UNICEF/Zehbrauskas
New Year’s Day a reminder of need for action to prevent newborn deaths: UNICEF
31 December 2019
Health
The world will welcome more than 392,000 babies on New Year’s Day, according to estimates from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
WFP/Simon Pierre Diouf
Sub-Saharan Africa faces grave hunger challenges in 2020: UN food relief agency
31 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
At the dawn of the next decade, a new World Food Programme (WFP) forecast of global hunger hotspots has revealed that escalating hunger will challenge sub-Saharan Africa in the first half of 2020.
UNICEF/Loulou d'Aki
Israel/Palestine war crimes probe ‘momentous step forward’, says UN rights expert
31 December 2019
Human Rights
An independent UN human rights expert hailed on Tuesday, the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to consider a formal criminal investigation into allegations of war crimes in Palestine as a "momentous step forward in the quest for accountability" in the five-decade-long Israeli occupation.
LATEST NEWS
UNAMA/Najeeb Farzad
2019: The UN News year in photos
31 December 2019
Peace and Security
From sustainable development to economic development, and human rights to humanitarian aid, UN News provides daily coverage across all of the Organization's key issues – health, migration, climate change and so much more.
UN News/Daniel Dickinson
FIRST PERSON: ‘You can’t get paid for staring out of the window’ - How I proved my teacher wrong
31 December 2019
Human Rights
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is marking its centenary in 2019 and as part of the commemoration has launched a photography project called “Dignity at Work: The American Experience” to document the working life of people across the United States. UN News joined the ILO on a visit to the southern US state of Louisiana.
Audio - 11'5" Playlist
UNAMID/Amin Ismail
Sudan: UN mission envoy commends signing of Darfur framework agreement
30 December 2019
Peace and Security
The joint chief mediator for the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, UNAMID, welcomed on Monday a framework agreement between the Transitional Government of Sudan and the Darfur armed movements that was signed during peace talks in Juba, South Sudan, on Saturday.
WFP/Matteo Cosorich
WFP calls for increased support as eight million in Zimbabwe face hunger
30 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
The World Food Programme (WFP) is calling on countries to step up support to Zimbabwe, where millions of people are facing hunger brought on by prolonged drought and economic meltdown.
© UNICEF/Marko Kokic
Deadly decade: UNICEF reports three-fold rise in verified attacks on children since 2010
30 December 2019
Peace and Security
Conflicts around the world are lasting longer and claiming more young lives, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said on Monday, as the agency reported that over this ‘deadly decade’, there has been a three-fold rise in verified attacks on children since 2010 – an average of 45 violations a day.
UNDP/Dany Kelleter
FROM THE FIELD: Nepal’s magic mushrooms
30 December 2019
SDGs
The traditional cultivation of oyster mushrooms in Nepal, which has required burning large quantities of wood, has been replaced by the environmentally friendly use of solar power, thanks to a project supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
UN Photo
Guterres's message for 2020: In world of turmoil, youth are its ‘greatest source’ of hope
29 December 2019
Climate Change
As the world enters 2020 with “uncertainty and insecurity all around”, the United Nations chief maintained that the world’s young people are its "greatest source” of hope.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
Continued airstrikes in western Libya ‘utterly unacceptable’, says UN mission chief
29 December 2019
Peace and Security
The top United Nations official in Libya has condemned recent airstrikes targeting civilian installations that left at least three people dead and several others injured.
ILO Photo/John Isaac
FIRST PERSON: Louisiana alligator whisperer’s ‘dream job’
29 December 2019
Human Rights
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is marking its centenary in 2019 and as part of the commemoration has launched a photography project called “Dignity at Work: The American Experience” to document the working life of people across the United States. UN News joined the ILO on a visit to the southern US state of Louisiana.
Audio - 11'5" Playlist
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Secretary-General condemns ‘horrendous’ Somalia car bomb attack
28 December 2019
Peace and Security
Perpetrators behind the deadly terrorist attack in Somalia on Saturday must be brought to justice, the UN Secretary-General has said.
LATEST NEWS
ILO Photo/John Isaac
FIRST PERSON: Accordion maker has ‘never had so much fun’
28 December 2019
Human Rights
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is marking its centenary in 2019 and as part of the commemoration has launched a photography project called “Dignity at Work: The American Experience” to document the working life of people across the United States. UN News joined the ILO on a visit to the southern US state of Louisiana.
Audio - 11'5" Playlist
UN Photo/Kim Haughton
General Assembly approves $3 billion UN budget for 2020
27 December 2019
UN Affairs
The UN General Assembly on Friday adopted a budget of $3,073,830,500 for the United Nations to cover the year 2020 .
WFP/Alexis Masciarelli
Haiti: Food insecurity expected to rise next year, UN humanitarian agency reports
27 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
The number of Haitians who do not have sufficient food to eat is expected to surpass four million next year, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Friday.
PAHO
Accelerating towards a fairer future
27 December 2019
SDGs
Cutting child mortality by a third in Brazil, reaching carbon neutrality in Finland and redirecting trillions of dollars of investment to funds that promote sustainability: these are some examples of initiatives from governments, civil society and the private sector, designed to speed up the UN’s goal of achieving a fairer society for all.
© UNICEF/Josh Estey
Pakistan blasphemy death sentence ‘travesty of justice’, say UN experts
27 December 2019
Human Rights
Independent UN human rights experts condemned on Friday the death sentence of a university lecturer charged with blasphemy in Pakistan, calling the ruling "a travesty of justice".
UN Photo
The 2010 – 2020 UN News Decade in Review, part three
27 December 2019
UN Affairs
The final part of our look back over the past decade takes in the launch of the 2030 Agenda, the UN’s blueprint for a better future for all; the humanitarian response to the Rohingya refugee crisis; the successful end to the mandate of the UN Liberia Mission; and fresh momentum in the fight against the climate crisis, despite disappointment over the COP25 climate conference in Madrid.
