Category: Объединенные Нации

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 23, 2026 Peace and security

Four years after the start of full-scale war, Ukraine's reconstruction over the next decade will require nearly $588 billion (over €500 billion), according to an updated joint damage and needs assessment prepared by the Ukrainian government, the World Bank, the European Commission, and the United Nations. This amount is almost three times the country's projected nominal GDP for 2025.

With the support of international partners, the Ukrainian authorities are already planning priority recovery projects for 2026. These include public investments and key assistance programs—rebuilding damaged housing, demining, and economic support—worth over $15 billion. Furthermore, since February 2022, at least $20 billion has already been allocated for immediate repairs to damaged facilities and recovery programs for projects in housing, energy, education, transportation, and other vital services.

We remain capable of recovering quickly and moving forward. I thank the World Bank, EU, and UN teams for supporting our efforts.

"Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion, the total cost of Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction is now estimated at nearly $588 billion over the next decade – nearly three times the country's projected nominal GDP for 2025," noted Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. "Despite unprecedented Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and residential buildings across Ukraine this winter, our people are demonstrating resilience, and businesses continue to operate. We remain capable of quickly recovering and moving forward. I thank the teams of the World Bank, the EU, and the UN for supporting our efforts. This assistance allows us to urgently repair critical infrastructure and continue systemic recovery, with a particular focus on energy and housing."

The report covers the period from February 2022 to December 2025 – nearly four years of war. According to it, direct damage has already exceeded $195 billion (€166 billion), compared to $176 billion a year earlier. Housing, transportation, and energy have been hit the hardest, particularly in frontline regions and large cities.

Energy infrastructure continues to be subject to intense attacks: the number of damaged or destroyed facilities has increased by approximately 21 percent compared to the previous estimate. In the transportation sector, needs have increased by approximately 24 percent due to attacks on railways and ports in 2025. By the end of 2025, 14 percent of the country's housing stock—that's more than three million households—has been damaged or destroyed.

"Despite the massive destruction that continues to wreak havoc on Ukraine's people, economy, and infrastructure, the entire country is demonstrating exceptional resilience and resolve," said Anna Bjerde, World Bank Managing Director for Operations. "The World Bank Group is steadfastly committed to supporting Ukraine's recovery, helping create jobs, opportunity, and hope in a resilient, modern, and competitive economy."

The report's authors note that the private sector will play a key role in the recovery. However, further reforms are needed to attract investment, including improving the business climate, expanding access to finance, and adapting the economy to the European Union's environmental and digital standards.

The return of refugees, the reintegration of veterans and the participation of women in the labour market will determine the economic recovery as much as investment and infrastructure rehabilitation.

"Russia's war of aggression continues to have a devastating impact on Ukraine," stressed EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. "The EU will continue to play a key role in supporting Ukraine's recovery, mobilizing private investment through the Investment Framework for Ukraine and promoting reforms through the Ukraine Action Plan that will help attract investment and bring the country closer to EU membership."

The largest long-term costs are associated with the transportation sector – over $96 billion. These are followed by energy (almost $91 billion), housing (almost $90 billion), trade and industry (over $63 billion), and agriculture (over $55 billion). Nearly $28 billion will be needed for demining and rubble removal.

"Recovery efforts are people-centered. Ukraine's greatest resource is its people. The return of refugees, the reintegration of veterans, and women's participation in the labor market will determine economic recovery as much as investment and infrastructure rehabilitation. Recovery must be people-centered and community-centered," said UN Regional Coordinator Matthias Schmale.

The report also emphasizes that the country's future economic strategy—"Economy of Ukraine's Future"—focuses on macro-financial stability, governance reforms, private sector development, infrastructure rehabilitation, and investment in human capital, which should strengthen investor confidence and accelerate Ukraine's rapprochement with the European Union.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 20, 2026 Sustainable Development Goals

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the key role of science in the global governance of artificial intelligence, speaking Friday at an event in New Delhi, India, on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit.

"By building on science, we can transform artificial intelligence from a source of uncertainty into a reliable driver for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," he said.

The Secretary-General called on the international community to build a future "in which policies are as smart as the technologies they are designed to guide."

