Объединенные Нации – Page 39

December 19, 2025

Detentions in Yemen

Secretary General Antonio Guterres Strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of 10 more UN staff members by the de facto Houthi authorities in Yemen on December 18, bringing the total number of detained UN staff members to 69. The Secretary-General calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained UN representatives, as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations, civil society, and diplomatic missions. Guterres also reiterated his call for the revocation of the criminal prosecutions of the UN staff members. He recalled that UN personnel are supporting vital humanitarian operations in the country.

Attacks in the Odessa region

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that a new wave of attacks has severely disrupted essential services across Ukraine. A bridge and a railway station were damaged in the Odesa region. One woman was reportedly killed, her three children, and several other civilians were injured. The attacks have left tens of thousands of people in the region without water, heat, and electricity. Humanitarian agencies are providing emergency assistance to those affected. Today, a convoy delivered seven tons of medicine, hygiene products, and other goods to a frontline community in the Kherson region.

Peacekeepers in Sudan

The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is evacuating its logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, following an attack on December 13. Members of the UN Security Council today categorically condemned these "horrific, deliberate drone attacks," which killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and wounded nine others. Security Council representatives expressed condolences to the families of the victims, solidarity with the people and government of Bangladesh, and wished a speedy and full recovery to the injured.

Traditional medicine

Countries around the world have agreed on a roadmap for integrating safe, effective, and evidence-based traditional medicine into healthcare systems. They adopted the Delhi Declaration following the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, which concluded today in India. The declaration calls for strengthening the scientific foundation, strengthening regulation to ensure the safety and quality of services, integrating proven traditional medicine practices into healthcare systems, and expanding international cooperation and the role of local communities and indigenous peoples.

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December 19, 2025

A UN peacekeeper has been killed in South Sudan.

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December 19, 2025 Peace and security

The UN is "deeply shocked" by the death of a UN peacekeeping mission member in South Sudan and condemns his murder. This was stated by a UN spokesperson at a press briefing at UN headquarters in New York on Friday.

UN civilian staff member Bol Rosh Mayol Kuot, a South Sudanese citizen, was detained by South Sudanese security forces on December 15 and has remained in custody since then. The UN mission worked closely with local authorities to establish his whereabouts and secure his safe release.

"We mourn his loss and offer our sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues," the UN statement said. "The killing of United Nations staff is unacceptable. We call for an immediate, comprehensive, and transparent investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable."

December 19, 2025

Libya: Political impasse and attempts at dialogue

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December 19, 2025 Peace and security

The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Libya, Hannah Tetteh, addressed the Security Council on Friday with a detailed analysis of the political, economic, and humanitarian situation in the country. She stated that four months after the presentation of a roadmap aimed at resolving the political crisis, progress remains extremely limited, and key political institutions continue to block each other's actions.

Stalled reforms and lack of trust

One of the first steps in implementing the roadmap was renewing the composition of the High National Electoral Commission (HNEC) and amending the constitutional and legal framework governing elections. However, despite numerous consultations, these objectives have not been achieved, Tetteh stated.

The House of Representatives and Supreme Council of State committees of Libya agreed on a two-week deadline for reforming the Supreme Council on October 4, but the process stalled. Even after agreeing on a mechanism for selecting members of the Supreme Council on November 28, the parties failed to meet their own deadlines.

According to Tetteh, the delays reflect a deep crisis of trust between the two institutions, internal disagreements, and an inability to reach a compromise. At the same time, she notes, some members of both structures are genuinely trying to move the process forward.

Demands for elections are growing louder

Amid the political impasse, public demand for elections is growing. Following mass demonstrations in five cities in the eastern part of the country, House of Representatives Speaker Aguila Saleh Isa called for presidential elections.

The Supreme Electoral Commission (VNEC) announced its readiness to begin preparations for presidential and parliamentary elections in April 2026. Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbeibah also supported the idea of holding elections and announced upcoming government reshuffles.

The UN mission in Libya called on political leaders to agree on a legal framework so that the High Commissioner for Elections can begin full-fledged preparations for the elections.

Economic fragmentation

Libya continues to suffer from financial fragmentation, undermining stability and trust in state institutions. Seeking to address the situation, members of the House of Representatives and the Supreme Council of State signed an agreement establishing the Unified Development Program (UDP), a common mechanism for distributing funds.

