Category: Глобальная политика

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March 23, 2026 Human rights

"Sixty-nine people were killed when police opened fire indiscriminately on a crowd peacefully protesting apartheid" – with this reminder of the tragedy in Sharpeville, UN Secretary-General António Guterres began his speech to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

A protest in South Africa on March 21, 1960, ended with the mass shooting of unarmed demonstrators, sparking a wave of outrage worldwide. The UN Security Council, in Resolution 134, condemned the actions of the South African government. The UN Secretary-General emphasized that the memory of this tragedy remains an important symbol in the fight against racism.

Learned behavior

The UN chief noted that racial discrimination is a direct violation of human rights. He asserted that racism is not an innate, but an acquired trait.

"This is a learned behavior that is widespread and has devastating consequences," Guterres said.

He emphasized that the consequences of racism are still felt today – in the legacy of slavery, colonialism, and oppression. They are also reflected in economic, social, and political inequality.

"Racism underlies the abhorrent actions of white supremacists and other extremist groups. It sows mistrust, divides societies, and robs people of their human dignity," the UN chief said.

Hate in the Digital Environment

The Secretary-General said the spread of hatred in the digital environment is particularly alarming today. New technologies, he noted, facilitate the spread of false notions and stereotypes, which often lead to violence in real life.

The Secretary-General also expressed concern that xenophobia and racism are increasingly becoming part of political discourse and are being normalized in the public space.

“I am deeply concerned about how racism and xenophobia are becoming mainstream on digital platforms and in political discourse,” he said.

Guterres emphasized the need for joint action by governments, businesses, and society: "Let us fight for the dignity, rights, and sense of belonging of every person. And together, let us vow to erase the stain of racism from our world," the Secretary-General said.

Under the guise of the ordinary

Racism still exists in every corner of the world and takes many different forms, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted in her speech.

"Sometimes it manifests itself in obvious and vulgar ways – in the form of offensive words thrown at another person or graffiti scratched on a wall," she said.

"Sometimes it manifests itself quietly and unnoticed, hiding behind the mask of bureaucracy and concealed behind the ordinary," Baerbock added.

But whatever form it takes, racism has devastating consequences for society as a whole, not just for individuals, she stressed.

Breaking down barriers

“Let’s not kid ourselves: we may no longer separate people by race on buses, but too often we still do so in our thoughts and in the way we live,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

Around the world, people of African and Asian descent, Jews, Muslims, indigenous peoples and other ethnic, religious and cultural minorities continue to face discrimination, stigmatization, hatred and dehumanization, he stressed.

"By questioning our preconceptions, checking the facts, and studying history and human rights, we can see clearly beyond the distraction tactics and realize our common humanity," Türk said.

He called for us to work together to break down barriers that limit people, “until they disappear completely.”

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March 23, 2026 Climate and environment

The global climate has entered a phase of unprecedented instability: greenhouse gas concentrations have reached record levels, oceans continue to warm rapidly, and ice sheets are shrinking at a rapid pace. This is according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), published in time for World Meteorological Day, celebrated on March 23.

According to the report, 2015–2025 were the 11 hottest years on record, and 2025 is likely to end up being the second or third hottest year. Last year's temperature was approximately 1.43 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level of 1850–1900.

"Every key climate indicator is flashing red," the UN Secretary-General said. Antonio Guterres“When history repeats itself eleven times in a row, it is no longer a coincidence – it is a call to action.”

Warming of the World Ocean and Loss of Glaciers

The world's oceans, which absorb over 91 percent of excess heat, have reached a new record warming level. Over the past two decades, they have annually accumulated energy equivalent to eighteen times the annual energy consumption of humanity. Nearly 90 percent of the ocean surface will experience at least one marine heatwave by 2025.

Ice cover continues to decline rapidly: Arctic sea ice extent reached minimum or near-minimum levels in 2025, and Antarctica recorded the third-lowest extent in satellite records. Massive glacier loss has been recorded in Iceland and along the Pacific coast of North America.

