UNMIK/ Video Capture
Kosovo elections: ‘Most significant change’ in 12 years, Security Council hears
31 October 2019
Peace and Security
Elections held earlier this month in Kosovo represent “the most significant change in the political landscape” there in a dozen years, the UN mission chief told the Security Council on Thursday.
UN Photo/Emrah Gruel
Thursday’s Daily Brief: The power of mediation, Southern Africa food crisis, urban deaths, climate meeting update and Iraq protest latest
31 October 2019
Peace and Security
A recap of Thursday’s top stories: Guterres in Turkey underscores successes of mediation; 45 million lack food across Southern Africa; rights experts push to release Palestinian hunger striker; new UN health report targets causes of urban deaths; Climate change conference finds a new home; Iraq protests put country at ‘a crossroads’
NASA
Climate experts pledge to scale up high-altitude fight against mountain melt
31 October 2019
Climate Change
The UN’s weather watchdog and partners committed on Thursday to a new initiative to ramp up observation and prediction technology that will help address the challenges of climate change, melting snow and ice, and water-related hazards.
UN Photo/Emrah Gruel
Syria’s groundbreaking constitutional talks: ‘a clear success of mediation’ says Guterres in Turkey
31 October 2019
Peace and Security
Mediation is “one of our most important tools to reduce and end conflict”, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the sixth Istanbul Mediation Conference, in Turkey's largest city on Thursday.
Audio - 9'46" Playlist
© UNESCO
As urbanization grows, cities unveil sustainable development solutions on World Day
31 October 2019
Culture and Education
Over half of the world’s population now live in cities, with numbers expected to double by 2050, but while urbanization poses serious challenges, cities can also be powerhouses for sustainable development; something the UN is spotlighting on World Cities Day, marked 31 October.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
From ‘strength to strength’ UN-African Union security partnership growing, Security Council hears
30 October 2019
Peace and Security
The Security Council highlighted the growing partnership on matters of peace and security between the United Nations and African Union (AU) on Wednesday amidst calls to bolster overall effectiveness.
WFP/Alan Ali
Wednesday’s Daily Brief: Iraq protests, ‘historic’ Syria talks, Chile pulls out of COP25, Guinea-Bissau, South Sudan, new nuclear watchdog chief
30 October 2019
Peace and Security
A recap of Wednesday’s stories: new Syria talks begin in Geneva; Chile pulls out as host of major climate conference; UN calls for national talks to break cycle of violence in Iraq; UN chief voices ‘serious concern’ over Guinea-Bissau political crisis; IOM suspends South Sudan Ebola screening; UN atomic watchdog appoints new leader.
Audio - 3'40" Playlist
UN Photo/Mark Garten
Reparations for sexual violence in conflict – ‘what survivors want most, yet receive least’
30 October 2019
Peace and Security
Ten years ago, the UN Security Council established a mandate to prevent and address the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence. At a commemorative event on Wednesday, the UN deputy chief described that commitment as essential to “highlight, prevent and seek justice for this crime”.
© MSC shipping
UN calls for shipping ‘propulsion revolution’ to avoid ‘environmental disaster’
30 October 2019
Climate Change
If emissions from the maritime industry are not cut, we are headed for “an environmental disaster”, Isabelle Durant, the deputy head of the UN trade body, UNCTAD, told the Global Maritime Forum summit on Wednesday.
© UNICEF/Rami Zayat
‘Historic’ new Syria talks should focus on relief for war-weary civilians, says UN negotiator
30 October 2019
Peace and Security
Work on drafting a new foundational text for war-torn Syria officially began at the UN in Geneva on Wednesday with representatives from the Syrian Government and opposition sitting face to face and preparing to discuss the country’s future for the first time in the nearly nine-year conflict.
Audio - 7'33" Playlist
Photo: UNAMI/Sanaa Kareem
Iraq protests: UN calls for national talks to break ‘vicious cycle’ of violence
30 October 2019
Human Rights
The UN’s most senior official in Iraq, visited protesters in central Baghdad on Wednesday, calling for “a national dialogue to identify prompt, meaningful responses to break the vicious cycle of violence” which has roiled the country during the past five days.
©John Isaac
Tuesday’s Daily Brief: Slow progress on women and peace, rights in Kashmir, Venezuela refugees, Guterres on key Syria talks
29 October 2019
Peace and Security
A recap of Tuesday’s top stories: ‘Real change’ too slow for women’s peace and security role; UN rights chief urges India to ‘unlock’ Kashmir restrictions; UN chief welcomes milestone Syria constitution meeting.
©UNHCR/Panos Moumtzis
Tributes for ‘role model’ former UN refugee agency chief, Sadako Ogata
29 October 2019
Migrants and Refugees
The first woman to serve as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata, has died in Tokyo at the age of 92, hailed by the UN Secretary-General on Tuesday as a “role model for people across the world.”
UN News/Daniela Gross
UN summit tackles climate change-induced threat to mountain water supplies
29 October 2019
Climate Change
The world’s mountain and glacier regions are facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change, imposing a crippling effect on the people and economies that rely on them, the UN’s weather agency explained on Tuesday, ahead of a summit to address the world’s rapidly-changing water systems.
Audio Playlist
ONUCI/Patricia Esteve
‘Real change’ involving women in peace and security, still too slow, Guterres tells Security Council
29 October 2019
Women
The Women Peace and Security agenda must continue to be “one of the top priorities of the United Nations”, Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Tuesday, in an open debate on how best to accelerate change.
UNICEF/Syed Altaf Ahmad
India should ‘unlock’ freedom curbs in disputed Kashmir, urges UN human rights chief
29 October 2019
Human Rights
The people of Indian-administered Kashmir continue to be deprived of numerous basic freedoms, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday, before urging the Indian authorities “to unlock the situation”.
UNDP Green Commodities Programme
Monday’s Daily Brief: Israeli-Palestinian conflict, gender gap in Latin America, Syria talks in Geneva, human rights in Egypt, the future of digital telecommunications
28 October 2019
Peace and Security
A recap of Monday’s top stories: ‘Multi-generational tragedy’ in Israel and Palestine demands viable two-State solution; gender gap persists in Latin America’s workforce; Syria envoy urges prisoner release ahead of talks in Geneva; Egypt urged to end repression of protesters and rights defenders; future of digital communications discussed at world conference.
