Escalating Israeli settler activity in the Palestinian territories and the Syrian Golan, along with the destruction of resources in Gaza represent an unprecedented catastrophe reversing “77 years of human development”, a senior United Nations official warned the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today as it took up the issue of those lands. Youssef Chaitani, Chief […]

Transparency and confidence-building measures emerged as a central theme in the First Committee’s (Disarmament and International Security) first day of thematic debates on nuclear weapons, as States underscored their value in reducing nuclear risks amid ongoing arsenal modernization, the erosion of arms-control frameworks, and rising political tensions. Adedeji Ebo, Deputy to the High Representative for […]

The conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan continue to deteriorate without any visible breakthrough, Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, warned the Security Council today. With the warring parties not moving towards dialogue and believing “that they can make greater gains on the battlefield”, she regretted the absence of a credible commitment to […]

In Ukraine, large-scale attacks killed at least six civilians, injured 84 and disrupted power and water supplies across 11 regions. Attacks also damaged humanitarian facilities. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission reported an 85 per cent rise in civilian casualties in September compared with a year earlier.

In Ukraine, large-scale attacks killed at least six civilians, injured 84 and disrupted power and water supplies across 11 regions. Attacks also damaged humanitarian facilities. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission reported an 85 per cent rise in civilian casualties in September compared with a year earlier.

The Security Council today renewed the sanctions regime concerning Haiti, including its travel-ban, asset-freeze and arms-embargo measures. By a recorded vote of 14 in favour to none against, with one abstention (Russian Federation), the Council adopted resolution 2831 (2026) (to be issued as document S/RES/2831(2026)). By its terms, the Council expressed concern at reports of […]

Despite significant political progress towards unifying Libya’s institutions and holding long-awaited elections, the country’s fragile economic and security situation demands urgent action,the senior United Nations official in Tripoli told the Security Council today, ahead of the Mission’s mandate renewal on 31October. “Since my last briefing, we have seen encouraging progress on the UNSMIL-facilitated political process,” […]

The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today considered the Secretary-General’s appeal for nearly $423million in 2027 for three dozen special political missions as several delegations again pushed for the creation of a special financing mechanism to sustain them. Citing the missions’ role in preventing conflicts in global hotspots, delegates urged each other to build on […]

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 […]