Category: Uncategorized

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

27 December 2022Humanitarian Aid As temperatures across Ukraine have plummeted below zero and are expected to drop even more, the UN migration agency is stepping up efforts to help displaced and war-affected people cope with the cold weather. Humanitarian funding from the European Union (EU), is enabling the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support over… Continue reading UN migration agency to support 700,000 Ukrainians through ‘most challenging’ winter

26 December 2022Humanitarian Aid The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has expressed his confidence in Barbara Manzi, the most senior UN official in Burkina Faso, who was ordered to leave the country by the government on Friday. In a statement released on Saturday, Mr. Guterres announced that he had full confidence in the UN system in… Continue reading Burkina Faso authorities had no authority to expel senior UN official: Guterres

The clear need to do much more to cut greenhouse gas emissions was again underscored throughout events in 2022, said the UN weather agency, advocating for strengthened climate change adaptation, including universal access to early warnings. “This year we have faced several dramatic weather disasters which claimed far too many lives and livelihoods and undermined… Continue reading WMO releases ‘tell-tale signs’ of extreme weather conditions around the world

Crab cakes made with fonio, an ancient West African grain, or Ratatouille prepared with ‘imperfect’ produce to reduce food waste, are only a couple of the over 70 recipes included in the recently launched Cookbook in Support of the United Nations: For People and Planet.  The book – created in collaboration with the UN Food and… Continue reading Climate action, one recipe at a time

Addressing the Security Council, Ms. Mohammed underlined the UN Secretary-General’s call for support to the Haitian National Police, as set out in a letter to ambassadors in October.    “I urge every country with the capacity to do so to give urgent consideration to the Haitian Government’s request for an international specialized armed force to… Continue reading UN calls for support for international force for Haiti

Ambassadors were briefed by the UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, who stressed the need to give Syrians hope.  Some 14.6 million people require support – a 1.2 million increase over 2021 – and the number is expected to reach 15.3 million next year.    “Syrians are facing an… Continue reading Syria: Needs rise amid deepening humanitarian and economic crisis

Briefing ambassadors, the new UN Special Representative in Afghanistan and UNAMA chief, Roza Otunbayeva, highlighted ongoing political and human rights concerns – as well as several positive developments – since the Taliban’s seizure of power in August 2021. “We do not see eye to eye with the Taliban on a number of issues, but the… Continue reading Afghanistan: UN envoy highlights need to continue dialogue with Taliban

“Like many countries, Iran has environmental issues. The sanctions not only prevent the Iranian Government from addressing them effectively; they contribute to making the challenges worse,” the group of Special Rapporteurs and the Independent Expert on international solidarity, said in a statement. Tehran pollution, ‘no surprise’ Air pollution is a particular concern and reportedly causing… Continue reading Iran: US sanctions violating human rights of all living there, say UN experts

The allocation is from the Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF), which supports women’s meaningful participation in UN peacekeeping overall.    The funding comes at a time when three countries that contribute police officers to UN field operations – Nigeria, Senegal and Togo – have committed to increasing and sustaining the deployment of women in Formed Police… Continue reading Grant to UN Mission in Mali boosts inclusivity for women in peacekeeping

19 December 2022Peace and Security No progress has been made on the implementation of a high profile 2015 Security Council resolution (Resolution 2231), aimed at ensuring that Iran’s nuclear facilities be used only for peaceful purposes, in return for the lifting of sanctions, Rosemary Di Carlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, briefed… Continue reading Iran enriching ‘worrying quantities’ of uranium, in further blow for nuclear deal: UN political chief

He reiterated deep concern over the high levels of violence in the past several months, characterized by clashes, protests, attacks, Israeli security operations and other incidents.  “I am gravely concerned by the sharp increase in violence against civilians on both sides, which exacerbates mistrust and undermines a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” he said.  Young… Continue reading UN envoy reports ‘sharp increase’ in violence this year in Israel-Palestine conflict

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework also aims to cut food waste in half.   COP15 was originally set to be held in Kunming, China, in October 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  ‘Strengthen the web of life’  The Framework, and its associated package of targets, goals and financing “represents but a first… Continue reading UN conference concludes with ‘historic’ deal to protect a third of the world’s biodiversity

“We owe it to people to find solutions, to fight back, and to act”, said Secretary-General António Guterres. “At times, discreetly but always with determination, we will fight back.” Building on his general call to action, Mr. Guterres announced that he would convene a Climate Ambition Summit next September, and called on every leader to… Continue reading Guterres announces ‘no nonsense’ climate action summit; calls for practical solutions

The UN biodiversity conference, COP15, is due to wrap up on 19 December. This weekend, we are looking at some of the ways that humanity is reliant on biodiversity for a healthy and thriving global ecosystem. When a species goes extinct, it takes with it all of the physical, chemical, biological, and behavioural attributes that… Continue reading As biodiversity degrades, nature’s solutions are lost for ever

In a statement issued on Friday, Stéphane Dujarric said that in addition to the deaths of the male and female peacekeepers in Timbuktu town earlier in the day, four other blue helmets from the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) were injured. Possible war crime Attacks targeting UN peacekeepers “may constitute war crimes”… Continue reading Mali: UN chief ‘strongly condemns’ deaths of two peacekeepers in ‘heinous attack’

The UN biodiversity conference, COP15, is due to wrap up on 19 December. This weekend, we are looking at some of the ways that humanity is reliant on a healthy and thriving global ecosystem. One million species are now said to be at risk of extinction, and if species losses continue to mount, ecosystem functions… Continue reading Why biodiversity is good for our health

Since his briefing last month, Mr. Bathily has continued working to advance the political process and revive the electoral track.  In Türkiye, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Tunisia, he told ambassadors he had been seeking coordinated support for the UN Mission, UNSMIL, to help political leaders overcome their differences, and resolve the legitimacy crisis… Continue reading Libya: Help make 2023 the year of ‘free and fair elections’, Security Council urged 

Since 1948, malicious acts have taken the lives of 1,056 personnel serving in UN peacekeeping operations and led to 3,080 more suffering injuries, he said.   At the launch, he recognized colleagues from several troop and police-contributing countries whose personnel were killed or injured serving under the UN flag, saying, “their sacrifice will not be forgotten”. … Continue reading UN launches ‘key’ initiative to support accountability for crimes against peacekeepers 

India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who chaired the meeting, invited participants to stand and observe a minute of silence for victims worldwide.  They include an Irish peacekeeper serving at the UN’s mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, shot and killed in an attack the previous night. Three other blue helmets were also injured; one critically. … Continue reading Security Council examines rising terrorism threat globally

15 December 2022Peace and Security A UN peacekeeper from Ireland serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been shot and killed, reportedly while on patrol, and three other ‘blue helmets’ have been injured during the incident, the mission said in a statement on Thursday. UNIFIL said the incident took place in Al-Aqbieh, “just outside”… Continue reading Lebanon: Irish peacekeeper killed, three others injured

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill was introduced in Parliament in May and passed a second reading in the House of Lords last month.   Further review is set to take place in January.  Little access to remedy  The UN experts are concerned that the Bill bans, and in some cases unduly restricts,… Continue reading Rights experts urge UK to redraft controversial Northern Ireland bill

The findings revealed that one in every four of the 5,200 respondents had reduced or stopped agricultural production because of the conflict.   “The report indicates that 25 per cent of the Ukrainian rural population involved in agriculture stopped their activities or reduced their output due to the war”, said Pierre Vauthier, head of FAO’s Ukraine… Continue reading Ukraine: Winter’s downward spiral documented by UN agencies  

Pointing to the Our Common Agenda report – a blueprint for global cooperation and reinvigorated multilateralism – he attested that strengthening multilateralism has been his “highest priority”.  “During the darkest periods of the Cold War, collective decision-making and continuous dialogue in the Security Council maintained a functioning, if imperfect, system of collective security” that has… Continue reading ‘Dramatically’ evolving conflict highlights importance of multilateralism, Security Council hears 

Ambassadors were briefed by Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in the country, UNMISS, who updated them on the latest political, humanitarian and human rights developments. South Sudan’s warring sides signed the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018, establishing a transitional unity government.  The roadmap, announced this past August, aims to complete key remaining tasks… Continue reading South Sudan: Security Council urged to support implementation of roadmap to transition

António Guterres was addressing a one-day international summit in Paris, with leaders from around 50 nations reportedly in attendance, where agreement was reached to deliver some €1 billion in new financing to help repair the energy grid, water systems and health facilities, damaged by Russian missile attacks. The Secretary-General said that around 10 million consumers… Continue reading Ukraine: Countries must support resilient recovery to prevent ‘cascade’ of poverty, hunger

These groundbreaking efforts were on Tuesday declared World Restoration Flagships at the UN Biodiversity Conference, COP15, in Montréal, Canada, and a virtual gala ceremony.  Spanning 23 countries from Central America to East Asia, they are preserving a combined area bigger than Myanmar, France or Somalia, and seek to create nearly 15 million sustainable jobs.  Countering… Continue reading UN honours pioneering initiatives to restore ecosystems worldwide

Agency chief Catherine Russell, who has completed a visit to the country, called for urgent renewal of the truce between the Government and Houthi rebels. The landmark agreement was initially announced in April and led to a significant reduction in the intensity of the conflict. However, a further 62 children have been killed or injured… Continue reading More than 11,000 children killed or injured in Yemen conflict: UNICEF

10 December 2022Peace and Security UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the decision by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to investigate recent deadly attacks allegedly committed by the M23 armed group. Mr. Guterres has strongly condemned the attacks, which occurred on 29 and 30 November in the villages of Kishishe and… Continue reading Guterres condemns recent deadly armed group attacks in eastern DR Congo

Professor Lise Howard The evidence, collected in 16 peer-reviewed studies, shows that peacekeepers – or ‘blue helmets’ as the moniker goes – significantly reduce civilian casualties, shorten conflicts, and help make peace agreements stick. In fact, the majority of UN Peacekeeping missions succeed in their primary goal, ultimately stabilizing societies and ending war. “If we… Continue reading Does UN Peacekeeping work? Here’s what the data says

Briefing reportedly at the request of Russia on “supplies of lethal weapons to Ukraine and their consequences”, Izumi Nakamitsu reminded ambassadors that she had already addressed the issue in September. Risk of diversion The UN Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) chief repeated what she had said then, that a large-scale influx of weapons into any battle-zone, “raises many… Continue reading Ukraine war: Attacks against civilians and infrastructure must stop, disarmament chief tells Security Council

Mr. Guterres made the appeal in his message to mark the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime, observed on Friday.  “States have the primary obligation for preventing genocide, but religious and community leaders, civil society, the private sector and the… Continue reading Genocide threat still real, UN chief says, commemorating victims worldwide

“Over the past weeks, the security situation in eastern DRC has deteriorated dramatically”, said Special Representative Bintou Keita, noting that since October, the M23 rebel group had resumed hostilities and extended its control in North Kivu province.   Bolstering support  In response, MONUSCO has continued to provide operational, logistical, and tactical support both to the… Continue reading Security ‘one of the most significant challenges’ in DR Congo, Security Council hears

9 December 2022Economic Development Some 20 million jobs could be created by investing in policies that support nature and address climate change, disaster risk, food insecurity, and other major challenges, according to a UN report published on Friday.  Launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and International Union for Conservation of… Continue reading ‘Just Transition’ policies needed to create 20 million green jobs: UN report  

8 December 2022Climate and Environment A UN-led push for greater cross-border cooperation over increasingly finite water resources, made significant progress on Thursday, after it was announced that more than 30 governments and organizations have decided to work together on the issue. “This year’s terrible floods and droughts in almost all corners of the planet illustrate… Continue reading UN taps potential for trust-building on shared water resources

“The ocean is life. The ocean is livelihoods. The ocean binds humanity together across history and cultures”, said the Secretary-General, at a major General Assembly meeting marking the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention. He highlighted the breadth of the accord, spanning from “the air we breathe, to the atmosphere that sustains all life, to the… Continue reading With ocean in ‘dire straits’, Law of the Sea more relevant than ever: Guterres

7 December 2022Climate and Environment Governments and the private sector must move to effectively protect the natural environment, Secretary-General António Guterres told journalists covering the UN biodiversity conference, COP15, in Montréal, Canada, on Wednesday.  “Ecosystems have become playthings of profit. Human activities are laying waste to once-thriving forests, jungles, farmland, oceans, rivers, seas and lakes,”… Continue reading UN chief urges governments and business to step up action to protect nature

Special Representative Volker Perthes commended military and civilian leaders, saying they have come a long way since then.  “The framework agreement now offers a path to realize the aspirations of Sudan’s youth, women and men,” he said, speaking from the capital, Khartoum.  Path to democracy  The document is supposed to lay the groundwork towards a… Continue reading New political deal ‘offers a path’ to realizing Sudanese aspirations

South Sudan: ‘Raw violence’ displaces thousands during ‘ruthless conflict’, UNHCR says  Throughout South Sudan’s Greater Upper Nile Region, “desperation is rising” as escalating armed conflict has forced some to flee for their lives four times over, and displaced at least 20,000 people since August, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Wednesday.   “And more people are fleeing… Continue reading South Sudan: ‘Raw violence’ displaces thousands during ‘ruthless conflict’, UNHCR says

