Category: Глобальная политика

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February 5, 2026 Human rights

On Thursday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk launched a campaign to raise $400 million by 2026 to address global human rights challenges. He warned that, amid mounting crises, the world cannot afford a human rights crisis.

"The cost of our work is small; the human cost of underinvestment is immeasurable," Türk told government representatives at the campaign's launch.

“In times of conflict and in times of peace, we offer a lifeline to those subjected to violence, a voice to the silenced, and a trusted ally to those who risk everything to defend the rights of others,” he added.

Last year's results

In 2025, UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) staff in 87 countries monitored more than 1,300 trials, supported 67,000 torture survivors, documented tens of thousands of violations, and facilitated the release of more than 4,000 people from arbitrary detention.

Türk also emphasized that eliminating inequalities and upholding economic and social rights are essential for peace and stability. In 2025, the Office collaborated with more than 35 governments on aligning economic policies with human rights standards. For example, in Djibouti, OHCHR assisted in conducting a health budget analysis, paying particular attention to the needs of people with disabilities. The Office also shared important research findings on human rights with numerous UN country teams working on sustainable development.

Consequences of funding cuts

As a result funding cuts In 2025, the Office was able to conduct only 5,000 human rights monitoring missions, compared to 11,000 in 2024. The program in Myanmar was cut by more than 60 percent. In Honduras, support for the demilitarization of the prison system, as well as justice and security sector reforms, was reduced. In Chad, support for nearly 600 prisoners held without legal basis had to be cut.

"Our reports provide reliable information on human rights crimes and trends at a time when the truth is obscured by disinformation and censorship. They serve as the basis for discussions in both the UN Security Council and the Human Rights Council, and are widely cited by international courts, providing crucial evidence for accountability," the High Commissioner noted.

The liquidity crisis also significantly impacted the functioning of the entire human rights ecosystem. Specifically, 35 planned dialogues between UN human rights treaty bodies and States did not take place. Four of the eight planned country visits by the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture were cancelled. UN Special Rapporteurs and the investigative mechanisms of the Human Rights Council were unable to fully carry out their mandates.

The High Commissioner also noted with regret that the Office had lost some 300 staff out of 2,000 and had been forced to close or drastically reduce its presence in 17 countries, ending programmes vital to threatened, vulnerable or marginalized communities – from Colombia and Guinea-Bissau to Tajikistan.

According to Türk, this weakens the concept of "protection through presence," which suggests that the physical presence of human rights officers on the ground deters violations and reduces damage.

Voluntary contributions

In 2025, the Office's approved regular budget was $246 million, but only $191.5 million was received. An additional $500 million in voluntary contributions was requested, of which donors provided only $257.8 million.

The head of the Human Rights Office thanked 113 partners – governments, multilateral donors, and private entities – who contributed to the 2025 budget and helped save and improve lives.

For 2026, the UN General Assembly approved OHCHR's regular budget of $224.3 million, funded by assessed contributions from Member States. This amount is 10 percent lower than in 2025, and uncertainty remains regarding the actual funding the Office will receive.

As part of the 2026 campaign, the Office is requesting an additional $400 million in voluntary contributions.

"Human rights have historically accounted for a very small share of UN expenditures. We need to increase support for this low-cost, high-impact work that helps stabilize communities, build trust in institutions, and sustain peace," the High Commissioner emphasized.

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February 5, 2026 Peace and security

For the first time in more than half a century, we live in a world in which there are no binding limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals of Russia and the United States – the two states with the largest stockpiles of nuclear weapons.

The UN Secretary-General made this statement on the occasion of the expiration of the New START Treaty on February 5. Antonio Guterres.

Throughout the Cold War and beyond, the nuclear arms control regime agreed upon by the two governments helped prevent catastrophe, the UN chief noted.

"It promoted stability and, in combination with other measures, prevented dangerous miscalculations. Most importantly, it contributed to the reduction of national nuclear arsenals by thousands of nuclear weapons," Guterres said.

The Secretary-General recalled that the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as New START, expired at a time when the risk of nuclear weapons use was assessed as the highest in decades.

The UN chief called for hope and the creation of an arms control regime that is appropriate to the rapidly changing context.