If the program is implemented transparently and with proper oversight, it could be a step towards strengthening financial stability and improving public services, Hanna Tetteh emphasized.

Local elections: a rare example of progress

Despite the overall political crisis, municipal elections in Libya are proceeding successfully, according to Tetteh. On October 18, voting took place in 16 municipalities, with a 68 percent turnout. On December 13, elections were held in nine more municipalities.

December 19, 2025

Gaza: Famine threat recedes, but humanitarian crisis persists

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December 19, 2025 Peace and security

The threat of full-scale famine in Gaza has, for now, receded. This was stated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, commenting on the publication of a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report.

Speaking to journalists at UN headquarters in New York, he reported that new data showed that many more people in the enclave now had access to food. According to Guterres, humanitarian agencies are preparing over 1.5 million hot meals daily, and food parcels continue to be distributed throughout the sector.

"Clean water is reaching more communities. Some health facilities have resumed operations," he noted. During the winter storms, UN agencies "immediately provided tents, blankets, clothing, and other assistance."

Continuing threats

The Secretary-General emphasized that the progress achieved was made possible thanks to the "intense work of humanitarian organizations and Member States, as well as expanding cooperation with the Civil-Military Coordination Centre." However, he cautioned that these achievements remain "dangerously fragile."

An estimated 1.6 million people in Gaza—more than 75 percent of the population—will face critical levels of food insecurity. According to the report, no area in the Strip is currently classified as in a state of full-scale famine (IPC Phase 5), but almost the entire enclave remains in a state of emergency (IPC Phase 4).

Malnutrition remains a serious problem, particularly among children and pregnant and lactating women. By mid-October 2026, nearly 101,000 children aged six months to five years are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition, including more than 31,000 severe cases. An estimated 37,000 pregnant and lactating women will also require treatment.

"My heart breaks when I see the scale of the ongoing human suffering in Gaza," Guterres said. He noted that children are forced to sleep in flooded tents, and buildings "already devastated by bombing are collapsing under the weight of rain and wind, claiming civilian lives."

The UN chief noted that in more than half of Gaza, where Israeli troops remain, "agricultural land and entire neighborhoods remain inaccessible." Attacks and fighting continue, resulting in rising civilian casualties and placing humanitarian teams at serious risk.

UN support

Guterres recalled that since October, the UN has done "everything possible to maintain vital aid channels": supporting bakeries, delivering millions of meals, reopening feeding centers, rebuilding hospitals, vaccinating children, clearing rubble, and repairing water pipes. However, he emphasized, the need for aid is growing faster than it is being delivered.

In this regard, the Secretary-General stated: “We need a truly sustainable ceasefire.” He also called for the opening of additional crossing points, the lifting of restrictions on the import of critical goods, the removal of bureaucratic obstacles, the provision of safe routes within Gaza, stable funding, and “unimpeded access –including for NGOs".

International law

Guterres specifically noted the "rapidly deteriorating situation in the West Bank," where Palestinians are facing "escalating violence by Israeli settlers, land seizures, home demolitions, and tightening restrictions on movement." He said tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes following Israeli operations in the northern West Bank.

He stressed that international law must be respected throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. The Secretary-General recalled the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice andAdvisory Opinion of the Court of 22 October 2025 year, according to which Israel “is obligated to permit and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, to cooperate with the United Nations in the fulfillment of its mandates, and to respect the privileges and immunities of the UN and its personnel, including in time of armed conflict.”

Guterres reiterated his support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), stressing that the agency "plays an indispensable role in providing services to Palestinians – in Gaza and elsewhere in the region."

In conclusion, he stated: "This is a crisis created by human decisions. It can be resolved by human choices—if there is the political will to act." The Secretary-General called for full implementation of the ceasefire, an end to the "endless cycle of violence," and clearing the way for a two-state solution.

December 19, 2025

Sudan: North Kordofan's capital is 'one step' away from collapse

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December 19, 2025 Peace and security

Amid escalating fighting in Sudan, people frightened by the scale of the violence are fleeing their homes en masse, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced on Friday. According to the organization, approximately 50,000 people have been forced to flee in Kordofan alone since the end of October.

“People are not moving of their own free will; they are fleeing out of desperation and in the hope of finding a safe place,” said Mohamed Refaat, IOM’s head of mission in Sudan.

