This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN’s emergency relief chief on Wednesday condemned the “$1 billion-a-day” cost of the war in the Middle East, at a time when humanitarian needs are soaring and aid funding is falling dangerously short. “We’re seeing the consequences spread faster than we can respond”, warned the UN emergency […]UN relief chief condemns ‘$1 billion-a-day’ cost of war in Middle East
March 12, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN’s emergency relief chief on Wednesday condemned the “$1 billion-a-day” cost of the war in the Middle East, at a time when humanitarian needs are soaring and aid funding is falling dangerously short. “We’re seeing the consequences spread faster than we can respond”, warned the UN emergency […]World News in Brief: Türk’s South Sudan ceasefire call, Ukraine strikes, Gaza food alert, Afghan returnees
March 11, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Tuesday condemned accounts of “gruesome killings” of civilians in South Sudan, the destruction and poisoning of key water sources and fresh waves of mass displacement. Tweet URL https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=UN_News_Centre&dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2031338097816855012&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.un.org%2Fen%2Fstory%2F2026%2F03%2F1167112&sessionId=2d6b0f89295cbfdd02b3278a2b0c8c07970d1373&siteScreenName=UN_News_Centre&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px In an appeal for an immediate ceasefire, he said that over the […]An ‘alarming’ two-thirds of children say cyberbullying has increased
March 11, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Around two-thirds of children worldwide report an increase in cyberbullying, with one in two say they don’t know how to get the right support, according to a recent poll carried out by the UN’s top official who works to end violence against children. The report highlights “alarming […]‘Toxic rain’ warning from oil depot strikes amid ongoing Middle East war
March 11, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Toxic “black rain” linked to strikes on oil depots, mass displacement and continuing disruption to aid supply chains are upending lives across the Middle East and beyond after 10 days of war in the region, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, UN Human […]Humanitarian crisis ‘worsening’ in Afghanistan as war erupts in the Middle East
March 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Crises in the region on both Afghanistan’s longest borders are undermining the country’s stability, a senior UN official warned the Security Council on Monday as concerns over Middle East crisis grow amid clashes with Pakistan and a worsening humanitarian crisis. The conflict in the Middle East is […]Nearly 700,000 displaced in Lebanon as Middle East crisis escalates
March 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. On day 10 of the war engulfing the Middle East, UN agencies on Monday reported massive displacement across the region, along with surging food and fuel prices that risk increasing hunger and suffering for the most vulnerable. In Lebanon alone, nearly 700,000 people including around 200,000 children […]Women’s representation in parliament sees sluggish gains
March 9, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Women held 27.5 per cent of parliamentary seats worldwide as the year began –a 0.3 per cent increase from 2025, marking the slowest growth in nearly a decade, according to a new report from the UN-backed Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The report titled Women in parliament 2025 released […]On day seven of Middle East war, no let-up in suffering
March 9, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The escalating war in the Middle East has heightened growing concerns about further civilian suffering and displacement in the region and far beyond, UN agencies said on Friday. Seven days since Israeli and US bombing in Iran prompted ongoing counter-strikes across the Middle East, humanitarians confirmed massive […]Lebanon ‘dragged back into turmoil’, UN envoy warns
March 9, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Lebanon has been “dragged back into a state of turmoil and violence”, the UN’s top envoy in the country warned on Saturday, after the latest round of regional strikes triggered a fast‑escalating crisis along the Blue Line. What had been fragile but real momentum, she said, has […]MIDDLE EAST LIVE: Strikes continue across Middle East as humanitarian concerns grow
March 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Highlights Production team: Vibhu Mishra with Daniel Johnson in GenevaToday 12:15 μ.μ. UN rights office warns displacement orders in Lebanon affecting hundreds of thousands The UN human rights office has warned that large-scale displacement orders and ongoing airstrikes in Lebanon are worsening the suffering of civilians already affected […]UN calls for fair play in the global race for critical minerals
March 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt are central to the transition to a zero-carbon economy. As the Security Council meets on Thursday to discuss “energy, critical minerals and security,” here is some of the work the UN is doing to ensure that the transition is just […]MIDDLE EAST LIVE: Further escalation drives uncertainty and suffering
March 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. On day six of the war in the Middle East, there’s been no let-up in bombs, drones and rockets targeting Iran, Israel, Lebanon and many Gulf States, while NATO forces reportedly intercepted a missile fired at Türkiye by Iran, a claim denied by Tehran. We’ll bring you […]Imprisoned Iranian protesters face ‘expedited’ executions
March 5, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. As US, Israeli and Iranian strikes continued for a fifth day, a top Human Rights Council probe warned on Wednesday that Iranian prisoners including detained protesters face expedited death penalty proceedings. The Independent International Fact Finding Mission (FFM) on Iran, which was created by the Council in […]MIDDLE EAST LIVE: Conflict continues across region amid US, Israeli and Iranian strikes
March 5, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Violence in the Middle East is continuing into a fifth day, with US and Israeli strikes against Iran and Iranian missile and drone attacks reported across several countries in the region. The escalating confrontation is disrupting airspace, transport and daily life while raising fears of a wider […]‘The world is looking to you for clarity’, UN chief tells AI experts
March 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Secretary-General António Guterres told the inaugural meeting of a new independent group of experts on Artificial Intelligence convened by the UN that they have a huge responsibility to help shape how it is used “for the benefit of humanity”. “Individually, you come from diverse regions and disciplines, bringing […]How AI is already reshaping working conditions
March 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. From delivery couriers compelled to follow the demands of online platform algorithms to content moderators who confront pornography and death every day while training artificial intelligence (AI) systems, the impact of new technologies on working conditions is becoming increasingly obvious. Experts from around the world shared a […]Iran crisis: Schoolgirls killed, thousands displaced and aid compromised