“I call on both countries to return to the negotiating table immediately and reach a framework agreement that restores verifiable restrictions, reduces risks, and strengthens our shared security,” he said.

Read also:

INTERVIEW | New technologies, old conflicts: nuclear disarmament is in crisis, but hope remains

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February 4, 2026 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: the resumption of humanitarian air traffic in Yemen, the suspension of WFP activities in the South Sudanese region of Baliet, the humanitarian crisis in Cuba, the UN Security Council meeting on the threat of Daesh (ISIS).

Humanitarian aid for Yemen

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, Julien Arnet, announced today that the Houthis, who de facto control the country, have authorized UN Humanitarian Air Service flights for February. He stated that this will allow NGO staff to travel to and from the capital, Sana'a. Arnet emphasized that this is crucial to facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to millions of people in need in Houthi-controlled areas. The situation in Yemen remains critical: this year, the UN estimates that 23 million people – more than half the country's population – require external assistance.

Attacks on runways

The World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended operations in South Sudan's Baliet County following attacks on a humanitarian flotilla traveling along a river in Upper Nile State. On the night of January 30–February 1, 12 WFP boats carrying over 1,500 metric tons of food aid were attacked several times by armed youths. The cargo was looted. WFP stated that all operations in the area will be suspended until the safety of staff, partners, and contractors is ensured and the South Sudanese government takes steps to recover the stolen goods.

The situation in Cuba

Secretary General Antonio Guterres The UN Secretary-General's press secretary stated today at a press briefing in New York that he is extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Cuba. As the Secretary-General warned, the country's situation will worsen and could reach the brink of collapse if Cuba's oil needs remain unmet. Guterres emphasized that for more than three decades, the General Assembly has consistently adopted resolutions to end the embargo imposed by the United States. The UN calls on all parties to engage in dialogue and respect international law.

ISIS Threats

At a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism Alexander Zuev presented the Secretary-General's report on the threats posed by Daesh (ISIS)According to him, the situation is deteriorating: the group is demonstrating resilience, expanding its presence in some regions, and actively mastering new technologies. This year, the General Assembly will conduct the ninth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. According to Zuev, this is an opportunity for states to "reaffirm their commitment to multilateral efforts" and adapt their approaches to new threats.

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February 4, 2026 Economic development

Speaking at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, Secretary-General António Guterres presented list of 40 experts, who will join the new Independent International Panel on Artificial Intelligence – the world's first fully independent global body designed to monitor and assess the real-world impacts of AI developments.

Guterres emphasized that the group's work will contribute to strengthening multilateral mechanisms for regulating rapidly evolving technologies. "Artificial intelligence is advancing at the speed of light. No single country can see the full picture [of what's happening] alone," the UN chief said, noting that the world needs common guidelines and science-based approaches.

Formation of an international group

An open global competition was announced to select candidates for the group. More than 2,600 applications were received. The final list included specialists in machine learning, cybersecurity, healthcare, human rights, child development, and data management. All group members will serve in their individual capacity, independent of any government agency, private company, or organization.

According to the Secretary-General, the group will serve as a reference point at a time when reliable and unbiased information on AI is especially needed. He emphasized that the new structure will help "separate facts from falsifications, and science from noise."

The first results will be available this summer.

The Secretary-General promised the group would begin its work at an accelerated pace. The first report is expected for the July Global Dialogue on AI Governance, a key international forum where future rules and standards will be discussed.

Guterres noted that artificial intelligence is already changing the world, and the main question is whether states can move forward in the wake of these changes together.

"It's about whether we will shape this transformation together or whether we will let it shape us," he said.

The Secretary-General warned that, in the context of growing geopolitical and technological rivalry, it is especially important to find a common platform. The new group, he said, could provide such a platform—one based on science, solidarity, and international cooperation.

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February 4, 2026 Humanitarian aid

Ukraine is experiencing its "hardest winter" since the start of the full-scale war. Temperatures are dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius, and attacks on energy infrastructure are leaving hundreds of thousands of people without heat and electricity. Kenan Madi, head of field operations for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in the country, told the UN News Service.