Global sea levels continue to rise, and are already 11 centimeters higher than in 1993, when satellite measurements began. These processes, experts emphasize, will continue for centuries, and changes in deep ocean temperature and acidity will be irreversible for millennia.

Energy imbalance

For the first time, the WMO included in its report an indicator of the Earth's energy imbalance—the difference between incoming solar energy and outgoing thermal radiation. This imbalance has reached its highest level in the 65-year observation period.

“Human activity is increasingly disrupting the natural balance, and we will have to live with the consequences of this phenomenon for hundreds and thousands of years,” emphasized WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

"Delay can cost lives"

Extreme weather in 2025—from droughts and storms to floods and wildfires—has led to thousands of deaths, millions of people affected, and billions in economic losses. The report also documents rising climate-related food insecurity, increased migration, and worsening public health, including the spread of dengue fever and increased heat stress.

"In this era of war, climate disruption reveals another truth: our dependence on fossil fuels undermines both the climate and global security. Today's report should come with a warning: climate chaos is accelerating, and delay could cost lives," António Guterres emphasized.

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March 23, 2026 Peace and security

The war in the Middle East has entered its fourth week. The humanitarian crisis in the region remains the focus of the international community. At the same time, the energy crisis is intensifying amid attacks on shipping and oil and gas infrastructure in the Persian Gulf.

In recent days, there have been reports of new strikes on Iranian territory by Israel and the United States, as well as Iranian attacks on southern Israeli cities. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that he was postponing strikes on Iranian energy facilities following "productive" negotiations aimed at ending the war.

Nuclear safety is under threat

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on Monday that Director General Rafael Grossi held a telephone conversation with the leadership of Rosatom, whose technology is used at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in southern Iran. Grossi received an update from the head of the Russian state corporation.

According to the IAEA, as a result strike on March 18 A facility approximately 350 meters from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant was destroyed, but the reactor itself was not damaged.

The agency's head recalled that, in accordance with the fundamental principles of nuclear safety, any military action must not jeopardize the integrity of nuclear facilities or the safety of their employees.

Aid to Lebanon amid destruction

Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that a humanitarian convoy carrying vital supplies, including hygiene products, drinking water, first aid kits, water purification tablets and chlorine, is heading to southern Lebanon today.

UNICEF representative Christophe Boulerac noted that the destroyed bridges could complicate the delivery of aid, but the operation will continue.

At the same time, the agency is in dire need of funding: only 14 percent of the requested amount of $48 million has been received.

Global supply chains under pressure

The escalation of the conflict is seriously disrupting global supply chains and leading to rising prices for basic goods, warned Jorge Moreira da Silva, head of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

According to him, the consequences of the conflict are already being felt far beyond the region: rising oil, fuel, and gas prices are putting pressure on the global economy. The closure of airspace, sea routes, and key crossings is hindering the delivery of vital goods, including medicine.

Of particular concern are attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz– one of the key routes for global energy trade. This could lead to further price increases and supply delays.

Developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, could be hit hardest, with disruptions in energy and fertilizer markets threatening their food security.

"There is no military solution to the problem," Moreira da Silva stressed, calling for increased diplomatic efforts.

Cultural heritage under threat

Since the fighting began on February 28, cultural heritage sites in Iran, Israel and Lebanon have been damaged, UNESCO reports.

In Iran, the Golestan Palace, the Chehel Sotoun Palace, and the Masjed-e Jameh Mosque were damaged, as were buildings near the prehistoric monuments of the Khorramabad Valley.

In Israel, damage was recorded in the White City of Tel Aviv, and in Lebanon, in the ancient city of Tyre.

UNESCO warns that other sites in the region are also under threat, including countries in the South Caucasus, the Middle East and the Persian Gulf.

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March 21, 2026 Climate and environment

Forests cover more than 40 percent of Belarus's territory. Last year, the country recorded twice as many forest fires as the previous year. Threats to this vital ecosystem and conservation efforts ahead of the upcoming International Day of Forests, which is celebrated on March 21, said Armen Martirosyan, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belarus.

According to him, forests are not just a natural resource, but a complex, self-regulating ecosystem, the significance of which extends far beyond national borders.

