UNICEF/Marco Dormino
Greater investment in family-friendly policies critical to support breastfeeding – UNICEF
31 July 2019
Women
While the benefits of breastfeeding for both children and mothers are extensive, policies that support nursing, particularly in workplaces, are not yet available to most mothers worldwide, the Head of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday.
UNICEF/UN0156352/Dubourthoumieu
Wednesday’s Daily Brief: World Breastfeeding Week kickoff, Second Ebola death on DR Congo’s eastern border, UN chief lauds climate activist Thunberg, Afghan bus attack, and outgoing UN agriculture chief hands over reigns
31 July 2019
Health
Our main stories today cover: World Breastfeeding Week kickoff, Ebola on DR Congo side of Rwandan border, 15-year-old Greta Thunberg to said to UN climate summit, UN chief condemns deadly Afghan bus attack and UN agriculture agency chief marks last day.
© UNICEF/UNI82205/Holt
Migration and the climate crisis: the UN’s search for solutions
31 July 2019
Climate Change
Throughout human history, migration and climate have always been connected, but in the modern era, the impacts of the man-made climate crisis are likely to extensively change the patterns of human settlement.
LATEST NEWS
UN-Habitat/Kirsten Milhahn
FROM THE FIELD: Turning waste into a business in the slums of Yaoundé, Cameroon
31 July 2019
Economic Development
The increasing volume and complexity of waste associated with modern economies is posing a serious risk to ecosystems and human health. Every year, an estimated 11.2 billion tons of solid waste are collected worldwide, according to the UN Environment Programme.
World Bank/Gerardo Pesantez
Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions stall growth in Latin America and Caribbean region, UN says
31 July 2019
Economic Development
Citing “an external context of greater uncertainty and growing complexity”, the head of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), said on Wednesday that the region’s economic growth is expected to decline.
UNICEF/Vincent Tremeau
UN working ‘intensively’ to stop Ebola in eastern DR Congo, following second case in major border town
31 July 2019
Health
Senior UN officials tasked with controlling the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have responded to Tuesday’s confirmation of a second case of Ebola in Goma, a major trading town in the vast country’s restive east, near the border with neighbouring Rwanda, which resulted in the death of the patient.
UNICEF/Hubbard
UNICEF must triple budget to combat Ebola outbreak in DR Congo; complex crisis impacting unprecedented number of children
30 July 2019
Health
With an unprecedented number of children affected by the Ebola virus outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday said it would need to triple its budget to tackle the complex crisis, which included intensifying the overall public health response and launching measles vaccinations.
UNICEF/UNI152469/Dragaj
Tuesday’s Daily Brief: Children in armed conflict, Ebola in DR Congo, human rights in Bahrain, and two International Days
30 July 2019
Peace and Security
Our main stories today cover: A new report on children and armed conflict, a day to combat human trafficking; funds needed to fight Ebola in DR Congo; UN rights office condemns the execution of two Bahraini citizens; and International Day of Friendship
© UNICEF/UN0318979/Ashawi
‘Do something’; UN relief chief urges Security Council action to stop the Syrian carnage unfolding ‘in front of your eyes’
30 July 2019
Peace and Security
Bombing and shelling in Syria for more than 90 days by the Government and Russia have led to “carnage in the so-called de-escalation zone” of Idlib, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator told the Security Council on Tuesday, in his seventh update since the “current onslaught” began.
UNAMA/Fardin Waezi
‘Answer the call of Afghans’ to reduce impact of conflict, UN urges all parties amid increase in civilian airstrike deaths
30 July 2019
Peace and Security
The conflict in Afghanistan continues to be devastating for civilians, with the latest United Nations update released on Tuesday showing that the number of civilians killed by aerial operations increased in the first half of 2019, even as overall civilian casualties declined.
UNMISS/Isaac Billy
New UN report shows record number of children killed and maimed in conflict
30 July 2019
Peace and Security
A new UN report has found that 2018 was the worst year on record for children caught up in armed conflict; the year saw the highest numbers killed or maimed since the United Nations began monitoring the violation.
© UNHCR/Bahia Egeh
Conflict, climate change among factors that increase ‘desperation that enables human trafficking to flourish’, says UN chief
30 July 2019
Human Rights
To mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed that “human trafficking is a heinous crime that affects every region of the world” – especially women and children.
Audio Playlist
Rede de Cooperação Amazônica (RCA)
Murder of Brazilian indigenous leader a ‘worrying symptom’ of land invasion
29 July 2019
Human Rights
In the wake of the murder of indigenous leader Emrya Wajãpi in Brazil, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has called on the country’s authorities to “react quickly and decisively” to protect the rights of indigenous peoples on their lands.
LATEST NEWS
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
With Libyans now ‘fighting the wars of others’ inside their own country, UN envoy urges Security Council action to end violence
29 July 2019
Peace and Security
Fighting in Libya “shows no signs of abating”, the head of the United Nations Support Mission (UNSMIL), told the Security Council on Monday, painting a grim picture of worsening humanitarian conditions, and warning that the instability and influx of foreign weapons is fueling a proxy war in the north African country.
IOM/Jorge Galindo
Monday’s Daily Brief: Nigeria massacre, Libya shelling condemned; recycled plastic used to build classrooms in Côte d’Ivoire
29 July 2019
Peace and Security
Our main stories today: UN chief and senior UN official condemn the ‘terrible massacre’ in Nigeria that left some 65 dead, and the shelling of a hospital in Libya that killed medical workers; UN Secretary-General António Guterres reacts to a deadly landslide in China; recycled plastic waste is used to build classrooms in Côte d’Ivoire; and scouts are urged to become human rights defenders.
Audio - 2'18" Playlist
UNICEF/Frank Dejo
Easing ‘classroom crisis’ in Côte d’Ivoire, brick by (plastic) brick
29 July 2019
Culture and Education
In an innovative partnership, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and a Colombian social enterprise announced on Monday that it had broken ground on a first-of-its-kind factory to convert plastic waste in Côte d'Ivoire into modular, easy-to-assemble, low-cost plastic bricks for classrooms in the West African country.
UN Photo/Manuel Elias
UN chief extends condolences to families of China landslide casualties
29 July 2019
UN Affairs
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has extended his condolences to the families of those killed in Sunday’s landslides, in the southern Chinese province of Guizhou, following heavy rains.
UNICEF/Brian Sokol
UN sees progress in fight against tobacco, warns more action needed to help people quit deadly product
26 July 2019
Health
Progress is being made in the battle against the global tobacco epidemic, but more action is needed to help people quit the deadly products, according to a new report from the UN World Health Organization (WHO).