ILO Photo/John Isaac
Women in Business 'must be knowledgeable and trust their knowledge'
27 December 2019
Women
Women who set up their own businesses will succeed if they are knowledgeable about their field and “trust their knowledge”; that’s according to the owner of a successful wine bar and store in the city of New Orleans in the United States.
Audio - 9'56" Playlist
© UNICEF/Andrey Kim
UN refugee agency welcomes move to register all births in Kazakhstan
26 December 2019
Human Rights
The decision to ensure that all babies born in Kazakhstan are registered at birth and issued birth certificates has been welcomed by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.
Audio - 4'2" Playlist
UNAMA/Najeeb Farzad
Ending war only ‘real hope’ for prosperous Afghanistan: UN mission chief
26 December 2019
Peace and Security
Only by ending the war in Afghanistan can there be “real hope” for a prosperous future for the country, the top UN official there said on Thursday.
Andrew Bardwell
Independent UN rights experts raise alarm over ‘incommunicado detention’ of Chinese scholar
26 December 2019
Human Rights
Independent United Nations human rights experts expressed apprehension on Thursday over the “incommunicado detention” of a Uyghur Muslim academic who has reportedly been sentenced to death.
LATEST NEWS
UNDP
FROM THE FIELD: The Comeback Crane
26 December 2019
SDGs
An endangered species of crane has been saved from extinction in Thailand, thanks to a project supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
ILO/John Isaac
FIRST PERSON: Community helping to heal New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina
26 December 2019
Women
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is marking its centenary in 2019 and as part of the commemoration has launched a photography project called “Dignity at Work: The American Experience” to document the working life of people across the United States. UN News joined the ILO on a visit to the southern US state of Louisiana.
Audio - 9'56" Playlist
Burkina Faso has been targeted with violent attacks since 2015. (file)
Violent attack in Burkina Faso leaves dozens of women dead, draws censure of UN chief
25 December 2019
Peace and Security
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has “strongly" condemned an attack carried out yesterday by unidentified gunmen in northern Burkina Faso.
UN Photo/Rein Skullerud
UN chief offers the world wishes for ‘peace and a blessed New Year’
25 December 2019
Peace and Security
While visiting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres extended wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a blessed New Year.
UN Photo
The 2010 – 2020 UN News Decade in Review, part two
25 December 2019
Peace and Security
With the 2020s now in full view, welcome to the second in our three-part series looking back at some of the major UN-related stories of the past decade. In part two, we take in the years 2014 to 2016, which saw the worst outbreak of Ebola ever recorded; new hope that the climate crisis could be tackled by world leaders, through the historic Paris climate agreement; a UN mission in Colombia to facilitate a much-awaited peace process; and the launch of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, a plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity.
ILO Photo/John Isaac
FIRST PERSON: Feeling the milliner’s vibe
25 December 2019
Women
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is marking its centenary in 2019 and as part of the commemoration has launched a photography project called “Dignity at Work: The American Experience” to document the working life of people across the United States. UN News joined the ILO on a visit to the southern US state of Louisiana.
Audio - 11'5" Playlist
OCHA/Yasmina Guerda
UN chief urges action following execution, abduction of civilians in Nigeria
24 December 2019
Peace and Security
Those responsible for the recent execution and abduction of civilians in northeastern Nigeria must be held accountable, the UN Secretary-General has said, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson.
UN Photo/Cia Pak
Guterres stresses need for independent, ‘impartial investigation’ into Saudi journalist Khashoggi’s death
24 December 2019
Human Rights
As Saudi Arabia handed death sentences to five people and sent three others to jail for the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the United Nations Secretary-General continued to stress the need for “an independent and impartial investigation”.
Audio - 14'42" Playlist
© UNICEF/Aaref Watad
Amidst uptick in violence and displacement, UN chief calls for ‘immediate cessation of hostilities’ in Syria
24 December 2019
Peace and Security
“Deeply concerned” over a recent military escalation in northwest Syria, Secretary-General António Guterres called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities”.
UN-Habitat/Felix Vollmann
FROM THE FIELD: Preventing Ethiopia’s trash from going to waste
24 December 2019
SDGs
The rehabilitation of a dumpsite in Ethiopia in which 116 people died following a landslide two years ago, has made the area safer for people working there thanks to support from the UN human settlements agency UN-Habitat.
LATEST NEWS
ILO Photo/John Isaac
FIRST PERSON: ‘Big Chief’ and the million beads
24 December 2019
Culture and Education
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is marking its centenary in 2019 and as part of the commemoration has launched a photography project called “Dignity at Work: The American Experience” to document the working life of people across the United States. UN News joined the ILO on a visit to the southern US state of Louisiana.
Audio - 11'5" Playlist
OCHA/Ammar Al-Hajj
UN relief chief condemns attacks against humanitarian premises in Yemen
23 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
The top UN humanitarian official has called for a thorough investigation into weekend attacks against the premises of three international aid organizations in Yemen that wounded one person, in addition to damaging property.
© UNICEF/Donata Lodi
Much work needed to ‘target unacceptable levels’ of racism in Ecuador: UN experts
23 December 2019
Human Rights
Ecuador must implement and enforce laws and policies to protect the rights of Afro-Ecuadorians, the UN Working Group on People of African Descent said on Monday, calling for an end to the “discrimination, exclusion and extreme poverty they suffer.”
© UNICEF/Claudio Fauvrelle
Quality immunization and surveillance help stop polio outbreaks in three African countries: WHO
23 December 2019
Health
Three African countries have halted recent polio outbreaks which indicates that the disease can be stopped elsewhere in the region, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.