According to him, attacks on energy facilities have become more frequent since late December, leading to serious damage to heating and power grids. As a result, essential services are being disrupted in major cities.

"I've been here for over three and a half years and I can say from personal experience: this is the hardest winter Ukraine has ever seen," Madi said.

Children in the cold and isolation

The crisis is having a particularly severe impact on children, UNICEF emphasizes. In Ukrainian cities, most people live in multi-story buildings designed for centralized heating. Without it, finding alternative heating sources is extremely difficult.

"Every aspect of a child's life is complicated right now," Madi said, citing the example of children with disabilities. He described a rehabilitation center he recently visited. Many children can't get there because the elevators are out of order due to power outages.

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Power outages are forcing schools to close, depriving children of the opportunity to learn. According to Madi, children are "sitting at home, in the cold, in the dark, unable to go to school, and there's no end in sight."

Health and mental health risks

UNICEF is concerned not only about the physical condition of children, but also about their mental health.

"It's difficult to single out any one risk today. Children are at risk in all areas: massive learning losses, cold-related illnesses, severe mental health impacts, and living in constant fear and darkness," said a UNICEF representative.

Of particular concern is the situation of children with severe illnesses who require specialized electrical equipment to sustain life. "We receive many requests to help such families with alternative energy sources," Madi noted.

Support UNICEF

UNICEF is expanding its winter assistance program. The organization provides cash assistance to the most vulnerable families with children, which has already reached over 200,000 people.

In addition, the United Nations Children's Fund is developing protection and psychosocial support programs. Schools are receiving grants to purchase heating equipment.

The organization also supports public utilities– supplies powerful generators, repair equipment, and materials to restore water and heating systems. Together with emergency services, UNICEF is helping to set up warming stations—places where people can stay warm, charge their devices, and receive psychological support.

Madi recounted a meeting with an elderly woman who brought her granddaughter, Ira, to such a center. The girl was there for a psychologist's consultation. Their building had no electricity, the elevator wasn't working, and the apartment was cold and dark. The elderly woman had to walk down the stairs, holding her granddaughter. It was clearly difficult for her to move, Madi noted. But the grandmother wanted Ira to see the light, warm up a bit, and have someone talk to her. When asked how she would get back up the stairs, the woman replied, "Yes, it's very difficult, but it's worth it."

A Call for Peace

According to Madi, humanitarian workers themselves live in the same conditions as city residents—without electricity or heat. Nevertheless, they continue to carry out their mission, inspired by the resilience of Ukrainians.

A UNICEF representative emphasized: "The consequences of war on children are colossal, and they are extremely difficult to overcome. This is not just about funding. This is not just about the humanitarian response. This is about one day allowing us all to live in peace for the sake of the children of Ukraine and the entire planet. We hope that day will come. In the meantime, we continue to work."

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February 4, 2026 Human rights

Approximately one in 25 children falls victim to criminals creating sexualized deepfakes. This is the conclusion reached by researchers from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the international organization ECPAT, and Interpol. They conducted a joint study in 11 countries.

At least 1.2 million children reported having their images manipulated and transformed into sexually explicit deepfakes. To highlight the scale of the problem, UNICEF compared it to having a child in every classroom who had been a victim of such a crime.

Deepfakes – photos, videos, or audio files created or manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) to look or sound like the real thing – are increasingly being used to create sexualized content featuring children.

Children themselves are well aware of this risk. In some countries surveyed, nearly two-thirds of children said they were concerned that AI could be used to create fake sexual images or videos.

UNICEF emphasizes that creating deepfake videos containing sexual content amounts to child abuse. These fake videos and photographs normalize the sexual exploitation of children and fuel demand for violent content.

“UNICEF welcomes the efforts of AI developers who are implementing safe-by-default approaches and robust safeguards to prevent misuse of their systems,” the fund said.

However, many AI models are developed without adequate safety mechanisms. Risks can be exacerbated when generative AI tools are embedded directly into social media platforms, where processed images are quickly shared.

UNICEF calls on all countries to criminalize the creation, acquisition, possession, and distribution of AI-generated content containing sexualized images of children.

AI developers must implement safety-enhancing approaches from the design stage. All digital companies must prevent the dissemination of AI-generated child sexual abuse images, rather than simply removing them after abuse has occurred, UNICEF emphasizes.