“Beyond biodiversity, beyond climate, there is a central question in the world today and that is justice. We live in a system in which both the economic rules and the financial architecture are morally bankrupt,” the UN chief told a side event organized by the Global Youth Biodiversity Network and other youth groups, ahead of… Continue reading Young people’s leadership, drive for justice, the best signals of hope that biodiversity loss can be halted

The conference is being billed as a major biodiversity COP, because it is expected to lead to the adoption of a new Global Biodiversity Framework, guiding actions worldwide through 2030, to preserve and protect our natural resources. The delegates and organizers will be hoping that this framework will have a more lasting impact than the… Continue reading ‘Without nature, we have nothing’: UN chief sounds alarm at key UN biodiversity event

Amidst ongoing humanitarian operations, Martin Griffiths told ambassadors he had come to brief them in New York on “the widespread death, destruction, displacement, and suffering” taking place since the invasion of 24 February, and the challenges that the continuing violence and winter weather were exacerbating.  “Over 14 million people remain forcibly displaced from their homes… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘Senseless war’ has triggered ‘colossal torment’: Griffiths to Security Council 

5 December 2022Humanitarian Aid A UN Spokesperson said on Monday that another wave of missile strikes in Ukraine has further damaged the country’s energy system, leaving millions of people without electricity and water as temperatures dip below freezing.  At the regular press briefing in New York, Associate Spokesperson Stéphanie Tremblay told journalists that according to… Continue reading Ukraine: Missile strikes threaten millions facing cold and hungry winter 

Highlighting the progress made by Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD), he said evidence collected and analysed, substantiated preliminary findings from his previous report.  He cited crimes committed against Christians such as enslavement and forced conversion; “notable progress” on the development and use of chemical and biological weapons; and inspections… Continue reading Iraq: Investigative team reaches ‘next level’ in bid to bring ISIL terrorists to justice 

Signed in the capital Khartoum after months of negotiations following last year’s military coup which derailed the transition, the agreement aims to establish a new constitution. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said he hoped the signing would “pave the way for the return to a civilian-led transition in the country”, and called on all Sudanese “to work without… Continue reading Sudan: UN welcomes ‘courageous’ military-civilian pact towards democratic future

2 December 2022SDGs Amidst multiple conflicts that have disrupted supply chains, fuelled food insecurity, and contributed to the rising risk of famine and forced displacement throughout numerous countries, the UN convened a high-level meeting on Friday to discuss solutions surrounding building and sustaining peace and stepping up development.   Convened by the Economic and Social Council… Continue reading Conflicts and insecurity remain ‘major bottlenecks’ to achieving UN global goals

2 December 2022Peace and Security A top UN Human Rights Council-appointed probe into potential rights abuses linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, outlined on Friday the “devastating” impact of the war on the country’s children. After its latest official visit to the country, the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine expressed deep concern that threats to the rights… Continue reading Ukraine rights probe condemns ‘multiplying’ impact of war on children

The size of the appeal – 25 per cent higher than this year’s – reflects the fact that the total number in need is 65 million more than in 2022, the UN and partner organizations noted. ‘Shockingly high’ Needs are “shockingly high”, the UN’s top emergency relief official, Martin Griffiths, said, warning that it was very… Continue reading UN appeals for record $51.5 billion to help 230 million on the brink in 2023

Mr. Pedersen feared the ramp-up in military operations has the potential to unravel a strategic stalemate in the war that has brought relative calm for almost three years.  ‘Escalatory dynamics’  “In repeated briefings, I have warned of the dangers of military escalation in Syria. I am here in person today to tell you that escalatory… Continue reading UN envoy warns against ‘worrying and dangerous’ military escalation in Syria

According to the agency’s first report on global water resources, areas that were unusually dry included South America’s Rio de la Plata area, where a persistent drought has affected the region since 2019. In Africa, major rivers such as the Niger, Volta, Nile and Congo had below-average water flow in 2021. The same trend was observed in… Continue reading Large parts of world drier than normal in 2021: WMO

29 November 2022Peace and Security The first shipment of fertilizer donated by Russian producers to countries hit hard by rising global food insecurity, has left the Netherlands bound for Malawi, the UN Spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday. Stéphane Dujarric reiterated that the UN welcomed the donation of 260,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer which has been… Continue reading ‘Intense diplomatic efforts’ continue to ensure food and fertilizers reach those in need

Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland called for stronger international commitment towards the two-State solution and outlined potential ways to move forward.   He reported that high levels of violence in the occupied West Bank and Israel in recent months has resulted in grave suffering.  This included attacks against civilians from both sides, increased use of arms,… Continue reading Israeli-Palestinian conflict nearing ‘boiling point’, UN envoy warns

28 November 2022Peace and Security The international community should push ahead with stalled plans to prevent biological weapons from being developed in the wake of COVID-19, the UN’s top disarmament official insisted on Monday.  In a speech to the Biological Weapons Convention, Izumi Nakamitsu explained that the issue of verifying whether biological toxins are being… Continue reading ‘Critical opportunity’ to protect against biological warfare, countries hear

In a statement, the UN integrated stabilization mission in CAR, MINUSCA, said the attack at the Obo airfield near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, had taken place on Thursday morning, and that the mission had “immediately opened an investigation into the exact circumstances” surrounding the incident. Likely war… Continue reading Central African Republic: UN chief strongly condemns airfield attack which left one peacekeeper dead

Ms. DiCarlo referred to the latest wave of Russian missile and drone strikes in Ukraine which, she said, terrorized the citizens of several cities (Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia). With winter approaching, the attacks, she said, “renew fears that this winter will be catastrophic for millions of Ukrainians, who face the prospect of… Continue reading ‘Catastophic’ winter in store for Ukraine, warns UN peacebuilding chief, following Russian strikes on critical infrastructure

In providing an overview of the situation after the 2 October truce expiration, Hans Grundberg said that in recent weeks, Houthi forces, known as Ansar Allah, attacked oil terminals and ports in Hadramawt and Shabwa governorates, depriving the Government of its main source of revenue from exporting oil.   “These attacks…have significant economic repercussions”, he said.… Continue reading Yemen: Humanitarian and economic issues must be addressed, Security Council hears 

A conservationist, a sustainable waste management enterprise, an economist, a women’s rights activist, and a wildlife biologist were selected from nearly 2,200 nominations – a new submission record.  UNEP’s annual Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour, which recognizes individuals and organizations from a number of fields, including civil society, academia and the… Continue reading UNEP honours five protectors of Mother Earth

22 November 2022Human Rights More than 40 people have been killed in Iran during the past week, including two teenagers, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday.  The development came amid ongoing nationwide protests sparked by the death in custody of Jina Mahsa Amini.  The 22-year-old from Iran’s Kurdistan region was arrested by… Continue reading Iran: 40 people killed in protests over past week – OHCHR

Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), was speaking ahead of the start of its 9th Global Forum, which opens in Fez, Morocco, on Tuesday.  The theme this time around is Towards An Alliance of Peace: Living Together as One Humanity.  The Global Forum is the UNAOC’s highest-profile event, and this… Continue reading Peaceful coexistence is not ‘utopia’ but reality, says UN official fostering intercultural dialogue

Citing the DPRK’s official news agency and various government sources, Rosemary DiCarlo told ambassadors that at around 10:15 am local time, the so-called Hwasong-17 missile flew a distance of 1,000 km at an altitude of approximately 6,100 km.    “It is reportedly the first successful test of the DPRK’s largest and most powerful missile, capable of… Continue reading DPRK missile launch ‘latest in a series of alarming activities’ – UN political chief  

20 November 2022Peace and Security Powerful explosions shook the area of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), “abruptly ending a period of relative calm” at the facility, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency said on Sunday. In a statement issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said… Continue reading Overnight blasts near Ukraine nuclear plant are ‘playing with fire!’ – UN nuclear chief

“This COP has taken an important step towards justice. I welcome the decision to establish a loss and damage fund and to operationalize it in the coming period,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message issued from the conference venue in Egypt, underscoring that the voices of those on frontlines of the climate… Continue reading COP27 closes with deal on loss and damage: ‘A step towards justice’, says UN chief

18 November 2022Peace and Security The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has reiterated its call for a ban on forced returns to eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including asylum seekers who have had their claims rejected. Elizabeth Tan, UNHCR’s Director of International Protection, said on Friday at the regular Geneva press… Continue reading UNHCR calls for ban on forced returns of asylum seekers to eastern DR Congo

Climate activists and civil society have been subjected to intimidation, harassment and surveillance during the two-week gathering, held in the resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, they reported.  End harassment, ensure safety  “We are deeply concerned by reported acts of harassment and intimidation by Egyptian officials, infringing the rights of Egyptian and non-Egyptian human rights and… Continue reading Rights experts decry harassment of activists attending COP27

18 November 2022Peace and Security Children across the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) are again confronting a surge in violence, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Friday, describing the “unacceptable reality” that on average, over 10 children have been killed every week since the beginning of the year. “Children in the region… Continue reading Middle East: Terrifying surge in violence affecting children ‘must stop’ – UNICEF

The MV Brave Commander berthed in Hodeidah port in Yemen carrying Ukrainian wheat flour milled in Turkiye. (Oct 2022) 18 November 2022Peace and Security A “breakthrough” has been made on the potential distribution of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of Russian-made fertiliser blocked in European ports and which are vital to avoid a global food… Continue reading Amid looming global food insecurity crisis, ‘breakthrough’ on fertilisers hailed

“I remain concerned at the number of outstanding issues, including on finance mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and their inter linkages,” COP27 President, Sameh Shoukry, told delegates reunited at the plenary of the Sharm el-Sheik International Convention Centre. Mr. Shoukry called on parties to “urgently” work together to resolve the outstanding issues as swiftly as… Continue reading As COP27 deadline slips, UN chief urges negotiators to aim for ‘maximum ambition’ on loss and damage

17 November 2022UN Affairs The entire credibility and relevance of the United Nations will be called into question unless the General Assembly finally takes a lead on reforming the Organisation’s most powerful body responsible for peace and security issues, the Security Council. That’s according to the President of the General Assembly Csaba Kőrösi, who told a… Continue reading ‘Credibility and relevance’ of UN on the line over Security Council reform, warns Assembly President

“There is clearly a breakdown in trust between North and South, and between developed and emerging economies. This is no time for finger-pointing. The blame game is a recipe for mutually assured destruction,” António Guterres told journalists at the Sharm El Sheikh International Conference Centre. The UN chief urged countries to deliver the kind of… Continue reading ‘Stand and deliver’, UN chief urges COP27 negotiators as deadline nears to finalize outcome text

17 November 2022Peace and Security UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday welcomed the renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which had been due to expire on Saturday. More than 11.1 million tonnes of essential foodstuffs have been shipped as part of the agreement involving Türkiye, Ukraine, Russia and the United Nations, since it was… Continue reading UN chief welcomes renewal of Black Sea Grain Initiative

Russian missiles and drones have rained down on several cities, including the capital, Kyiv, she reported, destroying or damaging homes and severely disrupting critical services.  “I must say it again: attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law,” she stressed.  ‘No end in sight’  Meanwhile, military dynamics on the ground continue… Continue reading Ukraine war: Risks of spillover ‘remain all too real’, Security Council hears 

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk told journalists at a press conference in Khartoum that the military takeover of October 2021, which put an end to civilian power-sharing following the ouster of former dictator Omar Al-Bashir, had left Sudan “at a decisive fork in the road”.   “As political negotiations continue towards a framework… Continue reading Sudan: Human rights must ‘be at the core’ of democratic transition, urges Türk   

16 November 2022Climate and Environment Without urgent investment in climate mitigation and adaptation, countries in the Sahel risk decades of armed conflict and displacement, exacerbated by rising temperatures, scarcity of resources and food insecurity, the UN has warned in a report published on Wednesday. Moving from Reaction to Action: Anticipating Vulnerability Hotspots in the Sahel, says that,… Continue reading Invest more in Africa’s Sahel, or risk decades of armed conflict and displacement

“The two need to be looked at as being on the same wavelength, and not one higher than the other,” Elizabeth Mrema, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the international legal instrument to protect biodiversity ratified by 196 nations, told UN News. ‘Biodiversity Day’ at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh comes just… Continue reading COP27: Protecting biodiversity is protecting the Paris Agreement

“This insecurity is exacerbating an already disastrous humanitarian situation”, said Martha Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, pointing out that women and children are the primary victims of violence and growing inequality.  Regionally led force  Meanwhile the Joint Force of the Group of Five (G5) – created… Continue reading UN official calls on Security Council to support a ‘secure, peaceful and prosperous Sahel’

“We know more climate disasters are in the making. We just do not know where or when they will hit”, said Karin Hulshof, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Partnerships.” The Today and Tomorrow initiative, for the first time, combines funding for immediate resilience and risk prevention programmes for children today, with risk transfer finance provided by… Continue reading UNICEF launches new child-focused climate initiative to head off disasters

15 November 2022Human Rights Prisoners of war on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine have told UN human rights investigators that they have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment while held captive.  Matilda Bogner, Head of the UN’s human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine, said that, over the past few months, her team had… Continue reading Ukrainian and Russian POWs tortured and ill-treated: OHCHR