UN Photo
The 2010 – 2020 UN News Decade in Review, part one
23 December 2019
UN Affairs
The teenage years of the Twenty-First Century are nearly over and, as we prepare to enter the 2020s, UN News takes a look back at some of the big stories on our global patch, that unfolded between 2010 and 2019: welcome to our three-part Decade in Review.
In part one, which takes in the period between 2010 and the end of 2013, we focus on the devastating Haiti earthquake, the beginning of the ongoing Syrian conflict, the inspiring work of Malala Yousafzai in favour of girls’ education, and the creation of what has now become “the world’s most dangerous UN mission”, in Mali.
ILO Photo/John Isaac
FIRST PERSON: Chef’s ‘labour of love’ key ingredient for life in the kitchen
23 December 2019
Women
The International Labour Organization is marking its centenary in 2019 and as part of the commemoration has launched a photography project called “Dignity at Work: The American Experience” to document the working life of people across the United States. UN News joined the ILO on a visit to the southern US state of Louisiana.
Audio - 19'12" Playlist
ILO Photo/John Isaac
‘Humanity, quiet dignity’ of workers profiled in US-wide photo project
23 December 2019
Human Rights
A small paddle-boat with two men on board finds its way through a green but muddy field planted with rice on a 120-acre farm in Scott, in the US state of Louisiana. It lurches forward as one of the men plants little metal traps into the mud every ten feet or so.
Audio - 19'12" Playlist
UNAMA/Haqmal Masoodzai
Afghan President leads election; UN mission chief urges all to ‘safeguard’ final stage of process
22 December 2019
Peace and Security
Welcoming the preliminary results for Afghanistan’s presidential election on Sunday, the head of the United Nations mission in the country urged the authorities and all actors to “protect the integrity of the final stage of the process.”
ILO Photo/John Isaac
FIRST PERSON: ‘Dog-dead tired’ with a boat full of crawfish
22 December 2019
Human Rights
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is marking its centenary in 2019 and as part of the commemoration has launched a photography project called “Dignity at Work: The American Experience” to document the working life of people across the United States. UN News joined the ILO on a visit to the southern US state of Louisiana.
Audio - 11'5" Playlist
IOM/Gregoire Gosset
After 20 years of misery as refugees, a one-way ticket to the ‘miracle’ of resettlement
21 December 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Although they spent 20 years living in a refugee camp in Uganda, Jean-Pierre Ntegyeye and Isaiah Bahati never gave up hope of leaving for a better life. Today, with help from the UN migration agency, IOM, their dream has come true, but they haven’t forgotten the plight of those left behind. Their story is told in a new movie, One Way Ticket, screened as part of the Global Migration Film Festival (GMFF).
LATEST NEWS
UN Photo/Rein Skullerud
Friday’s Daily Brief: Pope Francis, Lesotho, Iran, world corruption
20 December 2019
Peace and Security
Our top stories for Friday include: Pope Francis receives the UN chief in Rome, Lesotho famine threat, concern for jailed Iranian protestors, and strengthened global action to prevent corruption.
ICC
Top Criminal Court to conduct official probe into alleged war crimes in Palestine
20 December 2019
Law and Crime Prevention
Following a “thorough, independent and objective assessment”, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Friday that she plans to open a formal investigation into alleged war crimes in Palestine, but asked the Court for a further ruling over territorial jurisdiction.
© UNICEF/Delil Souleiman
Syria: Lack of consensus following face-to-face talks, underscores need for broader process
20 December 2019
Peace and Security
The second session of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, aiming to create a new post-war political road map for the country, failed to get off the ground due to lack of consensus over the agenda, the UN Special Envoy for the country told the Security Council on Friday.
UNsplash/Ali Barzegarahmadi
UN independent experts ‘deeply disturbed’ by alleged mistreatment of detained Iranian protesters
20 December 2019
Human Rights
Sixteen independent UN human rights experts called on Friday for the release of arbitrarily detained protesters in Iran who have allegedly been abused while in custody.
UN Photo/Rein Skullerud
Stand for peace and harmony says Guterres, following meeting with Pope Francis
20 December 2019
Peace and Security
In the midst of “turbulent and trying times”, all the world’s people must stand together in peace and harmony, the UN Secretary-General said on Friday. António Guterres was speaking following an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican, who he thanked for his strong support for the global Organization.
FAO/Elisabeth Tsehlo
Lesotho: Tens of thousands ‘one step away from famine’ as drought impacts harvests and UN launches flash appeal
20 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Devastating drought in the southern African nation of Lesotho has left more than half a million people facing severe food shortages and tens of thousands “one step away from famine”, UN humanitarians said on Friday, in an appeal for funds.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas
Iran and US both undermining nuclear deal says UN political affairs chief
19 December 2019
Peace and Security
Both Iran and the United States have been putting strain on the groundbreaking 2015 deal to monitor Iran’s nuclear programme, which remains a “cornerstone of international peace and security”, said the UN’s political affairs chief on Thursday.
UNICEF/Alessio Romenzi
Tolerance key to tackling violent extremism: UN counter-terrorism chief
19 December 2019
Peace and Security
The head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office (UNOCT) has highlighted the importance of tolerance in combating the “corrosive spread” of violent extremism.
UNICEF/UNI109337/Rachel O'Brien
Thursday’s Daily Brief: tobacco burn-out, cholera cases down, ‘shifting the needle’ on climate
19 December 2019
Climate Change
Among today’s stories: more men are quitting nicotine than ever before, a big drop in cholera cases was recorded between 2017 and 2018, and the UN calls on developed countries to raise their climate ambitions, following the disappointment of COP25.