UNAMA/Fardin Waezi
Voices of Afghan women ‘must be heard at the table in the peace process and beyond’ UN deputy chief tells Security Council
26 July 2019
Peace and Security
Afghan women have “paid a high price” during their country’s nearly four decades of conflict, the United Nations deputy chief said on Friday, addressing the Security Council a day after Kabul had been hit with a fresh round of “horrific” bomb attacks.
© UNHCR/Mohamed Alalem
Friday’s Daily Brief: Libya mass drownings response: Syria ‘carnage’ denounced, food aid doubled for Ebola-affected in DR Congo
26 July 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Our main stories today: UN leaders call for a return to sea rescues in the Mediterranean, following Libya shipwreck; UN human rights chief denounces indifference to victims of Syrian airstrikes; World Food Programme doubles supplies to those affected by Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, and WHO urges more investment to eradicate hepatitis.
Audio - 3'4" Playlist
WFP/Jacques David
DR Congo: efforts to control Ebola epidemic continue, UN food relief agency doubles assistance to affected people
26 July 2019
Humanitarian Aid
With Ebola accelerating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Friday that it plans to scale up and double food assistance to people affected by the disease.
Audio - 4'1" Playlist
UNICEF/Ilvy Njiokiktjien
Eliminating hepatitis calls for ‘bold political leadership, with investments to match,’ UN health chief says
26 July 2019
Health
Calling for “bold political leadership” ahead of World Hepatitis Day, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday urged countries to take advantage of recent reductions in the costs of diagnosing and treating viral hepatitis and scale up investments in disease elimination.
Audio - 4'26" Playlist
© UNHCR/Hereward Holland
Senior UN officials call for return to sea rescues, after ‘the worst Mediterranean tragedy of this year’
26 July 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with the heads of a number of UN agencies, expressed horror at Thursday’s reports that as many as 150 people may be dead after a boat they were traveling in capsized off the coast of Libya, making it the worst such tragedy in the Mediterranean this year.
LATEST NEWS
© OCHA/Hedinn Halldorsson
UN human rights chief fears world has grown numb to Syrian carnage
26 July 2019
Peace and Security
The relentless campaign of airstrikes in Syria has been met with a “collective shrug,” the top United Nations human rights official said on Friday, denouncing the world’s apparent indifference to the mounting civilian casualties as a “failure of leadership” by the world’s most powerful countries.
FAO/Yasuyoshi Chiba
Thursday’s Daily Brief: Somalia bombing condemned, as UN expert calls for more international help; Africa faces locust swarms; new leaders for UN atomic watchdog and top economic body
25 July 2019
Peace and Security
Our main stories today: senior UN officials condemn attacks on Somalia capital, and call for continued international support; the International Atomic Energy Agency and UN’s Economic and Social Council welcome new leaders; and the Food and Agriculture Organization warns of possible locust swarms in Horn of Africa and Yemen
Audio - 2'29" Playlist
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
New President of top UN economic and social body to push for development financing, fundamental freedoms ‘for all’
25 July 2019
SDGs
In her inaugural speech as President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Mona Juul, of Norway, underscored that the body’s mandate today remains “as relevant and compelling” as it did back in 1945 when it was tasked with “fostering international cooperation on economic, social, and cultural issues”.
UN Photo/Omar Abdisalan
UN chief condemns deadly Somalia attacks on offices visited earlier by UN envoy
25 July 2019
Peace and Security
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned Wednesday’s deadly terror attacks in Somalia, that targeted the offices of the mayor of Mogadishu, reportedly killing six Government officials and injured several others.
UNICEF/UN0260172/Karel Prinsloo
Despite ‘considerable progress,’ Somalia needs help tackling political, economic and rights challenges, says UN expert
25 July 2019
Human Rights
Although Somalia has made “considerable progress” in its political, economic, social and human rights situation over the past six years, “there is much more to do,” a United Nations expert said on Thursday, urging the international community to assist.
UN News/Daniel Dickinson
Successful elections and ‘political dialogues’ push democracy forward in West Africa and the Sahel
24 July 2019
Peace and Security
Progress has been made in consolidating democracy in West Africa and the Sahel, according to the United Nation’s Special Representative in the region on Wednesday, who cited successful elections and “political dialogues” as part of the advances made.
© UNICEF/Saleh Baholis
Wednesday’s Daily Brief: Switzerland leads on innovation, UNICEF ‘lifelines’ for Yemen, Ebola latest, Liberia peacekeepers
24 July 2019
Economic Development
Our main stories today: the latest Global Innovation Index ranks Switzerland the world’s most innovative country, the head of the UN Mission in DRC warns of a ‘deadly environment’ for health workers, UNICEF delivers cash for 9 million vulnerable Yemeni families, acting head of UNAIDS says battle against HIV/ AIDS is “far from over”.
Audio - 3'18" Playlist
© UNICEF/UN0229877/Naftalin
‘Deadly environment’ plus ‘political and social’ obstacles hinder Ebola fight in DR Congo, Security Council hears
24 July 2019
Peace and Security
The problems of eradicating Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are not only medical, but also linked “to a variety of political and social factors”, the head of the UN mission in the country told the Security Council on Wednesday.
WIPO/Hemant Chawla
Switzerland ranked as most innovative country in new UN report
24 July 2019
Economic Development
The World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO, named Switzerland as the world’s most innovative country on Wednesday, during the launch of its latest Global Innovation Index, (GII) in the Indian capital New Delhi.
UN Photo/Sylvain Liechti
New partnership agreement with Liberia, shows ‘clear positive impact of UN peacekeeping’
23 July 2019
Peace and Security
A formal agreement between Liberia and the UN to supply peacekeeping personnel to serve in the UN Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), marks an “immensely significant” transition for the former war-torn West African nation, its UN Ambassador said in New York on Tuesday.
IOM
Tuesday's Daily Brief: Situation critical for Libya migrants, ‘dangerous paralysis’ in Israel-Palestine conflict, ‘shocking escalation’ in Syria, record heatwaves
23 July 2019
Peace and Security
Our main stories today: UN officials warn of desperate situation for migrants and refugees in Libya; the UN peacebuilding chief calls for ‘tangible steps’ to alleviate the crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and keep two-State solution alive; Idlib in Syria suffers more deadly attacks on civilians; Europe and Bangladesh deal with extreme weather events; and Angry Birds take on the climate crisis.
LATEST NEWS
UNRWA
‘Tangible steps’ needed to alleviate crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, keep two-State solution alive: DiCarlo
23 July 2019
Peace and Security
The “dangerous paralysis” that prevails in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is fuelling extremism and exacerbating tensions, leading to a “loss of hope” that peace can ever be achieved through negotiation, the UN’s Political and Peacebuilding chief told the Security Council on Tuesday.