UN Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily briefed ambassadors on the ongoing impasse and other obstacles to the vote, which was postponed last December.  Libya has been divided between two rival administrations in the aftermath of the overthrow and killing of former President, Muammar Gaddafi, over a decade ago.  Mr. Bathily last addressed the Council in October,… Continue reading Libya: Some leaders ‘actively hindering progress towards elections’, Security Council hears

The world is on its way to “a raging food catastrophe”, Secretary-General António Guterres warned leaders gathered in Bali, alerting them that “people in five separate places are facing famine”. “Simultaneously, we are witnessing a crunch in the global fertilizer market”, he continued, highlighting once again the Black Sea Grain Initiative to export vital food… Continue reading Act together now, to prevent ‘raging food catastrophe’ next year: Guterres

The energy sector, responsible for more than two-thirds of global greenhouse emissions, is mainly powered by fossil fuels. While this brings electricity and transport to most of the world, it is accompanied by deep pain and loss to vulnerable communities and ecosystems. According to the International Renewable Agency (IRENA), only 29 per cent of global… Continue reading Keep the 1.5°C goal alive, experts and civil society urge on ‘Energy Day’ at COP27

15 November 2022Human Rights The UN human rights office, OHCHR, called on Tuesday for the immediate release of thousands of Iranian citizens who have been detained after peacefully demonstrating against the Government following the death of Mahsa Amini for breaking strict hijab rules two months ago. OHCHR Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence, briefed reporters in Geneva, reporting that on… Continue reading Iran: Thousands held for peacefully protesting must be released

Nearly 50 nations co-sponsored the resolution on establishing an international mechanism for compensation for damage, loss and injury, as well as a register to document evidence and claims.  The General Assembly is the UN’s most representative body, comprising all 193 Member States.  Ninety-four countries voted in favour of the resolution, and 14 against, while 73… Continue reading General Assembly adopts resolution on Russian reparations for Ukraine

14 November 2022Humanitarian Aid Essential supplies have been delivered to thousands of people in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson for the first time since Russia’s invasion of 24 February, UN humanitarians announced on Monday. Aid workers brought food, water, hygiene kits, shelter materials and critical household items, such as bedding, thermal blankets and solar… Continue reading Ukraine: UN convoy delivers vital aid to residents of Kherson

14 November 2022Peace and Security From peacekeeping to peacebuilding, Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix reaffirmed to the Security Council on Monday, the vital role that UN police officers play across the conflict prevention spectrum.  He outlined some of the greatest challenges to global peace, security and development, which include expanding conflicts in high population areas, expansion of… Continue reading UNPOL ready to tackle global peace, security and development challenges 

Speaking on the eve of the G20 Summit there, the UN chief appealed for the bloc to support his initiatives to address climate change, sustainable development, the worldwide food and energy crises, and digital transformation.  The Summit is taking place at “the most pivotal, precarious moment in generations”, he told journalists.    ‘Ground zero’ for… Continue reading UN chief highlights crucial role of G20 in resolving global crises

“Nothing about us, without us,” UNICEF advocate told UN News on Monday while she was painting one of the collaborative colourful artworks displayed throughout the conference’s dedicated youth pavilion depicting the role of women in climate action. For the young climate activist, women and young girls in all their diversity have been leading the climate… Continue reading COP27: Week two opens with focus on water, women and more negotiations on loss and damage

14 November 2022Human Rights A steep rise in civilian casualties across Somalia, largely at the hands of Al-Shabaab militants, has exacerbated an already grim human rights and humanitarian situation there, said the UN human rights chief on Monday. According to latest UN figures, at least 613 civilians have been killed and 948 injured so far… Continue reading Somalia: Human rights chief decries steep rise in civilian casualties

These systems are critical to maintaining the quality, nutritional value and safety of food, especially as an estimated 14 per cent of all food produced for human consumption is lost before it even reaches consumers. The increased investment is also required if the world is to meet the challenge of feeding an additional two billion… Continue reading Sustainable food cold chains reduce waste, fight climate change: UN report

Mr. Guterres was speaking to journalists a day after addressing regional leaders attending the 12th Summit between the UN and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Avoid at all costs “As I told yesterday’s summit meeting, we must avoid at all costs the division of the global economy into two parts, led by… Continue reading Secretary-General upholds the importance of a single global economy

This sentiment echoed through dozens of pavilions and conference rooms in Sharm el-Sheikh on Saturday as COP27 turned its attention to the vital issues of adaptation, agriculture and food systems in the context of climate change. “We need to help rural populations build their resilience to extreme weather events and adapt to a changing climate.… Continue reading Adapt or starve: COP27 spotlights agricultural challenges and solutions in the face of climate change

Speaking at the 12th ASEAN-UN Summit, Secretary-General António Guterres painted a picture of many in the Global South, “battered” by COVID and the climate crisis – restricting access to food, energy, and finance – and global insecurity triggering new conflicts while making it increasingly difficult to end old ones. He also drew attention to a… Continue reading ASEAN States ‘well-placed’ to advance human rights, freedoms and a strong global economy 

11 November 2022Human Rights A UN Human Rights Council-appointed probe into alleged rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), including East Jerusalem, and Israel, wrapped up a week of public hearings in Geneva on Friday that included testimony on the killing of veteran US-Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.   The session – mandated by the Human… Continue reading UN Human Rights Council inquiry hears testimonies on Shireen Abu Akleh killing 

To meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and prevent the worst impacts of the climate crisis, the world must abandon fossil fuels as quickly as possible, Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action told UN News today. “There is no argument around the science at all. But of course, developing countries,… Continue reading ‘Fossil fuels are a dead end’, says top UN climate adviser on ‘Decarbonization Day’ at COP27

“There are climate catastrophes and destruction, and my country ends up borrowing money from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to deal with the repercussions… our countries cannot develop because of the costs of the climate crisis,” a young African activist said during one of the many protests that took place today at… Continue reading ‘Our futures are being stolen!’ Youth activists tell COP27 negotiators it’s past time to tackle ‘loss and damage’

The world is faced with risks of nuclear proliferation and nuclear catastrophe not seen in decades, he noted, adding that “IAEA strives to meet the demands of this moment with expert resolve.” Mr. Kőrösi thanked the agency’s chief, Rafael Mariano Grossi, for his leadership, as well as its experts “who have risked their lives to… Continue reading IAEA ensures nuclear safety and stability amid global crises: General Assembly President

The results were published on Wednesday at the COP27 climate conference taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.  Some 243,512 young people from 163 countries participated in the UNICEF U-Report poll, over July and August of this year.    Gauging the temperature  U-Report is a UNICEF digital platform that supports youth engagement on programme priorities, emergency… Continue reading Young people reconsidering parenthood due to climate change, UNICEF poll reveals

9 November 2022Climate and Environment The global building and construction boom has pushed the sector’s CO2 emissions to an all-time high of 10 gigatonnes, meaning that it is now “off track” to meet decarbonization pledges by 2050, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said on Wednesday. “Years of warnings about the impacts of climate change have become a reality,”… Continue reading ‘10 gigatonne’ emissions boom leaves construction ‘off track’ for decarbonization by 2050

Over 50 activists from all ages and backgrounds took over the so-called ‘Blue Zone’ – the main area of the conference centre in Sharm el-Shaik overseen by the UN – to chant “Stop funding fossil fuels, stop funding death”. Susan Huang, representing the NGO Oil Change International was among the participants aiming to shed a… Continue reading Dirty fossil fuel investments and a new AI inventory of global emissions in the spotlight during ‘Finance Day’ at COP27

During a high-level event, the COP27 Presidency launched the Sharm el-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda to rally global action around 30 outcomes that are needed to address what the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has described as the climate ‘adaptation gap’. The agenda would enhance resilience for four billion people living in the most climate vulnerable communities by… Continue reading Developing countries at COP27 call for ‘climate justice’ in the form of adaptation and loss and damage funds

8 November 2022Climate and Environment Overwhelming flooding has affected at least 27.7 million children across 27 countries worldwide, with the number of children affected by flooding in Chad, Gambia, Pakistan and northeast Bangladesh, being the highest in over 30 years. The UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said in its alert on Tuesday as the COP27 Climate… Continue reading Over 27 million children at risk from devastating record-setting floods

As young people continue to flee fighting between Congolese armed forces and the resurgent non-State armed group M23, new IDPs arrive daily, escalating the extent of the humanitarian crisis. “Internally Displaced camps are fraught with danger”, said UNICEF Emergency Manager Dounia Dekhili. “In addition to the cholera threat, children and young people are at risk… Continue reading Mass displacements in eastern DR Congo threaten young lives

7 November 2022Climate and Environment Global action to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has intensified, the Food and Agriculture Organization said on Monday, noting that 100 States have now signed on to an international agreement battling the scourge. The Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) is the first internationally binding instrument specifically designed to prevent,… Continue reading New milestone in battle against illegal, unregulated fishing

“Humanity has a choice: cooperate or perish. It is either a Climate Solidarity Pact – or a Collective Suicide Pact,” the UN Secretary-General told over 100 world leaders reunited for the first official plenary of the UN Climate Change Conference. The proposed Pact would see all countries taking extra efforts to reduce emissions, wealthier nations… Continue reading ‘Cooperate or perish’: At COP27 UN chief calls for Climate Solidarity Pact, urges tax on oil companies to finance loss and damage

7 November 2022Peace and Security The top UN disarmament official told the Security Council on Monday that “gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies” identified in Syria’s declaration over its use of chemical weapons, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). “cannot be considered accurate and complete”.   Updating ambassadors on the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons… Continue reading ‘Gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies’ continue over Syria’s chemical weapons stance, Security Council hears

“Today a new era begins – and we begin to do things differently. Paris gave us the agreement. Katowice and Glasgow gave us the plan. Sharm el-Sheik shifts us to implementation. No one can be a mere passenger on this journey. This is the signal that times have changed,” Mr. Stiell told delegates gathered in… Continue reading COP27 begins a ‘new era to do things differently’, UN climate change chief declares as pivotal conference gets underway

6 November 2022Climate and Environment The latest report from the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), released on Sunday, shows that the last eight years have been the warmest on record, fuelled by ever-rising greenhouse gas concentrations. The provisional 2022 State of the Global Climate study outlines the increasingly dramatic signs of the climate emergency, which… Continue reading New UN weather report ‘a chronicle of chaos’: UN chief

And yet, despite having conducted missile tests on Wednesday and Thursday, Mohamed Khiari informed the ambassadors that DPRK, more commonly known commonly as North Korea, “has yet to publicly provide details” on the launches.  He pointed out that yesterday’s missile launch was “assessed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)”, which reportedly covered a range… Continue reading DPR Korea launches ‘unprecedented number’ of missiles, Security Council hears

The study gives the example of Dhaka, Bangladesh, where under a scenario of very high emissions by 2100, additional deaths due to climate change could rise to nearly twice the country’s current annual death rate from all cancers, and 10 times its annual road traffic fatalities. “Because of human action, the concentration of carbon dioxide… Continue reading Climate change much deadlier than cancer in some places, UNDP data shows

3 November 2022Peace and Security The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide expressed grave concern on Thursday over a reported resurgence of ethnic clashes in the Blue Nile region of Sudan.   According to the UN, inter-communal clashes that have flared up several times since July have caused at least 359 fatalities, injured… Continue reading Resurgence of ethnic clashes in Sudan’s Blue Nile region triggers death and destruction

The High Commissioner said the Haitian Government also needed to provide a firm commitment to accountability, and the rule of law, after decades of “systematic corruption and rampant impunity”, which have led up to the country’s current paralysis. He warned Haiti has descended into the worst human rights and humanitarian situation in decades. Urgent solutions… Continue reading Haiti ‘on the verge of an abyss’, warns UN rights chief

“They help protect civilians and prevent violence…[and] enable the work of peacebuilding, development, humanitarian, and human rights actors”, he detailed.   However, “local and global contexts in which they operate are becoming more challenging by the day”.  The UN chief reminded the Security Council that peacekeeping plays a “critical role” in supporting UN operations in building… Continue reading UN chief urges Security Council, speak ‘with one voice’ to secure peace

As misleading articles or deceptive memes continue to pop up up in timelines and newsfeeds, the course helps users to sort through and separate what is real from what is not – helping everyone to stem the increasingly concerning churn of viral propaganda.  Fighting misinformation  Since 2020, the UN’s Verified initiative to improve access to… Continue reading New UN course helps cut through the noise to bolster online safety

3 November 2022Climate and Environment Some of the world’s most iconic glaciers are set to disappear by 2050, according to a new study by UNESCO, which highlights the accelerated melting of glaciers in World Heritage sites. Glaciers in a third of sites are under threat, regardless of efforts to limit temperature increases. However, the study… Continue reading Iconic World Heritage glaciers to disappear by 2050, warns UNESCO

3 November 2022Climate and Environment Russia’s decision to rejoin the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the Ethiopian agreement to end the war in Tigray demonstrate the power of multilateralism in action, said the UN chief on Thursday, in a call for countries to also rebuild trust between the North and South at the UN’s COP27… Continue reading Ukraine grain deal, Ethiopia agreement, show ‘power of multilateralism in action’: Guterres