Audio - 4'24" Playlist
World Bank/Maria Fleischmann
More women in Latin America are working, but gender gap persists, new UN figures show
28 October 2019
Women
More women are entering the workforce across Latin America, with an increase in 11 per cent in the last 30 years, putting the region ahead of the curve when it comes to growth in female labour force participation, according to new data published by the United Nations on Monday.
Audio - 7'31" Playlist
Seychelles Tourism Board/Ennio Maffei
FROM THE FIELD: ‘Blue’ finance flows in the Seychelles
28 October 2019
Climate Change
Protecting marine areas from over-exploitation and providing the people who have traditionally lived off the sea with a sustainable alternative livelihood does not come cheap, but in the Seychelles, a focus on financial instruments is making that task easier.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
‘Multi-generational tragedy’ in Israel and Palestine demands political will for two-State solution
28 October 2019
Peace and Security
Pervasive deteriorating facts on the ground in Israeli-Palestinian conflict, “are pushing us every further” from achieving a viable two-State solution, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council on Monday.
Audio - 6'24" Playlist
UN Photo/Mark Garten
UN spotlights digitization of audiovisual archives to preserve human history on World Day
27 October 2019
Culture and Education
On Sunday, marking the annual World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, the United Nations recognized the hard work of thousands of preservation experts, from librarians to archivists and caretakers, whose knowledge and devotion is helping ensure the world does not lose valuable history written on film, and in radio and television.
©WSSCC/Charles Dickson
Nepal benefits from end to open toilet use
25 October 2019
Health
Sunaina lives in Majhi, a village of 104 people in Nepal’s impoverished Terai region. Huts fashioned of mud, thatch and straw stand in a row along the shoulder of a dirt road that carves through rice fields, where Sunaina, and the majority of her neighbours earn their living.
OHCHR Regional Office for Centra
Friday’s Daily Brief: Listen to protesters urges Guterres, unplanned pregnancies, CAR in the Security Council, Nigeria, Libya updates
25 October 2019
Peace and Security
A recap of Friday’s main stories: ‘Real people with real problems’ must be heard, Guterres tells world leaders; one-in-four pregnancies unplanned; Security Council on the situation in Central African Republic; displaced in northeast Nigeria; Libya, Colombia developments.
Audio - 3'26" Playlist
MINUSCA/Leonel Grothe
Central African Republic: ‘Transform dreams of peace into reality’: mission chief tells Security Council
25 October 2019
Peace and Security
Updating the Security Council on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday, the head of the UN Mission in the country, MINUSCA, called on the country’s friends and partners, including the Council, to “transform the dreams of peace, prosperity and development of millions of Central Africans into a lasting reality”.
UN Bolivia/Patricia Cusicanqui
Protests around the world: Politicians must address ‘growing deficit of trust’, urges Guterres
25 October 2019
Human Rights
Protests in cities across the world in recent days show that “people are hurting and want to be heard” by political leaders who must now address a “growing deficit of trust”, said the UN chief on Friday.
© UNICEF
One-in-four pregnancies unplanned, two-thirds of women foregoing contraceptives
25 October 2019
Women
Around two-thirds of sexually active women surveyed in a new UN study indicated that although they wished to avoid or postpone having children, they had stopped relying on contraception out of concern for how it was affecting their health. As a result, around a quarter of all pregnancies are unplanned.
Audio - 9'37" Playlist
WFP/Alan Ali
Security Council: UN welcomes efforts to de-escalate crisis in northeast Syria
24 October 2019
Peace and Security
The United Nations welcomes efforts to de-escalate the crisis in northeastern Syria in the wake of Turkey’s incursion, a senior official with responsibility for the region told the Security Council on Thursday.
ESA/NASA–A. Gerst
Thursday's Daily Brief: Syria latest, tech needs threaten life-saving weather forecasts, #UN75 birthday conversation begins, polio virus nears eradication
24 October 2019
Climate Change
A recap of Thurday's main stories: Wireless technology could block life-saving weather forecasts; UN gears up for 75th birthday dialogue; polio close to eradication; UN steps up northeast Syria aid; "unique opportunity" for end to Sudan-South Sudan border disputes.
NASA
Lives at risk if wireless technology demands are not held in check: UN weather watchdog
24 October 2019
Climate Change
Amid growing competition for radio wave space due to new wireless technologies, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Thursday called on governments to protect radio frequencies allocated to potentially life-saving weather forecasting services.
UN Photo/John Isaac
We need to talk: UN gears up for 75th anniversary with Global Conversations
24 October 2019
UN Affairs
The UN announced on Thursday the launch of the “biggest-ever global conversation” about the future of the planet, as part of the events marking next year’s 75-year anniversary of the Organization.
UN Photo/Tim McKulka
‘Unique opportunity’ to resolve border dispute between Sudan, South Sudan
24 October 2019
Peace and Security
Sudan and neighbouring South Sudan “have never been closer” to reaching a sustainable peace with each other, and their own internal armed opposition groups, the head of UN peacekeeping told the Security Council on Thursday.
© UNICEF/Karin Schermbrucke
World is closer than ever to seeing polio disappear for good
24 October 2019
Health
In a “historic achievement for humanity”, two of three wild poliovirus strains have been eliminated worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday, following the conclusion by a group of experts that WPV3, type three of the disease, has been eradicated completely.
UNIFIL/Pasqual Gorriz
‘Amid stormy global seas, UN Charter remains our moral anchor’, says Guterres on United Nations Day
24 October 2019
UN Affairs
In his annual message for UN Day this Thursday, Secretary-General António Guterres issued a reminder of the role the Organization should be playing, focusing on the the real problems of real people, as a “shared moral anchor” amid “stormy global seas”.
Audio - 6'10" Playlist
©UNICEF/UN0316934/Pasqualli
Wednesday's Daily Brief: New food agency partnership for children, conference on solidarity for Venezuela, snow leopard at risk of extinction
23 October 2019
Humanitarian Aid
A recap of Wednesday's top stories: UN food agency partnership to feed millions of hungry children; Solidarity conference for 4.5 million Venezuelans on the move; new panel to aid internally displaced persons; healthy working conditions still not universal - UN rights expert; Environment Programme to help endangered snow leopard.