© UNHCR/Mohammad Hawari
Life for civilians in Syria ‘worse than when the year began’
19 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
The humanitarian situation facing civilians in many parts of Syria is “worse than when the year began”, the UN deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator told the Security Council on Thursday.
LATEST NEWS
FAO/Giuseppe Carotenuto
Rights expert welcomes Pope’s decision to lift ‘veil of secrecy’ on child abuse cases
19 December 2019
Human Rights
The Vatican must take action to ensure justice for people who were sexually abused by priests during childhood, a UN independent human rights expert said on Thursday.
OCHA/Matteo Minasi
World Health Organization reports 60 per cent drop in cholera in 2018
19 December 2019
Health
International action to drive down cholera led to a 60 per cent decrease in cases in 2018, compared with the previous year, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Thursday.
Unsplash/Ali Yahya
UN health agency signals tobacco might be reaching burn-out among men
18 December 2019
Health
Two decades of increasing tobacco use around the world are set to go into reverse, UN health experts have predicted, after revealing data indicating that fewer men and boys are smoking than before.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Wednesday’s Daily Brief: Global Refugee Forum, Venezuela human rights, breast cancer hopes
18 December 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Our top stories for Wednesday include: First Global Refugee Forum ends in Geneva; Venezuela misery on multiple fronts, outlined by UN rights chief; and a breast cancer update that could make treatment affordable for millions more women.
On the outskirts of El Fasher in North Darfur, women ride donkeys on the road to Khartoum, Sudan.
‘Deliver justice’ for atrocity crimes in Darfur, top court prosecutor tells Security Council
18 December 2019
Law and Crime Prevention
“Concrete steps” must be taken towards ending impunity for atrocity crimes in Darfur, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) told the Security Council on Wednesday, during her briefing on Sudan.
K M Asad/UN
Global Refugee Forum ends with hundreds of pledges
18 December 2019
Migrants and Refugees
The first-ever Global Refugee Forum concluded in Geneva on Wednesday with more than 770 pledges of support, covering areas such as protection, employment, and education, for refugees and the communities which have taken them in.
OPS-OMS/Sebastián Oliel
Low cost breast cancer medicine move good news for women: UN health agency
18 December 2019
Health
More women could soon have access to an affordable version of an expensive life-saving breast cancer treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.
UNRWA
Only ‘concrete action’ will stop fraying of Israel-Palestine peace prospects
18 December 2019
Peace and Security
Obstacles to any lasting deal between Israel and Palestine continue to mount, the UN’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told Security Council members on Wednesday, and only “concrete action” towards a two-State solution will change that dynamic.
UN Photo/Rein Skullerud
‘New and dangerous’ global risks require multilateral solutions, Guterres tells Italian Senate
18 December 2019
Peace and Security
Shifting balances of power are triggering “new and dangerous risks”, the UN chief told the Italian Senate in Rome on Wednesday, pointing to the need for more coordinated international responses, focused on solutions.
IOM/Muse Mohammed
Misery for Venezuelans continues ahead of 2020 elections: UN rights chief Bachelet
18 December 2019
Human Rights
Demonstrations in Venezuela must be allowed to take place ahead of elections in 2020, the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Wednesday, citing continued reports of harassment, threats, and detention by intelligence services and security forces.
LATEST NEWS
©UNHCR/Santiago Escobar-Jarami
Bring global migration compact ‘to life’, urges UN chief
18 December 2019
Migrants and Refugees
As “policies shaped more by fear than fact” have caused untold suffering to migrants, the UN Secretary-General is urging countries to realize the goals of a global agreement that promotes enhanced international cooperation on migration.
Audio - 3'33" Playlist
UNMISS\Nektarios Markogiannis
South Sudan: political will needed to form a unified government, on the road to peace
17 December 2019
Peace and Security
Extending the deadline for the establishment of a unity government in South Sudan has helped maintain a ceasefire but also disillusioned many citizens, the Security Council heard on Tuesday.
© UNICEF/Saad
Tuesday’s Daily Brief: Refugees, indigenous languages, Niger, Syria and Kyrgyzstan
17 December 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Our top stories for Tuesday include: UN chief at refugee forum; eyes of the world need to be on Niger; International Year of Indigenous Languages closes; Strengthening minority rights in Kyrgyzstan; hostilities in Syria’s Idlib.
World Bank/Curt Carnemark
Two indigenous languages are dying every month: UN Assembly President
17 December 2019
Culture and Education
Despite UN efforts throughout this International Year of Indigenous Languages to highlight the daily disappearance of mother tongues across the world, the President of the General Assembly (PGA) warned on Tuesday that “challenges persist nonetheless”.
Audio - 19'40" Playlist
© UNHCR/Modesta Ndubi
World must ‘reboot’ approach to refugees, first UN Global Forum hears
17 December 2019
Migrants and Refugees
The world needs to transform the way it responds to refugee situations and do more for the struggling countries that shelter almost all of them, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday, at a high-level forum seeking solutions to a decade of extraordinary mass displacement.
© UNICEF/Husseini
Nine children killed or maimed in Afghanistan every day: UN Children’s Fund
16 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
An average of nine children have been killed or maimed every day in Afghanistan so far this year, according to a new report from the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, which describes the country as “the world’s most lethal warzone”.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Peace will be ‘paramount’ issue for incoming Afghan Government: UN mission chief
16 December 2019
Peace and Security
The search for peace will remain of “paramount importance” to Afghanistan as the country awaits the outcome of the recent presidential election, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Monday.
© UNICEF/Fati Abubakar
West Africa ‘shaken by unprecedented violence’, UN envoy tells Security Council
16 December 2019
Peace and Security
The UN envoy for West Africa and the vast Sahel region, told the Security Council on Monday that in recent months, the region has been “shaken by unprecedented violence”.