IOM/Nicole Tung
Libya: Renewed commitment to Mediterranean rescues encouraging, but ‘overriding priority’ must be ‘lasting peace’, say UN officials
23 July 2019
Migrants and Refugees
The heads of the two key UN agencies championing refugees and migrants have called for an end to their “arbitrary detention” across Libya, following an agreement on Tuesday by European Union countries to offer those fleeing across the Mediterranean a safe berth through a new distribution mechanism.
UNRWA/Lara Jonasdottir
Monday’s Daily Brief: Palestine demolitions, nuclear watchdog chief dies, UK troops to Mali, Afghan journalist murder condemned, Somalia sexual violence pledge
22 July 2019
Human Rights
Our main stories today: UN condemns Israel’s destruction of Palestinian property; the head of the IAEA dies at 72; UK troops will bolster Mali mission; UNESCO chief condemns Afghan journalist’s murder; Somalia commits to ending conflict-related sexual violence.
World Bank/Arne Hoel
UN Youth envoy launches coding competition to help solve climate crisis and ‘Reboot the Earth’
22 July 2019
Climate Change
Can young coders help solve the climate crisis? The UN’s Youth Envoy launched a global competition earlier this month, “Reboot The Earth”, with support from the UN Office of Information & Communications Technology, Deloitte and SAP, to try and answer that question, fostering collaboration between the United Nations, academia, civil society, and young people to address the climate emergency.
© UNICEF/Danielle Pereira
UN health agency ‘strongly recommends’ dolutegravir antiretroviral medication to manage HIV
22 July 2019
Health
Based on new evidence, the United Nations health agency on Monday announced it was recommending the use of the antiretroviral drug dolutegravir (DTG) – which, with other medication, treats HIV/AIDS – as the preferred first- and second-line treatment for all cases, including pregnant women and those who have the potential to give birth.
Audio - 9'2" Playlist
MINUSMA/Harandane Dicko
UN peacekeeping in Mali boosted with addition of 250 UK troops
22 July 2019
Peace and Security
The United Kingdom is to send a contingent of 250 troops to Mali next year, to support the UN’s peacekeeping operation in the country, MINUSMA.
UNRWA/Lara Jonasdottir
Israeli destruction of Palestinian homes in West Bank, ‘not compatible’ with international humanitarian law, UN says
22 July 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Following “with sadness” the Israeli authorities’ destruction of homes in the Palestinian community of Sur Bahir, three top United Nations officials issued a statement on Monday underscoring that the move was “not compatible” with Israel’s “obligations under international humanitarian law”.
Dean Calma/IAEA
‘Deep sadness’ at passing of UN nuclear watchdog agency chief, Yukiya Amano
22 July 2019
Peace and Security
The head of the UN body that oversees nuclear activities across the world has died aged 72, it was announced on Monday. In a statement, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the passing of Director General Yukiya Amano, with “deepest sadness”.
UNAMA/Fardin Waezi
Inclusive peace in Afghanistan means ‘women at the centre’ urges UN deputy chief in Kabul
21 July 2019
Peace and Security
The UN deputy chief issued an impassioned plea on Sunday for Afghans to reconcile with the past and put “women at the centre” of all efforts to forge a durable peace, and a truly inclusive political process where women’s voices are truly heard.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
Top UN sustainable development forum closes with galvanized effort toward ‘empowerment, inclusiveness and equality’
19 July 2019
SDGs
In closing the High-level Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Friday, President Inga Rhonda King assured participants that the session had contributed significantly to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
‘Firmly united’ Security Council can bolster Colombia’s efforts to secure lasting peace, says UN envoy
19 July 2019
Peace and Security
The Colombian peace process is an outstanding example of how much support the United Nations can provide when the Security Council is ‘firmly united’, a senior UN envoy said on Friday, calling for the 15-member body’s continued commitment as the country works to overcome secure lasting peace.
UN Photo/J. Grinde
First men on the moon ‘came in peace’ to UN Headquarters ‘for all mankind’
19 July 2019
Culture and Education
As the world remembers Saturday’s 50th anniversary of the “giant leap for mankind” made by all those involved in the pioneering Apollo 11 space programme, we take a look back at the visit made by astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, to UN Headquarters in New York, just a few weeks after their historic mission.
© UNICEF/Sokol
Friday’s Daily Brief: solidarity with Japan, call for DR Congo support, family-friendly workplaces, hottest June ever, Venezuela and Afghanistan updates
19 July 2019
Peace and Security
In today’s Daily Brief: UN stands in solidarity with Japan; avoid panic over DR Congo Ebola emergency; ‘transformative shift’ needed towards family-friendly work policies; hottest June EVER; Venezuelan migrant dangers; stop targeting Afghanistan civilians call.
Audio - 4'1" Playlist
UNAMA/Fardin Waezi
‘Indiscriminate blasts’ in civilian areas ‘must stop’, UN mission in Afghanistan stresses
19 July 2019
Peace and Security
The “deliberate targeting of educational facilities” during armed conflict is “a war crime”, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Friday after a bomb detonated near the entrance to Kabul University, in the country’s capital.
WFP/Deborah Nguyen
Zimbabwe: Droughts leave millions food insecure, UN food agency scales up assistance
19 July 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Severe drought has rendered more than a third of rural households in Zimbabwe – or around 3.5 million people – dangerously food insecure, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) revealed on Friday.
UNICEF/Jimmy Adriko
Don’t panic, support DR Congo in fight against deadly Ebola virus, UN health agency urges
19 July 2019
Health
Ebola virus is just one challenge among many facing communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, reiterating an appeal for the international community to show support and solidarity for its people.
Audio - 4'1" Playlist
UN/Dan Powell
UN stands in solidarity with Japan following deadly arson attack at leading animation studio in Kyoto
19 July 2019
Peace and Security
UN chief António Guterres said on Friday he was “deeply saddened” at the death of at least 33 people inside a popular Japanese animation studio, in the city of Kyoto, following an arson attack that constitutes one of the worst mass-killings in the nation’s history.
© UNICEF/UN0322054/Kolari
UNICEF urges ‘transformative shift’ in family-friendly work policies to reap ‘huge’ benefits
18 July 2019
Women
Because the “earliest years” of life are the most crucial, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) published a list of new family-friendly policy recommendations on Friday it says will likely reap “huge” benefits.
World Bank/Flore de Preneuf
‘Stay together and step up’ action to meet Global Goals, ECOSOC President tells development forum
18 July 2019
SDGs
We can realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 “if we all stay together and step up our actions”, Inga Rhonda King, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ESOSOC), said on Thursday.
