All articles tagged with #un
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.
At a UN Security Council emergency meeting, the US was condemned by allies and the UN Secretary General for violating international law through the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and military actions in Venezuela, with critics arguing it undermines international order.
U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz defended recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela, asserting they are not occupation or regime change but law enforcement operations targeting narcotraffickers, amidst international criticism and concerns over regional stability.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights criticizes the US military action in Venezuela, arguing it violates international law, undermines global security, and does not address the country's human rights issues, calling for adherence to the UN charter and a focus on diplomatic solutions.
Israel's recognition of Somaliland has sparked global outcry, leading to an emergency United Nations meeting to address the diplomatic implications.
The UN and US have signed a $2 billion aid agreement to support 17 crisis-affected countries, aiming to save millions of lives through improved and efficient humanitarian efforts in 2026, emphasizing accountability and diplomacy.
PassBlue announces the UN Persons of the Year for 2025, highlighting Philippe Lazzarini for his leadership during the Gaza crisis, with other notable figures including Tom Fletcher and António Guterres recognized for their humanitarian efforts and diplomatic roles amid ongoing conflicts.
The UN Security Council is meeting to discuss issues including extending the support mission in Somalia, Iran's nuclear deal implementation, and a tense emergency session requested by Venezuela amid US-Venezuela tensions.
Yemen's government and Houthis have agreed to exchange thousands of prisoners, with around 3,000 detainees to be released following talks in Oman, marking a positive step towards easing the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
The UN Security Council has called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces from eastern Congo and extended the peacekeeping mission MONUSCO for a year amid ongoing conflict involving the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, despite a recent peace deal and accusations of Rwandan support for the rebels. The situation remains tense with continued fighting and a significant humanitarian crisis in the region.
A UN-backed report finds that while Gaza is no longer experiencing famine, 1.6 million people still face severe food insecurity, with ongoing risks if hostilities resume, highlighting the fragile humanitarian situation amid ongoing conflict and the need for sustained aid and peace efforts.