©UNHCR/Mark Henley
Monday’s Daily Brief: anti-corruption conference, refugees’ summit, food extremes, Yemen aid
16 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Our top stories for Monday include: major international conference on anti-corruption underway; first ever Global Refugee Forum kicks off; global undernutrition and obesity crisis laid bare; food aid in Yemen; the power of youth to end hunger.
Audio - 3'18" Playlist
World Bank/Chhor Sokunthea
At this ‘critical moment’, UN chief urges anti-corruption conference to adopt united front
16 December 2019
Law and Crime Prevention
As we enter the Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world must “unite against corruption” to stop precious resources from being drained by illicit financial flows, an international conference on the issue heard on Monday in Abu Dhabi.
LATEST NEWS
© UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis
Bold, innovative measures for refugees and their hosts sought, at first ever Global Forum
16 December 2019
Migrants and Refugees
As refugee numbers approach 26 million, heads of state, top UN diplomats, powerful figures from the private sector and civil society are heading to Geneva to agree on “bold, new” ways to help, at the first ever Global Refugee Forum, which got underway on Monday.
Audio - 5'57" Playlist
Public Domain
One third of poorer countries face both undernutrition and obesity: WHO report
16 December 2019
Health
With one in three low and middle-income countries facing the two extremes of malnutrition – undernutrition and obesity – the UN’s health agency WHO is calling for a new approach to deal with rapidly changing food systems.
UNFCCC
An important opportunity lost as COP25 ends in compromise, but Guterres declares 'we must not give up'
15 December 2019
Climate Change
Negotiations at the COP25 UN climate conference in Madrid finally ended on Sunday, wrapping up an event which saw much progress made by the private sector, and by national, regional and local governments. However, there was widespread disappointment that no overall consensus was reached on increased climate ambition.
© UNICEF/Romenzi
Friday’s Daily Brief: Yemen exclusive, India rights, Chile, Ebola updates
13 December 2019
Peace and Security
Our top stories for Friday include an exclusive UN News interview with Yemen Envoy Martin Griffiths; India’s new “discriminatory” citizenship law; a milestone smallpox eradication anniversary; helicopters deployed in DR Congo Ebola fight; Mediterranean migrant latest, and Chile’s deadly protests: UN report finds clear pattern of repression.
UNDP
As COP25 goes into the night, Guterres calls for more climate ambition
13 December 2019
Climate Change
With national delegations thrashing out an outcome agreement at the UN COP25 climate change conference in Madrid, the UN chief has called on countries to be more ambitious, side strongly with science, and commit to stronger action.
Audio - 15'51" Playlist
UN India
New citizenship law in India ‘fundamentally discriminatory’: UN human rights office
13 December 2019
Human Rights
A new law in India which expedites citizenship for certain religious minorities has been criticized by the UN human rights office for being “fundamentally discriminatory in nature.”
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
UN human rights report cites ‘multiple root causes’ of deadly Chile protests
13 December 2019
Human Rights
During the recent mass protests which led Chile to declare a state of emergency, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a report published on Friday that international human rights norms had been violated by both police and army personnel, which should be prosecuted.
UN Photo/Martine Perret
‘Air bridge’ vaccination operation begins for Ebola-hit communities in DR Congo
13 December 2019
Health
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has seen an increase in the number of reported cases of the deadly haemorrhagic virus Ebola linked to ongoing violence by armed groups targeting remote communities, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.
Audio - 4'16" Playlist
Government Offices of Sweden/Ninni Andersson
A year on from Yemen talks breakthrough, top UN Envoy hails ‘shift’ towards peace, despite setbacks
13 December 2019
Peace and Security
When warring parties in Yemen met in a renovated castle outside the Swedish capital last December for UN-brokered talks, they showed that perhaps there could be a way out of brutal conflict and the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, the UN Special Envoy for the country said this week.
Audio - 10'38" Playlist
UNICEF/Keïta
Unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Mali revealed in new report
12 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Escalating violence and insecurity in Mali have sparked an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, rendering 3.9 million people in need of assistance and protection – an increase of 700,000 since the beginning of the year, the UN said on Thursday.
LATEST NEWS
UN Photo/Logan Abassi
Thursday’s Daily Brief: South Sudan floods, Somalis leave Yemen, LATAM economic slowdown
12 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
In today’s Daily Brief: Flooding could push millions in South Sudan into humanitarian crisis, Somalis return home from war-torn Yemen; historically low growth in Latin American and Caribbean economies; UN’s top court will deliberate on Myanmar genocide accusations; and alpinism’s classified a “cultural treasure”.
ILO/Marcel Crozet
‘Embrace the transformation’ to a carbon-neutral world by 2050, UN chief tells COP25
12 December 2019
Climate Change
With millions of workers increasingly affected by the climate crisis the route to securing livelihoods in the future lies in a wholesale transformation of how we power the planet and manage our resources, the UN chief said on Thursday, at a COP25 climate action event focused on greener jobs.
Audio - 15'51" Playlist
WFP/Gabriela Vivacqua
South Sudan famine threat: UN food security agency in ‘race against time’
12 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
The World Food Programme (WFP) is warning against potential famine in South Sudan as hunger deepens due to drought, floods and an uncertain political future.
OCHA/Giles Clarke
Universal Health Coverage will ‘drive progress’ on 2030 Development Agenda
11 December 2019
Health
Last September world leaders at the United Nations endorsed an ambitious political declaration on universal health coverage, “reaffirming that health is a human right”, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday in his message for International Universal Health Coverage Day.