© UNDP in Belarus

Armen Martirosyan, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Belarus.

"Forests absorb and store carbon, playing a vital role in mitigating climate change, regulating water resources, protecting soil from erosion, and improving air quality," Martirosyan said in an interview with Evgenia Kleshcheva of the UN News Service.

Ecosystem and Economy

Today, forests cover 40.3 percent of Belarus's territory—almost 10 million hectares. According to UNDP data, their area has grown by a million hectares over the past 30 years. There is approximately one hectare of forest per capita in Belarus. This is twice the global average.

Forest ecosystems play a key role in preserving biodiversity, providing habitat for thousands of plant and animal species. Equally important economic contribution of forestryIn Belarus, this industry employs approximately 40,000 people, and wood processing products account for 8.4 percent of exports. Non-timber forest resources, such as berries, mushrooms, and medicinal plants.

In addition, forests are an important space for recreation and tourism, which creates new opportunities for small businesses and employment in the regions.

"Ecotourism is becoming a priority in Belarus. Forests offer local communities the opportunity to create jobs, develop small businesses, and organize educational eco-tourism trails for residents and visitors," the UNDP representative emphasized.

New threats

However, forest ecosystems are facing growing threats, primarily related to with the consequences of climate change.

© UNDP in Belarus

Forest fire in Belarus.

Forest fires remain one of the most serious problems. Martirosyan emphasized that this is directly related to rising temperatures, shorter frost periods, changes in precipitation patterns and intensity, and the increasing incidence of extreme weather conditions. According to experts, since the start of the 2025 fire season, more than 700 fires have been registered in Belarus, covering over 1,200 hectares of forest—almost double the number recorded the previous year.

"Especially vulnerable coniferous forests"In Belarus, fires can cause serious damage to biodiversity and destroy entire ecosystems. Forest pests remain an equally serious challenge. In recent years, the number of insects, such as bark beetles and sawflies, has increased. This is also linked to global warming and the declining resilience of forest ecosystems," Martirosyan explained.

UNDP support

The United Nations Development Programme has been collaborating with the Belarusian Ministry of Forestry for many years, helping to implement modern approaches to forest resource management.

Thus, UNDP specialists prepared recommendations for updating legislation in this area. In 2025, proposals were developed for the use of digital technologies and innovative methods for forest inventory, conservation, and protection, as well as for effective fire management. In February 2026, with the support of the UN agency, Belarus adopted a strategy and national action plan for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

A new project to strengthen preparedness for fire prevention and response was launched in 2025. This is the first project implemented by UNDP in Belarus with financial support from the Government of the People's Republic of China as part of South-South cooperation. Another project, aimed at developing ecotourism, is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and with support from the Russian Federation.

"Ecotourism creates new sources of income for local residents while simultaneously supporting protected areas. The project helps develop ecotourism infrastructure, create new routes and services, and train specialists working in Belarusian nature reserves," explained a UNDP representative.

Three steps to protect forests

According to Martirosyan, to preserve forests There is a need to focus on three key areas.

The first is the use of innovation and digital technologies to monitor forest conditions and detect threats early.

© UNDP in Belarus

Inspection of firefighting personnel and equipment in preparation for the fire season in Belarus.

The second is strengthening partnerships between the state, international organizations and local communities.

Third, education and raising environmental awareness, especially among young people.

Working with partners at the international, national, and local levels enables us to develop a systems-based approach to forest management, ensure sustainable results, and preserve forests for future generations.

"The forest is a living organism. It must be treated not just as a resource, but as part of our shared reality, on which our future depends," the expert emphasized.

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March 19, 2026 Peace and security

Following the extraordinary meeting of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which concluded today, participants—in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817—strongly condemned the threats and attacks against ships, as well as the proposed closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It was noted that such actions have negatively impacted commercial shipping and jeopardized the safety and well-being of seafarers.

The Council called for a coordinated approach to security and emphasized the need for international coordination of response measures. It reaffirmed that the right of merchant and commercial vessels to freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law, must be respected.