The Adaptation Gap Report 2022 has been released ahead of the COP27 UN climate conference, which opens this weekend in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.  It calls for increased funding and implementation of actions aimed at helping vulnerable nations and communities adapt to the climate emergency in the face of mounting risks.  Estimated annual adaptation needs are… Continue reading More funding needed for climate adaptation, as risks mount

Women and children wait at a food distribution site in Adimehamedey in Tigray, Ethiopia. 2 November 2022Peace and Security A peace deal between the Ethiopian Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) signed on Wednesday in South Africa, represents “a critical first step” towards ending the brutal two year war, said the UN chief.… Continue reading Ethiopia: Peace agreement between Government and Tigray ‘a critical first step’: Guterres

2 November 2022Peace and Security Despite severe constraints on access, UN and other humanitarian workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have begun helping thousands displaced by renewed fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group around the eastern region of North Kivu, close to the border with Rwanda and Uganda.… Continue reading Humanitarians aid thousands in need across DR Congo; UN peacekeepers attacked by hostile crowd

Mr. Grandi expressed hope that these dimensions “will be in clearer focus” at the COP27 UN climate change conference, opening this weekend in Egypt, and at its successor conference in a year’s time.   The climate emergency is ravaging resources and creating tensions, including between communities, particularly in already fragile contexts where authorities do not… Continue reading UN refugee chief calls for greater focus on climate and conflict factors

The State of the Climate in Europe report, produced jointly with the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, focused on 2021. It provides information on rising temperatures, land and marine heatwaves, extreme weather, changing precipitation patterns, and retreating ice and snow. Glacier melt The report says that between 1991 and 2021, temperatures in Europe warmed… Continue reading Europe hotting up more than twice global average: WMO

2 November 2022Climate and Environment Humanity’s basic right to life is being threatened by insufficient action in the face of the climate emergency, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned on Wednesday. The top rights official has written an open letter calling for human rights to be at the heart of efforts to tackle climate… Continue reading Human rights belong at the heart of climate change debate, urges Türk

The UN-brokered deal which is implemented through a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) in Istanbul involving Russia, Ukraine, and Türkiye, was signed in July, to allow grain, oil and other foodstuffs to leave the war-torn country for markets overseas – many of which are in desperate need of food from Europe’s “breadbasket” to stave off the… Continue reading UN chief warmly welcomes Russia decision to end suspension from Ukraine grain deal

1 November 2022Peace and Security UN officials stationed at the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) for the UN-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative have said there will be no movement of vessels on Wednesday, in the light of Russia’s decision to suspend its involvement in the deal. In the regular daily briefing to reporters in New York… Continue reading Black Sea grain deal shipments on hold Wednesday, following Russia suspension

The League is among the regional organizations which have a vital role to play in advancing peace, sustainable development, and human rights, he added.  Mr. Guterres also appealed for unity across the Arab world, which he said has never been more essential.  “Division opens the door to foreign interference, terrorism, manipulation, and sectarian strife.  But… Continue reading In speech to Arab League, UN chief appeals for greater regional unity

Russia requested the meeting following its decision to suspend participation in the UN-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative “for an unspecified period of time”, announced this past weekend, in response to alleged Ukrainian attacks against its ships.  The UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, and the head of its trade and development agency, UNCTAD, Rebeca Grynspan,… Continue reading Security Council debates Russian withdrawal from crucial Ukraine grain deal

Slashing emissions of methane is the single fastest way to tackle climate change in the short term, says UNEP, as the greenhouse gas remains in the atmosphere for far fewer years than carbon dioxide. The report, compiled by the International Methane Emissions Observatory, an independent entity launched in 2021 to integrate data and track progress… Continue reading Progress on methane emissions by energy companies, but numbers still don’t add up: UNEP

31 October 2022Peace and Security The UN Secretary-General has expressed deep concern over the uptick in fighting between Government troops in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and M23 rebels in the east, which in the past ten days have seen multiple civilians killed, “massive displacement” and four peacekeepers from the UN Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO) injured.… Continue reading DR Congo: Guterres ‘deeply concerned’ by resurgence of fighting between Government troops and M23

Operating an excavator, a bulldozer or a wheel loader did not come naturally to Chief Private Ryan Herdhika, an avid motorcyclist and soldier in the Indonesian Army’s 3rd Combat Engineering Battalion. But he has just passed his heavy engineering equipment test and will next month be deployed to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission… Continue reading Peacekeepers turn ground-breakers in the Central African Republic

29 October 2022Peace and Security A two-day meeting of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee in India has ended with the adoption of a document committing Member States to prevent and combat digital forms of terror, notably using drones, social media, and online terrorist financing. The non-binding document, known as The Delhi Declaration on countering… Continue reading UN Security Council boosts commitment to fight digital terror

29 October 2022Peace and Security UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reaffirmed his “unwavering commitment” to agreements aimed at ensuring that grain and fertilizers from Ukraine and the Russian Federation reach global markets at the speed and price needed to avert a global food crisis and ensure food security. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, an agreement… Continue reading UN chief reaffirms support for deals to ensure export food and fertilizer from Ukraine and Russia

The protracted fighting has taken countless lives, displaced millions in and outside the country and left much of the country’s infrastructure in tatters. The failure of international efforts to make much progress has been ascribed to the lack of understanding amongst formal mediators of the situation on the ground in local communities. This is where… Continue reading The vital role of Syrian women in resolving bitter conflicts

The alert comes amid the worst floods in a decade, which have swept across Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Cameroon. UNHCR spokesperson Olga Sarrado said that hundreds of people had died in Nigeria, where floodwaters in the northeast swept through sites for internally displaced people and host communities in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe… Continue reading Millions face flooding threat across west and central Africa

The event kicked off in Mumbai, at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, where a series of coordinated terrorist attacks left 31 dead and many injured, in November 2008. Among the survivors is Karambir Kang, who also gave testimony to the meeting, ensuring that the views and needs of victims themselves, were heard loud and clear.… Continue reading UN counter-terrorism committee pays tribute to victims of worldwide attacks

Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, was briefing the Security Council in the wake of escalating confrontations between Israeli security forces (ISF) and militants, culminating in a large ISF raid in Nablus early this week, which saw five Palestinians killed and 21 wounded. Calling on both leaderships “to recognize what is… Continue reading Israel and Palestine must take steps to ‘restore calm’ in occupied West Bank

The Secretary-General has said COP27 must deliver a “down-payment” on climate solutions that match the scale of the problem, so, will leaders deliver? UN News will keep you informed during the two weeks of the conference officially kicking off on Nov 6th, but before our multimedia team heads for the shore of the Red Sea,… Continue reading COP27: What you need to know about this year’s big UN Climate Conference

This marked the third time since the 24 February invasion that the Council has formally met at Russia’s request to address its ongoing allegations.  The UN’s High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumu Nakamitsu, had previously informed ambassadors – first in March, and then again in May – that the UN had seen no evidence of… Continue reading UN still sees no sign of biological weapons in Ukraine

27 October 2022Human Rights Israel’s occupation is illegal and indistinguishable from a “settler-colonial” situation, which must end, as a pre-condition for Palestinians to exercise their right to self-determination, the UN’s independent expert on the occupied Palestinian territory said on Thursday. “For over 55 years, the Israeli military occupation has prevented the realisation of the right to… Continue reading Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territory, tantamount to ‘settler-colonialism’: UN expert

27 October 2022Climate and Environment National pledges to reduce harmful emissions offer little hope of avoiding climate disaster, UN climate experts said on Thursday, in an urgent appeal for a radical transformation of the energy sector, before it’s too late. There’s “no credible pathway to 1.5C in place” today, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) insisted in a new report,… Continue reading Climate change: No ‘credible pathway’ to 1.5C limit, UNEP warns

Ahead of the two-day meeting, the Committee Chair, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj of India, spoke to UN News about how terrorists are exploiting social media, mobile payment systems, 3D printing, and other technological developments.  Highlighting the impact on society, she said their “easy accessibility, affordability and almost universal outreach, have unlocked an immense opportunity for mankind,… Continue reading UN counter-terrorism body backs innovations to fight digital terror

Myanmar’s military seized power in February 2021, overthrowing the elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.  Since then, the country has been in the grip of a political, human rights and humanitarian crisis. The High Commissioner’s appeal comes after Malaysia deported more than 100 Myanmar nationals on 6 October. Among them were… Continue reading UN rights chief appeals for a halt in forced returns to Myanmar

The two-day meeting in India marks the first time since 2015, that the Committee has convened outside UN Headquarters in New York. The discussion will focus on three areas: Internet and social media; financing for global terror networks; and the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems, such as drones. These emerging technologies are fast-developing and being… Continue reading Security Council counter-terrorism body to review growing threat posed by new technologies

The agency’s yearly Greenhouse Gas Bulletin warns of the biggest year-on-year jump in methane concentrations in 2021 since systematic measurements began nearly 40 years ago. While the reason for the unprecedented increase is still unclear, it seems to be a result of both biological and human-induced processes according to the report. The increase in carbon… Continue reading Climate change: CO2 and methane in our atmosphere reach record levels

The current combined National Determined Contributions (NDCs)—meaning the countries’ national efforts to tackle emissions and mitigate climate change—are leading our planet to at least 2.5 degrees warming, a level deemed catastrophic by scientists at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Increasing instead of decreasing In 2019, the IPCC indicated that to curb global warming,… Continue reading Countries’ climate promises still not enough to avoid catastrophic global warming: UN Report

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The country is facing its worst economic crisis since the war began, as well as a deadly cholera outbreak that is rapidly spreading.  Mr. Pedersen reported on his recent “busy period of diplomatic engagement” with key Syrian and international stakeholders, including in connection with the stalled Constitutional Committee meetings in Geneva.  Long way to go … Continue reading Political solution still the only path to peace in Syria: UN Special Envoy

Today, at least half a billion youngsters are already exposed to a high number of heatwaves, placing them on the front lines of climate change, the UN agency noted. By the middle of this century, moreover, it estimates that more than two billion children will be exposed to “more frequent, longer lasting, and more severe”… Continue reading Heatwaves to impact almost every child on earth by 2050: UNICEF report

The results emerging from roundtables on governance, capacity development, data and information, innovation and financing, will be shared with national representatives on Tuesday, at a preparatory meeting for the UN 2023 Water Conference, taking place in March. Noting that the world stands at a watershed moment, the President of the General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, whose… Continue reading ‘Game changer’ ideas on water and sustainability, centre-stage ahead of major water conference

Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily arrived in the country this month and has been prioritizing consultations with political, institutional, security and civil society representatives, in a bid to address these challenges.  “The situation in Libya calls for a consensus State re-legitimation process. Legitimate institutions capable of providing for the basic needs of the people must be… Continue reading Libya: ‘Political deadlock persists with no clear end in sight’- UN envoy

24 October 2022Health Governments must invest more in building safe drinking water systems, both to ensure greater access to this resource and to mitigate the effects of climate change, according to a report published on Monday by the World Health Organization (WHO), UN children’s agency, UNICEF, and the World Bank.  Providing water and sanitation for… Continue reading Step up investment to deliver safe drinking water to all

Mr. Guterres was in the country to take part in a ceremony to commemorate the 45th anniversary of its membership in the UN. He held meetings with the President, Nguyen Xuan Phuc; Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, and other senior officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bui Thanh Son, and Environment Minister, Tran Hong… Continue reading In visit to Viet Nam, UN chief stresses critical need for solidarity to overcome climate crisis

Gadvi Kailashben, a 42-year-old widow, lives in Modhera, home to the centuries-old Sun Temple and now the first village in India that runs on solar energy. She earns a meagre income from agriculture which she uses to take care of her family. The Government has installed solar panels on her house which has given her… Continue reading India's first solar-powered village promotes green energy, sustainability and self-reliance

21 October 2022Peace and Security Russia’s military escalation in Ukraine will lead to more suffering worldwide and must be reversed, said the UN’s political affairs chief on Friday, adding that further talk of possible nuclear weapons use could lead to a “dangerous spiral”. Rosemary DiCarlo was briefing the Security Council alongside the Resident and Humanitarian… Continue reading Ukraine war: Path of further escalation ‘must be reversed’, Security Council hears

Infrastructure and farmland have also been damaged, said the statement issued on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, worsening the cost of living across the country.   He extended his deepest condolences to the Government of Nigeria and to the affected families, reiterating the UN’s continuing “commitment to supporting the Government of Nigeria in this challenging time.” More than… Continue reading Millions at risk in flood-hit Nigeria; relief chief highlights hunger in Burkina Faso

Criminal gangs have been blocking access to the main fuel terminal in the capital Port-au-Prince, bringing critical services to a standstill, as Haiti grapples with a widening cholera epidemic, amid political and economic meltdown. ‘Catastrophic’ hunger “Catastrophic” levels of hunger have been recorded this month for the first time, in the gang controlled Cite Soleil… Continue reading Security Council approves sanctions package for Haiti to quell gang violence

Ian Fry, Australian National University Professor and Tuvalu’s former ambassador for Climate Change for over 21 years, was appointed in May by the UN Human Rights Council, as the first Special Rapporteur on climate, following the overwhelming vote to recognize the Right to a Healthy Environment, in 2021. “Human-induced climate change is the largest, most… Continue reading INTERVIEW: Connection between human rights and climate change ‘must not be denied’

