Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 31, 2026 UN
The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: the Security Council discussed the situation in Lebanon, Arab countries could lose up to six percent of their combined GDP, the head of UNRWA condemned the decision of Israeli lawmakers to pass a law imposing the death penalty on Palestinians accused of terrorism, and the mayor of New York visited UN headquarters and met with the Secretary-General.
Security Council for Lebanon
Senior UN officials addressed the Security Council on Tuesday, warning of the rapidly deteriorating situation in Lebanon: clashes between Israel and Hezbollah are intensifying, and civilian casualties are rising. According to Lebanese authorities, more than 1,200 people have been killed and nearly 3,700 injured. Civilian infrastructure has been severely damaged. Humanitarian agencies have increased their aid, but funding shortages and difficulties accessing combat zones are hampering operations.
Economic losses in Arab countries
The military escalation in the Middle East, now in its fifth week, could lead to a significant setback in socio-economic development in Arab countries, according to experts from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). According to preliminary estimates, the region could lose up to six percent of its total GDP, or up to $194 billion. This amount exceeds the entire economic growth in the Arab region in 2025. Unemployment could rise by four percent, and approximately four million more people could fall below the poverty line.
Death Penalty Law for Palestinians
The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, who is leaving his post on Tuesday, condemned Israeli lawmakers' decision to make the death penalty the standard punishment for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks. Lazzarini stated, "Like many others, I am absolutely appalled by this abhorrent law, and I sincerely hope it will be overturned by the Supreme Court." The UNRWA chief called the law discriminatory because it targets only one category of the population.
Mamdani's visit to the UN
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres On Tuesday, he met with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. This was Mamdani's first visit to the UN headquarters. The UN chief thanked him for his support, describing the relationship between the Organization and the city where it is based as "excellent." Guterres and Mamdani discussed ways to deepen cooperation. The Secretary-General looks forward to continued dialogue between the UN and New York.
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