IOM/Muse Mohammed
UN and partners call for solidarity, as Venezuelans on the move reach 4.5 million
23 October 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Since 2015, approximately 4.5 million Venezuelans have fled their country as the Latin American nation's political, humanitarian and economic crisis drags on, creating one of the “direst” displacement crises in the world, the UN and European Union said on Wednesday, ahead of a solidarity conference next week.
Office of the Prime Minister
Somalia advancing towards ‘inclusive and peaceful future’ for women, deputy UN chief
23 October 2019
Peace and Security
Somalia has made “enormous strides on its path to peace and stability”, and Somali women’s participation in peace and security efforts has “helped advance society towards an inclusive and peaceful future”, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said on Wednesday.
Audio - 11'37" Playlist
World Bank/Natalia Cieslik
Decisive international action needed to end Israeli occupation: UN rights expert
23 October 2019
Human Rights
The international community has a responsibility and legal obligation to compel Israel to end its 52 year-long “occu-annexation” of Palestinian territory and remove barriers preventing Palestinian self-determination, a UN independent human rights expert told the General Assembly on Wednesday.
©UNICEF/Vincent Tremeau
Tuesday’s Daily Brief: Nearly 180,000 displaced in Syria's northeast, millions of young lives hinge on funding, WHO urges lead paint ban
22 October 2019
Peace and Security
A recap of Tuesday’s main stories: Syria's northeast sees 180,000 displaced two weeks into fighting; funding shortfalls puts millions of young lives on the line; assistance breakthrough for Yemeni's; UN health agency urges ban on lead paint; Libyan child deaths in Tripoli attack.
Photo: UNEP
UN health agency launches week of action to ban lead paint
22 October 2019
Health
Although exposure to lead remains a key global health concern, particularly as it impacts childhood development, only 73 countries have legally binding controls for lead paint, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported.
© UNHCR/Hossein Fatemi
Nearly 180,000 displaced by northeast Syria fighting as needs multiply: UN refugee agency
22 October 2019
Peace and Security
After nearly two weeks of fighting in northeast Syria, the UN’s humanitarian wing has estimated that around 180,000 have been forced to leave their homes or shelters, including 80,000 children, all in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
©UNICEF/Bindra
Millions of young lives at risk due to humanitarian funding shortfall: UNICEF
22 October 2019
Humanitarian Aid
“Substantial” shortfalls in humanitarian funding are placing the lives of millions of children in areas affected by conflict and disaster at risk, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Tuesday.
UN News/Joon Park
Kors and Nyong’o: Food, fashion and film join forces at UN, for the world’s hungry
21 October 2019
SDGs
For the seventh year in a row, fashion mogul and UN Goodwill Ambassador Michael Kors, launched his Watch Hunger Stop campaign on Monday - an initiative that supports the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) in its work to feed schoolchildren around the world.
© UNICEF/Ashley Gilbertson
Monday’s Daily Brief: Online hate, gender equality in Africa, Chile protests, African migrants in Europe, Security Council in South Sudan
21 October 2019
Human Rights
A recap of Monday’s main stories: companies ‘failing’ to address offline harm incited by online hate; gender equality ‘precursor’ to sustaining peace; UN rights chief urges ‘immediate dialogue’ to resolve Chile crisis; African migrants would make perilous Europe journey again; Security Council visits South Sudan.
Audio - 3'27" Playlist
UN Photo: Isaac Billy
UN Security Council calls for South Sudan leaders to speed up action on peace deal
21 October 2019
Peace and Security
In a visit to South Sudan this past weekend, members of the UN Security Council urged leaders to expedite implementation of a 2018 peace agreement aimed at ending six years of ongoing conflict.
Unsplash/Priscilla du Preez
Companies ‘failing’ to address offline harm incited by online hate: UN expert
21 October 2019
Human Rights
States and companies are “failing” when it comes to combating online hate, the UN independent rights expert, or Special Rapporteur, on freedom of speech and expression said on Monday, ahead of the launch of a landmark report to reinforce legal standards for internet spaces.
Diana Leal
UN rights chief urges ‘immediate dialogue’ to end Chile unrest
21 October 2019
Human Rights
The top UN human rights official is calling for politicians and civil society in Chile to engage in “immediate dialogue” to resolve the deadly crisis which has gripped the nation in recent days.
© UNICEF/Ashley Gilbertson
More than 90 per cent of Africa migrants would make perilous Europe journey again, despite the risks
21 October 2019
Migrants and Refugees
A landmark UN migration study published on Monday shows that 93 per cent of Africans making the journey to European countries along irregular routes, would do it again, despite facing often life-threatening danger.
World Bank/Simone D. McCourte
Global economy: ‘we must do everything possible’ to avoid global ‘fracture’ caused by US-China tensions, urges Guterres
19 October 2019
Economic Development
Tensions around global trade and technology continue to rise and the international community needs to “do everything possible” to prevent the world being split into two competing spheres, led by the United States and China.
© UNHCR/Elizabeth Stuart
Friday's Daily Brief: Afghan mosque killings, Syrians flee violence, South Sudan floods, Ukraine human trafficking, anti-Semitism rises, Guterres on Mozambique poll
18 October 2019
Peace and Security
A recap of Friday's main stories: Afghanistan mosque killings condemned by UN chief, Syrian civilians flee violence, thousands affected by flooding in South Sudan, UN migration agency warns of “pervasive” human trafficking in Ukraine, UN expert calls for better education to combat growing anti-Semitism.
UNICEF/Naftalin
UN Committee says Ebola in DR Congo still an international public health emergency
18 October 2019
Health
The Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) officially remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, experts meeting in Geneva said on Friday.
Audio - 12'45" Playlist
UN Photo/Manuel Elias
Anti-Semitism ‘toxic to democracy’, UN expert warns, calling for better education
18 October 2019
Law and Crime Prevention
To counter anti-Semitism, which is “toxic to democracy” and poses “a threat to all societies if left unaddressed”, countries must invest more in education, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief has warned, speaking at UN headquarters in New York.
