The challenges and prospects of regional security architecture in Europe, Middle East and East Asia were in focus as the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) continued its general debate today, with delegates presenting contrasting views on nuclear deterrence, non-proliferation and the humanitarian dimensions of nuclear weapons. The representative of Ukraine recalled that, in1994, his […]

Poverty eradication remains “the greatest global challenge” to the 2030Agenda and a prerequisite for advancing sustainable development, seniorUnited Nations officials and Member States stressed today asthe Second Committee (Economic and Financial) addressed the issuealongside agricultural development and food security. Charles Katoanga, Director of the Division for Inclusive Social Development of the Department of Economic and […]

With some 60 conflicts raging worldwide — the highest number since the Second World War — the United Nations human rights chief warned the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today that civilians face mounting violence, shrinking freedoms and new threats from artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human […]

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) began consideration of “the scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction” today, speakers alternately emphasized the importance of combatting impunity and ensuring that justice is not applied selectively. Universal jurisdiction enables States to prosecute the most serious international crimes, regardless of where they were committed or the nationality […]

The following statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today: I warmly congratulate Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on being awarded the 2026Nobel Peace Prize. For decades, she has been a champion of international law and human rights, and a steadfast, independent voice of justice amidst some of the most historic international legal cases of our […]

In Yemen, the UN and humanitarian partners have provided emergency assistance to nearly 148,000 people since August amid displacement and shortages in Taiz. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of surging cholera cases, while the UN continues urging safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.

Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, challenges to international peace and security, geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts, as well as possible threats from artificial intelligence, remained central topics of the general debate today in the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security). The discussion reflected differing national positions on ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and tensions […]

As fighting intensifies across Yemen and attacks on civilian infrastructure threaten regional stability and vital Red Sea shipping routes, senior United Nations officials briefing the Security Council today called for an end to hostilities, unhindered humanitarian access and a return to negotiations. “Ultimately, gains on the battlefield cannot substitute for the negotiations that will be […]

Critical to the rule of law is criminal accountability for United Nations officials and experts on mission, the Sixth Committee (Legal) heard today, and speakers spotlighted the importance of both as debate concluded on the former and commenced on the latter. “Criminal accountability is a foundation of the rule of law,” stressed Nigeria’s representative.  Nigeria […]

Russian Federation strikes have killed over 100civilians across Ukraine this week, United Nations officials told the Security Council today, warning that intensifying attacks on cities and critical infrastructure threaten to leave millions without electricity, heating and water as winter approaches. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, […]

The Security Council today extended until 11December the 1591 Sudan sanctions regime, including targeted sanctions and an arms embargo,to permit additional time for negotiations on extending the measures. Unanimously adopting resolution 2830 (2026) (to be issued as document S/RES/2830 (2026), the Council— acting under ChapterVII of the Charter of the United Nations—also reaffirmed and extended […]

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) continued its consideration of “the rule of law at the national and international levels” today, speakers detailed how its interaction with the International Law Commission can bridge State perspectives and legal expertise. This relationship is rooted in Article 13 of the Charter of the United Nations, noted the representative of […]