Ambassadors met to discuss how to strengthen women’s resilience and leadership as a pathway to peace in regions plagued by armed groups.  The debate was held under the Council’s continued focus on women, peace and security, in line with a landmark resolution adopted 22 years ago, and centred around the latest UN report.  Slow progress … Continue reading Slow progress for women helping forge peace, Security Council warned

The three-member Commission is pushing for the issue to be referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s highest court.  They stressed that under international humanitarian law, the occupation of territory in wartime is a temporary situation and does not deprive the occupied power of its statehood or sovereignty.  A core UN principle … Continue reading Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory illegal: UN rights commission

19 October 2022Peace and Security Support from UN peacekeepers serving with the mission in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA, has proven decisive in protecting civilians alongside Government efforts and amid widespread continuing insecurity, said the UN Special Representative for the country on Wednesday, briefing the Security Council. Valentine Rugwabiza, who also heads up the UN… Continue reading MINUSCA support ‘decisive’ in security operations to protect civilians

The Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) urged the international community and the media on Wednesday to give the crisis in Ethiopia “the attention it deserves”. Highlighting that there is no other situation globally in which six million had been kept under siege for almost two years, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned that there is… Continue reading Tigray conflict is a health crisis for 6 million people, and ‘the world is not paying attention’: Tedros

El-Ghassim Wane, head of the UN mission in Mali, MINUSMA, presented the latest UN Secretary-General’s report on the peacekeeping operation. He briefed ambassadors on progress in the transition and peace process, while also addressing ongoing insecurity and rising humanitarian needs.  Mr. Wane was speaking a day after a MINUSMA vehicle hit an improvised explosive device… Continue reading Mali: Progress on transition, peace process, amid ongoing insecurity

Set up by the Human Rights Council in March, it presented its initial findings in Geneva at the end of last month. “Given the gravity of the identified violations, there is an undeniable need for accountability”, the Commission told the General Assembly. Devastation and loss “The impact of these violations on the civilian population in… Continue reading ‘Undeniable need for accountability’ in Ukraine as violations mount

“Without greater action and investment, we are facing the death of children on a scale not seen in half a century,” Spokesperson James Elder told journalists in Geneva.  A child is admitted to a health facility for treatment of severe acute malnutrition “every single minute of every single day”, he said.  A looming tragedy  Latest… Continue reading Somalia: UNICEF warns of unprecedented child deaths

18 October 2022Human Rights Parties to the conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia must cease all hostilities immediately and work towards a peaceful and lasting solution, the newly appointed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, appealed on Tuesday.  He warned that the latest alarming airstrikes risk seriously worsening the already devastating impact… Continue reading Impact of Tigray airstrikes on civilians ‘utterly staggering’: UN rights chief

Ms. Helen La Lime urged ambassadors to act decisively and help address the persistent scourges of insecurity and corruption, that along with a health crisis are “accelerating Haiti’s downward spiral”. Earlier on Monday, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres told journalists that the current blockade of vital humanitarian and civilian supplies in the capital of Port-au-Prince… Continue reading Political solution ‘no longer sufficient’ to address current crisis in Haiti

17 October 2022Human Rights As the number of children reportedly killed by Iranian security forces in relation to ongoing protests rises to at least 23, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child issued a statement on Monday condemning the killings, noting that hundreds more have been injured, detained and tortured during the Government… Continue reading Killings and detentions of children in Iran must end, UN child rights committee urges

That’s according to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres who briefed correspondents on Monday morning outside the Security Council, stating that the violence and destruction “have reached alarming levels.” It was the second intervention from the UN chief in as many days, as reports emerged of heavy bombing of Shire and other Tigrayan cities, and food… Continue reading Tigray: Fighting must end, urges Guterres, amid ‘staggering’ level of need

Plastics are used extensively in agriculture, from plastic-coated seeds to protective wraps used to modify soil temperature and prevent weed growth over crops. These synthetic materials also added intentionally to biosolid fertilizer, which is spread on fields, and are used in irrigation tubes, sacks and bottles. Plastic covered seedlings. Biodiversity, health impacts While all these… Continue reading Plastics are piling up in soil across the world warns UN environment agency

The latest surge in violence began in August, after a fragile five-month humanitarian truce, which has halted aid deliveries into the northern Ethiopian region, where around five million civilians are in need of aid. Aid distribution continues to be hampered by a lack of fuel, and a communications shutdown across Tigray, while Tigrayan commanders have… Continue reading Ethiopia: UN chief ‘gravely concerned’ by escalation in fighting across Tigray

All nations need to make major cuts to fossil fuel emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy, if we are to have any chance of achieving the aim of reducing global temperatures to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. This continues to be the message from the UN but, with so many countries suffering as a… Continue reading Adapt and survive: 5 ways to help countries cope with the climate crisis

Hunger has reached a catastrophic level – the highest level 5, on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification index, or IPC) – in the capital’s Cité Soleil neighbourhood. According to the latest IPC analysis, a record 4.7 million people are currently facing acute hunger (IPC 3 and above), including 1.8 million people in Emergency phase (IPC 4)… Continue reading ‘Catastrophic’ hunger recorded in Haiti recorded for first time, UN warns

In a call for urgent action to address the root causes of rising hunger, ahead of World Food Day, the agency said the current crisis was down to a “confluence of competing crises”, caused by climate shocks, conflict and economic instability. The number of hungry people around the world has shot up from 282 million… Continue reading World Food Day: Another year of global record hunger looms amid food and climate crisis

He told ambassadors that since the truce began, six and a half months ago, it had started to alleviate the suffering of Yemenis, after more than seven years of civil war, and offered “a truly historic opportunity” to work towards a lasting settlement. But the period of relative peace between internationally recognized Government forces and… Continue reading Yemen: End of nationwide truce heralds ‘heightened risk of war’, Security Council hears

Coinciding with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction , the numbers in the report are even worse for developing countries on the front lines of climate change, the report states. Less than half of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and only one-third of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), have a multi-hazard early warning system.… Continue reading Disaster risk reduction: Only half the world equipped with adequate early warning systems

12 October 2022Peace and Security The head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia told the Security Council on Wednesday that with the recent election of President Gustavo Petro, expectations were running high for progress towards the full and final implementation of a lasting peace deal, after decades of civil conflict. UN Special Representative and… Continue reading New expectations of progress towards final end of Colombia conflict, Security Council hears

12 October 2022Peace and Security The UN General Assembly passed a resolution by a large majority on Wednesday, calling on countries not to recognise the four regions of Ukraine which Russia has claimed, following so-called referendums held late last month, and demanding that Moscow reverse course on its “attempted illegal annexation”. The results were 143… Continue reading Ukraine: UN General Assembly demands Russia reverse course on ‘attempted illegal annexation’

During a debate on strengthening the response to the impacts of climate change on peace and security in Africa, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, said that “our response today does not match the magnitude of the challenge we are facing”. Threat to peace The climate emergency is “a danger to peace”, she… Continue reading Africa: Response to climate crisis doesn’t match ‘magnitude of the challenge’

In its new report the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that in order to limit the global temperature rise which is undermining energy security, electricity tapped from clean energy sources must double over the next eight years. With the energy sector responsible for around 75 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, WMO chief Petteri… Continue reading Climate change: WMO report urges faster action on transition to clean energy

Without action, poverty will rise and desperately needed investments in climate adaptation and mitigation simply will not happen, the agency warned.  The paper – Avoiding ‘Too Little Too Late’ on International Debt Relief – highlights the ripple effects of government responses to the recent economic crisis, and the potential impacts.  ‘Small pill’ to swallow  It… Continue reading UN Development Programme calls for debt relief now for 54 countries

Csaba Kőrösi was speaking at the latest meeting of the Emergency Special Session of the world’s most representative body, on the war in Ukraine, triggered by Russia’s invasion of 24 February, which was taking place in light of Russia’s use of the veto in the Security Council on 30 September. ‘We must find a political solution’… Continue reading Ukraine: Any threat to use nuclear weapons ‘should be universally condemned’

10 October 2022Climate and Environment Heatwaves already kill thousands of people every year and they risk overwhelming the world’s aid response, unless action is taken to mitigate climate change, the UN’s emergency relief chief said on Monday. Without immediate financial help for the most vulnerable communities, the world faces a future of “ever larger and deadlier… Continue reading UN relief chief appeals for concerted action to tackle deadly heatwave threat

10 October 2022Peace and Security The UN chief António Guterres said that large-scale strikes by the Russian military on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other locations on Monday, were deeply shocking and represented “another unacceptable escalation” of the war. The strikes which have reportedly caused widespread damage to civilian areas and led to dozens of… Continue reading Ukraine: Russian large-scale strikes are ‘unacceptable escalation’, says Guterres

Record high temperatures this year – which are fueling catastrophes in countries such as Pakistan and Somalia – foreshadow a future with deadlier, more frequent, and more intense heat-related humanitarian emergencies, they warned.  Vulnerable hardest hit The world’s lowest-income countries are already experiencing disproportionate increases in extreme heat. Although they are the least to blame… Continue reading Climate crisis intensifying heatwaves, UN-backed report warns ahead of COP27

9 October 2022Peace and Security Amid a deteriorating security situation in Haiti, UN Security-General António Guterres called on Sunday for the Security Council to consider deploying armed forces to help the country address immense humanitarian concerns. In a statement, Mr. Guterres announced that he has submitted a letter to the Council, containing options for enhanced… Continue reading UN chief calls for ‘enhanced security support’ for Haiti, as crisis worsens

9 October 2022Climate and Environment State members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted a long-term goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, following two weeks of intensive diplomacy at the UN agency’s 41st Assembly, on Friday. The goal for decarbonized air transport, which follows similar commitments from industry groups, will “contribute to the… Continue reading Historic net-zero international flight goal agreed at UN conference

The image of the typical, laid-back surfer does not sit easily with the stereotype of earnest environmental campaigners. But elite bodyboarder Chris Kirkman is proof that surfers have a part to play in fighting the climate emergency. He has competed everywhere from Portugal and Chile to Tahiti and Brazil, and it was through surfing that… Continue reading Australian surfers ride climate action wave

There are many positive aspects to tourism. Around two billion people travel each year for tourism purposes. Travel and tourism connect people and bring the world closer through shared experiences, cultural awareness and community building. It provides jobs, spurs regional development, and is a key driver for socio-economic progress. However, there is often a downside;… Continue reading Is it possible to be a ‘sustainable tourist’? 12 ways to make a positive impact on your travels

7 October 2022Humanitarian Aid Urgently needed aid relief has reached areas of northeast Ukraine recently reclaimed from Russian control amid ongoing fighting, UN humanitarians said on Friday. More than 73,000 people in Kharkiv oblast have now received food assistance, which is nearly half of the population in the retaken areas. Villages and settlements across the… Continue reading Aid relief reaches Ukraine towns and cities reclaimed from Russian control

During a full session of the UN’s most representative body on the country’s devastating floods, he recalled last month’s visit where he saw “a level of climate carnage beyond imagination”. He described flood waters covering a landmass three times the total area of his own country, Portugal, saying that many lost their homes, livestock, crops… Continue reading Pakistan’s ‘climate carnage beyond imagination’, UN chief tells General Assembly

7 October 2022Human Rights The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has called for investigations into deaths and injuries resulting from last week’s coup in Burkina Faso, Spokesperson Seif Magango said on Friday. Staff are closely following the human rights situation in the West African country since soldiers ousted Paul-Henri Damiba, who had also seized power… Continue reading Burkina Faso: UN rights office calls for probe into coup-related deaths and injuries

A new UN report presented on Wednesday to the Organization’s highest pan-European environmental policy body, covering 54 countries, is calling for greater action to tackle the triple environmental crisis roiling the planet.

Battling what the top UN aid official in Pakistan has warned is a “second wave of death and destruction”, following catastrophic flooding since June that left a third of the country submerged, UN humanitarians on Tuesday raised their funding request from $160 million to $816 million.

In an era of “nuclear blackmail”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday urged countries to step back from the threat of potential global catastrophe and recommit to peace. 

As government representatives begin to finalize the agenda for the COP27 climate change conference in Egypt next month, the UN chief told journalists in New York that the work ahead is “as immense as the climate impacts we are seeing around the world”.

As the war in Ukraine stokes a crisis for countries who are struggling just to access the food their populations want and need, the international community needs to ensure that doesn’t spill over into a “food availability crisis”, the head of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Wednesday.

Hurricane Ian caused devastation across western Cuba and increased its strength and size as it made landfall mid-afternoon local time on Wednesday, in the United States; meanwhile Typhoon Noru underwent an “explosive” intensification before it hit the Philippines, the UN Meteorological agency, WMO, has said.