Speaking via video link from Port Sudan to reporters in Geneva, Refaat called on all UN member states and "all those who can support the people of Sudan" to ensure their protection.

Shelling of residential buildings

Latest reports from the war-torn country indicate that the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF), along with its allies from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), have been shelling residential buildings in the town of Dilling, South Kordofan, for the past 48 hours.

The SRF has been waging war against the Sudanese army since April 2023, following the collapse of the transition to civilian rule. In late October, after a 500-day siege, they captured El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, triggering a new wave of mass displacement. Humanitarian organizations are deeply concerned about the fate of those still remaining in the city, who are reportedly forced to eat peanut shells and animal feed.

"People are scared"

"The mass exodus from Kordofan is no accident. It's a sign that people are extremely frightened," Refaat said.

Humanitarian organizations are expressing alarm over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state, where six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed in drone strikes last Saturday. The Blue Helmets were stationed at a logistics base for the UN mission in Abyei, a disputed region bordering South Sudan.

Hundreds of thousands of lives are at risk

"We estimate that there are still approximately 90,000 to 100,000 people in the city of Kadugli who will be forced to flee their homes if the fighting continues and if they have the opportunity to leave the city," Refaat said. He added that El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, is "one or two steps away from becoming the next target," which would affect more than half a million local residents.

Asked about the impact of severe funding cuts to humanitarian activities in Sudan and beyond, the IOM chief of mission reported that the agency had lost $83 million in resources this year alone. This has forced humanitarian teams to massively reduce their presence in Sudan.

"Because of these cuts, we have to choose who we can save and what support we have to cut off," Refaat said. "We pass by places every day where people are in dire straits, but we can't help because we have to prioritize those who are literally one step away from death."

December 19, 2025

Former Iraqi President elected as new UN High Commissioner for Refugees

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December 18, 2025 Refugees and migrants

The UN General Assembly today elected Barham Ahmed Saleh of Iraq as the next United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He will lead the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for a five-year term beginning January 1, 2026. UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the decision.

Saleh will replace Filippo Grandi of Italy, to whom the UN chief expressed "deepest gratitude for his leadership and tireless efforts to protect refugees, displaced persons and stateless people."

The new High Commissioner has over thirty years of public service experience in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He served as President of Iraq from 2018 to 2022, twice as Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (2001–2004 and 2009–2012), and as Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq from 2004 to 2009, a position he also held as Minister of Planning.

The UN Secretary-General emphasizes that Saleh has extensive experience in diplomatic, political, and administrative leadership, as well as a deep understanding of human rights and humanitarian issues. His track record includes participation in international and regional processes, experience in crisis negotiations, and national reform. He played a key role in Iraq's post-war reconstruction after 2003.

December 19, 2025

Thailand and Cambodia

The escalation of hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia is causing increasing civilian casualties, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned on Thursday. Approximately 750,000 people have been forced to flee their homes. Since fighting resumed on December 7, 18 civilians have been reported killed in Cambodia and one civilian in Thailand. There are also reports of attacks on casinos and suspected cybercrime centers in Cambodia, where victims of human trafficking may also be located. Türk called on the parties to cease hostilities and return to dialogue.

Sanctions against the ICC

Secretary General Antonio Guterres Expressed serious concern over the United States' announcement of sanctions against two more International Criminal Court judges, as well as the ongoing measures against other ICC and UN officials. The Secretary-General reiterates the importance of upholding the principle of judicial independence. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq stated this today in response to a journalist's question. He stated that while the United Nations and the International Criminal Court are separate institutions, the UN considers the ICC a key pillar of international criminal justice.

Conflict in Sudan

IN new report The UN Human Rights Office describes mass killings, rape and other forms of sexual violence, torture, and abductions committed during the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) offensive on the Zamzam camp in Darfur, Sudan, in April of this year. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reiterated his call on all States to urgently prevent violations of international law by parties to the conflict and to increase pressure to end the violence—in Darfur, Kordofan, and beyond—including by halting the supply, sale, and transfer of arms.

The Legacy of Colonialism

Today, the UN General Assembly commemorated the 65th anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The first International Day against Colonialism, observed on December 14, also took center stage. Secretary-General António Guterres recalled that the United Nations has helped more than 60 territories achieve self-determination and become independent states. However, 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories remain. The UN calls for an end to colonialism and its vestiges.