New expert group

Guterres noted that "AI innovation is advancing at lightning speed, outpacing our collective ability to fully understand it, let alone manage it effectively." He argued that for AI to serve humanity, policies must not be based on guesswork. What's needed are "facts that can be trusted—and shared across countries and sectors."

That's why the UN is developing mechanisms that place science at the center of international cooperation in the field of AI. In particular, the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence was recently established, which includes40 leading experts were included.

The group aims to bridge the AI knowledge gap and assess the real-world economic and societal impacts of new technologies, so that governments can make decisions with an equally clear understanding of the situation, regardless of their own technological advancement.

Accelerating progress and preventing risks

"The Group will provide a common analytical framework, helping Member States move from philosophical discussions to technical coordination and evidence-based decision-making," the UN chief emphasized.

Read also:

In addition, the international community will be able to identify potential consequences of AI in advance, such as risks for children or the labour market, which will allow countries to “prepare, protect people and invest in their future.”

Risk of fragmentation

Guterres noted that international cooperation today is complicated by declining trust and increasing technological rivalry.

"Without a common framework, fragmentation takes over, with different regions operating under incompatible policies and technical standards," the UN chief warned. This, he said, only increases costs, reduces security, and deepens inequality.

The Secretary-General indicated that countries could agree on "technical benchmarks" based on the work of the International Panel and another UN initiative, the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, which will be held in Geneva in May.

Human control

Concluding his speech, the UN chief emphasized that human control over AI must be "a technical reality, not a slogan."

This means the need for “real human oversight in high-stakes decisions – in justice, health care, lending,” and a clear accountability system so that responsibility “is never shifted to an algorithm.”

“People must understand how decisions are made, have the opportunity to challenge them and receive answers,” the Secretary-General concluded.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dominika Tomaszewska-Mortimer

February 20, 2026 Peace and security

Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion, millions of Ukrainians are facing numerous hardships, including interruptions in heat and electricity supplies. The crisis is particularly hard on women and vulnerable groups, UN humanitarian officials warned at a briefing in Geneva on Friday.

The status of women

Returning from a recent visit to the country, UN Women Humanitarian Programme Director Sophia Collthorpe spoke to journalists in Geneva about the suffering of Ukrainian families left without heat, electricity, or shelter amid extreme cold. Sixty-five percent of Ukraine's energy capacity, she said, was destroyed as a result of deliberate attacks.

"These power outages are more than just technical glitches," she said. "They directly undermine women's safety, security, and economic stability."

Many Ukrainian women work in the sectors where extended power outages have the most severe impact – education, healthcare, social services, and retail – and now these women are increasingly losing their jobs.

"In Kyiv, in a large heated tent set up to support people, I met Irina," Collthorpe said. "She told me, 'No electricity means no school for my children and no work for me. That means there's nothing to live on…'"

Last year was the deadliest year for women in the entire war, with more than 5,000 deaths and 14,000 injuries confirmed.

According to a recent study on the impact of aid cuts, one in three women's organizations in the country will likely not survive for more than six months.

"By the end of the year, they risk losing at least $53.9 million," said UN Women spokesperson Sabina Fraser-Güneş. "If this situation continues, approximately 63,000 Ukrainian women will lose access to critical services such as support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in 2026."

The crisis is draining both the most vulnerable and the most resilient.

Extended power outages pose a mortal threat to the most vulnerable: the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses. The psychosocial consequences of the energy crisis are no less severe: darkness, isolation, and constant uncertainty exhaust even the most resilient. Jamie Wa, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Office of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, told reporters via video link from Kyiv.

Attacks on hospitals

The conflict's devastating impact on human health is compounded by persistent attacks on hospitals and clinics. Over the past four years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded more than 2,870 confirmed attacks, resulting in 233 deaths and 937 injuries, including both health workers and patients.

"Medical facilities are operating at the limit of their capacity, there is a shortage of personnel, and the infrastructure is damaged," warned World Health Organization representative Christian Lindmeier.

According to the WHO, the number of people with disabilities in Ukraine has increased by almost 390,000, or more than 10 percent, since February 2022. "Numbers are one thing. The stories behind them are much more," emphasized Christian Lindmeier.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 20, 2026 Human rights

The UN Human Rights Office has collected evidence of the situation of hundreds of thousands of victims of human trafficking who are forced to engage in fraud in major criminal hubs in Southeast Asia and other regions of the world.new reportCases of torture and ill-treatment, sexual violence and exploitation, forced abortions, food deprivation and solitary confinement have been documented.