Action is needed over emissions, waste, pollution and biodiversity loss, it says, adding that solutions can be found, through a focus on a “circular economy” and sustainable infrastructure. The call came during the ninth Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference, which runs until Friday, in the report authored by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)… Continue reading New UN report urges Europe to step-up action over triple environmental crisis

Presenting a report to the General Assembly on its causes and consequences, Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls described climate change as “the most consequential threat multiplier for women and girls, with far-reaching impacts on new and existing forms of gendered inequities”. She maintained that the “cumulative and gendered consequences”… Continue reading Climate change heightens threats of violence against women and girls

As the conflict in Cabo Delgado province has not subsided, UNHCR is appealing for both an end to the bloodshed and greater international support for the displaced and local communities hosting them.  The situation has had a devastating impact on the population, Spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh told journalists in Geneva.  Beheadings, rapes and burnings  “People have… Continue reading Five years of violence in northern Mozambique has forced nearly a million to flee

4 October 2022Peace and Security The UN Secretary-General on Tuesday strongly condemned the launch of a ballistic missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), more commonly known as North Korea, which reportedly travelled over Japan. The missile launch was the first to violate Japan’s air space since 2017, and the intermediate-range ballistic missile… Continue reading UN chief condemns DPR Korea missile launch over Japan as ‘reckless act’

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Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, UN Special Representative in Iraq, briefed the Security Council in New York, warning that “public disillusion is running sky-high”, as too many citizens have lost all faith in politicians.  Their protracted inaction has sparked protests and counter-protests, culminating in deadly clashes this past August.  Dire consequences, ongoing volatility  “These tragic developments are indisputably… Continue reading UN envoy urges dialogue to end political impasse in Iraq

4 October 2022Humanitarian Aid Battling what the top UN aid official in Pakistan has warned is a “second wave of death and destruction”, following catastrophic flooding since June that left a third of the country submerged, UN humanitarians on Tuesday raised their funding request from $160 million to $816 million. Julien Harneis, Humanitarian Coordinator for… Continue reading Pakistan: To avert ‘second wave of death’, UN raises funding appeal to $816 million

According to the IPCC, this “shaping” power can usefully build public support to accelerate climate mitigation – the efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of the greenhouse gases that are heating our planet – but it can also be used to do exactly the opposite. This places a huge responsibility on media companies and… Continue reading Five ways media and journalists can support climate action while tackling misinformation

“A third of Pakistan flooded. Europe’s hottest summer in 500 years. The Philippines hammered. The whole of Cuba in black-out. And here, in the United States, Hurricane Ian has delivered a brutal reminder that no country and no economy is immune from the climate crisis,” he highlighted. And while “climate chaos gallops ahead, climate action… Continue reading UN chief: Countries bound for COP27 must make climate action ‘the top global priority’

Secretary-General António Guterres declared that “from climate chaos and conflicts to COVID-19”, the most vulnerable were being hit the hardest. Amplifying this year’s theme, Mind the Gap. Leave No One and No Place Behind, spotlighting widening inequalities in living conditions across the world, he said that rapid and unplanned development of towns and cities, was making conditions… Continue reading More action and investment needed in cities to end ‘cascade of challenges’

1 October 2022Peace and Security The UN Secretary-General expressed on Saturday his deep concern regarding the unfolding developments in Burkina Faso, where according to media reports, a group of military officers overthrew the man who had seized power in a coup only nine months earlier. Allegedly, Capt. Ibrahim Traore appeared on Friday on national television… Continue reading Burkina Faso: UN chief condemns any attempt to seize power by the force of arms

Secretary-General António Guterres briefs reporters on the decision of the Russian Federation on annexation of the Ukrainian territory. 29 September 2022Peace and Security Russia’s plan to annex four occupied regions in Ukraine would be an illegal move, a violation of international law, and should be condemned, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Thursday, warning of… Continue reading Ukraine: UN Secretary-General condemns Russia annexation plan

Described as a “beacon of hope” by UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the signing ceremony for the plan on 27 July in Istanbul, with representatives from Russian and Ukraine, the agreement has made it possible for almost 240 vessels to leave Ukrainian ports with some 5.4 million metric tons of grain and other foodstuffs, since 1… Continue reading Black Sea exports ramp up, bringing confidence to global commerce and food to most vulnerable

Opening statements in the case against Félicien Kabuga are set for Thursday and Friday at the UN’s International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), located in The Hague.  According to his indictment, Mr. Kabuga was a founder of the radio station Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines, whose broadcasts furthered hatred and violence against the… Continue reading UN Special Adviser welcomes start of trial against top Rwanda genocide suspect

The two tropical cyclones came quick on the heels of Hurricane Fiona, which caused deadly flooding in the Caribbean and was the strongest storm on record to hit Canada. Typhoon Nanmadol, prompted the evacuation of nine million people in Japan. Fingerprints of climate change The World Meteorological Organization has reminded that climate change is expected… Continue reading Climate Change: Hurricanes and cyclones bring misery to millions, as Ian makes landfall in the US

The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council on Wednesday, that since the adoption in December 2016 of resolution 2334, which demands Israel stop building new settlements on Palestinian land, there’s been “little progress” implementing it. Tor Wennesland updated ambassadors on a litany of violations, including “mounting pressure” on… Continue reading Israel-Palestine: ‘Meaningful initiatives’ needed soon, to reverse to reverse current course

As the war in Ukraine stokes a crisis for countries who are struggling just to access the food their populations want and need, the international community needs to ensure that doesn’t spill over into a “food availability crisis”, the head of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Wednesday. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu… Continue reading Join forces to prevent ‘food availability crisis’ urges FAO chief

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also briefed ambassadors, blasting the “sham referenda”, though Russia objected to his participation via videoconference.  Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said the President should participate in person, in line with the rules.  “The Council should not turn into a forum for political shows or cinema,” he added. Door-to-door voting  The referenda were… Continue reading Referenda in Russian-controlled Ukraine ‘cannot be regarded as legal’: UN political affairs chief

“Patience is running out” for many in the international community when it comes to effectively engaging with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers, the Taliban, senior UN envoy for the country, Markus Potzel, told the Security Council on Tuesday. Despite some positive developments over the past few months, the Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan said they have… Continue reading World ‘must engage’ or risk Afghanistan’s collapse, Security Council hears

Ongoing armed attacks by Russia against Ukraine have led to devastating human rights abuses there, according to a new report released on Tuesday by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission for the war-torn country (HRMMU). Highlighting a wide range of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, the report notes multiple cases of “willful… Continue reading ‘Dire’ and deteriorating pattern of rights abuse continues in Ukraine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Global perspective Human stories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Secretary-General António Guterres said it was “immoral” that major oil and gas companies are reporting “record profits”, while prices soar. “The combined profits of the largest energy companies in the first quarter of this year are close to $100 billion,” he said, urging governments to “tax these excessive profits, and use the funds raised to… Continue reading UN chief slams ‘immoral’ profiteering amid global energy crisis

ISIL, also known by the Arabic moniker, Daesh, conducted a genocidal campaign against the Yazidis, whose historic homeland is the northern town of Sinjar.   The atrocities they committed included sexual violence, mass executions, forced conversions, and other crimes.    Trauma and perseverance  “As we commemorate this traumatic page of Iraqi history, we renew our… Continue reading UN renews commitment to Yazidi community eight years after ISIL onslaught

The first, eagerly-awaited commercial shipment of grain to leave the Ukrainian port of Odesa since Russia’s invasion more than five months ago, was cleared to proceed to Lebanon on Wednesday, after a scheduled inspection stopover in Istanbul. In line with the UN-partnered Black Sea Grain Initiative that was facilitated by the Secretary-General on 22 July, the crew… Continue reading Ukraine: Black Sea grain shipment success raises hopes more will follow

The landmark truce in Yemen, which has been holding since April, has been renewed for an additional two months through 2 October, UN Special Envoy for the country, Hans Grundberg, announced on Tuesday.  The extension includes a commitment by the Government and Houthi rebels to intensify negotiations to reach an expanded agreement as soon as… Continue reading Yemen truce renewed for another two months

More than 37 million people are facing acute hunger, with approximately seven million children under the age of five acutely malnourished in the region.   While finding food and safe water is the absolute priority, WHO said that ensuring a strong health emergency response is needed to avert preventable disease and deaths.   The UN… Continue reading Horn of Africa faces most ‘catastrophic’ food insecurity in decades, warns WHO

Two of the largest reservoirs in the United States are at dangerously low levels due to the climate crisis and overconsumption of water, which could affect water and electricity supply for millions in six western states and Mexico, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) warned on Tuesday.  Lake Mead and Lake Powell are currently at their… Continue reading American west faces water and power shortages due to climate crisis: UN environment agency

The UN chief was speaking at the opening of the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which runs through 26 August.  Mr. Guterres highlighted some of the current challenges to global peace and security, with the world under greater stress due to the climate crisis, stark… Continue reading Humanity’s just one misunderstanding away from ‘nuclear annihilation’ warns UN chief

The UN chief on Monday welcomed the departure of the first ship from the Ukrainian port of Odesa to leave carrying grain under the landmark deal signed by Ukraine, Russia and Türkiye, overseen by the UN. The Razoni, carrying a cargo of 26,527 tonnes of corn, is the first cargo ship to leave a Ukrainian… Continue reading Ukraine: Guterres welcomes departure of first grain ship, to help ease food crisis

Secretary-General António Guterres is “outraged” over a “serious incident” that took place on Sunday morning on the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, according to his deputy spokesperson.  In Kasindi, North Kivu province, military personnel of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) opened fire while… Continue reading DR Congo: Guterres ‘outraged’ over peacekeepers’ aggression, calls for accountability

Secretary-General António Guterres is “following with concern” ongoing protests in Iraq that have injured many people, according to his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq. In a statement issued late Saturday night, the UN chief appealed to all relevant actors “to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, avoid any further violence, and ensure the protection of… Continue reading Iraq protests: UN chief urges to ‘de-escalate’ and rise above differences

Ambassadors were briefed by UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo, who pointed to the recent agreement on the safe resumption of grain exports via the Black Sea as a bright light in the conflict, though acknowledging the dim prospects for peace.  “The grain agreement is a sign that dialogue between the parties is possible in… Continue reading Ukraine: Prospects for end to war look bleak, despite ‘encouraging’ grain deal

The Malayan tiger is a critically endangered species, at a real risk of extinction, mainly as a result of illegal poaching and wildlife trafficking: according to the Malaysian authorities, fewer than 200 are left. Setting up a camera trap to monitor wildlife and encroachment in Malaysia., by UNDP But a fight to save the tigers… Continue reading From The Field: Protecting the last Malayan tigers

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the official start of the operation based in the Turkish capital, Istanbul, that will help implement the UN-brokered deal to resume exports of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea, amid the ongoing conflict and rising food prices worldwide.  The Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), inaugurated on Wednesday, brings together senior… Continue reading UN welcomes new centre to put Ukraine grain exports deal into motion

The resolution, based on a similar text adopted last year by the Human Rights Council, calls upon States, international organisations, and business enterprises to scale up efforts to ensure a healthy environment for all.  The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, welcomed the ‘historic’ decision and said the landmark development demonstrates that Member States can come together in… Continue reading UN General Assembly declares access to clean and healthy environment a universal human right

A full 90 per cent of the Earth’s precious topsoil is likely to be at risk by 2050, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO.  In a bid to protect soil globally and help farmers, the FAO warned on Wednesday that the equivalent of one soccer pitch of earth erodes, every five seconds. … Continue reading FAO warns 90 per cent of Earth’s topsoil at risk by 2050 

The UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) aims to adopt a more “ambitious and forward-looking agenda” in 2022, the body’s Chair told the Security Council on Wednesday. In his capacity as Chair, Md Monwar Hossain, Bangladesh’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, shared some highlights of PBC’s 2022 programme of work, describing six months of progress – beginning… Continue reading ‘Good strides’ being made towards inclusive peacebuilding, Security Council hears

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned an attack on peacekeepers serving in the Stablization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) which took place during violent demonstrations at the mission’s base on Tuesday. Two Indian police officers and a Moroccan ‘blue helmet’ were killed, and an Egyptian police officer injured. According to news… Continue reading Guterres strongly condemns attack on peacekeepers in DR Congo which left 3 dead, amid protests

The deadly shelling of a mountain resort in northern Iraq last week represented a shocking disregard for civilian life and international obligations on civilian protection, the UN Special Representative for the country, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, told the Security Council on Tuesday.  Ambassadors convened late in the afternoon New York time, to discuss the 20 July attack… Continue reading Iraq resort shelling a ‘shocking disregard for civilian life’, UN envoy says

The UN Children’s Fund UNICEF, delivered supplies on Tuesday to help an estimated 50,000 children in the war-ravaged districts of Odesa, the crucial Black Sea port which Russia bombed on Saturday, just hours after signing a landmark deal to allow Ukrainian grain to reach millions of food insecure people across the world. Using a total of 27 cargo trucks,… Continue reading Ukraine: UNICEF delivers life-saving supplies for over 50,000 children in Odesa

Mounting tensions in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and continued settlement activity and settler-related violence continue. “Immediate steps to reverse negative trends and support the Palestinian people are essential,” said Lynn Hastings, UNSCO’s deputy chief, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, speaking on behalf of Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland.… Continue reading Israel-Palestine: Reversing ‘negative trends’ essential, Security Council hears

The violence is having a devastating impact, particularly on women and children, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, community leaders and human rights defenders.  Colombia’s new government takes office next month, and the report outlines a series of recommendations that should be implemented urgently to protect lives and uphold the rights of those affected.  Prevent further violence  The… Continue reading Colombia: New government urged to combat rising violence in rural areas