LATEST NEWS
UNICEF/Aaref Watad
Carnage must stop in northwest Syria demands Lowcock, as attacks intensify
18 July 2019
Peace and Security
After 80 days of intensifying attacks, many on health facilities, “the carnage must stop” in northwest Syria, said the UN relief chief on Thursday, noting that more than 70 civilians had been killed this month alone across the last rebel-held enclave of the country.
UN Photo/John Isaac
Thursday’s Daily Brief: Mandela Day, war waning in Yemen? Deadly monsoon rains, zero hunger hopes fade, fifth anniversary of MH17 crash
18 July 2019
Human Rights
In today’s Daily Brief: World celebrates Nelson Mandela; Security Council hears end of Yemen war may be in sight; South Asia children turned ‘upside down’ by monsoon rains; world ‘off track’ to meet zero hunger target; Italy urged to stop ‘criminalising’ migrant rescues
Audio - 3’58” Playlist
UNAMID/Albert Gonzalez Farran
Stronger partnerships with post-conflict countries needed to ensure ‘path towards durable peace’: UN chief
18 July 2019
Peace and Security
As UN missions are drawn down and eventually closed, stronger partnerships are needed to ensure that countries recovering from conflict can transition successfully to a phase of durable peace and development, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Thursday.
© FAO/ Egypt
World ‘off track’ to meet most Sustainable Development Goals on hunger, food security and nutrition
18 July 2019
SDGs
Key parts of the Global Goals agenda linked to achieving zero-hunger are “off-track”, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Thursday, in an appeal for much greater public investment in farming.
Audio - 7'21" Playlist
© UNICEF/Saleh Baholis
Yemen: UN Envoy ‘guilty’ of optimistic hope that war is ‘nearing the end’
18 July 2019
Peace and Security
With Yemen once again at a “crucial moment” the UN Special Envoy trying to facilitate peace there told Security Council members on Thursday that despite the dangers of being over optimistic, he could not help thinking the country could finally be “nearing the end of its war.”
UNICEF/Thomas Nybo
Monsoon rains turn millions of children’s lives ‘upside down’ across South Asia
18 July 2019
Climate Change
Heavy rainfall, severe flooding and landslides across Nepal, India and Bangladesh have killed at least 93 children, and put the lives of millions more at risk, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which is “responding urgently”.
ESCAP/Taufan Wijaya
Asia and Pacific on course to miss all Sustainable Development Goals, says UN region chief
18 July 2019
SDGs
Unless progress is accelerated, Asia and the Pacific are on course to miss all of the 17 Goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Executive Secretary of the UN regional commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), told UN News at the Organization's Headquarters on Wednesday.
Audio - 7' Playlist
UN/Sergio Gomez
'Emulate his example' urges UN chief as world celebrates Nelson Mandela: a ‘global advocate for dignity and equality’
18 July 2019
Human Rights
Nelson Mandela was an “extraordinary global advocate for dignity and equality” who anyone in public service should seek to emulate, Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message marking the International Day that honours the iconic anti-apartheid campaigner, and South Africa’s first democratically-elected President.
LATEST NEWS
UN/Sergio Gomez
'Emulate his example’ urges UN chief as world celebrates Nelson Mandela: a ‘global advocate for dignity and equality’
17 July 2019
Human Rights
Nelson Mandela was an “extraordinary global advocate for dignity and equality” who anyone in public service should seek to emulate, Secretary-General António Guterres said marking the International Day that honours the iconic anti-apartheid campaigner, and South Africa’s first democratically-elected President.
Audio - 15'54" Playlist
UNICEF/Tremeau
Wednesday’s Daily Brief: Ebola Public Health Emergency in DR Congo, young peacemakers, defining moment for Sudan, war crimes fugitives, migrant ‘crisis’ in Hungary
17 July 2019
Health
In today’s Daily Brief: the DR Congo Ebola outbreak is officially declared a Public Health Emergency; UN Youth Envoy briefs Security Council; an ‘exciting and potentially defining’ moment for Sudan, says UN adviser; more cooperation’s needed to secure arrest of war crimes fugitives; and politicizing the migrant ‘crisis’ in Hungary
Audio - 3'11" Playlist
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
‘Young people care about peace’: UN Youth Envoy delivers key message to Security Council
17 July 2019
Peace and Security
After visiting refugee camps in Jordan, UN-backed schools in Gaza, municipalities in Kosovo and Youth Councils in Denmark, the UN’s Youth Envoy visited the Security Council on Wednesday with a simple message from the field that “young people care about peace”.
Finnish Red Cross/Maria Santto
DR Congo Ebola outbreak now a Public Health Emergency, UN health agency declares
17 July 2019
Health
The second worst Ebola outbreak of all time, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was officially declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on Wednesday, with the head of the World Health Organization calling for countries to ‘take notice and redouble our efforts”.
Photo: UNHCR/Béla Szandelszky
Politicization of migrant ‘crisis’ in Hungary making them scapegoats, independent UN human rights expert warns
17 July 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Expressing deep concern over how migration and migrants themselves are being politicized and scapegoated in Hungary, an independent United Nations human rights expert on Wednesday urged the Government to immediately end its “crisis” approach to the issue.
Photo/ICJ/Jeroen Bouman
International Court of Justice orders Pakistan to review death penalty for Indian accused of spying
17 July 2019
Law and Crime Prevention
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Pakistan to review a death sentence handed down in the case of a former Indian Navy officer accused by Pakistan of spying, finding that the country’s authorities acted in breach of the Vienna Convention, which lays out rules for diplomatic relations between countries.
World Bank/Graham Crouch
25 years after population conference, women still face challenges to ‘well-being and human rights’, says UN chief
16 July 2019
Women
Many women and girls “still face enormous challenges to their health, well-being and human rights”, Secretary-General António Guterres told a High-level General Assembly meeting on Tuesday conevened to mark the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), a milestone in reproductive health and rights.
NOOR for FAO/Benedicte Kurzen
Tuesday’s Daily Brief: inclusion in development, Asia monsoons, Ebola risk for youth, obesity and Yemen latest
16 July 2019
SDGs
In today’s Daily Brief: Inclusion resonates widely at development meeting, UN offers help after monsoons devastate Asia, DR Congo Ebola effecting children, obesity plagues island communities, Yemen’s warring parties agree to ceasefire for key port
© UNICEF
Inclusion, empowerment and equality, must be ‘at the heart of our efforts’ to ensure sustainable development, says UN chief
16 July 2019
SDGs
The world’s people are demanding “transformative change that is fair and sustainable,” Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday, calling on government leaders to use the upcoming slate of key United Nations meetings in September to “kickstart a decade of delivery and action for people and planet.”
