine, after… Continue reading Ukraine: FAO and EU in $15.5 million bid to avert food crisis threat

3 January 2023Peace and Security The New Year holiday period witnessed a fresh surge of deadly attacks by Russian forces in Ukraine, Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told journalists on Tuesday.  Citing UN humanitarian colleagues, he informed the media at the regular daily press briefing that intensified violence in different regions of the war-torn country caused… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘Multiple civilian causalities’ as new year dawns 

31 December 2022Peace and Security The UN chief paid tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict on Saturday, who has died, aged 95, after standing down as head of the Catholic Church nearly a decade ago, due to ill health. Secretary-General António Guterres said he had learned of his passing, “with great sadness”, describing him as a “humble man of… Continue reading ‘Tireless’ in pursuit of peace: Guterres pays tribute to former Pope Benedict

February saw a furious round of diplomacy at the UN, as it became increasingly clear that Russia was intent on invading Ukraine, a crisis which UN Secretary-General António Guterres said was testing the “entire international system”. “We need restraint and reason. We need de-escalation now,” spelled out the UN chief, urging all sides to “refrain… Continue reading 2022 Year In Review: As conflicts rage, international dialogue remains ‘the only hope’ for peace

28 December 2022Peace and Security After a year of brutal warfare from Afghanistan to Ukraine, forcing record numbers to flee their homes, the world needs peace in 2023 “more than ever”, said the UN Secretary-General, in his New Year message. “Every New Year is a moment of rebirth”, said António Guterres. We sweep out the ashes of… Continue reading Peace needed now, ‘more than ever’: Guterres

28 December 2022Peace and Security The UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) together with international partners, have called for the immediate end to mounting violence in the Greater Pibor area by armed youth from Jonglei state. News reports say at least 57 have died since early on Sunday, with more than a dozen injured. UNMISS, the African… Continue reading South Sudan: UN and partners make plea for urgent intervention to end ‘escalating violence’

At the end of 2021, when the UN climate conference (COP26) wrapped up in Glasgow, none of those present could have suspected that a war in Ukraine would throw the global economy into turmoil, convincing many nations to suspend their commitments to a low carbon economy, as they scrambled to reduce their dependence on Russian… Continue reading 2022 Year in Review: Amid global turmoil, UN doggedly pursues international climate agreements