Time is running out to protect the world’s mangroves which are not only home to many species but also an important hedge against climate impacts, the head of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said on Tuesday.  Audrey Azoulay, the UNESCO Director-General, called for greater global awareness about these critical coastal areas in… Continue reading Global awareness critical to protect world’s mangroves: UN science chief

Despite some progress, a constitutional and political stalemate continues, prolonging tensions and fuelling insecurity, while clashes in and around Tripoli surge, she added. “The economic situation remains dire,” she continued. “We have witnessed demonstrations by frustrated Libyans over the lack of progress on elections and poor State services. In addition, the human rights situation in… Continue reading Libya: Human rights abuses, political stalemates, electoral delays mar progress

A young man whose community has been at the epicentre of the violence that has been raging between rival gangs in the troubled neighbourhood of Cité Soleil in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, says that he goes to sleep and wakes in the morning to the sound of gunfire. Edwin*, is a youth leader in his… Continue reading First Person: I go to sleep and wake up to the sound of gunfire

The UN Secretary-General ‘unequivocally’ condemned the reported strikes this Saturday in the port of Odesa. The attack took place less than 24 hours after the signing of the Black Sea agreements on the export of grain from Ukrainian ports. “Yesterday, all parties made clear commitments on the global stage to ensure the safe movement of… Continue reading Guterres condemns missile strikes in Ukranian Black Sea port of Odesa

The killing of protestors by security services during large-scale demonstrations in Sudan’s capital Khartoum in June underscores the ongoing political tensions in the country. Against this backdrop, the UN is committed to sustain and build peace in Sudan, say UN Resident Coordinator Khardiata Lo Ndiaye, and Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support. “The military… Continue reading Strengthening Sudan’s fragile peace: A Resident Coordinator Blog

Costa Rica, the Maldives, Morocco, Slovenia and Switzerland presented the draft text to the 193-member Assembly, the UN’s most representative body, last June, following the landmark resolution adoption of a similar text adopted in October 2021 by the UN Human Rights Council. The resolution recognizes the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as… Continue reading Why the UN General Assembly must back the right to a healthy environment

An “unprecedented agreement” on the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea amid the ongoing war is “a beacon of hope” in a world that desperately needs it, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the signing ceremony in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Friday.  The UN plan, which also paves the way for Russian grain… Continue reading Black Sea grain exports deal ‘a beacon of hope’ amid Ukraine war – Guterres

From the Amazon to the Andes and the snowy depths of Patagonia, extreme weather and climate change are causing mega-drought, extreme rainfall, deforestation and glacier melt across the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, according to a UN report published on Friday. In its State of the Climate in Latin America and the Caribbean… Continue reading Mega-drought, glacier melt, and deforestation plague Latin America and the Caribbean

As conflict grows in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the rising death toll and suffering of displaced civilians through brutal attacks, is cause for serious concern said the UN refugee agency UNHCR on Friday, which appealed for fresh funds to meet “soaring needs” across the country. “This month, simultaneous attacks by armed… Continue reading UNHCR alarmed by growing death toll among displaced in eastern DR Congo

Animal health is important to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but greater investment is needed to evaluate the impact, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and partners said in a report published on Thursday. Diseases affecting animals – as well as how long they live and how productive they are – have a significant impact… Continue reading Climate change: New approach needed to gauge animal health impact on emissions

Success hinges on the ability and willingness of political leaders to “urgently initiate sustainable solutions” to end deadlock and economic paralysis said Joanna Wronecka, stressing that State institutions must be reformed to meet people’s needs. One year ago, UNICEF warned that the water system was at a breaking point. While a total collapse of public… Continue reading Lebanon: At ‘a crossroad between rebound or collapse’

The historic UN-brokered truce in Yemen has largely held for nearly four months, and Special Envoy Hans Grundberg on Thursday urged the Government and Houthi rebels to work towards renewing the “transformational” agreement, which expires on 2 August.  Mr. Grundberg has intensified his engagement towards full implementation of the truce, and is urging all parties… Continue reading UN envoy calls for extension and expansion of ‘transformational’ truce in Yemen

Independent UN human rights experts on Thursday called on authorities and political candidates standing in next month’s general election to foster an enabling civic space to ensure the vote goes ahead peacefully, and prevent violence. “Civic space, public participation, fundamental freedoms and a violence-free environment are critical to foster inclusive engagement in the electoral process, and the… Continue reading Respect for fundamental rights key to peaceful elections in Kenya: UN experts

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), has strongly condemned the shelling of a mountain resort in the Kurdistan region of Dohuk Governorate on Wednesday, which reportedly killed eight tourists and wounded more than 20 others. The deadly attack in the Zakho district, took place close to the border with Türkiye. According to news reports,… Continue reading UN mission in Iraq condemns attack in Duhok which left 8 dead

A new report from the UN Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) released on Wednesday, confirms the erosion of basic human rights across the country since the Taliban takeover in August last year, pointing out they bear responsibility for extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and violations of fundamental freedoms. The UNAMA findings, confirm many of… Continue reading Afghanistan: Report highlights multiple human rights violations and abuses under Taliban

The day-long event is being held to assess recent decisions on the global environment agenda and to present solutions to common bottlenecks, such as the gaps between commitments and actions, as well as the need for wider mobilization.  “We know that we have backed ourselves into a corner with our recklessness. We know that this… Continue reading ‘Moment for Nature’ essential to beat back threats, spur climate action

Extreme heat in western Europe is causing devastating wildfires in France and Spain, unprecedented drought in Italy and Portugal, and the United Kingdom recorded its highest-ever temperature of just over 40 degrees Celsius during Tuesday, at London’s Heathrow airport. With temperatures expected to remain above normal until the middle of next week, the World Metrological… Continue reading WMO warns of frequent heatwaves in decades ahead

In her formal presentation of the Secretary-General’s report, Virginia Gamba, highlighted current trends, patterns of grave violations, and existing and emerging challenges facing children put in harms way.   Prolific abuses From South Sudan to Afghanistan and elsewhere, last year the UN verified 23,982 grave violations – over 19,165 of which were “grievous” abuses against children,… Continue reading Best way to protect children caught in conflict is to ‘champion peace’: Gamba

The UN’s top official advocating for children caught up in armed conflict issued new guidance on Monday designed to help expert staff on the ground protect children who are abducted, or who suffer other grave violations. Special Representative Virginia Gamba, said the guidelines would aid monitoring and reporting on the abduction of children in armed… Continue reading UN publishes new guidance on curbing child abduction and other ‘grave violations’ in war

The chances of seeing unprecedented temperatures of 40 degree Celsius (40°C) or more in the UK could be up to 10 times more likely in the current climate than under a “natural climate unaffected by human influence,” the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) declared on Monday. In a statement, the WMO noted that the UK’s Met… Continue reading Record 40°C UK temperatures linked to climate change: WMO

A small, quiet village in Kenya has found a new purpose in the fishing industry through a successful marine coral conservation project, the first of its kind in the Marine Protected Areas of the western side of the Indian Ocean. Kenya’s Kuruwitu Beach is tranquil. Sparkling sand beaches complement the clear blue water, and the… Continue reading Kenya’s Kuruwitu corals are back, thanks to local conservation drive

The head of the UN Country Team in Sri Lanka has urged senior politicians to ensure a peaceful transfer of power in line with the national Constitution, following weeks of protests that finally saw the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday. In a statement issued on Friday on behalf of the UN in Sri Lanka, Resident Coordinator… Continue reading Ensure peaceful and constitutional transfer of power in Sri Lanka, urges UN Resident Coordinator

The UN Secretary-General is appalled by the deadly missile attack on Thursday against the city of Vinnytsia in central Ukraine, that reportedly killed at least 22 people, far from the frontline of the main fighting in the east, including three children and wounded more than 100 others, his Spokesperson said in a statement.  Cruise missiles… Continue reading Ukraine: Guterres condemns deadly missile attack on Vinnytsia; more than 20 killed

Over 500,000 conflict-affected people in northeast Nigeria will be tossed “a lifeline,” thanks to a new UN humanitarian and development package, launched on Thursday. The Resilience and Social Cohesion project, launched by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Food Programme (WFP), will enhance peace, increase livelihood opportunities, and provide education, health, nutrition, child protection,… Continue reading Nigeria: New UN resilience project paves ‘pathway to peace and sustainable development’

Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, reported on recent political developments, including the election last month of President Gustavo Petro and Vice-President Francia Márquez, the first Afro-Colombian woman to hold the position.  Mr. Massieu has met with both officials, who will be sworn in on… Continue reading New administration in Colombia provides ‘tremendous opportunity’ to further peace

The UN chief on Wednesday described progress between Russia and Ukraine on allowing the resumption of grain exports during UN-brokered talks in Türkiye, as a “ray of hope to ease human suffering and alleviate hunger around the world.” Secretary-General António Guterres said that a “critical step forward” had been taken to allow the “safe and… Continue reading Guterres hails ‘critical step forward’ on resuming Ukraine grain exports

Ireland and Norway put forward the resolution, which renews humanitarian deliveries through the Bab-al Hawa border crossing through January and calls for an additional six-month extension which will require another separate resolution.  Twelve countries voted in favour, while France, the United Kingdom, and the United States voted against. There were no abstentions.  Record-level needs  Humanitarian… Continue reading Syria: Security Council extends cross-border aid delivery for six months

“Communications is not a side issue or an afterthought,” he said during the first-ever High-Level Debate dedicated to the importance of strategic communications, calling it “central to the success of all our work”. He recalled his 2016 pledge when sworn in as Secretary-General, to “communicate better about what we do, in ways that everybody understands”. … Continue reading Reliable information ‘a matter of life and death’ UN chief tells Security Council

“My parents managed – with many sacrifices on their part – to put me through high school during a time of great turmoil in my country, following which I started doing a number of jobs to help out financially.” Elfreda braided hair and tutored younger children in her community, often returning home late at night,… Continue reading From ‘saga of horrors’ to serving the world: Liberia peacekeepers honoured in South Sudan

The values that we ascribe to nature are vital parts of our cultures, identities, economies, and ways of life, all of which should be reflected in policy decisions surrounding our natural world, according to a new UN-backed report released on Monday. However, the new Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services’ (IPBES) assessment report… Continue reading UN report: Value of nature must not be overridden by pursuit of short-term profit

Ambassadors were briefed by Hans Grundberg, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, and Joyce Msuya, the UN deputy relief chief.  UN Envoy for #Yemen, Hans Grundberg, briefed the #UNSC today on progress & obstacles in the implementation of the truce, the way forward on extending and expanding the truce and on moving toward a political… Continue reading Yemen: UN envoy outlines achievements and challenges in truce implementation

Amid reports that Sri Lanka’s President has confirmed he will resign after his residence was stormed by thousands of protesters at the weekend, the UN chief on Monday called for dialogue to “ensure a smooth transition of government and solutions to the country’s deep economic crisis. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has yet to comment publicly on… Continue reading Sri Lanka: UN chief calls for dialogue to ensure ‘smooth transition’ of power

The annual UN report on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), released on Monday, details the devastating impact that various forms of conflict had on children around the world in 2021. The dangers outlined in the report range from conflict escalation, military coups, and takeovers, protracted and new conflicts, as well as violations of international law.… Continue reading Thousands of children endure ‘horrific conditions’ in conflict zones: UN report

As Mozambique looks to move on from its violent past, a UN-led programme is supporting efforts to reintegrate former combatants, and give them a chance to lead productive, peaceful lives in their communities. Benjamin, former combatant, believes peace and family go together., by UNCDF/Karel Prinsloo Benjamin* wants peace. A former RENAMO (Mozambican National Resistance) combatant,… Continue reading From fighting to farming: Supporting peacebuilding in Mozambique

“The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has the largest population of internally displaced people on the African continent: 5.9 million people, including 700,000 newly displaced people this year. The DRC is also hosting over 500,000 refugees and asylum-seekers (mainly from Burundi, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan). The factors driving internal displacement are often… Continue reading ‘Common game plan’ needed to address DR Congo displacement crisis: A Resident Coordinator blog

The UN health agency (WHO) issued an urgent appeal on Friday for access to sick and injured people caught up in the war in Ukraine, including “hundreds” of landmine victims, “premature babies, pregnant woman, older people, many of whom have been left behind”. More than four and half months since Russia’s invasion, civilians have continued… Continue reading Ukraine war: ‘Please, let us in,’ WHO issues plea to reach sick and injured

The meeting is taking place at an extremely challenging moment for multilateralism and global governance, with the international order “at risk of coming apart at the seams”, he said, citing challenges that include the climate emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and new and evolving forms of conflict. “Strengthening multilateralism – the theme… Continue reading Strengthening multilateralism ‘only way’ to peaceful world for all: Guterres

Prospecting used to be about digging up gold and other minerals. Today “bioprospecting” is allowing countries to use the natural riches at their disposal, for the production of pharmaceuticals, and other commercially viable products.   A farmer harvests black ginger, known for its medicinal properties, and endemic in Phnom Kulen in Cambodia., by UNDP Cambodia… Continue reading From The Field: “Bioprospecting”, Cambodia’s sustainable gold rush