© UNICEF/Vinay Panjwani
Wednesday’s Daily Brief: COP25 latest, Aung San Suu Kyi at the ICJ, Asia-Pacific malnutrition, rights in Egypt
11 December 2019
Health
A recap of some of Wednesday’s stories: Italy and Mexico take action on climate education; defending Myanmar from genocide accusations; malnutrition in the Asia-Pacific region; the 2020 Palestinian aid plan launched; UN experts on Egypt; and tapering off residual criminal tribunals.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
North Korea missile tests ‘deeply troubling’: senior UN official
11 December 2019
Peace and Security
Recent developments concerning North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes are “deeply troubling”, the UN’s Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific said on Wednesday, briefed the Security Council.
UNICEF/James Oatway
COP25: Italy and Mexico pave the way on climate education
11 December 2019
Climate Change
A commitment by Italy and Mexico to ramp up climate and environmental education has been welcomed by the UN office which supports global efforts to respond to climate change.
UNFCCC
COP25: Support business efforts to tackle climate change, urges Guterres
11 December 2019
Climate Change
The UN Secretary-General has called on business and civil society leaders to press Governments into articulating policies that support private sector efforts to address climate change.
ICJ/Frank van Beek
Aung San Suu Kyi defends Myanmar from accusations of genocide, at top UN court
11 December 2019
Human Rights
Myanmar will have “no tolerance” for human rights abuses committed in Rakhine state and will prosecute the military, if war crimes have been committed there, Aung San Suu Kyi told the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s main judicial body, on Wednesday.
© UNICEF/Frank Dejongh
Failure to register newborns leaves millions ‘invisible’ warns UN Children’s Fund
10 December 2019
Human Rights
While the number of registered births has significantly increased over the past decade, one quarter of children globally remain unaccounted for, leaving them vulnerable and “invisible”, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday.
WMO/Vladimir Nolic
Mountains matter, especially if you’re young, UN declares
10 December 2019
Culture and Education
Covering around 27 per cent of the earth's land surface, mountains play a critical role in moving the world’s towards sustainable economic growth. With the future in mind, the theme for this year’s international day celebrating the world’s peaks and summits on Wednesday, is Mountains matter for Youth.
© UNICEF/Diefaga
Tuesday’s Daily Brief: Human Rights Day, Samoa measles, COP25, economic slowdown, Myanmar at ICJ
10 December 2019
Human Rights
A recap of Tuesday’s stories includes a day of activism on Human Rights Day; 70 Samoan lives now claimed by measles; COP25 news roundup from Madrid; global trade on the slide; and legal proceedings begin at the ICJ against Myanmar, as Aung San Suu Kyi prepares to defend her country against genocide allegations.
WMO/Injoo Hong
Deliver ‘significant results now’, UN General Assembly President tells COP25 climate conference
10 December 2019
Climate Change
It is “imperative” that the COP25 climate conference underway in Spain delivers “significant results now”, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President of the UN General Assembly (PGA), said on Tuesday.
© UNICEF/Sa'o Mulivai
Samoa measles outbreak claims 70 lives, majority are children under five
10 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Seventy people have now died from Samoa’s measles outbreak, UN humanitarians confirmed on Tuesday, as the organization released emergency funding to help the authorities step up efforts to eradicate the preventable disease.
Audio - 6'28" Playlist
ICJ/Frank van Beek
Aung San Suu Kyi appears at ICJ as UN rights expert urges greater protection for Myanmar activists
10 December 2019
Human Rights
Making the appeal is the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, who reports that online hostility against activists has increased since the announcement last month of international legal proceedings over the atrocities.
© UNICEF David Berkwitz
Human Rights Day celebrates ‘tremendous activism’ of the world’s young people
10 December 2019
Human Rights
Activists, students and UN officials came together on Tuesday to pay tribute to young people’s “tremendous activism” in promoting human rights for everyone.
Audio - 4'56" Playlist
UN Photo/Violaine Martin
‘World has failed’ victims of genocide too often: Guterres
9 December 2019
Human Rights
Too often, “the world has failed” populations under threat of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and ethnic cleansing, Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message for the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of Genocide on Monday.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider
UN Assembly calls on all States to observe Olympic Truce throughout Tokyo Summer Games
9 December 2019
SDGs
The General Assembly on Monday urged United Nations Member States to observe the Olympic Truce – the ancient Greek tradition calling for the cessation of hostilities before, during and after the Games – in the context of next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Audio - 27'40" Playlist
UN India
Monday’s Daily Brief: increasing inequality, human rights and climate, civil war crimes, Ethiopia reforms
9 December 2019
Economic Development
New UN development report warns global inequality breeding a “new generation of inequalities”; human rights linked to climate change by senior UN official; intentional starvation in civil wars classified as a war crime, UN rights expert calls for Ethiopia reform support.
World Bank/Nonie Reyes
COP25: Global investors urge countries to meet climate action goals
9 December 2019
Climate Change
More than 630 investors who collectively manage over $37 trillion in assets are calling on governments across the world to step up action to address climate change and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
WFP/Georgina Goodwin
UN chief urges emergency fund support as one of the ‘most effective investments’ in humanitarian action
9 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), is “one of the most effective investments you can make in humanitarian action”, Secretary-General, António Guterres told a high-level pledging event at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday.
Audio - 3'31" Playlist
UNDP
Inequality threatening human development, new global UN report warns
9 December 2019
Economic Development
Despite global progress in tackling poverty, hunger and disease, a “new generation of inequalities” indicates that many societies are not working as they should, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) argues in its latest report released on Monday.
Audio - 2'49" Playlist
UNDP
Corruption thwarts attempts to build a better world and ‘must be fought by all, for all’
8 December 2019
Economic Development
As we enter a decade of ambitious action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stepping up efforts to eradicate corruption and promote good governance is “essential…to deliver on our global pledge to leave no one behind”, the UN anti-crime chief has said.