Audio - 9'12" Playlist
UN Multimedia
UN human rights office urges Egypt to immediately release detained protestors
18 October 2019
Human Rights
Authorities in Egypt are being urged by the UN human rights office, OHCHR, to immediately release scores of citizens who have been arrested in connection with recent anti-government demonstrations in several cities.
© UNHCR/Rasheed Hussein Rasheed
Amid ongoing fighting in northeast Syria, hundreds cross Iraqi border in search of safety
18 October 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Shelling and clashes in northern Syria on the border with Turkey continue to cause hundreds of people to flee, the UN said on Friday, despite a cessation of hostilities deal between Turkish forces and Syrian-backed Kurdish military.
UN Photo/Logan Abassi
Concerned over Haiti’s political crisis, Guterres promises ‘continuous commitment’
17 October 2019
Peace and Security
In the light of on-going instability across Haiti and this week’s transition away from fully-fledged peacekeeping operations, the UN chief on Thursday promised “the continuous commitment” of the Organization “to support the Haitian people on their path to peace and development”.
Audio - 4'34" Playlist
UN Photo/Surendra Bahadur Ter
Ongoing insecurity in Darfur, despite ‘remarkable developments’ in Sudan: UN peacekeeping chief
17 October 2019
Peace and Security
Despite major political developments at a national level, which have led to the establishment of a civilian-led government, the security situation in the Darfur region of Sudan remains unstable, UN peace chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed the Security Council on Thursday.
© UNICEF/Saleh Baholis
Thursday’s Daily Brief: Fragile hope for Yemen, TB and Afghanistan updates, Paris's fresco for sustainable development
17 October 2019
Peace and Security
A recap of Thursday’s stories: Hope rises as violence abates in Yemen; TB infections slowdown but not fast enough; civilian casualties in Afghanistan hit record level; thousands paint picture of sustainable development in Paris; labour research finds strategies to tackle poverty.
OCHA/Giles Clark
Yemen conflict: 'Fragile’ hopes rise, as violence decreases and life-saving humanitarian funding surges
17 October 2019
Peace and Security
There are “small signs” of hope for Yemeni civilians caught up in fighting, following a reduction in violence, coupled with a 20 per cent increase in funding for the UN’s humanitarian response, the Security Council heard on Thursday.
UNAMA/Freshta Dunia
Record-high number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan: UN Report
17 October 2019
Peace and Security
Afghanistan has seen record-high levels of civilian casualties in the third quarter of 2019, stemming mainly from the violence between pro- and anti-Government elements, the UN Assistance Mission in the country (UNAMA) revealed in a report published Thursday, which concluded that more must be done to protect the country’s people.
ILO/Aparna Jayakumar
New labour laws in Qatar benefiting migrant workers a ‘momentous step forward’: ILO
17 October 2019
Migrants and Refugees
New legislation in Qatar which will allow foreign workers to freely change jobs and leave the country without the approval of their employers, has been praised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as “a momentous step forward in upholding the rights of migrant workers.”
UN Photo/Elma Okic
Venezuela, Poland and Sudan amongst 14 new Human Rights Council members
17 October 2019
Human Rights
14 new members were elected to the Human Rights Council on Thursday, following a secret ballot held in the General Assembly Hall in New York.
UNDP Tuvalu/Aurélia Rusek
Tuberculosis infections declining, but not fast enough among poor, marginalised: UN health agency
17 October 2019
Health
A staggering 1.5 million people died from tuberculosis (TB) last year, the UN health agency said on Thursday, in an appeal for far greater funding and political support to eradicate the curable and preventable disease.
©UNICEF/Frank Dejongh
Ending extreme poverty crucial to sustainable future for all: UN chief
17 October 2019
SDGs
A sustainable future for all is unlikely unless globalization benefits all children, their families and communities, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, on Thursday.
Audio - 6'15" Playlist
Photo: FAO/ Vinod Ahuja
Wednesday’s Daily Brief: Soaring obesity rates, sustainable development funding alliance, new UN office to support Haiti
16 October 2019
Health
A recap of Wednesday’s main stories: Poor global diets triggering obesity; cancer incidents expected to rise indicates new 'atlas'; CEOs join UN to tackle SDG funding; New UN Mission launches in Haiti; to blend better into Big Apple life, NYC restaurant gives migrants, refugees and fresh start.
UN News/Conor Lennon
Business leaders join UN to rev up sustainable development investments
16 October 2019
SDGs
In a bid to scale up investment efforts to reach sustainable development targets, the Secretary-General on Wednesday convened the first meeting of a new UN-backed corporate alliance to discuss plans for spending on sustainability, likely to be in the trillions of dollars.
Conor Lennon/ UN News
Ingredients for a new life: how cooking helps refugees and migrants blend in
16 October 2019
Migrants and Refugees
On a Friday afternoon, in a small restaurant kitchen in the New York borough of Brooklyn, head chef Alexander Harris is giving instructions to his attentive team, preparing them for the busy evening ahead. So far, the tables are empty, but the small, popular space, with just a handful of tables - and some stools around the bar - will soon be bustling with the evening crowd.
Public Domain
Obesity rates soar due to dramatic global diet shift, says UN food agency
16 October 2019
Health
Eating food high in starch, sugar, fats and salt; combined with a sedentary lifestyle, is a recipe for soaring global obesity rates, even in countries where many still suffer from hunger. On World Food Day, which falls on Wednesday, the UN’s food agency, FAO, is calling for action to make healthy, sustainable diets affordable and accessible for all.
UN Photo/Mark Garten
Malta: Human rights experts call for justice in case of murdered journalist
16 October 2019
Human Rights
Two years since the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia on the Mediterranean island of Malta, justice has yet to be served for the shocking crime, UN-appointed independent rights experts said on Wednesday.
UN Photo/Jean Marc Ferre
UN’s Bachelet addresses progress and setbacks in human rights worldwide
15 October 2019
Human Rights
The world is undeniably facing rising challenges to multilateralism, however work can be done with Member States to strengthen the agreement of the landmark Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN’s top rights official told the committee charged with tackling social, humanitarian and cultural issues, on Tuesday.