IOM Bole Addis Ababa International Airport
UN agency helps stranded Ethiopians return home, ending ‘harrowing migration ordeal’
16 July 2019
Humanitarian Aid
With the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), some 280 Ethiopians returned home on 10-11 July, after being facing traumatic experiences in Yemen.
LATEST NEWS
UNHCR/Daniel Dreifuss
‘Severe’ new US asylum restrictions will put vulnerable families at risk, UN refugee agency says
16 July 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Deeply concerned about the new rule barring from asylum the majority of people crossing the southern land border of the United States, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has warned that the ‘severe’ measure will endanger vulnerable peoplein need of international protection from violence or persecution.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
Human cost of Ukraine conflict is growing, Security Council told
16 July 2019
Peace and Security
The human cost of the conflict in Ukraine is growing, the UN political chief told the Security Council on Tuesday, during a briefing on the current situation in the country.
UNICEF
‘Greater urgency’ needed in fight against HIV/AIDS, warns UN agency, amidst $1 billion investment cuts
16 July 2019
Health
The UN programme leading the global effort to end AIDS is calling for greater urgency and more funding in the fight against the disease, with data showing that the pace of progress in reducing new HIV infections is slowing, and some countries experiencing a rising number of cases.
UNICEF/Vincent Tremeau
Ebola emergency meeting to go ahead as UNICEF warns of higher risk to very youngest children
16 July 2019
Health
Ahead of a key expert meeting convened by the United Nations to decide whether to declare the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) an international health emergency, the UN Children’s Fund UNICEF warned that the epidemic “is infecting more children” than earlier outbreaks.
Government of the State of Paraíba
Governments at UN forum on development urged to close spending gaps, honour aid commitments
15 July 2019
SDGs
The main UN platform following up on Member States’ actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) continued its work Monday taking up the issue of finance, including examining ways to better align and distribute funds for development at national, as well as global levels.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
Survivors of ISIL terror in Iraq want justice, not revenge, says head of UN investigation team
15 July 2019
Peace and Security
The scale and barbarity of the crimes committed by ISIL have ultimately served not to divide but to unify, Karim Asad Ahmad Khan, head of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD), told the Security Council on Monday.
UN Women India
‘No hope’ global development goals can be achieved without women, says UN Assembly President
15 July 2019
Women
Without the full participation and leadership of women, “we have no hope” of realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the President of the United Nations General Assembly told gender equality leaders on Monday.
UNICEF/Vincent Tremeau
‘We won’t get to zero cases of Ebola without a big scale-up in funding,’ UN relief chief warns
15 July 2019
Health
Deadly, attacks on health workers in Ebola-hit areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including one at the weekend that left two dead, are an indication that combating the disease outbreak will require far greater international support, UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock said on Monday.
© UNICEF/Bart Verweij
Monday’s Daily Brief: numbers of hungry people rising, millions of children need vaccines, Mali children need more protection
15 July 2019
Health
In today’s Daily Brief: achieving zero hunger an “immense challenge”, with numbers of hungry rising; 20 million children are missing out on potentially life-saving vaccines, the killing of health workers in DR Congo shows the need for a stronger Ebola response; a UN expert calls for an end to violations against children in Mali; and better training is needed to cut global youth unemployment.
Audio - 2'34" Playlist
© UNICEF/UNI38976/LeMoyne
Baby foods high in sugar, inappropriately marketed in Europe, reveal two UN studies
15 July 2019
Health
Proper nutrition for newborn babies into early childhood is key to development and good health in later life, according to the Regional Director of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) in Europe, as she launched two new studies on Monday.
LATEST NEWS
UNICEF/Mahmood Fadhel
‘Complacency’ a factor in stagnating global vaccination rates, warn UN health chiefs
15 July 2019
Health
More than one in 10 children – almost 20 million worldwide – failed to receive potentially lifesaving vaccines in 2018, the UN said on Monday, citing obstacles including conflict, cost and complacency.
World Bank/Simone D. McCourtie
UN highlights importance of skills development on World Youth Skills Day
15 July 2019
Culture and Education
At UN Headquarters, and across the globe, events are taking place on Monday to celebrate World Youth Skills Day – marked each year on 15 July – to raise awareness about the importance of youth skills development.
FAO/Manan Vatsyayana
Over 820 million people suffering from hunger; new UN report reveals stubborn realities of ‘immense’ global challenge
15 July 2019
Economic Development
After nearly a decade of progress, the number of people who suffer from hunger has slowly increased over the past three years, with about one in every nine people globally suffering from hunger today, the United Nations said in a new report released on Monday.
Audio - 8'19" Playlist
IRIN/Mohamed Amin Jibril
With half of Somaliland children not in school, UNICEF and partners launch education access programme
13 July 2019
Culture and Education
Access to education in Somaliland is extremely limited, with more than 50 per cent of children in Somaliland out of school. In an effort to address the problem, the UN children’s fund, UNICEF, has partnered with the government, and the global fund Education Cannot Wait, to launch a programme designed to help children affected by ongoing crises in the country.
UN Photo/Manuel Elias
UN chief condemns terror attack in Kismayo, Somalia
13 July 2019
Peace and Security
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the terrorist attack that took place on July 12 in southern Somalia.
UN Photo/Jean Marc Ferre
UN Human Rights Council stands firm on LGBTI violence, Syria detainees and Philippines ‘war on drugs’
12 July 2019
Human Rights
The 41st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council ended on Friday with measures taken to address worrying developments in Eritrea, Syria and the Philippines, along with other issues of global concern, such as violence and discrimination against the LGBTI community.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Friday’s Daily Brief: UN chief meets cyclone survivors in Mozambique, Human Rights Council investigates Philippines state violence, UN weather agency tracks Arctic fires
12 July 2019
Climate Change
In today’s Daily Brief: UN chief António Guterres condemns airstrikes on Syrian hospitals and meets survivors of Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in Mozambique; the UN Human Rights Council votes to investigate the “war on drugs” in the Philippines; and UN weather agency tracks fires…in the Arctic.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Pledging ongoing UN support during visit to cyclone-hit areas, Guterres praises resilience of Mozambicans
12 July 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Determined children learning in classes without roofs, resilient women farming without tools or much land, and grateful people who survived a cyclone that destroyed their livelihoods; on his final day in Mozambique, UN chief António Guterres witnessed first-hand the inner strength and resilience of the storm-ravaged country's people.