Audio - 5'2" Playlist
UNAMI
Denouncing attacks against Baghdad protesters, UN warns ‘violence risks placing Iraq on dangerous trajectory’
7 December 2019
Peace and Security
The top UN official in Iraq has strongly condemned the shooting of unarmed protesters in Baghdad on Friday night, which left a high number of deaths and injuries among innocent citizens, calling for the perpetrators to be “identified and brought to justice without delay”.
© UNICEF/Amminadab Jean
‘We all must step up’ collective action on disability inclusion – UN deputy chief
7 December 2019
SDGs
The international community has agreed truly ground-breaking frameworks to advance the rights of persons with disabilities, including in the context of development, but there remains a significant gap between these ambitions and the reality experienced daily by millions of persons with disabilities, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told a conference in Doha on Saturday.
UNMISS
Friday's Daily Brief: Peacekeeping performance, Iranians' rights, Syria, Australia, Haiti updates, Greta Thunberg at COP25
6 December 2019
Human Rights
A recap of the top stories: UN evaluates peacekeeping performance; civilians under greater attack in northeast Syria; UN rights chief on Iranian protester clampdown; ending medical evacuation for refugees to Australia; food crisis widens in Haiti; and Greta Thunberg speaks out in Madrid at climate conference.
MINUSMA/Gema Cortes
UN evaluates progress in improving peacekeeping performance
6 December 2019
Peace and Security
The international community on Friday took stock of action to improve UN peacekeeping in line with a Security Council resolution aimed at enhancing performance at all levels, both at Headquarters in New York and in the field.
©UNHCR/Santiago Escobar-Jaramillo
UN agency hails Brazil ‘milestone’ decision over Venezuelan refugees
6 December 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Brazil’s move to recognize thousands of refugees from crisis-wracked Venezuela through a new accelerated procedure, has been welcomed by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.
Audio - 4'54" Playlist
Unspalsh/Mohamad Babayan
UN rights chief ‘extremely concerned’ over deadly crackdown on protesters in Iran
6 December 2019
Human Rights
In the wake of recent protests in Iran, the top United Nations human rights official expressed alarm on Friday over multiple human rights violations which have reportedly taken place across the country.
© UNICEF/UN0119399/
Rise in Caribbean children displaced by storms shows climate crisis is a child rights issue: UNICEF
6 December 2019
Climate Change
The number of Caribbean children displaced by storms has risen approximately six-fold in the past five years, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals in a new report released on Friday.
© UNICEF/Sa'o Mulivai
Thursday’s Daily Brief: Samoa measles epidemic, Dozens die off Mauritania, Volunteer Day and Zambia’s food troubles
5 December 2019
Health
A recap of Thursday’s top stories: Dozens of migrants drowned off Mauritanian coast; measles grip Samoa as social media campaigns spread misinformation worldwide; UN chief on lifting landlocked countries from poverty; Guterres lauds volunteer spirit and millions face food insecurity in Zambia.
©UNICEF/Allan Stephen
UN team aids Samoa response to deadly measles epidemic
5 December 2019
Health
UN teams are on the ground in Samoa as the country combats a deadly measles epidemic. So far, there have been more than 4,200 cases and 62 deaths, mainly babies, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency on 15 November and launch a mass vaccination campaign five days later.
Audio - 6'28" Playlist
© UNICEF/Karel Prinsloo
Measles ‘misinformation campaigns’ through social media, fuel rising toll
5 December 2019
Health
Measles deaths and infections in 2019 are set to “substantially exceed” last year’s toll when more than 142,000 people died from the preventable disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
Audio - 5'57" Playlist
UNICEF/Ashley Gilbertson
Partnerships key to taking landlocked countries out of poverty: UN Chief
5 December 2019
Economic Development
The challenges faced by landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), some of the poorest in the world, can be overcome through more effective partnerships, UN Secretary-General António Guterres declared on Thursday, at a conference held at UN Headquarters in New York.
University of Plymouth/Carey Marks
Soil erosion must be stopped ‘to save our future’, says UN agriculture agency
5 December 2019
SDGs
Although soils are essential for human well-being and the sustainability of life on the planet, they are threatened on all continents by natural erosion, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on World Soil Day, calling for their protection.
Audio Playlist
UN News/Elizabeth Scaffidi
Greener tourism: Greater collaboration needed to tackle rising emissions
4 December 2019
Climate Change
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is calling for enhanced cooperation between the transport and tourism sectors to combat climate change.
Audio - 7'1" Playlist
© UNHCR/Omotola Akindipe
Wednesday’s Daily Brief: 2020 humanitarian plan, malaria latest, greener tourism, people key to SDGs, Fall Armyworm
4 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
A recap of Wednesday’s stories: A record number of people will need humanitarian aid in 2020; WHO calls for more funding to protect women and children from malaria; the transport and tourism sectors are urged to tackle carbon emissions; a group of rights experts want to see more people helping make the SDGs a reality; Fall Armyworm pest sparks new global action plan; and how the UN is helping impoverished landlocked nations develop.
Audio - 3'29" Playlist
UN Photo/Gill Fickling
From landlocked to land-linked: how the UN is helping some of the world’s poorest countries
4 December 2019
Economic Development
How can the international community turn some of the world’s poorest, landlocked countries, into thriving, land-linked nations? On Thursday, at UN Headquarters, Member States will renew commitments they have made, to eradicate poverty in the 32 countries designated as Landlocked Developing Countries, or LLDCs.