Fardin Waezi/UNAMA
Election-related violence claims 85 lives in Afghanistan: UN report
15 October 2019
Peace and Security
Eighty-five people were killed and another 373 injured during attacks related to the recent presidential election in Afghanistan, a report by the UN Assistance Mission in the country, UNAMA, reveals.
Audio - 6'47" Playlist
© UNICEF/Bashir Sujan
Tuesday’s Daily Brief: UNICEF child health report, Peacekeeping operations end in Haiti, Syria-Turkey latest, Haitian migrants deported from Bahamas
15 October 2019
Peace and Security
A recap of Tuesday’s stories: Millions of children undernourished and overweight says landmark report; Security Council marks transition after 15 years of ‘blue helmets’ in Haiti; violence continues ‘on both sides’ of Syria-Turkey border; UN human rights office raises concerns over deportation of Haitian migrants from the Bahamas; UN migration agency helps migrants in Algeria return to Niger; rural women celebrated on International Day.
Audio - 3'29" Playlist
MINUSTAH/Sophia Paris
Security Council marks transition from 15 years of UN peacekeeping in Haiti
15 October 2019
Peace and Security
Although 15 years of UN peacekeeping in Haiti have drawn to a close, the Organization’s commitment to strengthening and stabilizing the country will continue, the Security Council heard on Tuesday.
© UNICEF/Jacqueline Labrador
'Alarmingly high' number of children malnourished worldwide: UNICEF report
15 October 2019
Health
Across the globe, at least one-in-three children under-five are malnourished and not developing properly, UNICEF revealed on Tuesday, in its most comprehensive report on children, food and nutrition in 20 years.
© UNICEF/Delil Souleiman
Syria war: executions condemned as violence continues ‘on both sides’ of border with Turkey
15 October 2019
Peace and Security
Amid ongoing fighting in northern Syria and disturbing reports that extrajudicial killings have been streamed online, the United Nations and their partners are continuing to deliver humanitarian supplies to tens of thousands of people displaced by the violence, UN agencies stressed on Tuesday.
UN Women
Rural women a ‘powerful force’ for global climate action: UN Secretary-General
14 October 2019
Women
Rural women and girls across the world are a “powerful force” in global action to respond to climate change, according to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Audio - 2'50" Playlist
© UNICEF/UN0277723/Souleiman
Monday’s Daily Brief: 70,000 children displaced in northeast Syria, Guterres commends UN-led peace deal for Ecuador, deadly airstrikes in Libya's Tripoli
14 October 2019
Peace and Security
A recap of Monday’s stories: UNICEF estimates some 70,000 children have been newly displaced in northeast Syria; UN chief sounds alarm on threat of ISIL amid fighting in Syria; Secretary-General welcomes start of Ecuador peace dialogue; Deadly Libya attacks 'blatant violation' of human rights; Food agencies reveal scale of global food waste problem.
© UNICEF/Delil Souleiman
Military operation in northeast Syria could see unintentional release of ISIL affiliates: UN chief
14 October 2019
Peace and Security
The ongoing Turkish military incursion in northeast Syria could unintentionally lead to the release of scores of people associated with the terrorist group ISIL, the UN Secretary-General fears.
FAO/Giulio Napolitano
Stop the waste: UN food agencies call for action to reduce global hunger
14 October 2019
Economic Development
With one-third of food produced for human consumption lost or wasted, and millions still going hungry, the UN’s food-related agencies are shining a spotlight on the issue: on Monday, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) published its annual State of Food and Agriculture report with findings that could lead to a reduction in food loss and waste, and, earlier in October, the World Food Programme (WFP) launched its awareness-raising #StopTheWaste campaign.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
UN chief praises Japanese climate resilience, as Typhoon Hagibis cleanup begins
13 October 2019
Climate Change
With Typhoon Hagibis causing destruction and loss of life in Japan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has praised the leadership role the country is playing in climate resilience, and its “extensive and efficient preparation for this latest extreme weather event”.
OCHA/Otto Bakano
UN chief condemns deadly Burkina Faso mosque attack
13 October 2019
Peace and Security
UN chief António Guterres has strongly condemned Friday’s attack on a mosque in northern Burkina Faso, in a statement released on Saturday.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Reducing disaster risk is a good investment, and ‘the right thing to do’, says Guterres
13 October 2019
Economic Development
There is a strong economic case for climate resilience and reducing the risk of disasters, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a message to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, which falls on Sunday.
© UNDP Peru/Giulianna Camarena
After this year’s Climate Action Summit, what happens next?
12 October 2019
Climate Change
People across the world need to embrace “fundamental change” in order to combat climate change and meet the target of restricting the increase in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius, Claudio Forner, from UN Climate Change in Bonn, told UN News in an interview that took place following the Climate Action Summit.
NOAA CREP
World Migratory Bird Day highlights deadly risks of plastic pollution
12 October 2019
Climate Change
Saturday marks World Migratory Bird Day which, this year, is raising awareness about the serious threats that plastic pollution poses to bird life, with a call for urgent measures to end the problem.
UN Photo/Mark Garten
UN migration agency launches $10 million appeal to support hurricane recovery in The Bahamas
11 October 2019
Climate Change
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched a $10 million appeal to assist The Bahamas as the country continues to recover from the devastation brought on by Hurricane Dorian just over a month ago.
UN/Rocio Franco
Ecuador: UN ‘stands ready’ to support talks, in bid to end political turmoil
11 October 2019
Peace and Security
Amid violent street protests that have rocked Ecuador’s Government, fomenting a political crisis, the UN Secretary-General has voiced his concern, saying the Organization is standing by to help mediate if politicians can agree to sit down for talks.
UNICEF/Aslan Arfa
Friday’s Daily Brief: Day of the Girl Child, mayors lead on climate emergency, Turkey Syria offensive, new statelessness pledges, extremism in social media
11 October 2019
Women
Our top stories for Friday: Day of the Girl Child celebrated around the world; city mayors lead on climate fight; humanitarian alarm rising over Turkey’s Syria offensive; history’s made as countries step forward to tackle global statelessness; Burkina Faso violence forces 500,000 from their homes; 'white extremist’ use of social media in attacks must be curbed.