The victims also spoke about assistance to the criminals from some border guards and about intimidation and extortion by the police.

Promises of legal work

According to satellite imagery and on-the-ground data, nearly three-quarters of such operations concentrated in the Mekong regionHowever, the activities of fraudulent centers have also spread to some Pacific island states, countries in South Asia, the Persian Gulf, West Africa, and the Americas.

The report is based on interviews with victims from Bangladesh, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, India, China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and South Africa. They were trafficked to trafficking centers in Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates between 2021 and 2025. The study also interviewed representatives of the police, border agencies, and civil society.

Victims reported being lured in with promises of legitimate work, only to be coerced into participating in online scams ranging from telephone extortion to financial scams and "romantic" schemes.

Cruel punishments

Some of the victims described large gated communities of over 200 hectares, resembling autonomous cities, with multi-story fortified buildings, high walls topped with barbed wire, and armed guards.

Read also:

There are also reports of deaths during escape attempts – some fell from balconies and rooftops. Escape attempts were harshly punished. A Vietnamese survivor reported that her sister was beaten, shocked with a taser, and locked up without food for seven days.

Coercion to commit fraudulent activity

According to the report, recruiters often arranged video calls with victims' relatives, forcing them to watch the abuse in order to extract ransom payments.

Most victims received only a fraction of the promised wages: various fines and "expenses" were deducted from their earnings. One interviewee reported being forced to "earn" up to $9,500 daily as part of a fraudulent scheme, otherwise he faced beatings or being "resold" to another center with harsher conditions.

The inadmissibility of punishing victims of human trafficking

"The scale of abuse is both shocking and heartbreaking," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. He emphasized that victims often face mistrust, stigma, and even punishment instead of protection and rehabilitation.

According to Türk, effective measures must be based on human rights, including recognition of forced recruitment into criminal activity and the principle of non-punishment of victims of human trafficking.

The report also emphasizes the need for safe and timely release operations, respect for the principle of non-refoulement, and access to medical and psychological care for victims.

Fight against corruption

Researchers conducted a behavioral and systems analysis to examine the reasons why people continue to fall victim to such schemes. Proposed measures include expanding safe channels for labor migration, monitoring online job postings, and actively engaging civil society organizations and associations of victims themselves in prevention efforts.

The High Commissioner called on States to combat corruption associated with fraudulent networks and bring criminal syndicates to justice, and also to ensure the free operation of independent media and human rights defenders who combat human trafficking.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 20, 2026 Peace and security

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has called on governments and the aviation industry to expedite the creation and strengthening of support systems for victims and their families. The UN agency made this statement on International Day of Remembrance for Aircraft Crash Victims and Their Families.

ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Ohnuma noted that this day is an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives in air crashes and express solidarity with their loved ones. He stated that the international community bears a collective responsibility to ensure timely and effective support.

Help for victims

Last year, ICAO member states unanimously adopted a resolution committing countries to developing mechanisms to assist victims and the families of the deceased. The document calls for the establishment of clear procedures for informing relatives, respectful treatment, access to psychological and social support, and proper identification of the deceased.

Particular attention is given to the need for long-term assistance, as the effects of the tragedy could be felt for years. The resolution emphasizes that support must be enshrined in national legislation and comply with international standards.

Incident investigation

ICAO has also updated its requirements for aviation accident investigations. States must now promptly publish preliminary information on crashes, use clear language in reports, and consider the views of families during the investigation. These measures are aimed at increasing transparency and trust.

ICAO programs

The organization continues to help countries improve their national systems. To this end, it develops practical guidelines, conducts training workshops, and provides technical support. Particular attention is paid to high-risk regions and countries with limited resources.

ICAO also encourages wider ratification of the Montreal Convention (Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air) of 1999, which establishes uniform international principles for air carrier liability and compensation for victims. To date, 143 states have acceded to it.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 19, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: genocide may have occurred in El Fasher, Sudan; humanitarian aid for residents of Gaza remains limited; UNICEF is concerned about the situation of children detained in Iran; and the Secretary-General calls for $3 billion to be allocated for equitable AI development.