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February 4, 2026 Peace and security

At a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Alexander Zuev, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, presented the Secretary-General's report on the threat posed by ISIS. He stated that the situation is deteriorating: the group is demonstrating resilience, expanding its presence in some regions, and actively mastering new technologies.

Africa is the epicenter of ISIS's growing influence

Zuev noted that in recent months, ISIS and its affiliated structures “continue to adapt and demonstrate resilience, despite constant counter-terrorism pressure.”

The group is increasing its recruitment of foreign fighters, raising funds through illegal extortion, extortion, and kidnapping, and strengthening its position in Africa—particularly in the Sahel, the western part of the continent, and the Lake Chad Basin. ISIS undermines regional stability and limits states' ability to respond to humanitarian, human rights, and economic challenges.

Syria and Iraq: ISIS activity amid humanitarian crisis

ISIS is active in Iraq and Syria, exploiting the power vacuum and intercommunal tensions. The UN is particularly concerned about the situation in camps in northeastern Syria, where thousands of women and children live without water, food, medical care, or education.

“Thousands of people… continue to live in conditions of insecurity, violence, and a severe shortage of basic services,” Zuev emphasized.

The withdrawal of the Syrian Democratic Forces from the Al-Hol camp on January 21, he said, created additional risks for both security and the humanitarian situation.

New technologies

Zuev also said that terrorist groups are increasingly using cryptocurrency, commercial satellite communications, drones, and artificial intelligence tools, primarily to radicalize the population and recruit online.

"Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used by terrorist groups… in particular, to influence young people and children," Zuev noted.

The UN calls on states to intensify cooperation, including on repatriating citizens from Syrian camps, strengthening regional security mechanisms in Africa, and developing comprehensive strategies to prevent extremism. Zuev reiterated that progress is only possible with respect for international law and human rights.

This year, the General Assembly will conduct the ninth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. According to Zuev, this is an opportunity for states to "reaffirm their commitment to multilateral efforts" and adapt their approaches to new threats.

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February 3, 2026 Peace and security

The Middle East peace process has reached a crossroads, and 2026 could either bring the parties closer to a settlement or lead to a further deepening of the crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued this warning on Tuesday at the opening of the session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

He recalled that for decades the Committee has defended the fundamental rights of Palestinians, including the right to self-determination.

According to the head of the UN, adopted by the General Assembly last year New York Declaration offers a practical path to a two-state solution. However, the situation on the ground remains decisive.

Gaza: A fragile calm and a humanitarian crisis

The Secretary-General noted that despite the agreements reached in October, violence in Gaza continues.

"I call on all parties to fully implement the agreement, exercise maximum restraint and comply with international law and UN resolutions," Guterres said.

“I also call for rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid on the scale required, including through the Rafah crossing"," he added.

The UN chief emphasized that restrictions on the activities of humanitarian organizations only exacerbate the suffering of civilians. He also noted that a sustainable settlement is impossible without a recognized government governing the Palestinian territories.

West Bank: Settlements and Displacements

The Secretary-General expressed grave concern about the situation in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli settlement expansion continues, forced displacement, and the number of Palestinian home demolitions are on the rise. Particularly alarming are construction plans in the E1 area, which, if implemented, would sever the connection between the northern and southern parts of the West Bank and deal "a serious blow to the viability of the two-state solution."

The UN chief recalled that, as the International Court had previously indicated, such actions are illegal.

Support UNRWA

Guterres reaffirmed the crucial role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in supporting Palestinians and strongly condemned actions against the agency, including demolition of the agency's building in East Jerusalem.

"UNRWA facilities are United Nations facilities. They are inviolable and immune from any form of interference," he stated.

The only way is two states

According to the UN chief, the Committee's work is a reminder that the international community must not lose sight of the goal of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"The occupation must end, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice. The inalienable rights of the Palestinian people must be realized. International law must be respected, and accountability ensured. The unity, territorial integrity, and contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory must be preserved," the Secretary-General stated.

Guterres emphasized that there is no alternative to a political solution: "There is only one viable path: a two-State solution in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions." Concluding his address, the Secretary-General called on Member States to take decisive and concerted action in support of this goal.