Audio - 3'16" Playlist
World Bank/Franz Mahr
Climate emergency: City mayors are 'world's first responders', says UN chief
11 October 2019
Climate Change
City bosses are “the world’s first responders to the climate emergency” UN chief António Guterres declared on Friday, at an international mayors’ summit in Copenhagen.
© OCHA/Hedinn Halldorsson
Turkey’s Syria offensive could spark another catastrophe, warn humanitarians
11 October 2019
Humanitarian Aid
Airstrikes and a ground offensive by Turkey in northern Syria against Kurdish forces have left civilians dead and forced tens of thousands to flee, UN agencies said on Friday, amid fears of another “humanitarian catastrophe” in the war-torn country.
UNESCO/Vintage Pixels
Ethiopian Prime Minister awarded Nobel Peace Prize: Guterres hails his ‘people first’ agenda
11 October 2019
Peace and Security
The winner of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize has been praised by the UN Secretary-General for creating a pathway to stability in the Horn of Africa region.
© UNICEF/Zahara Abdul
Day of the Girl Child spotlights 25 years of progress, with more on the horizon
11 October 2019
Human Rights
The world’s one billion young girls, are being celebrated on Friday as an “unscripted and unstoppable” force for change, with 11 October designated each year the International Day of the Girl Child.
Audio - 4'13" Playlist
UNICEF/Delil Soleiman
Thursday's Daily Brief: Updates on Syria, refugee data centre, billions raised to fight global diseases, Colombia's peace process
10 October 2019
Peace and Security
A recap of Thursday's stories: Guterres calls for military de-escalation in Syria's north-east; the role of cities in the climate crisis; new UN data resource to support refugees; reintegration of Colombia's ex-rebels; global community raises billions to eliminate diseases.
UNOPS
De-escalation of Turkish military operation in northern Syria ‘absolutely essential’
10 October 2019
Peace and Security
A de-escalation of renewed conflict in northern Syria is “absolutely essential,” the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Thursday. His comments follow the launch of airstrikes and a ground offensive by Turkey on Wednesday just days after the United States announced it would pull its troops out of Syria.
UNOPS
New refugee data centre can inform policies, solutions worldwide: Guterres
10 October 2019
Migrants and Refugees
A new UN refugee data centre will improve the way humanitarian agencies support “some of the most dramatically vulnerable people in the world”, UN chief António Guterres said on Thursday.
UNDP South Sudan/Brian Sokol
Global community pledges $14 billion to step up fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria
10 October 2019
Health
Donors have pledged just over $14 billion for the next three years to save 16 million lives and help end AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by 2030.
UN Mission in Colombia
Colombia’s peace process developments a ‘precious opportunity’ to end violence for good, says UN Mission head
10 October 2019
Peace and Security
Thousands of former fighters from Colombia’s largest rebel group remain committed to the historic 2016 peace deal which ended more than five decades of civil conflict, but attacks against the ex-combatants have been a continuous cause for concern, the Security Council heard on Thursday.
Audio Playlist
OCHA/Hedinn Halldorsson
Civilians ‘must not be a target’, urges UNHCR, following military escalation in northern Syria
10 October 2019
Peace and Security
The scale-up in military operations in north-east Syria has forced tens of thousands of civilians to seek safety, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Thursday, one day after Turkey launched airstrikes and a ground offensive across the border.
UN Photo/Martine Perret
Ebola on the run in DR Congo, ‘now we have to kill the virus’: UN health agency
10 October 2019
Health
Efforts to eradicate the deadly Ebola epidemic in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are proving successful but “now we have to kill the virus”, the UN health agency said on Thursday.
Audio - 12'45" Playlist
WHO
World Mental Health Day sheds light on worrying rates of youth suicide
10 October 2019
Health
Worldwide, 800,000 people die by suicide each year - one every 40 seconds - making it the second leading cause of death among young people (aged 15 to 29), the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday, spotlighting suicide prevention as the theme for this year's World Mental Health Day.
© UNICEF/Truong Viet Hung
Wednesday’s Daily Brief: Mistreatment rife during childbirth, UNICEF Cryptocurrency Fund, Synagogue attack in Germany, World Post Day
9 October 2019
Humanitarian Aid
A recap of Wednesday’s stories: Alarming accounts of women mistreated in childbirth; UNICEF enters new world of cryptocurrency funding; UN chief condemns synagogue attack in Germany; mission chief calls on DR Congo political class to build on progress; UN celebrates mail services around the world.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas
German synagogue shooting ‘another tragic demonstration of anti-Semitism’: UN chief
9 October 2019
Peace and Security
The killing of two people outside a synagogue in Germany on Wednesday has been characterized by the UN Secretary-General as “another tragic demonstration of anti-Semitism.”
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Support 'winds of change' in DR Congo to consolidate positive developments, urges UN mission chief
9 October 2019
Peace and Security
Recent positive trends could help transform the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) into a stable country, the head of the UN operation there told the Security Council on Wednesday.
UNAMA/Fardin Waezi
Afghanistan probe: ‘at least 60 civilians’ killed after US military airstrikes on alleged drug labs
9 October 2019
Peace and Security
“Multiple” airstrikes by the US military on alleged methamphetamine drug labs in a remote area of western Afghanistan earlier this year, killed or injured dozens of civilians who should not have been treated as military targets, the UN said on Wednesday.
Audio - 3'20" Playlist
UNICEF/Jan Zammit
Alarming number of women mistreated during childbirth, new UN health agency figures show
9 October 2019
Health
More than a third of women surveyed across four lower-income countries, reported being mistreated during childbirth, a new study led by the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed.
Audio - 2'54" Playlist
© UNICEF/UNI209842
Tuesday’s Daily Brief: Eye health, UN’s financial crisis, progress in Mali and South Sudan, human rights in Australia
8 October 2019
Health
Tuesday’s top stories: Global need for eye care is set to increase ‘dramatically’; work and reforms of the UN ‘at risk’; progress on Mali security; South Sudan peace accord anniversary; Rights chief Bachelet urges rollback on Australia migration policies; and an interview with Maha Mamo, living proof of why statelessness needs to end worldwide.