Events in Sudan

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan said the actions of the Rapid Reaction Force during the capture of the town of El Fasher in the Darfur region in late October last year have "signs of genocide" against the Zaghawa and Fur communities. The new report describes "systematic ethnically motivated killings, sexual violence, destruction, and public statements directly calling for the extermination of non-Arab communities." Given the conflict's expansion to other regions, including Kordofan, experts warn that the protection of civilians is needed "more urgently than ever."

Aid in Gaza

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that, as of the beginning of the week, approximately 670,000 people in the Gaza Strip have received food assistance for February. In addition, from February 11 to 17, tents and other shelter items were provided to over 11,500 households. However, food rations remain reduced to 50 percent, and the tents are only a temporary solution. Supplies from Egypt remain extremely limited due to refusals by Israeli authorities. Humanitarian agencies continue to call for the resumption of direct deliveries from Jordan and increased access to more sustainable shelter solutions.

Children in Iran

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) expressed concern over reports that children detained in connection with the recent civil unrest in Iran continue to be detained. In a statement, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edward Beigbeder, said children deprived of their liberty must be held in conditions that respect their dignity and be able to maintain regular contact with their families. He called for the release of minors arrested in Iran following the recent unrest.

Artificial intelligence

The Future of Artificial Intelligence "It cannot be determined by a handful of countries or dependent on the whims of a few billionaires," the UN Secretary-General stated. Antonio GuterresSpeaking Thursday at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, India, he called for the creation of a $3 billion global fund to expand developing countries' access to artificial intelligence technologies.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 19, 2026 Human rights

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is convinced that without urgently creating protective mechanisms, artificial intelligence could exacerbate inequality and bias on the planet. Speaking on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Volker Türk told the UN News Service that technology must be regulated within a human rights-based approach that ensures transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.

Volker Türk: Artificial intelligence is a technological tool, and its development should be based on a risk assessment. It is essential to have rules within which AI is developed, designed, and applied, and it is at this stage that human rights should be emphasized.

UN News Service: What do you see as the most serious risks to human rights in the context of the rapid spread of AI?

Volker Türk: Inequality is a huge problem. That's why I'm glad this summit is taking place in India. It's crucial that such tools are used and developed everywhere.

There's also the issue of bias and discrimination. If data is collected only in one part of the world, or if AI is developed exclusively by men, unconscious bias is inevitably built into the system. We believe it's crucial to consider the interests of vulnerable groups and minorities, as they are often excluded from AI development processes. This is about active participation and a vision for a better world. Human rights provide that vision.

UN News Service: Generative AI is advancing faster than regulation. What protective measures should governments and companies urgently implement?

Volker Türk: Take the pharmaceutical industry for example: testing [of new drugs] usually takes a very long time because it is necessary to ensure that all risks associated with a new product are identified before it is launched on the market.

When it comes to AI tools, we must require companies to conduct human rights impact assessments during the development, implementation, and marketing stages of the product.

When it comes to AI tools, we must require companies to conduct human rights impact assessments during the development, implementation, and marketing stages of the product.

We see that some companies' budgets exceed those of small countries. If you control technology not only in your own country but globally, you wield power. This power can be used for good—for example, to improve healthcare, education, and sustainable development. But it can also be used for evil—to create lethal autonomous weapons, spread disinformation, hatred, and aggressive misogyny.

UN News Service: What AI governance mechanisms are needed to prevent bias and inequality from worsening?

Volker Türk: I've had the opportunity to speak with people who create artificial intelligence systems. I'm struck by how often they have a very superficial understanding of the fundamental principles when they begin development. It's like Frankenstein's monster: you create something you don't control from the start. Eventually, the genie escapes from the bottle.

I've had the opportunity to speak with people who create artificial intelligence systems. I'm struck by how often they have a very superficial understanding of the fundamental principles when they begin development.

Failure to consider the risks and potential threats can cause enormous harm. We saw this in Myanmar, where hatred against the Rohingya spread on social media.