In his closing remarks, the IMO Secretary-General stated: "Let each of us take responsibility and demonstrate that inaction is not an option and that words alone are not enough. Together, we can achieve the necessary changes to protect the well-being of the voiceless and preserve the principle of freedom of navigation."

The safety, security and well-being of seafarers

The Council called for an immediate end to all attacks on ships. It appealed to member states to ensure the continued supply of water, food, fuel, and other essential resources to vessels currently trapped in the region.

States are also encouraged to facilitate crew changes in accordance with international standards to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of seafarers. The Council emphasized the need to maintain contact between seafarers and their families and friends, as well as to ensure adequate supplies on board.

The Council called for coordinated international action to ensure safe navigation. It noted that the approach to addressing this issue must take into account crew fatigue and the pressure they are under, as well as the risks associated with transiting the region amid widespread interference and spoofing of global navigation satellite systems.

Safe passage frames

The Council called for the establishment of a temporary and urgent Safe Maritime Navigation Mechanism to facilitate the evacuation of merchant vessels currently in the Persian Gulf. This measure is aimed at protecting the lives of seafarers and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping by preventing attacks. The Council instructed Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to take the necessary urgent measures to activate this mechanism in cooperation with the relevant parties.

“I am ready to immediately begin negotiations on the establishment of a humanitarian mechanism to evacuate all ships and seafarers trapped there, but this will require understanding, commitment and, above all, concrete action from all countries and parties concerned,” Secretary-General Dominguez said.

The extraordinary session of the Council was convened at the request of several member states. The Council is the executive body of the IMO and consists of 40 member states elected by the organization's Assembly. Representatives from over 120 states, including all 40 Council members, participated in the meeting.

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March 19, 2026 Peace and security

Heavy airstrikes, which have been ongoing since February 28, have caused numerous civilian casualties and widespread destruction in Iran in at least 20 provinces, including Tehran, Isfahan and Kermanshah, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.

Since the beginning of the war, more than 1,200 people have died and over 17,000 have been wounded.

Millions of people have fled the affected areas. An estimated 3.2 million people are internally displaced.

Residential buildings, schools, medical facilities, and cultural heritage sites have been hit. Humanitarian organizations warn that as the crisis deepens, the need for shelter and humanitarian aid is rapidly increasing.

125,000 people fled Lebanon to Syria.

Meanwhile, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 125,000 people have fled Lebanon to Syria. Most of them are Syrian citizens, along with approximately 7,000 Lebanese.

The organization also notes that half of all refugees are children.

IOM warned that many families are arriving with minimal or no resources and called on the international community to urgently provide assistance to those arriving in Syria.

Key destinations are already under severe strain, and a further influx of refugees could pose a significant challenge to host communities.

Rising tensions in the Persian Gulf

Two new incidents involving vessels were reported today in waters off the coast of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

At the same time, gas prices rose sharply on Thursday following an attack, allegedly carried out by Iran, on Ras Laffan, Qatar's largest energy complex. This was in response to Israel's strike on the South Pars gas field in Tehran the day before.

In one incident, a vessel east of Ras Laffan was struck, but the crew was reportedly unharmed. In another, a ship east of Khor Fakkan caught fire after being struck by a shell, according to the UK Merchant Marine Administration.

Since the escalation began on February 28, 22 incidents have been recorded in the region, 16 of which have been classified as attacks. Ship crews are advised to exercise increased caution.

The UN Maritime Agency resumed its emergency session.

The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) resumed its extraordinary session on risks to shipping and seafarers in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Opening the meeting on Wednesday, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed grave concern over attacks on merchant ships that have killed and injured seafarers, and warned that some 20,000 crew members remain at risk.

He stressed that "any attack on peaceful seafarers or civilian vessels is completely unacceptable" and called for de-escalation and safe passage for the crews.

Delegates are expected to continue their discussions on practical measures to ensure maritime safety and the protection of seafarers and the marine environment.

Rafah Crossing reopens for medical evacuations

In Gaza, the Rafah crossing has reopened for medical evacuations of patients leaving the enclave for treatment. However, the number of those allowed in and out is limited.

The UNHCR notes that the scale of the evacuation should be significantly broader.