December 18, 2025

Syria's Transition: Significant Progress and Remaining Risks

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December 18, 2025 Peace and security

One year into the transition in Syria, the UN Security Council discussed progress and remaining threats. Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo noted that during her visit to Syria on December 4, Security Council members "saw firsthand both the opportunities opening up for the country and the challenges it faces."

According to her, the Syrians, celebrating in early December events culminating in the political transition on December 8, 2024, "reaffirmed their unwavering belief in peace, stability, prosperity and justice for their country – despite the obvious and serious challenges they face."

Among the positive steps, DiCarlo cited the restoration of state institutions, the beginning of the integration of armed forces under a unified command, the adoption of a constitutional declaration, the formation of a new cabinet, and the holding of indirect legislative elections in October. National Dialogue Day was also held, and the People's Council and Constitutional Court may be fully formed soon.

In addition, a number of countries have lifted bilateral sanctions against Syria. DiCarlo recalled that “just yesterday the US Congress repealed the Caesar Act, and last month the Security Council adopted Resolution 2799, which removed sanctions designations with President Sharaa and Interior Minister Khattab."

Unstable situation

Despite the decline in violence, the situation remains volatile. "The situation on the ground remains fragile, and intercommunal dynamics remain tense," the UN representative said.

"Unfortunately, these tensions have erupted into violence over the past year," she said, citing large-scale clashes in coastal areas in March, a terrorist attack on a church in Damascus in June, and violence in the predominantly Druze province of As-Suwayda in July.

DiCarlo stressed that the United Nations "unequivocally condemns the violence" and called for transparent investigations and accountability for those responsible.

Regional security issues

Israeli strikes in the south of the country are particularly concerning. According to the rapporteur, at the end of November, "as a result of the invasion and accompanying IDF strikes on the city of Beit Jinn, 13 people were killed," and local residents were forced to flee their homes.

She reiterated the Secretary-General's call on Israel to "refrain from violating Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity" and stressed the need to respect the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement. "The resumption of dialogue between Syria and Israel on security issues is urgently needed," she said.

Terrorist threats

DiCarlo also noted the ongoing focus on counterterrorism, as well as concerns about the presence of foreign fighters and the possible resurgence of ISIS (Daesh). She recalled the recent attack on a joint US-Syrian patrol near Palmyra, which resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.

At the same time, the proliferation of weapons creates additional threats, and mines and unexploded ordnance “continue to kill and maim Syrians daily.”

According to DiCarlo, this underscores the need for the political transition to be accompanied by "Syria's security sector reform program, as well as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration measures."

Humanitarian situation

Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya delivered a humanitarian briefing on behalf of the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator. She noted that the "hope sparked a year ago" remains encouraging, but stressed the need for "vigorous and consistent international support."

According to her, one of the most visible signs of Syrians' faith in the future was the return of people home. "Two million internally displaced persons have returned – many after years of living in camps," she said, adding that "more than 1.3 million people have returned from neighboring countries."

At the same time, many are returning “to damaged or destroyed homes and communities with extremely limited access to basic services and jobs,” so they will continue to need humanitarian assistance.

UN humanitarian agencies have been able to simplify and streamline operations and now provide assistance to 3.4 million people each month – “a 25 percent increase compared to last year, despite lower funding levels.”

"Rarely does a crisis of the scale of Syria offer such significant opportunities for turning the tide. The past year has given us reason for hope and encouraged us to redouble our efforts. We must seize this moment," Msuya emphasized.

December 18, 2025

International Migrants Day: "My contribution to culture and development matters"

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December 18, 2025 Refugees and migrants

Migration is one of the defining trends of our time and continues to have a significant impact on global development. The UN reminds us of this.International Migrants Day, which is celebrated on December 18.

The 2025 theme, “My contribution to culture and development matters,” emphasizes that human mobility remains a key driver of progress, strengthening economies and ties between communities.

Benefits and risks of migration

In his message, the UN Secretary-GeneralAntonio GuterresHe noted that migration is a powerful engine of progress, promoting economic growth and the development of cultural ties, benefiting both the countries of origin and the countries of destination. Migrants play a vital role in filling labor shortages, stimulating innovation, and maintaining demographic stability in many countries. Moreover, remittances to low- and middle-income countries are projected to reach a record $685 billion.

At the same time, this contribution can only be fully realized if migration is managed safely, orderly, and responsibly. The UN Secretary-General emphasized that when migration is poorly regulated or distorted in public discourse, it can fuel hatred and division, putting the lives of people seeking safety and new opportunities at risk.