©UNICEF/Josh Estey
Malaria: Focus on pregnant women and children, stresses UN health agency report
4 December 2019
Health
While more pregnant women and children are being protected against malaria than before, more fast-tracking and greater funding are needed to reinvigorate the global response, according to a new United Nations report launched on Wednesday.
OCHA/Giles Clarke
A record number of people will need help worldwide during 2020: UN Humanitarian Overview
4 December 2019
Humanitarian Aid
A record 168 million people worldwide will need help and protection in crises spanning more than 50 countries in 2020, the UN’s emergency relief chief has said, in an appeal for nearly $29 billion in humanitarian aid from donors.
Audio - 3'31" Playlist
UNMISS/Nektarios Markogiannis
South Sudan: UN calls for end to inter-communal clashes, attacks against aid workers
3 December 2019
Peace and Security
Peacekeepers have been sent to the northern Lakes region in South Sudan in a bid to deter further violence between communities there, the UN Mission in the country, UNMISS, said on Tuesday.
© UNESCO – India
Tuesday’s Daily Brief: climate crisis reports, renewal in Iraq, Zimbabwe’s hunger crisis, Disabilities Day
3 December 2019
Climate Change
A recap of Tuesday’s stories: New climate change reports on human health and global warming; Zimbabwe’s ‘worst hunger crisis in a decade’; protests and civil unrest show ‘renewed sense of patriotism’ in Iraq; UN ‘determined to lead by example’ on disability rights.
Audio - 3'23" Playlist
UNAMI/Sarmad Al-Safy
Protests and civil unrest show ‘renewed sense of patriotism’ in Iraq, UN envoy tells Security Council
3 December 2019
Peace and Security
After decades of sectarian strife and conflict, “a renewed sense of patriotism has taken hold”, the head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) told the Security Council on Tuesday.
Audio - 8'25" Playlist
WMO/Aleksandar Gospić
Decade ending 2019 likely to be hottest on record
3 December 2019
Climate Change
Exceptional global heat driven by greenhouse gas emissions mean this decade will most likely go down as the warmest on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) which released its provisional statement on the State of the Global Climate on Tuesday.
© UNICEF/James Oatway
Only one in five countries has a healthcare strategy to deal with climate change
3 December 2019
Climate Change
Protecting people’s health from climate change dangers such as heat stress, storms and tsunamis has never been more important, yet most countries are doing too little about it, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
WFP/Tatenda Macheka
Zimbabwe ‘facing worst hunger crisis in a decade’
3 December 2019
Economic Development
Zimbabwe is facing its worst hunger crisis in a decade with half of the population – 7.7 million people – food insecure, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday.
© UNICEF/Christopher Herwig
UN ‘determined to lead by example’ on disability rights: Guterres
3 December 2019
SDGs
The UN is determined to lead by example when it comes to the rights of people with disabilities, Secretary-General António Guterres said in a message to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which falls on 3 December.
UNICEF/Sebastian Rich
Plants, the ‘core basis for life on Earth’, under increasing threat, warns UN food agency
2 December 2019
Health
Plants, which make up 80 percent of the food we eat, and produce 98 percent of the oxygen we breathe, are “under constant and increasing threat from pests and diseases”, the UN food agency, FAO, warned on Tuesday, at an event at the agency’s headquarters in Rome, to designate 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health.
UNFCCC
Monday’s Daily Brief: COP25, African debt, cost of Israeli occupation, UN worker’s world record
2 December 2019
SDGs
A recap of Monday’s stories: Guterres calls for ‘path of resolve, sustainable solutions’ in Madrid; Slavery today; Israeli occupation costs $48 billion; UN deputy chief says sustainable development, sustainable debt are “inseparable”; UN worker’s feat raises awareness of child sexual abuse link to HIV/AIDS.
Living conditions in Battal, a small village near Gao, are harsh with few essential services. (March 2019)
‘Continuing deterioration’ leaves Mali facing critical security level: UN expert
2 December 2019
Peace and Security
Security in Mali has become critical, with unprecedented incidents of communal violence and increasingly more deadly terror attacks, reported a UN human rights expert on Monday, following a 10-day visit to the country.
Audio - 7'25" Playlist
UNDP
FROM THE FIELD: India’s plastic waste revolution
2 December 2019
Climate Change
The recycling of plastic waste in India is boosting the incomes of impoverished women and helping build roads and fire cement furnaces, thanks to support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
© UNICEF/Aleksey Filippov
Political solution ‘long overdue’ to protect the children of eastern Ukraine
2 December 2019
Peace and Security
Nearly half a million children in eastern Ukraine continue to face “grave risks” to their physical health and psychological well-being, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Monday.
Audio - 7'7" Playlist
© UNDP Peru/Giulianna Camarena
Green economy ‘not to be feared, but an opportunity to be embraced’ says UN chief as COP25 gets underway
2 December 2019
Climate Change
A green economy is “not one to be feared but an opportunity to be embraced”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday, in a keynote speech to delegates at the opening of the COP25 UN climate conference in Madrid on Monday.
UNFCC flickr
COP25: ‘Signals of hope’ multiplying in face of global climate crisis, insists UN's Guterres
1 December 2019
Climate Change
The UN Secretary-General has outlined the “increased ambition and commitment” that the world needs from governments during the coming days of the COP25 UN climate change conference which opens in Madrid on Monday, calling for “accountability, responsibility and leadership” to end the global climate crisis.
UNDP Mauritania/Freya Morales
COP25: UN climate change conference, 5 things you need to know
1 December 2019
Climate Change
Climate change is happening—the world is already 1.1°C warmer than it was at the onset of the industrial revolution, and it is already having a significant impact on the world, and on people’s lives. And if current trends persist, then global temperatures can be expected to rise by 3.2 to 3.9°C this century, which would bring wide-ranging and destructive climate impacts.