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February 3, 2026 Healthcare

The World Health Organization (WHO) today called on the global community to provide nearly $1 billion in emergency health support through 2026.

In 2025, WHO and its partners appealed for $1.5 billion in a similar appeal. Due to funding shortfalls, WHO was unable to provide assistance to everyone it had planned. However, the funds raised allowed for assistance to 30 million people. Around 5.3 million children were vaccinated, more than 8,000 health facilities received support, and 1,370 mobile clinics were deployed.

This year, WHO plans to provide assistance to people in 36 "hot spots" where the situation is considered an emergency.

“This appeal is a plea for support for people living in conflict, displacement and disaster – not just to provide services, but to give them confidence that the world has not turned its back on them,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"This isn't charity. It's a strategic investment in health and safety," he added.

The 2026 appeal comes against a backdrop of protracted conflicts, extreme weather events and large-scale infectious disease outbreaks – while global humanitarian funding continues to decline.

Priorities for 2026

In 2026, WHO's priority areas for emergency response will be Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Myanmar, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen. Assistance is also planned for those affected by cholera and monkeypox outbreaks.

As the leading agency coordinating global health care, WHO brings together more than 1,500 partners worldwide.

"Every humanitarian crisis is a health crisis. That's why Ireland is proud to support WHO's emergency response efforts through unearmarked, flexible, and predictable funding from the WHO Emergency Response Fund," said Ireland's Permanent Representative to the UN Office at Geneva, Noel White.

“In today’s most challenging emergencies, WHO remains an indispensable organization, protecting people’s health, ensuring respect for international humanitarian law, and ensuring that essential medical aid reaches places where many other organizations cannot,” added Marita Sørheim-Rensvik, Permanent Representative of Norway to the UN Office at Geneva.

Norway calls on all countries to support the work of the WHO so that it can continue to provide assistance to those who need it most.

Early investments enable WHO and its partners to respond quickly to crises and emergencies, reducing deaths and illnesses, containing outbreaks, and providing hospitals with essential medicines and equipment.

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February 3, 2026 Healthcare

Four out of ten cancer cases worldwide are preventable, according to a new global analysis by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

The study, published on the eve of World Cancer Day, celebrated on February 4, covers data from 185 countries and 36 types of cancer. It assesses the impact of 30 preventable risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol consumption, high body mass index, low physical activity, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation.

Experts estimate that in 2022, approximately 7.1 million new cancer cases—37 percent—were due to avoidable factors. The authors emphasize that these data demonstrate the enormous potential of prevention in reducing the global burden of the disease.

Main reasons

Tobacco smoking remains the leading preventable cause of cancer, accounting for 15 percent of all new cases. Infections are second, accounting for 10 percent of new diagnoses. Third place goes to alcohol consumption, responsible for three percent of cases.

Almost half of the preventable cancer cases worldwide are caused by three types of disease: lung, stomach, and cervical cancer. Lung cancer is primarily caused by smoking and air pollution, stomach cancer by Helicobacter pylori infection, and cervical cancer – human papillomavirus.

According to Dr. André Ilbawi, Head of the WHO Cancer Control Programme, this is the first global analysis to show the scale of the impact of preventable factors and allow countries and individuals to take more effective measures to reduce risk.

Gender and geographic differences

The study revealed significant differences between men and women. Among men, preventable factors account for 45 percent of new cancer cases, compared to 30 percent among women. The main risk factors for men are smoking, infections, and alcohol, while for women, they are infections, smoking, and a high body mass index.

Regional differences also proved significant. Among women, the proportion of preventable cases ranged from 24 percent in Northern Africa and Western Asia to 38 percent in sub-Saharan Africa. Among men, rates ranged from 28 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean to 57 percent in East Asia. These differences reflect varying levels of exposure to behavioral, environmental, and infectious factors, as well as differences in socioeconomic development, national prevention policies, and health system capacity.

The study authors emphasize that effective prevention strategies must be tailored to the local context and include measures to control tobacco and alcohol sales, HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations, improved air quality, safer workplaces, and the creation of conditions for healthy eating and physical activity.

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