"As we have stated previously, the opening of the crossings must be meaningful," said Olga Cherevko, a representative of the Directorate, calling for the provision of both the movement of people and the delivery of humanitarian and commercial goods.

She warned that the situation in Gaza remains dire, with severe restrictions making it difficult to provide aid to the population.

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March 19, 2026 UN

The United Nations has announced the death of Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for South Sudan – one of the UN's most experienced and respected crisis diplomats.

Nicholas Haysom's career has ranged from serving as an adviser to Nelson Mandela in post-apartheid South Africa to playing a key role in peacekeeping missions in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

The South African lawyer and diplomat, appointed to his latest post in 2021, has dedicated his career to promoting democratic governance, facilitating constitutional reform, reconciliation, and supporting peace processes. In the 1990s, he served as Mandela's chief legal adviser and later held a number of senior positions within the UN, including leading missions in Somalia and Afghanistan, as well as serving in Iraq and the Executive Office of the Secretary-General.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Guterres called Haysom "a tireless peacemaker and steadfast defender of UN values," noting his contributions to South Africa's democratic transformation and his work in the world's most challenging regions. According to Guterres, Haysom combined deep legal knowledge with extensive political experience and always strived to improve people's lives.

"The UN mourns the loss of a distinguished colleague, friend, and mentor. His legacy will live on – in the peace processes he championed and the institutions he strengthened," the Secretary-General said in a statement.

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March 19, 2026 Peace and security

The escalating conflicts in Iran and Pakistan, along with socioeconomic hardships in Afghanistan itself, have dramatically worsened the situation for millions of Afghans, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In an interview with the UN News Service, UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch described the situation as "very alarming indeed."

According to Baloch, Afghanistan has faced numerous severe humanitarian crises, but new regional upheavals have increased the pressure on returning refugees and internally displaced persons to the extreme. In recent years alone, more than five million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan, many of whom were forced to do so.

"Thousands of people have been arriving in Afghanistan since the start of the conflict in Iran, effectively moving from one conflict to another," he noted.

The country is on the brink: food shortages, closed borders and new waves of displacement

Millions of Afghans remain without stable housing and income within their own country. According to the World Food Programme, logistical disruptions have led to rising malnutrition rates. The closed Pakistan-Afghanistan border and the deteriorating situation in Iran have deprived humanitarian organizations of key supply routes. Since the start of clashes between Pakistan and the de facto Afghan authorities, the number of newly displaced persons has exceeded 100,000.

"Every new turn of history makes the situation for Afghans only worse," Baloch said.

Women and girls are under double pressure

UNHCR is particularly concerned about the situation of Afghan women. Restrictions imposed by the country's de facto authorities have deprived them of education, employment, and freedom of movement.

"It's very, very difficult to be an Afghan woman right now," Baloch stressed, adding that local female UNHCR staff also face obstacles in their work.

Lack of funding puts aid delivery at risk

UNHCR warns that its humanitarian capacity is severely limited by a lack of funds. The 2026 appeal for Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan—over $400 million—is seriously underfunded.

"We have experience and the presence of specialists on the ground, but without resources we have nothing to help people with," Baloh emphasized.

Regional instability increases pressure

The crisis in Iran, according to preliminary estimates, has displaced between 600,000 and a million households, or more than 3.2 million people. In Lebanon, over a million new displaced persons have been registered, while the country is already hosting 1.3 million Syrian refugees.

"We see how quickly the conflict is spreading, and the consequences could affect the entire world," Baloch warned.

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March 18, 2026 Peace and security

UN humanitarian agencies and their partners are scaling up their assistance in Lebanon, where ongoing attacks are causing further casualties, destruction and massive displacement.

Lebanon: The number of internally displaced people has exceeded one million.

UN agencies are expanding emergency assistance across Lebanon, providing food, temporary shelter, clean water, medical care and nutrition support to families forced to flee their homes.

According to the latest data, the number of displaced people has exceeded one million, including approximately 367,000 children. People are fleeing their homes amid ongoing attacks, and many are seeking refuge in overcrowded schools and temporary shelters.