It's crucial to consider the interests of all groups in society, especially women and youth, and remember that our consciousness develops differently. We don't want to create dependencies that poison the mind and soul. We also need to understand how destructive disinformation can be: it corrodes the social fabric, creating division and polarization, as everyone begins to live in their own bubble.

We also see a lot of misogyny. Many female politicians tell me they're considering leaving politics because of what they encounter on social media.

UN News: What do you think the responsible use of AI will look like in five years?

Volker Türk: I hope that we will move towards inclusive AI development, where power is no longer concentrated in the hands of a few companies in North America, and where AI development takes into account the richness and diversity of all communities.

I also hope for an inclusive and meaningful approach that will help us address the many challenges facing the modern world. The climate crisis, access to healthcare, education for all—AI could be a fantastic tool for achieving these goals. But if we don't offer a vision for a better future, the world could become even more polarized, and wars could spiral completely out of human control. And that's extremely dangerous.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 19, 2026 Sustainable Development Goals

The future of artificial intelligence "cannot be determined by a handful of countries or dependent on the whims of a few billionaires," UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Thursday at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, India. He called for the creation of a $3 billion global fund to expand developing countries' access to AI technologies.

Without investment in skills development, data infrastructure, affordable computing power, and inclusive digital ecosystems, many countries risk being left behind in the AI era, the UN chief said.

"Our target is $3 billion. That's less than one percent of a single tech company's annual revenue," Guterres said, calling it "a small price to pay for the spread of AI, which will benefit everyone—including the companies creating these technologies."

The UN's Role in AI Governance

The AI Impact Summit has been held since 2023. This year, the meeting is being held in a country from the Global South for the first time – previously, it was hosted by France, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom.

The Secretary-General emphasized that the UN is taking steps to establish a global AI governance system. Specifically, last year the General Assembly established the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence.

It included 40 leading experts from around the world. Their mission is to provide independent assessments of the risks, opportunities, and social impact of AI.

“AI must belong to everyone,” the UN chief said, calling on governments, the private sector, and civil society to actively support the group’s work.

Potential and risks

Guterres noted that when used responsibly, AI can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by accelerating medical discoveries, expanding access to education, strengthening food security, enhancing climate action, and improving public services.

At the same time, he warned of the risks: without proper regulation AI has the potential to exacerbate inequality, perpetuate bias, and cause harm.

“We need protection mechanisms that ensure human participation and maintain human control and responsibility,” the Secretary-General emphasized.

He also highlighted AI's growing energy and water needs, noting that data center development must transition to clean energy sources and without harming local communities.

"We need to invest in people so that AI enhances human potential, not replaces it," he said.

The Secretary-General stressed the need to protect children and other vulnerable groups from exploitation and abuse.

"No child should be subjected to testing involving the uncontrolled use of AI," he said.

In closing, the UN chief called for the creation of technologies that "improve life and protect the planet," emphasizing: "Let us create AI for everyone that makes dignity the default setting."

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 19, 2026 Peace and security

The escalation of Israeli attacks and the forced displacement of Palestinians may indicate ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, according to a report released Thursday by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The report covers the period from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025. It is based on monitoring by OHCHR, as well as information from government sources, other UN entities and non-governmental organizations.

“The intensification of attacks, the systematic destruction of entire neighborhoods, and the denial of humanitarian aid appear to be aimed at permanently altering the demographic structure of Gaza,” the document says. “This, coupled with forced displacements that appear to be aimed at permanently displacing [Palestinians], raises concerns about the existence of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank.”

Killings, starvation and destruction in Gaza

The report details the ongoing killing of "unprecedented numbers" of civilians by Israeli forces in Gaza, the spread of famine in the enclave, and the destruction of remaining civilian infrastructure—hospitals, schools, and homes. This, the document states, "creates living conditions for Palestinians that are increasingly incompatible with their continued existence in Gaza."

The nature of the deadly attacks in Gaza, according to the report's authors, raises serious concerns that Israeli forces deliberately targeted civilians and objects and carried out attacks in the knowledge that the loss of life, injury or destruction "would be grossly disproportionate to the anticipated military advantage, which constitutes a war crime."

According to Gaza health authorities, which OHCHR has confirmed as reliable, at least 25,594 Palestinians were killed and 68,837 were injured during the reporting period.