Effective policies enable migrants to find stability, support their families, and build a new future, while host communities can maintain social and economic resilience.

Protect the rights of migrants

Since 2014, almost 70 thousand migrants died or went missing on land and sea routes around the world, although the actual numbers are likely significantly higher. Tighter border controls and increased smuggling and human trafficking activities are particularly acute for the most vulnerable displaced people, including women and children.

António Guterres recalled that seven years ago, the international community adopted the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, seeking to maximize the benefits of migration while simultaneously addressing its challenges.

"We can and must harness the potential of migration to advance sustainable development and build more resilient societies. The first step is challenging ideological narratives that dehumanize migrants and replacing them with narratives of solidarity," the UN chief said in his message.

On this International Migrants Day, the UN calls for the protection of the rights of every migrant and for a concerted effort to ensure that all resettlement processes take place in dignity and safety.

December 18, 2025

Sudan: New UN report details flagrant violations of international law

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December 18, 2025 International law

A report released today by the UN Human Rights Office details mass killings, rape and other forms of sexual violence, torture and abductions committed during a three-day offensive by the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) on the Zamzam camp for internally displaced persons in April this year.

Civilian casualties

At least 1,013 civilians were killed during the offensive from April 11 to 13. The report describes these events as "a consistent pattern of serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations of international human rights law."

Of those killed, 319 were summarily executed—either within the camp or while attempting to escape. Some were killed in their homes during repeated searches of homes conducted by the Rapid Intervention Forces, while others were killed in the main market, schools, medical facilities, and mosques. The attack forced more than 400,000 camp residents to flee their homes once again.

Brutal murders

One of the surviving community leaders recounted how two RSF soldiers poked rifles through small holes in the window of the room where he was hiding with ten other men and opened fire, randomly killing eight of them. A woman who returned to the camp the day after the deadly attack, searching for her missing 15-year-old son, said, "The camp was empty. I saw bodies scattered along the roads. Only chickens, donkeys, and sheep were wandering around." She never found her son that day.

Sexual violence

"Such deliberate killings of civilians or individuals no longer participating in hostilities may amount to the war crime of murder," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. "An impartial, thorough, and effective investigation into the attack on Zamzam must be conducted, and those responsible for serious violations of international law must be held accountable through fair trials."

The findings of this report are yet another stark reminder of the need for urgent action to end cycles of atrocities and violence, and to hold perpetrators accountable and provide reparations to victims.

The report also details patterns of conflict-related sexual violence. At least 104 victims—75 women, 26 girls, and 3 boys, most of whom were of the Zaghawa ethnic group—were subjected to severe forms of sexual violence, including rape, gang rape, and sexual slavery, both during attacks on the camp and along evacuation routes.

"Sexual violence appears to have been deliberately used to intimidate the community," the report said.

Food blockade

In the months leading up to the attack, the RSF blocked the entry of food, water, fuel, and other supplies vital to the survival of the camp's civilian population, and systematically attacked those attempting to deliver aid, the report notes. Around 26 people were detained and reportedly executed on the road between Zamzam camp and the town of Tawila—apparently as a warning against any attempts to deliver food to the camp. To survive, many families were forced to feed their children animal feed, such as peanut husks.

Ending the cycle of violence

“These horrific patterns of violations committed with impunity are consistent with what my Office has documented on numerous occasions, including during the capture of El Fasher by the RSF in late October,” said High Commissioner Volker Türk.

"The findings of this report are yet another stark reminder of the need for urgent action to end cycles of atrocities and violence, to hold perpetrators accountable, and to provide reparations to victims," Türk emphasized. "The world must not stand idly by and watch as such brutality becomes the norm in Sudan. All states, especially those with influence, must do everything possible to prevent atrocities."

Call to stop violations

The head of the UN Human Rights Office reiterated his call on all States to take urgent action to prevent parties to the conflict from violating international law and to increase pressure to end the violence – in Darfur, Kordofan and beyond, including by halting the supply, sale and transfer of arms that continue to fuel the conflict.

He also called for diplomatic efforts to end the fighting and achieve a sustainable settlement to the conflict.

The report is based on monitoring by the UN Human Rights Office, including interviews with 155 victims and witnesses, conducted in July 2025 in eastern Chad.