Xiamen Airlines
Developing countries should not be liable for emissions ‘accumulated throughout history’, key UN development forum hears
12 July 2019
Climate Change
Citing climate change as being caused by “emissions accumulated throughout history”, the head of China’s Xiamen Airlines told the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York on Friday that heavy carbon dioxide emitters should “take on greater responsibility” to ameliorate the problem.
WFP/Gemma Snowdon
As monsoon rains pound Rohingya refugee camps, UN food relief agency steps up aid
12 July 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Since 4 July, heavy monsoon rains and wind have pounded the refugee camps in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, with deaths, displacement and major damage following in their wake, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday.
LATEST NEWS
© UNHCR/Mohamed Alalem
In aftermath of Libya airstrike deaths, UN officials call for refugees and migrants to be freed from detention
12 July 2019
Migrants and Refugees
“As a priority, we ask that 5,600 refugees and migrants currently held in centres across Libya be freed in an orderly manner and their protection guaranteed” the UN refugee and migrants chiefs said in a joint statement, released on Friday.
UNICEF/Khalil Ashawi
UN’s Guterres condemns ongoing airstrikes on Syria’s hospitals, medical workers
12 July 2019
Peace and Security
Reports that airstrikes have hit several health facilities in north-west Syria have been strongly condemned by the UN Secretary-General.
UN News/Elizabeth Scaffidi
Science is ‘key’ to pushing forward the 2030 Agenda, UN development forum told
11 July 2019
SDGs
The implementation, follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was front and centre at the United Nations on Thursday as the third day of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) focused on the important role that science plays in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
World Bank/Jamie Martin
Thursday’s Daily Brief: Poverty report reveals ‘vast inequalities’, measles compounds DRC Ebola woes, Guterres visits Mozambique, Bangladesh update, freedom of expression online
11 July 2019
Human Rights
This Thursday, we cover: New poverty report cites ‘vast inequalities’; measles campaign in Ebola-hit DR Congo; World Population Day; UN chief visits cyclone-ravaged Mozambique; monsoon rains cause ‘misery’ for refugees; and why the internet’s ‘essential’ for free expression.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
In Mozambique, it’s ‘a matter of the heart’ says Guterres, lauding the cyclone-struck nation’s ‘undeniable moral authority’
11 July 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Arriving in Mozambique to express solidarity and see for himself the damage wrought by two back-to-back cyclones earlier this year, UN chief António Guterres on Thursday said “undeniable moral authority” lay with its people, who had borne the brunt of a disaster linked inexorably to climate change, and a warming world.
World Bank/Binyam Teshome
‘Unlock opportunities’ and pave the way for sustainable development, UN chief urges on World Population Day
11 July 2019
SDGs
As the number of people on the planet continues to rise, UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked World Population Day by highlighting the close link between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and demographic trends – urging everyone to “unlock opportunities for those left behind and help pave the way for sustainable, equitable and inclusive development for all”.
World Bank/Yosef Hadar
New UN poverty report reveals ‘vast inequalities’ between countries
11 July 2019
Economic Development
There are vast inequalities across countries, and among the poorer segments of societies, says a new UN report published on Thursday.
UNICEF/Madjiangar
Mass measles vaccination campaign begins in Ebola-hit DR Congo province
11 July 2019
Health
Health workers have started a massive measles vaccination campaign in north-east Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a region that’s in the grip of the second deadliest Ebola virus outbreak on record.
Audio - 5'57" Playlist
UN Photo/Mark Garten
Peace operations benefit from improved cooperation between the UN and troop-providing countries, says peacekeeping chief
10 July 2019
Peace and Security
Cooperation between the UN Secretariat; Security Council; and countries contributing troops and police to peacekeeping operations; is “a crucial factor” to enhancing those operations, the UN peacekeeping chief told the Security Council on Wednesday.
UNEP/Duncan Moore
Wednesday’s Daily Brief: Guterres in Kenya, Prisoners sick in Iran, #GlobalGoals, Myanmar, Ukraine updates, and new space partnership
10 July 2019
Peace and Security
This Wednesday’s UN top stories are: latest global terror warnings; political prisoners denied health access in Iran; high-level discussions on Sustainable Development Goals; continued abuse of Rohingya in Myanmar; Odessa killings in Ukraine; and partnering with NASA.
LATEST NEWS
OCHA/Saviano Abreu
‘Nothing left to go back for’: UN News hears extraordinary stories of loss, and survival as Mozambique rebuilds from deadly cyclones
10 July 2019
Humanitarian Aid
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrives in the southern African nation of Mozambique on Thursday for a two-day visit, he will be surveying the damage wrought by the deadly back-to-back cyclones earlier this year. UN Newsreports from the ground, on some of the extraordinary stories of loss, courage, survival and recovery, that have defined the months since then.
UNDP/Silke Von Brockhausen
A quarter of Pacific islanders live below ‘basic needs poverty lines’, top UN development forum hears
10 July 2019
SDGs
While progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been made over the past four years, some vulnerable island States are losing momentum in the race to 2030, according to discussions at the United Nations’ annual High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) on Wednesday.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
UN experts voice ‘deep concern’ over Iran’s ‘consistent pattern’ of denying life-saving medical treatment to detainees
10 July 2019
Human Rights
Despite repeated calls, Iran continues to deny medical treatment to detainees in what amounts to “a consistent pattern”, according to eight UN human rights experts, in a statement on Wednesday.
UNEP/Duncan Moore
Terrorism ‘spreading and destabilizing’ entire regions, Guterres warns States, at key Kenya conference
10 July 2019
Peace and Security
“Trauma from terrorism” hurts families, communities and destabilizes entire regions, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday, as he expressed solidarity with victims of extremist attacks in Africa.
UNODC
Threat from petty criminals who turn to terrorism, a growing concern, Security Council hears
9 July 2019
Peace and Security
The less predictable threats represented by small-time criminals who have opportunistically embraced terrorism, are a source of growing concern, the UN Security Council heard on Tuesday. That warning came from Tamara Makarenko, an International Consultant, who works with the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), speaking at an open debate on threats to international peace and security.
© UNHCR/N. Micevic
Tuesday’s Daily Brief: #GlobalGoals progress, essential meds, updates from Cox’s Bazar, Sudan and DR Congo
9 July 2019
SDGs
This Tuesday’s UN top stories are: high-level discussions on the progress made towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals; falling behind on universal education dream; the UN list of essential medicines updated; life-threatening floods in Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh; and human rights in Sudan and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Audio - 4'45" Playlist
WHO/T. Habjouqa
Groundbreaking cancer-fighting drugs now included in updated UN list of essential medicines
9 July 2019
Health
The UN health agency, WHO, announcedon Tuesday that dozens of new drugs have been added to the list of essential medicines that every country should have, including new cancer treatments that can be swallowed rather than injected.