Israeli strikes on central Beirut reportedly resulted in further casualties and damage to residential areas, including the collapse of a multi-story building. Medical facilities were also damaged, with medical workers among the wounded.

Thousands of families across the country continue to flee war zones as attacks intensify. Many find themselves in overcrowded shelters with extremely limited access to basic services.

Humanitarian organizations are distributing essential supplies, including hygiene products and shelter, to those affected, while thousands of women and children are receiving specialized nutrition assistance.

Children at risk and calls for de-escalation

The situation of children is particularly concerning. According to UNICEF, they face increased risks to their health, safety, and psychological well-being due to the loss of access to basic services.

On-site provision of medical care, access to clean water, emergency kits and psychosocial support for children who have experienced traumatic events.

Humanitarian organizations are strengthening calls for an urgent de-escalation of the conflict, emphasizing the need to protect civilians, especially children.

Iran: UNICEF expands medical assistance to children

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is stepping up its support for the health system in Iran amid growing needs caused by the ongoing escalation and bombing by the US and Israel.

In coordination with national health authorities, mobile medical teams, primary care tents, and emergency medical kits have been deployed. Additional supplies are already being sent to the country. The aid is expected to reach at least 226,000 people.

UNICEF is also expanding psychosocial support programmes for children affected by the conflict.

Strike near nuclear facility in Iran

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that a projectile-based incident destroyed a facility located approximately 350 meters from the Bushehr nuclear power plant reactor. However, the reactor itself was not damaged, and no personnel were injured.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stressed that any attacks near nuclear facilities violate key nuclear safety principles and should not occur under any circumstances.

Education and cultural heritage under threat

UNESCO has announced emergency measures in the region amid escalating violence that is disrupting education systems and threatening cultural heritage sites. According to the organization, the crisis has affected tens of millions of children, with at least 65 schools damaged and many others closed or being used as shelters. In response, efforts are underway to create temporary learning spaces, expand online learning, and provide psychosocial support to students and teachers.

At the same time, measures are being taken to protect cultural sites. There are approximately 125 UNESCO World Heritage sites in 18 Middle Eastern countries. In Lebanon, artifacts are being moved to safe locations, and satellite monitoring is documenting damage.

UNESCO calls on all parties to respect international law and warns that further destruction of education, culture and media systems could have long-term consequences for the stability of the region.

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March 18, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: an emergency meeting of the International Maritime Organization has begun in London, the Secretary-General has called for an investigation into the circumstances of the attack on a hospital in Kabul, the UN has presented a humanitarian aid plan for Yemen, and progress in preventing child mortality has slowed.

Strait of Hormuz

More than 20,000 sailors and about 3,200 ships are unable to leave the Persian Gulf area west of the Strait of Hormuz amid the war in the Middle East, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reportsThe UN agency is holding an emergency meeting in London to discuss measures to support seafarers and ships trapped on one of the world's key trade routes. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez recalled that at least seven seafarers have been killed and several more injured in attacks on ships since the beginning of the conflict.

Attack on a hospital in Afghanistan

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Strongly condemned the airstrike on the Afghan capital, Kabul, on March 16, which reportedly killed and wounded civilians in a hospital. The UN chief reiterated that, in accordance with international law, patients, medical personnel, and healthcare facilities must always be protected from attack, and called for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident. The Secretary-General expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. He reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Aid to Yemen

The UN and partners have presented a humanitarian plan for Yemen through 2026. Overall, more than 22 million people—over half the country's population—require assistance. The plan requires $2.16 billion to provide priority support to 12 million Yemenis. Meanwhile, more than 18 million people in the country are experiencing severe food insecurity. More than 2 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition. Nearly 40 percent of health facilities are either partially operational or completely closed.

Infant mortality

It is estimated that in 2024 4.9 million children, including 2.3 million newborns, died before reaching their fifth birthday. Most of these deaths are preventable with proven, affordable interventions. A new UN report shows that while under-five mortality has more than halved since 2000, the rate of progress has slowed by more than 60 percent since 2015. The report's authors note that this is the first study of its kind, which takes into account statistics from around the world and analyzes the causes of death.

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