Audio - 4'2" Playlist
UNICEF/Hasen
UN chief urges ‘maximum restraint’ following policy shift over northeastern Syria
8 October 2019
Peace and Security
The UN chief on Tuesday expressed “great concern” over recent policy statements made regarding northeastern Syria, following the announcement from the United States at the start of the week, that it would withdraw troops from the area close to the border with Turkey.
MINUSMA/Gema Cortes
Some progress made towards security in Mali, but still a long way to go, Security Council hears
8 October 2019
Peace and Security
Some progress has been made towards restoring peace and stability in Mali as outlined in a fragile 2015 peace deal, yet sustainable peace developments are not happening fast enough, the Security Council heard on Tuesday.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas
Work and reforms of the UN ‘at risk’, Guterres warns Member States, amidst ‘record-level’ cash crisis
8 October 2019
UN Affairs
The United Nations is facing a severe shortage of cash, and unless more Governments pay their annual dues, “our work and our reforms are at risk”, the UN chief António Guterres told Member States on Tuesday.
WHO/Sebastian Liste
One billion people have preventable eye conditions, increasingly linked to lifestyle choices: UN health agency
8 October 2019
Health
A staggering 2.2 billion people already suffer from eye conditions and visual impairment today, but the global need for eye care is set to increase “dramatically”, with lack of exercise a key factor, the UN health agency said on Tuesday, unveiling its first ever report on vision across the world.
Screenshot from Oceanix
Monday’s Daily Brief: 'Waste to wealth' campaign, nuclear power and climate change, 'dangerous nationalism' a threat, Hammarskjöld latest
7 October 2019
Climate Change
A recap of Monday’s stories: New UN-Habitat campaign converts waste into wealth; refugee agency chief issues alert over 'dangerous nationalism', UN warns against Syrian civilian displacement; Guterres renews call for full disclosure by States over 1961 Hammarskjöld plane crash; First-ever conference on nuclear power and climate change.
UN News/Daniel Johnson
Historic first, as Tolstoy’s War and Peace lands in Geneva, to mark international centenary
7 October 2019
Peace and Security
For the first time, part of the original manuscript of Tolstoy’s epic novel, War and Peace, has been unveiled amid tight security in Geneva, where it is the highlight of an exhibition helping to mark 100 years of cooperation between nations.
NOAA/OAR/Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
Ramp up nuclear power to beat climate change, says UN nuclear chief
7 October 2019
SDGs
Without significantly increasing the use of nuclear power worldwide, it will be difficult to achieve the goal of reducing harmful emissions and fighting climate change, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said on Monday.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Guterres: Security Council’s African alliances ‘needed and appreciated more than ever’
7 October 2019
Peace and Security
The Security Council’s strong engagement with its Member States, partner organizations and institutions in conflict prevention efforts on the African continent is needed “more than ever”, the Secretary-General told the 15-member peace and security body on Monday.
© UNICEF/Bashir Sujan
‘Dangerous nationalism’ seriously threatens efforts to tackle statelessness: UNHCR chief
7 October 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Hate speech and misguided nationalism present a serious threat to efforts to tackle statelessness, despite growing public awareness of the problem, UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi said on Monday.
UN-HABITAT
Turning waste into wealth: World Habitat Day focus on cleaning up cities
7 October 2019
SDGs
Waste can have a devastating effect on public health, the environment, and the climate, but cutting-edge innovation and technology can provide improved, cheaper solutions to the challenge, and help cities and communities to see waste as a business opportunity. This was the message marking World Habitat Day, on Monday, with a focus on waste management.
Audio - 6'46" Playlist
MINUSMA/Harandane Dicko
Secretary-General condemns attacks on UN peacekeepers in Mali
6 October 2019
UN Affairs
The UN Secretary-General has strongly condemned two separate attacks on Sunday against the organization’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) which left one peacekeeper dead and four others injured.
UN Photo/Manuel Elias
UN chief encouraged by release of Cameroon opposition leader
5 October 2019
Peace and Security
The UN Secretary-General is encouraged by the release of the leader of the main opposition party in Cameroon. Maurice Kamto had spent the past nine months in jail following peaceful protests disputing the outcome of the October 2018 presidential election in which he was a candidate.
UN Photo/Martine Perret
Friday's Daily Brief: Ebola survivors top 1,000 in DR Congo, star of 'Roma' film named Goodwill Ambassador, clean air treaty enters into force
4 October 2019
Health
A recap of Friday's stories: Milestone of 1,000 Ebola survivors counted in DR Congo; UN concerned over violent anti-government protests in Iraq and elsewhere; Oscar-nominated star named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador; Parties to Gothenburg Protocol for cleaner air, plan treaty implementation; UN scientific experts advise on elimination of hazardous chemicals.
UN Photo/Kibae Park
Ground-breaking clean air protocol to guard human health and the planet, enters into force
4 October 2019
Health
European and North American countries will take a major stride in cleaning up the atmosphere next Monday, 7 October, through the implementation of an amended legally binding treaty to limit the amount of emissions polluting the air.
UNAMI
UN expresses concern following wave of street protests in Iraq and elsewhere
4 October 2019
Human Rights
The United Nations is urging authorities in Iraq to allow citizens to exercise their right to freedom of expression after the security forces opened fire on mass anti-government protests which began earlier this week.
WHO/Christopher Black
FIFA and UN kick off healthy living campaign, to harness global game’s ‘huge potential’
4 October 2019
Health
At a ceremony held in Geneva on Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) and football’s world governing body, FIFA, announced that they are teaming up to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
UN Photo/Martine Perret
UN highlights milestone of 1,000 Ebola survivors in DR Congo amid complex environment of conflict and mistrust
4 October 2019
Health
One thousand people have survived the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): a testament to the strong leadership of the Congolese health authorities combined with the tireless efforts of thousands of local health workers and partners, United Nations agencies said on Friday.
UNDP
UN commits to help Pacific island agriculture adapt and survive climate crisis
4 October 2019
Climate Change
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) pledged on Friday to work hand in hand with the people of the Pacific to improve nutrition, and mitigate the worst effects of climate change, which pose an existential threat to many island nations across the region.