Since the fighting began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas attacks on Israel, more than 68,800 Palestinians have been killed and 170,664 injured. The actual death toll is likely higher, as many remain trapped under rubble.

Death by hunger

At least 463 Palestinians, including 157 children, died of starvation in Gaza during the reporting period.

"The situation of famine and malnutrition is a direct result of the actions of the Israeli government," the report states. Its authors emphasize that any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare constitutes a war crime and may also constitute a crime against humanity if committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against the civilian population. Furthermore, if committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, it may also constitute genocide.

Use of force in the West Bank

In the occupied West Bank, the report documents the systematic, unlawful use of force by the Israeli military, "including the continued use of means and methods designed for warfare," large-scale arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment of Palestinians in custody, and the destruction of property. These actions were used "to systematically discriminate against, suppress, control, and dominate the Palestinian people."

The report also noted alarming instances of disproportionate use of violence by Palestinian Authority security forces, including major military operations against individuals wanted by Israel.

Hostages as a tool of pressure

During the reporting period, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups continued to hold Israeli and foreign hostages captured on October 7, 2023, as well as the bodies of those who died or were killed in captivity, as a means of pressure.

“Previously released videos and public testimonies from released hostages indicate sexual and other gender-based violence, torture and other forms of ill-treatment, including beatings, prolonged detention underground, deprivation of food, water and access to toilets,” the report says.

It is noted that the taking of hostages and their treatment in this manner “violates numerous provisions of international humanitarian law and constitutes war crimes.”

Impunity and inaction

The report also describes a "pervasive climate of impunity" for gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by Israeli authorities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. No significant steps have been taken to ensure accountability, the document states.

"Impunity is not an abstraction; it kills. Accountability is indispensable. It is a necessary condition for a just and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

A Call for Justice

Among its recommendations, the report calls on all states to "cease the sale, transfer and supply of arms, ammunition and other military equipment to Israel" that facilitate violations and crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The report's authors noted ongoing efforts to advance the US-led Comprehensive Plan to End the Conflict in Gaza, but the lack of any steps to ensure accountability for violations committed after October 7, 2023, "remains a critical gap," they said.

The document emphasizes that "justice for the victims must be at the core of Gaza's reconstruction." Its authors called on states to ensure the immediate participation of Palestinians in the Strip's governance structures so that they can determine and shape the enclave's reconstruction process.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 18, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: the UN Secretary-General's visit to India for the AI summit, a Security Council meeting on Libya, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees' visit to Ukraine, and a UNESCO report on artificial intelligence.

The UN Secretary-General's visit to New Delhi is scheduled for the following day:

The UN Secretary-General arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday. That evening, he attended a dinner hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for high-level participants of the India AI Impact Summit. Tomorrow morning, Antonio Guterres He will address the opening ceremony of the summit and then participate in a plenary session with heads of state and government. Throughout the day, the Secretary-General will hold a series of bilateral meetings with diplomats and ministers participating in the summit, as well as meet with UN staff members based in India.

Security Council meeting on Libya

Libya is facing a deepening political, economic, and institutional crisis that threatens the country's unity and stability. The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Libya, Hannah Tetteh, warned this in her address to the Security Council on Wednesday. She called for urgent action to overcome the protracted political impasse. The Special Representative stated that efforts to advance the UN-brokered political roadmap have stalled, despite months of consultations between Libyan parties.

UNHCR Head's Visit to Kyiv

UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Barham Saleh is currently in Ukraine – his first official visit to the country in his post. In Kyiv, Saleh visited residential areas damaged by recent airstrikes. He also met with an elderly couple living in one of the buildings. The 80-year-old woman and her husband were injured by debris. The woman also suffered hearing damage.

UNESCO AI Report

UNESCO has released a new edition of its global report documenting the rapid changes in the cultural sphere driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, new trade flows, and growing threats to artistic freedom. The report documents profound structural changes brought about by digitalization. The share of digital revenues in creators' earnings has grown from 17 percent in 2018 to 35 percent today, but income instability and the risk of copyright infringement have also increased. The most alarming forecast concerns the impact of generative AI: by 2028, music creators could lose up to 24 percent of their income, and audiovisual content creators could lose up to 21 percent.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.