UN voices concern over Greece’s suspension of asylum applications

UN voices concern over Greece’s suspension of asylum applications

The move, currently being debated in the Greek Parliament, would halt asylum registration for three months and allow for the return of new arrivals without assessing their claims. It follows a recent rise in landings on the southern islands of Gavdos and Crete. While acknowledging the strain of managing new arrivals, UNHCR said such measures […]

UN calls for reversal of US sanctions on Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese

UN calls for reversal of US sanctions on Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese

They’re calling for the decision to be reversed, warning it could undermine the wider international human rights system. The sanctions were announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday under a Presidential Executive Order. Mr. Rubio alleged that Ms. Albanese had “directly engaged with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in efforts to investigate, […]

UN warns of deepening health crisis in Gaza amid mass casualty incidents

UN warns of deepening health crisis in Gaza amid mass casualty incidents

Across the Gaza Strip, as people desperately search for food, mass casualty incidents are reported almost daily, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, told reporters at his regular briefing in New York. Hospitals, already under immense strain, are struggling to cope and lack of essential supplies – including fuel and medicines – is placing even greater pressure […]

Ukrainian baker rises above adversity

Ms. Honcharenko’s story, like her bread, has risen through layers of loss, resilience, and hope. Before 2014, she lived in Horlivka, in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, working as a doctor at a mine and raising four children with her husband, Dmytro. Life was stable, full of routine and love.  When the fighting in Donetsk broke out […]

‘Very limited time to react’: Texas flash floods expose challenges in early warning

‘Very limited time to react’: Texas flash floods expose challenges in early warning

The UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that the tragedy highlights growing global challenges around extreme rainfall, warning dissemination and community preparedness. Flash floods are the most lethal form of flooding, responsible for over 5,000 deaths annually and 85 per cent of all flood-related fatalities worldwide, according to WMO data, and result in economic losses […]

Yemen deserves hope and dignity, Security Council hears

Yemen deserves hope and dignity, Security Council hears

For over a decade, Yemen has endured conflict between Houthi rebels and government forces. Millions of lives and livelihoods remain at risk, and the conflict shows no sign of ending. “The appetite for a military escalation remains,” Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, told ambassadors. While violence remains an immediate threat, he noted that […]

US tariff delay deepens trade uncertainty, warns top UN economist

US tariff delay deepens trade uncertainty, warns top UN economist

While the initial 90-day pause on so-called “reciprocal” tariffs offered some relief compared to planned increases of up to 50 per cent, the US imposed a 10 per cent baseline tariff instead, added on top of existing duties. This means many countries – especially developing economies – faced higher costs exporting goods to the US. […]

In South Asia, anaemia threatens women’s health and economic futures

In South Asia, anaemia threatens women’s health and economic futures

The warning, issued jointly by UN agencies and the regional socio-economic bloc SAARC on Wednesday, underscores South Asia’s status as the “global epicentre” of anaemia among adolescent girls and women. An estimated 259 million already suffer from the condition, which impairs the body’s ability to carry oxygen, contributing to chronic fatigue, poor maternal outcomes, and […]

UN calls on Taliban to end repressive policies

UN calls on Taliban to end repressive policies

Adopted with 116 votes in favour, 12 abstentions and 2 against (Israel and United States), the resolution highlighted the multifaceted crises confronting Afghanistan nearly four years after the Taliban’s return to power, calling for greater international support for the Afghan people and a renewed push for human rights, peace and stability. It emphasised the need […]

‘Cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation,’ UN chief declares at BRICS summit

‘Cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation,’ UN chief declares at BRICS summit

Speaking at the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he emphasised the human impact of environmental devastation and climate change.  And as environmental disasters increase, the sustainable development goals are also being left behind.   “Across the world, lives and livelihoods are being ripped apart, and sustainable development gains left in tatters as […]

Ukraine: UN refugee agency helps repair homes amid ongoing conflict

Ukraine: UN refugee agency helps repair homes amid ongoing conflict

In the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, housing remains one of the country’s most urgent humanitarian and recovery challenges. The destruction has been widespread and ongoing. According to the latest Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, 13 per cent of Ukraine’s housing stock has been damaged since February 2022, impacting an estimated 2.5 […]

South Sudan’s longest cholera outbreak enters critical stage

South Sudan’s longest cholera outbreak enters critical stage

The outbreak – which started in September 2024 and was confirmed a month later – comes amidst a protracted humanitarian crisis exacerbated by rising intercommunal violence, climate shocks such as flooding and catastrophic hunger.   “Now, more than ever, collective action is needed to reduce tensions, resolve political differences and make tangible progress in implementing […]

Gaza: Hospitals rationing critical supplies, ambulances stalling

Gaza: Hospitals rationing critical supplies, ambulances stalling

What little fuel remains is powering essential operations, but it is running out fast, and there are virtually no additional accessible stocks left, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said, citing reports from the UN relief coordination office, OCHA.   “Hospitals are rationing. Ambulances are stalling. Water systems are on the brink. And the deaths this is […]

UN summit confronts AI’s dawn of wonders and warnings

UN summit confronts AI’s dawn of wonders and warnings

The AI for Good Global Summit 2025 brings together governments, tech leaders, academics, civil society and young people to explore how artificial intelligence can be directed toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and away from growing risks of inequality, disinformation and environmental strain. “We are the AI generation,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, chief of the International […]

UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan as displacement, hunger and disease escalate

UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan as displacement, hunger and disease escalate

The situation is particularly dire in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province, which has witnessed some of the worst episodes of the ongoing conflict between rival militaries. Those remaining in El Fasher are facing “extreme shortages” of food and clean water, with markets repeatedly disrupted, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the […]

Human rights must anchor the digital age, says UN’s Türk

Human rights must anchor the digital age, says UN’s Türk

Digital technologies have the potential to drive progress and strengthen rights, including connecting people, improving access to health and education, and much more. But the pace of their evolution also poses serious risks, warned Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – from restrictions on free expression and privacy violations to discrimination and growing […]

UN rights office urges restraint in Kenya as fresh protests turn deadly

UN rights office urges restraint in Kenya as fresh protests turn deadly

Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani cited Kenyan police reports of at least 11 deaths, 52 injured police officers, and 567 arrests. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported slightly different figures: at least 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, 37 arrests, and two abductions. Protests erupted in 16 counties, with police reportedly using live ammunition, rubber bullets, […]