UN Photo/Cia Pak
Thursday's Daily Brief: UN chief remembers former Assembly President, Council on Africa's Great Lakes, FAO data shows stable food prices
3 October 2019
Climate Change
A recap of Thursday's stories: Guterres addresses climate emergency in op-ed; UN envoy highlights 'golden opportunity' for Africa's Great Lakes region; FAO scales up banana crop protection against disease; Data shows September food prices held steady; Somalia Partnership Forum concludes.
Photo: IRIN/David Gough
FAO plants new efforts to protect bananas under disease threat
3 October 2019
Health
In a renewed effort to help protect banana crops in Latin America and the Caribbean, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched an emergency project to curb major plant losses threatened by a fungal disease, the agency announced on Thursday.
WFP/Ratanak Leng
Can we feed the world and ensure no one goes hungry?
3 October 2019
SDGs
Enough food is produced today to feed everyone on the planet, but hunger is on the rise in some parts of the world, and some 821 million people are considered to be “chronically undernourished”. What steps are being taken to ensure that everyone, worldwide, receives sufficient food?
UNDP DRC
Security Council must seize 'golden opportunity' for stability in Great Lakes region: UN envoy
3 October 2019
Peace and Security
The international community must step up efforts to end instability around Africa’s Great Lakes so that millions there can benefit from its riches, the UN Special Envoy for the region told the Security Council on Thursday.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
UN’s Guterres: Broad climate ‘movement’ has begun, but there’s a long way to go
3 October 2019
Climate Change
When it comes to the climate emergency, “we have a long way to go. But the movement has begun,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres declared in a widely-distributed opinion piece on Thursday, reaffirming his concern over the threats posed by a warming world, unless more urgent action is taken.
UN Photo/Ilyas Ahmed
New electoral law for Somalia ‘a crucial next step’ says top UN envoy, addressing Partnership Forum
3 October 2019
Peace and Security
The Somalia Partnership Forum concluded on Wednesday in the capital Mogadishu, with attendees - including the UN Special Representative for the country - taking stock of progress made, while also noting remaining challenges and agreeing on a set of priorities moving forward.
© UNICEF/Delil Souleiman
Wednesday's Daily Brief: African youth pivotal to silencing the guns, UNHCR prize winner announced, street clashes in Iraq, Haiti humanitarian update
2 October 2019
Peace and Security
A recap of Wednesday's top stories: Kyrgyz lawyer honoured by UN refugee agency; Positive but realistic outlook in runup to Syria talks; Security Council debates how African youth can bolster peace; refugees in Mexico pursue innovative labor initiatives; UN laments violent clashes in Iraq; Roadblocks in humanitarian aid for Haiti.
MINUSMA/Sylvain Liecht
UN condemns deadly simultaneous terrorist attacks on military camps in Mali
2 October 2019
Peace and Security
The United Nations condemned on Wednesday, with “the utmost energy”, simultaneous terrorist attacks on military camps in central Mali, close to the border with Burkina Faso, that left dozens dead and scores missing.
© UNHCR/Gabo Morales
Mexico: Helping refugees go into business, a ‘win-win situation’, says UNHCR’s Grandi
2 October 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Through an innovative and collaborative scheme, some refugees in Mexico have started their own businesses creating what the UN refugee chief called on Wednesday “a win-win situation” for the local economy.
UNMISS/Denis Louro
Africa must ‘value youth’ in the drive towards lasting peace, young envoy tells Security Council
2 October 2019
Peace and Security
Recognizing the potential of African youth caught up in conflict to forge peace, is crucial for nurturing their developing identities, and could help them turn away from violence, a youth representative told the Security Council on Wednesday.
PAHO/WHO
WHO chief underscores need to address climate change following visit to Bahamas
2 October 2019
Health
The top UN health official has called for the world to rally around The Bahamas as the country continues to emerge from the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian one month ago.
© UNHCR/Chris de Bode
'Tenacious' Kyrgyz lawyer and statelessness champion, wins prestigious UNHCR prize
2 October 2019
Migrants and Refugees
A rights lawyer who took to horseback to help more than 10,000 stateless people gain nationality in Kyrgystan after the break-up of the Soviet Union, has been awarded the UN refugee agency’s prestigious 2019 Nansen Refugee Award.
UN
Peace icon Mahatma Gandhi’s message of ‘mutual understanding, equality’ reverberates on Day of Non-Violence
1 October 2019
Human Rights
On Wednesday, the global community marks the International Day of Non-Violence, which this year coincided with the 150th anniversary of the birth of the global peace icon who led India to independence, Mahatma Gandhi.
© UNICEF/UN014974/Estey
Countries urged to make ‘digital world’ safer for children
1 October 2019
Law and Crime Prevention
Rising Internet connectivity has the potential to transform children’s lives for the better, but also makes them vulnerable to sexual abuse, online harassment and bullying, recruitment by extremist groups, and other risks, according to a new UN-backed report published on Tuesday.
© Eric Ganz
Tuesday’s Daily Brief: Greek island shelter crisis, only 8 per cent of UNGA speakers women, Russian alcohol laws extending lives, Older Persons Day
1 October 2019
Migrants and Refugees
Tuesday’s top stories: Greece urged to fast-track asylum-seekers as 1,000 die on the Mediterranean; just 16 women addressed UN General Assembly; less alcohol means longer lives in Russia; cholera campaign in Sudan; standing up for older people on international day.
© UNHCR/Gordon Welters
Athens urged to fast track asylum seekers amid island shelters crisis – UNHCR
1 October 2019
SDGs
A spike in the number of refugees reaching Greek island reception centres is likely to worsen the situation in already “dangerously overcrowded” facilities there, the UN refugee agency said on Tuesday.
© UNICEF
WHO and UNICEF in campaign to protect 1.6 million in Sudan from cholera
1 October 2019
Health
UN agencies are working with the authorities in Sudan to protect more than one million people from cholera, an infectious disease which can kill within hours if left untreated.
Unsplash/chuttersnap
Strict alcohol laws which cut intake more than 40 per cent in Russia, linked to historically high life expectancy
1 October 2019
Health
Strict laws put in place by the Russian authorities since 2003 have resulted in a significant drop in alcohol-related deaths nationwide, a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed on Tuesday.