Intersecting global crises are threatening the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and impacting food supplies, health, education, and security across countries worldwide, according to a new UN report released on Thursday. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 reveals that the convergence of increased fighting, the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, and the long-term climate crisis, could push… Continue reading Convergence of conflicts, COVID and climate crises, jeopardize global goals   

On Wednesday, the first day of the Women’s Euro 2022 football tournament, the United Nations launched Football For The Goals (FFTG), an initiative aimed at tapping into the power of the game to raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN’s blueprint for a fairer, greener future. FFTG is also intended to achieve behavioural… Continue reading UN and UEFA score Sustainable Goals as women’s Euro tournament kicks off

The blue helmets – who were serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) – died when their armoured vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device some 60 kilometres northeast of Gao on Tuesday. Along with the deceased peacekeepers, who were both from Egypt, another five Egyptian blue helmets were also seriously injured in the… Continue reading Mali improvised bomb claims lives of two Egyptian peacekeepers

UN chief António Guterres lent his support on Tuesday to international efforts to rebuild Ukraine, as a conference began in Switzerland to garner support for the war-shattered country. In his video message to some 40 country representatives meeting in Lugano, the Secretary-General highlighted the tragic human impact of the conflict, as well as the long-term challenges that lie ahead:… Continue reading Ukraine reconstruction is a ‘long road’ but it must start now: Guterres

The Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an immense green protected area covering around 11 percent of the national territory, is recognized for its tabletop mountains and endless biodiversity – some believed to be undiscovered – and remains for the most part inaccessible and unaffected by human activity. From above, the rainforest canopy was… Continue reading The Caribbean is ‘ground zero’ for the global climate emergency: Guterres

Suriname’s beautiful, dense rainforest, which allows it to have a near-negative carbon footprint, can be seen easily from just about anywhere, even from the outskirts of the capital, Paramaribo, which itself is dotted with bustling markets and cultural centres. On Saturday, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres saw first-hand the commitment of the Surinamese people to protect… Continue reading Suriname gives ‘hope and inspiration to the world to save our rainforests’: UN chief 

The UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Friday expressed alarm over the killing of at least nine protesters by security forces in Sudan a day earlier, including a 15-year-old child. The High Commissioner said in a statement that the deaths had occurred, “even after the police had announced they would not use lethal force… Continue reading Sudan: UN human rights chief alarmed over killing of protesters by security forces

Recognizing the past “collective failure” in the Conference’s final declaration, world leaders called for greater ambition to ensure that the dire state of the ocean is addressed, and admitted frankly to being “deeply alarmed by the global emergency facing the ocean”. At the closing, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, Miguel de Serpa Soares, commended… Continue reading UN Ocean Conference ends with call for greater ambition and global commitment to address dire state of the Ocean

Mangroves are tropical marine forests with huge potential. They protect coastlines from erosion and storm surge; and provide food and shelter for a diverse array of wildlife, and nursery habitats for commercially important fish and shellfish. They also fight climate change: the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that global mangrove forests sequester within their roots,… Continue reading With mangrove conservation, Kenya’s coastal communities plant seeds of sustainable ‘blue growth’

The ruling by the United States Supreme Court against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday, is “a setback in our fight against climate change” said the UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. He was responding to a question at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, about the ruling, which in effect strips away… Continue reading US Supreme Court ruling on environmental protection ‘a setback in our fight against climate change’

A new UN-led financing tool to strengthen weather and climate forecasting, improve life-saving early warning systems, safeguard jobs, and underpin climate adaptation for long-term resilience, officially opened for business on Thursday. The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) is a key building block for a new initiative spearheaded by UN Secretary-General General António Guterres to ensure that early warning services cover… Continue reading New UN financing initiative goes live to power climate action

Despite diplomatic engagements, restoring the so-called Iran nuclear agreement continues to be hindered by political and technical differences, the UN political and peacebuilding chief told the Security Council on Thursday.   In the landmark accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – reached in 2015 between Iran, the United States, China,… Continue reading ‘Effort and patience’ required to restore Iran nuclear agreement

The Conference’s fourth day, focused on the role of the scientific community, to enable the blue transformation of humankind’s relationship with the ocean. Stressing that this knowledge is a prerequisite for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14, scientists are calling for more support to support the seas. With over 3 billion people heavily reliant… Continue reading Scientific knowledge essential for sustainable oceans, UN Ocean Conference hears

Across Ukraine, the scale of needs caused by Russia’s invasion is still massive and human rights concerns persist, UN humanitarians said in an update on Thursday, as they repeated calls for access to the country’s Black Sea ports to export vitally needed cereals. Speaking from Kyiv, Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Osnat Lubrani, described the heartbreak she felt after… Continue reading Ukraine: Four months after Russian invasion, humanitarian needs intensify

Bintou Keita, who also heads the UN’s Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO), said peacekeepers under her command were “determined to protect civilians and help tackle drivers of conflict and violence”. However, she added that “unity of purpose within the Council and among troop and police contributing countries, remains essential for the Mission to deliver on… Continue reading Human rights under threat in DR Congo and beyond, Security Council hears

The Conference’s third day, spotlighting the state of the global fishing industry and the sustainability of aquaculture, featured the launch of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture flagship report. Growing demand for fish and other aquatic foods is rapidly changing the whole sector, with consumption expected to increase,… Continue reading A visionary ‘blue transformation’ strategy to enhance underwater food systems

The “horrific conflict,” in Ukraine shows no signs of abating, the UN political and peacebuilding chief told the Security Council on Tuesday, pointing out that since her last update on 5 April, “countless Ukrainian civilians” have been killed in indiscriminate attacks, cities and towns levelled, and much of the country’s arable land “horribly disfigured by… Continue reading Ukraine: Cycle of death, destruction, dislocation, and disruption ‘must stop’ 

The world’s coastal populations contribute significantly to the global economy – an estimated $1.5 trillion per year – with expectations pointing to some $3 trillion by 2030. Ensuring ocean ecosystem health, supporting livelihoods and driving economic growth requires targeted support for key sectors, including fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, energy, shipping and port activities, and seabed… Continue reading Sustainable blue economy vital for small countries and coastal populations

Between 1 March 2011 and 31 March 2021, 306,887 civilians were killed in the on-going war in Syria – the highest estimate yet of conflict-related deaths in the country, according to a new report published by the UN rights office (OHCHR) on Tuesday. “The conflict-related casualty figures in this report are not simply a set… Continue reading Syria: Decade of brutal war left nearly 307,000 civilians dead

A “staggering” average of 71 verified grave violations a day, are committed against children by parties to conflict in more than 30 settings across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. This is one of the key findings of a new report entitled, 25 years of children and armed conflict: Taking action to protect children… Continue reading More than 70 grave violations against children caught up in war, being recorded daily: UNICEF

“The United Nations’ priority in Libya remains to facilitate a return to the electoral process, based on a sound and consensual constitutional basis for elections. This is what the Libyan people have asked for,” she declared.  Elections the only path to settle disagreements over the democratic legitimacy of Libyan institutions. I urge the leadership of… Continue reading Libya: UN highlights need to speed up progress towards national elections

On Monday, thousands of people gathered at Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal, for the first day of the long-awaited UN Ocean Conference. Riding on the global momentum generated by the event, experts are pushing for a new international commitment to combat pollution, including at sea. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the amount of… Continue reading Tackling marine pollution: Individual action, key to ocean restoration

At least ten people have reportedly been killed by what Ukrainian authorities have said was a Russian missile strike on a crowded shopping centre, and attack which the UN condemned on Monday as “utterly deplorable”. At least ten people have reportedly been killed by what Ukrainian authorities have said was a Russian missile strike on… Continue reading Ukraine: Dozens dead and injured as UN condemns ‘utterly deplorable’ shopping centre attack

Speaking via video conference from Jerusalem, Tor Wennesland, expressed alarm over continued demonstrations and clashes; settler-related violence; and the firing of a rocket from Gaza into Israel, the first in months, which he called “a concerning reminder of the fragility” within the Palestinian enclave. “Mounting violence has been further fuelled and exacerbated by provocative steps and… Continue reading Middle East: Mounting violence leaving ‘scores of Palestinian and Israeli casualties’

Although climate change threatens everyone, women and girls often suffer its harshest and most violent consequences, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Monday.  “While I welcome the international attention on climate change’s impact on women and girls over the last decade, we must urgently also focus on the grave issue of violence against… Continue reading Put women’s rights ‘front and centre’ of climate policies: Bachelet

Speaking at the high-level opening of the Conference, Mr. Guterres outlined four recommendations to ensure that the tide is reversed. Among them, the UN chief underscored the urgent need to invest sustainably in economies that depend on the sea. I apologize to youth on behalf of my generation for not having protected the ocean. This week’s UN Ocean Conference… Continue reading Guterres outlines four recommendations to help us all ‘Save Our Ocean’

The two-day event brought together hundreds of youth from some 165 countries with a shared goal: protecting the Ocean.   I am inspired by the energy & commitment of the young climate activists I met today at the @UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon. Youth of the world: We need your passion, your ideas & your… Continue reading Youth are the generation that will help save our ocean and our future, says UN chief

Sargassum seaweed has blighted many of the beaches on Barbados for several years. Joshua Forte, a local entrepreneur, is convinced that it can be turned into a valuable commodity, and turned into highly effective, organic compost. In 2014, Mr. Forte started Red Diamond Compost, a biotech business that focuses on research, development, and the commercialization… Continue reading First Person: The Barbadian entrepreneur turning sargassum into money

Sargassum seaweed has been blighting many of the beaches on Barbados for several years. Joshua Forte, a local entrepreneur, is convinced that it can be turned into a valuable commodity, and turned into highly effective, organic compost. In 2014, Mr. Forte started Red Diamond Compost, a biotech business that focuses on research, development, and commercialization… Continue reading First Person: The Barbadian entrepreneur turning sargassum into money

UN News How did the Cartagena Convention come about? Christopher Corbin The Cartagena Convention was driven primarily by a major oil spill that took place in the region close to Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1980s. This brought home the fact that this region is so dependent on the coastal and marine resources on the Caribbean… Continue reading INTERVIEW: Pollution, Cartagena, and the Caribbean

Ambassadors stood and observed a minute of silence for the victims of the disaster before being briefed by Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Representative at the UN’s Mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA, and Martin Griffiths, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator.  Mr. Alakbarov provided an update on the earthquake, citing latest figures which revealed nearly 800 confirmed deaths and… Continue reading Talking to the Taliban ‘only way forward’ in Afghanistan

Efforts are underway to reinvigorate the Central African Republic’s political process, which has lapsed into a state of “de facto lethargy” even as horrific attacks against civilians have risen, the senior UN official in the country told the Security Council on Wednesday. “The fears legitimately nurtured by the civilian populations who are still suffering the… Continue reading ‘De facto lethargy’ in Central African Republic, despite escalating attacks

The Secretary-General issued a statement on Wednesday expressing his shock and outrage over reports that well over a hundred civilians have been killed in the past week, during attacks by armed extremists in central Mali, and further north. At the weekend, at least 100 civilians reportedly died when rebel militia attacked several villages in the… Continue reading Mali: Guterres ‘shocked and outraged’ by reports of civilian massacres

Beginning her briefing with a wider perspective, Wairimu Nderitu said that hateful and contentious narratives that form in the wake of growing hostility, violence and discrimination, could have a “devastating impact” on societies at large. “We saw it in the lead up to the Holocaust, in Rwanda in 1994” and also in the ethnically-charged Bosnia… Continue reading Violence, rhetoric, hate speech, drive atrocity crimes in Ukraine and beyond, Security Council hears

Critical relief supplies for nearly 64,000 people have been delivered to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, two cities in the Government-controlled areas of the eastern Donetska oblast, or region, in Ukraine, the UN humanitarian agency OCHA reported on Tuesday.  The 12 trucks carrying food, water purification tablets, hygiene and other desperately needed household items, arrived in the… Continue reading Ukraine: UN and partners deliver lifesaving aid to Donetska region

The three-day ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment (HAS) brings together UN agencies, diplomats, aid workers, the private sector and other partners, to discuss current and emerging challenges, as well as priorities, and to share experiences and lessons learned.  ECOSOC President Collen Kelapile recalled that the world is witnessing the highest number of violent conflicts since 1945,… Continue reading UN brainstorms how to strengthen aid delivery amid ‘megacrises’

Scientific evidence shows that overexposure to UV radiation is the major cause of skin cancer. To help people protect themselves adequately, a consortium of UN agencies on Tuesday, launched an innovative new App that can help anyone, anywhere, determine the safe amount of time to stay outdoors, soaking up the rays.  The SunSmart Global UV… Continue reading Safe in the sun? UN launches new app to help beat skin cancer

Nuclear weapons are “a deadly reminder of countries’ inability to solve problems through dialogue and collaboration”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday, urging the international community to abandon them once and for all.   “These weapons offer false promises of security and deterrence – while guaranteeing only destruction, death, and endless brinksmanship,” he said… Continue reading Eliminate nuclear weapons before they eliminate us: UN chief

As a part of this push, the UN Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is asking the world to join the revolution to unlock innovative ocean science solutions. UN News spoke to experts within and outside the UN system to reveal the importance of ocean literacy. Empowering people to take action Ocean literacy is commonly… Continue reading Ocean literacy and unlocking a revolution in ocean science solutions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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