March 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. On the fourth day of Israeli and United States airstrikes against Iran and amid growing violence and instability in the Middle East, the UN urgently called for protection of civilians and warned of growing displacement and humanitarian needs. UN human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani also recalled […]World News in Brief: Gaza crossings closed, fighting in Sudan continues, Afghanistan quake victims
March 3, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The escalating violence in the Middle East region is compounding an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Speaking at the regular noon briefing in New York on Monday, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that Israeli authorities have closed all crossings and suspended humanitarian movements. Planned rotations of […]Why medicinal plants matter on World Wildlife Day
March 3, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Medicinal plants and their varied uses span from ancient medicine to modern cosmetics and pharmaceuticals amid a surging demand for more. Ahead of World Wildlife Day, marked annually on 3 March, we’re delving into why medicinal plants matter. Plants are critical for ecosystems to economies, said Danna […]Justice on the move: Mobile courts offer hope for communities in South Sudan
March 3, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Travelling more than 200 kilometres (124 miles) from Yambio, the capital of Western Equatoria State in southwestern South Sudan, a team of justice experts escorted by United Nations peacekeepers moved slowly along rough, dusty roads, determined to reach communities that have waited years for their day in court. […]MIDDLE EAST LIVE: Strikes continue from US, Israel and Iran as UN urges restraint
March 3, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Violent escalation in the Middle East has entered a third day as coordinated US and Israeli strikes against Iran aimed at regime change continue to cause loss of life and damage across the region, prompting Iranian missile and drone counter-strikes hitting targets in multiple countries. Explosions, airspace […]Iran crisis: Nuclear watchdog urges restraint amid ongoing strikes
March 2, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. As the violent escalation in the Middle East entered a third day on Monday sparked by the bombing of Iran by Israel and the United States, the head of the UN atomic energy agency urged a return to diplomacy, given the “increasing risk to nuclear safety” in […]Iran strikes ‘squandered a chance for diplomacy’: Guterres
March 2, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. “Everything must be done” to prevent wider escalation of war across the Middle East following joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran, and retaliatory action from Tehran targeting multiple countries in the region, the UN Secretary-General told the Security Council on Saturday. António Guterres described the day’s events as […]Deadly bombing of Iran primary school ‘a grave violation of humanitarian law’: UNESCO
March 2, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN education agency, UNESCO, says that the bombing of a primary school during the US and Israeli military attacks on Iran on Saturday constitutes a grave violation of humanitarian law. The missiles reportedly destroyed a girl’s primary school in Minab, southern Iran, killing around 150 and […]Attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes ‘undermine international peace and security’
March 1, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the heads of UN agencies have condemned Saturday’s joint Israeli and US attacks on Iran and the Iranian retaliatory strikes on Israel and the Gulf Regions. The attack on Iran reportedly targeted military sites as well as the leadership of the Iranian […]Human Rights Council hears of ongoing risk of further genocidal violence in Sudan
February 27, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Nearly three years of war in Sudan have been marked by killings, rape and other violations, with risk of genocidal violence spreading, the UN Human Rights Council heard on Thursday. The brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was the focus of debate as the Geneva-based […]World News in Brief: Russian strikes on Ukraine condemned, migrant deaths update, devastating floods in southern Brazil
February 27, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN on Thursday condemned the latest attacks against civilians in Ukraine by Russian forces, reiterating that they always constitute a violation of international law “and must stop immediately.” Briefing reporters in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said any strike against civilians anywhere – or any […]Palestine: UN rights chief highlights suffering, atrocity crimes ‘that remain unpunished
February 27, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN rights chief Volker Türk on Thursday highlighted the “human-made disaster” across the Occupied Palestinian Territory stemming from Israel’s disregard for human rights norms and serious violations also committed by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. Citing a new report from his office (OHCHR) covering the […]Over a billion fear losing land and homes within five years
February 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Despite global progress in strengthening land tenure and governance, more than a billion people worldwide – nearly one in four adults – fear they could lose the rights to some or all of their land and housing within the next five years. The finding comes in a UN-backed report that […]Central African Republic enters ‘decisive’ phase after landmark elections
February 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Fresh from holding the most extensive elections in its history, the Central African Republic (CAR) is entering what the UN’s top envoy in the country describes as a “decisive period” in consolidating fragile peace gains, even as security challenges persist and disarmament efforts continue. Briefing the Security […]South Sudan: Funding gaps threaten nearly 2 million displaced people
February 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Funding shortfalls are putting the lives of more than 1.9 million displaced people in South Sudan at risk amid rising humanitarian needs, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Wednesday. The warning comes as the world’s youngest nation remains among the top displacement crises, with nearly 10 million people in need of humanitarian assistance including returnees fleeing the war in neighbouring Sudan. IOM requires just over $131 million for […]World News in Brief: Arab economies rise, rights experts call for police reform in India, Ukraine school closures, Myanmar airstrikes
February 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. A new UN report forecasts that the Arab region is seeing a gradual economic recovery despite continuing geopolitical uncertainties. The UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) on Wednesday reported that regional growth is projected to pick up from 2.9 per cent last year to 3.7 per cent […]Ukraine: ‘Use every diplomatic tool to end this war’, top UN official tells Security Council
February 25, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The international community must “use every diplomatic tool” to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Tuesday as Russia’s full-scale invasion entered a fifth year. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, delivered remarks on behalf of […]