Audio - 7'10" Playlist
Nugroho Nurdikiawan Sunjoyo / World Bank
Now is the time to seize ‘unprecedented opportunity’ of the Sustainable Development Forum, says ECOSOC President
9 July 2019
SDGs
Nations across the world now have an “unprecedented opportunity to talk to each other and learn from each other”, Inga Rhonda King, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ESOSOC), said on Tuesday, kicking off the annual High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York.
WFP/Gemma Snowdon
‘Brutal weather’ continues as Rohingya refugee children endure devastating rainfall in Bangladesh
9 July 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Heavy flooding and landslides in the Rohingya refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, has left thousands of children and families in an increasingly dire situation with critical infrastructure damaged or destroyed, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Tuesday, while scaling up relief efforts to those vulnerable children.
Audio - 5'1" Playlist
UN Photo/Mark Garten
Global response to poverty and environmental goals 'not ambitious enough’
9 July 2019
SDGs
The global response to realizing poverty and environmental goals agreed by world leaders in 2015 has not been “ambitious enough” according to the UN Secretary-General.
LATEST NEWS
© UNICEF/Velasquez
UN agencies welcome regional road map to help integrate ‘continuing exodus of Venezuelans’
8 July 2019
Migrants and Refugees
A new road map adopted by Latin American and Caribbean countries, to help better integrate refugees and migrants from crisis-hit Venezuela into new host societies, drew a warm welcome from two UN agencies on Monday.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas
Monday’s Daily Brief: global homicide figures, neo-Nazi recruitment, Kashmir, and migrants’ plight in USA
8 July 2019
Human Rights
This Monday, we cover: a record high number of civilian casualties in Kashmir this year; a new UN study showing that more people die due to homicide than war; how neo-Nazis target children online to expand their ranks; and condemnation by the UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, over detention conditions for migrants in the USA.
Audio - 3'57" Playlist
ICC
‘Beyond reasonable doubt’, international court convicts notorious DR Congo rebel leader of war crimes
8 July 2019
Law and Crime Prevention
The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday, found former Congolese rebel leader Bosco Ntaganda guilty “beyond reasonable doubt”, of 18 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, in the volatile Ituri district of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), between 2002 and 2003.
Audio - 13'35" Playlist
UNHCR/V. Tan
UN rights chief ‘appalled’ by US border detention conditions, says holding migrant children may violate international law
8 July 2019
Human Rights
Conditions in which migrants and refugees are being held in the United States are appalling, said the UN human rights chief on Monday, underscoring that children should never be held in immigration detention, or separated from their families.
Audio - 5'15" Playlist
UN Women/Dzilam Mendez
Homicide kills far more people than armed conflict, new UN study shows
8 July 2019
Law and Crime Prevention
Some 464,000 people across the world were victims of homicidal violence in 2017, more than five times the number killed in armed conflict over the same period, UN researchers said on Monday.
© UNICEF/UN0318500/Watad
Syria: At least seven children killed in yet another airstrike
7 July 2019
Humanitarian Aid
According to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), at least seven children were killed in an airstrike against displaced civilians on Saturday on the village of Mhambel, in the outskirts of Idlib, in northwest Syria. News reports state that over 20 civilians were killed in this attack led by Government forces using missiles and barrel bombs.
IOM/Mohammed
Friday’s Daily Brief: Sudan power-sharing deal welcomed, hope for Venezuela talks, Rohingya camps flooded, Libya airstrikes update
5 July 2019
Peace and Security
Friday’s main news stories include: Guterres welcomes Sudan power-sharing deal; six children are among 53 confirmed dead after Libya detention centre airstrikes; Monsoon rains wreak havoc in Rohingya camps; and Bachelet calls for “time and space” in Venezuela.
Masarib/Ahmed Bahhar
UN chief welcomes power-sharing deal between Sudanese military and opposition
5 July 2019
Peace and Security
UN Secretary-General António Guterressaid on Friday he was “encouraged” by reports of a newly-inked power-sharing deal between the Forces for Freedom and Change – a coalition of opposition and protest groups – and Sudan’s ruling military council.
WFP/Gemma Snowdon
Scores of Rohingya refugee shelters in Bangladesh destroyed by flooding
5 July 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Heavy monsoon rains in Bangladesh have drenched the Cox’s Bazar settlement, home to more than 900,000 Rohingya refugees, destroying some 273 shelters, and injuring 11 people, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Friday. The huge refugee camp has been hit by three days of non-stop rain, and more heavy downpours are expected throughout next week, with four months of the monsoon season still to go.
UNICEF/Romenzi
Six children among 53 confirmed fatalities after Libya detention centre airstrikes: Security Council condemns attack
5 July 2019
Peace and Security
The toll from Tuesday’s reported airstrikes on a detention centre in the suburbs of Tripoli has risen to 53 dead and more than 130 injured among the “severely traumatized” surviving migrants and refugees, UN aid agencies said on Friday, reiterating their appeal to close all such facilities in the embattled country.
LATEST NEWS
UN News/Daniel Johnson
UN human rights chief ‘hopeful’ Venezuelan authorities are ready to address violations, calls for dialogue
5 July 2019
Human Rights
“The only way out of this crisis is to come together, in dialogue”: that was the clear message delivered by Michelle Bachelet, the UN human rights chief, to the Government of Venezuela on Friday, during an address to the Human Rights Council, coinciding with the publication of a new UN report on Venezuela.
ILO/Asrian Mirza
Pay packet inequality growing worldwide, says new UN report
4 July 2019
Economic Development
Top earners around the world have seen their share of national income rise in the last decade and a half, while everyone else has seen their pay packets shrink by comparison, UN economists reported on Thursday.
UN Spokesperson's Office
With Caribbean island life under threat, UN chief pushes to face ‘headwinds together’
3 July 2019
Climate Change
To counter global challenges that are a particular threat to vulnerable island nations like those in the Caribbean, it’s vital to “face the headwinds together”, especially in the face of the destruction being wrought by climate change, the UN chief told the annual Caribbean Community (CARICOM) conference in Saint Lucia on Wednesday.
IOM/Moad Laswed
Wednesday’s Daily Brief: Libya ‘war crime’ attack, Sudan, Myanmar rights violations continue, ‘xenophobia’ in Assam, South Sudan update
3 July 2019
Peace and Security
In the news this Wednesday: “Outraged” Guterres demands independent inquiry into fatal Libya migrant centre airstrike deaths; Violence and broken promises in Sudan and South Sudan, while Rohingya violations continue in Myanmar; “xenophobia” and citizenship in India’s Assam state.
