All articles tagged with #un
The UN’s human rights chief warned that a Taliban decree expands the death penalty, authorises corporal punishment, and criminalises dissent, deepening repression and rights abuses—especially against women—and called for its reversal and a moratorium on executions.
Members of Donald Trump’s Board of Peace pledged more than $7bn for a Gaza relief package as part of a US-brokered plan to disarm Hamas and rebuild Gaza, with the UN contributing $2bn and several Western allies declining to join; the effort faces questions about the feasibility of a new Palestinian police force and whether Hamas will disarm, while Israel emphasizes demilitarisation before reconstruction.
The Vatican says it will not join Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” arguing that crisis management should be led by the United Nations. Cardinal Pietro Parolin indicated the board’s nature raises concerns that need resolution, while Italy and several EU observers will attend as observers; Britain, France and Norway reportedly did not sign on. The move highlights tensions over the board’s expanded remit and Trump’s indefinite chairmanship, with the Pope emphasizing the UN’s key role and adherence to humanitarian law in conflicts like Gaza.
More than 80 UN member states (from 85) condemned Israel's moves to expand control in the West Bank, calling unilateral steps a violation of international law and possibly a de facto annexation. They urged reversal, opposing changes to the territory’s demographic and legal status after Israel advanced measures including land registration as state property and tighter control over areas administered by the Palestinian Authority; the UN secretary-general also urged reversal, citing destabilising and unlawful implications.
The Vatican will not participate in President Trump's Gaza Recovery Board of Peace, arguing that the UN should lead crisis response and noting its mission differs from that of other states; the board will proceed without Vatican involvement, with participating countries pledging more than $5 billion in aid as Israel participates.
Indonesia’s military says up to 8,000 troops could be ready by the end of June for a humanitarian peacekeeping mission in Gaza, with about 1,000 personnel as an advance team by April. Deployment depends on government approval and international mechanisms, and Indonesia emphasizes a non-combat role focused on civilian protection, medical services, reconstruction and humanitarian aid.
The United Nations says at least 170 civilians were killed in military air strikes during Myanmar’s weeks-long, widely denounced election, with around 408 aerial attacks recorded from December to late January. The vote was dismissed as a sham by multiple countries and rights groups, and large parts of the country remained unable to vote amid ongoing civil conflict; the military-backed USDP appeared poised for a landslide following a tightly controlled process.
Trump announced the charter of a new "Board of Peace" at Davos, a body intended to resolve international conflicts with a $1 billion permanent-membership fee, initially tied to Gaza but described as capable of tackling other crises and potentially challenging the United Nations. Trump will chair the board, with a founding council including Rubio, Tony Blair, Kushner and others; about 50–60 countries were invited, with up to 25 having signed on. Several major powers and Palestinians remain skeptical or absent from the initiative.
Trump pitches a 'Board of Peace' to oversee Gaza reconstruction, hinting it could replace the UN and naming himself as an indefinite chair, with a $1 billion permanent-seat option that alarms allies and UN officials. The plan has drawn mixed reactions—some countries have joined or shown interest, others declined—and experts question feasibility and the impact on international law and peace efforts, while the UN says it cannot be replaced by such a board.
Nickolay Mladenov, a veteran diplomat and former UN Middle East envoy, has been named High Representative for Gaza to turn the US-brokered 20-point ceasefire into a viable peace program. He will link a technocratic Gaza committee with a White House–backed Board of Peace and must shepherd Hamas disarmament, Gaza reconstruction for two million residents, and governance acceptable to Israelis, Palestinians, and Americans. While lauded for his cross‑party trust and pragmatic approach, some Palestinians warn his ties to both Israel and Hamas could complicate an even‑handed path, underscoring risks of competing Palestinian authorities. Success hinges on political will and broad cooperation among key players.
The United Nations reports that 2025 was Ukraine's deadliest year for civilians since 2022, with at least 2,514 killed and more injured, a 31% rise from 2024 and 70% from 2023, driven by intensified hostilities and the expanded use of long-range weapons. The year included the deadliest attack in Ternopil and widespread power outages around Kyiv as Russia targeted energy infrastructure amid freezing conditions.
Venezuela’s rollout of political-prisoner releases remains slow, with only about 56 of more than 800 detainees freed as of Monday, far short of government claims and prompting families to demand proof of life and full, unconditional releases; rights groups say many remain detained or disappeared, the UN calls the numbers inadequate, and a few high-profile prisoners have been released amid US pressure.
The UN Secretary-General stated that the US has a legal obligation to pay its dues to UN agencies despite the Trump administration's decision to withdraw support from over 30 initiatives, including climate and humanitarian programs, which has caused concern among UN officials and diplomats.
The Secretary-General expresses regret over the US decision to withdraw from certain UN entities but affirms that the UN will continue to fulfill its mandates and responsibilities regardless.
The UN rights chief has accused Israel of systemic discrimination against Palestinians in the West Bank, comparing its policies to apartheid, citing legal segregation, land confiscation, and unequal treatment, with the situation worsening since 2022 and amid recent settlement expansions.