© UNHCR/Santiago Escobar-Jaramillo
Grievous violations continue against Myanmar civilians, Human Rights Council hears
3 July 2019
Human Rights
Marginalized communities in Myanmar still face “grievous human rights violations” at the hands of security forces, a UN-appointed independent expert said this week, while repeating her call for an international and independent probe into the 2017 exodus from Rakhine state.
UN Sudan/Ayman Suliman
Restrictions, unmet promises, unbridled violence in Sudan, a ‘recipe for disaster’, says Bachelet
3 July 2019
Human Rights
After nationwide protests across Sudan on Sunday, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday called on Sudanese authorities to lift restrictions on the internet and launch independent investigations into all acts of violence against demonstrators, and allegations of excessive force, including attacks on hospitals.
IOM/Moad Laswed
Libya detention centre airstrike could amount to a war crime says UN, as Guterres calls for independent investigation
3 July 2019
Peace and Security
An airstrike on a detention centre in Tripoli that killed scores of migrants and refugees “deserves more than condemnation”, UN agencies said on Wednesday, as both the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the head of the UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL), insisted that it may amount to a war crime.
Visit Salt Lake
UN and civil society team up to make cities more sustainable and inclusive
3 July 2019
SDGs
How can we make sure that cities become more inclusive, with a smaller environmental footprint, and leave no-one behind? These questions will be tackled at the UN Civil Society Conference, which is due to take place in the capital of Utah, Salt Lake City, at the end of August.
© UNICEF/UN0311502/Tremeau
Tuesday’s Daily Brief: Hunger crisis in DR Congo, Swine Fever in Asia, Venezuela death investigation call, updates on Eritrea and Syria
2 July 2019
Human Rights
This Tuesday, UN News covers: Growing food crisis in DR Congo; Swine Fever threatens millions of livelihoods in Asia; Human Rights Council told of persistent violations in Eritrea; and the humanitarian impact of on-going fighting in Syria.
UN Photo/Laura Jarriel
Venezuela: ‘Shocked’ by alleged torture, death of navy captain, UN human rights chief urges ‘in-depth’ investigation
2 July 2019
Human Rights
The UN human rights chief has expressed her deep concern over the alleged torture and subsequent death of a retired navy captain who had been imprisoned in Venezuela, urging authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into his death.
LATEST NEWS
UNESCO/Ko Hon Chiu Vincent
UN cultural agency removes birthplace of Jesus from its list of heritage sites in danger
2 July 2019
Culture and Education
The United Nations’ cultural agency announced on Tuesday that it was removing the place that is officially recognized as the Birthplace of Jesus, from its List of World Heritage in Danger – crediting extensive restorative work on Bethlehem’s Nativity Church, in Palestine.
IAEA/Laura Gil Martinez
Livelihoods of millions in East and Southeast Asia at risk from Swine Fever epidemic
2 July 2019
Health
The rapid spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) across East and Southeast Asia is threatening the food security and livelihoods of millions of households in the region which rely on pig farming, The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, reported on Tuesday.
© UNHCR/Susan Hopper
FROM THE FIELD: facing up to the extreme mental health pressures of conflict
2 July 2019
Humanitarian Aid
For those caught up in conflict situations, the trauma can lead to severe mental health problems. This is also the case for the humanitarian workers who are trying to help them.
WFP/Jacques David
DR Congo: UN food agency triples aid in strife-hit Ituri province
2 July 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Food aid is being tripled for troubled Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), to respond to what the World Food Programme (WFP) has described as the world’s second largest hunger crisis in the world, after Yemen.
Audio - 8'59" Playlist
© UNHCR/José Ventura
Monday’s Daily Brief: US-DPRK relationship reset, ‘Horrific’ Kabul bombing, Anti-conscription plan in Syria, Climate change heat stress, Security Council in Iraq
1 July 2019
Peace and Security
This Monday, we cover: Guterres welcomes possible US-DPRK diplomatic upgrade; Taliban attack hits schools; UN-Syria action plan on child soldiers; Climate change heat stress impacts economy; and first-ever Security Council visit to Iraq.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
UN Children’s Fund chief condemns 'horrific' Kabul bomb attack
1 July 2019
Peace and Security
Scores of children were among the casualties following a bomb attack on a Government building in the Afghan capital of Kabul today, that hit nearby schools. The bombing was described by Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, as “horrific.”
© UNICEF/UN0318500/Watad
New UN-Syrian Action Plan signals an 'important day' for child protection, says UN envoy
1 July 2019
Human Rights
The top UN official charged with representing the interests of children caught up in armed conflict, has signed a landmark new agreement on child protection with the Force Commander of a main Syrian opposition military alliance, it was announced on Monday, aimed at ending and preventing the recruitment and use of children under the age of 18.
World Bank/Mai Ky
Heat stress spike predicted to cost global economy $2.4 trillion a year
1 July 2019
Climate Change
An increase in heat stress at work linked to climate change is set to have a massive impact on global productivity and economic losses, notably in agriculture and construction, UN labour experts said on Monday.
Audio - 5'43" Playlist
UNAMI
Five years on from ISIL ‘caliphate’ proclamation in Iraq, Security Council makes first-ever visit
1 July 2019
Peace and Security
The Security Council has concluded a first-ever visit to Iraq on Saturday, five years on from the proclamation, by the ISIL terrorist group, of a “caliphate” in the country. The visit, which also took in a trip to Kuwait, saw the members meet senior government, UN and humanitarian officials to discuss the development of Iraq, the humanitarian situation, and the ongoing security challenges faced by the Government.
© UNHCR/Gordon Welters
1.4 million refugees set to need urgent resettlement in 2020: UNHCR
1 July 2019
Migrants and Refugees
More than 1.4 million displaced people in over 60 refugee hosting countries will need resettlement next year, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Monday, while also supporting a call for far greater protection for vulnerable LGBTI individuals seeking asylum.
LATEST NEWS
White House/Shealah Craighead
UN chief welcomes possibility of resumed talks between US and DPR Korea
1 July 2019
Peace and Security
As the clicking of cameras and flash of lightbulbs captured on Sunday the first sitting United States President to set foot inside the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Secretary-General António Guterres offered his full support to a potentially reset relationship that may render a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.
© UNICEF/Metee Thuentap
Strawberries and child support; a Thai partnership
1 July 2019
SDGs
Mother of three, Mhee Saesong, a strawberry farmer from Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand, has always struggled alongside her husband to provide for her family. She describes how, in the past, when her two older children became sick, she was unable to afford to take them to hospital.
