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March 8, 2026 Women

The world celebrates March 8th International Women's DayThe UN calls on all people of good will to support the global movement to protect the rights of women and girls and their access to fair justice. It is estimated that women today possess only 64 percent of the legal rights enjoyed by men. At this rate, full legal equality will only be achieved in 286 years.

This year, International Women's Day is celebrated under the theme "For all women and girls: rights, justice, action," emphasizing the need to eliminate discriminatory laws and social norms.

"Women's rights are human rights. And investing in women and girls is one of the surest ways to make the world a better place," said the UN Secretary-General. Antonio Guterres in a video message on the occasion of the Day.

Legally enshrined inequality

Today, no country in the world has not achieved full legal equalityLaws in many countries still restrict women's rights in areas such as employment, access to finance, security, family relations, property, freedom of movement, entrepreneurship, and pensions.

Legal restrictions have long-term consequences not only for individuals but for entire societies. In some countries, early and child marriage is still legally permitted, depriving approximately 12 million girls annually of the opportunity to receive an education and realize their potential.

Women's Rights Forum

The opening is timed to coincide with International Women's Day 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women– the largest annual international forum on gender equality. The session will be held from March 9 to 19 at UN Headquarters in New York.

The theme of this session is “Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls.”

The Forum is taking place at a time of serious global challenges. In many countries, space for civil society is shrinking, and there is a backsliding on the rights of women and girls. Meanwhile, justice systems often prove unable to protect those facing with discrimination and violence.

Experts note that without effective and fair judicial systems, human rights remain mere declarations.

What does access to justice mean?

Access to justice means the ability for women and girls to defend their rights and seek accountability for violations.

This includes laws protecting women from violence, mechanisms to prevent discrimination, and fair law enforcement and courts. It also includes accessible legal aid that allows women to defend their rights regardless of income, language, or citizenship.

“Women’s rights mean nothing if they cannot be protected,” UN Women emphasized.

Justice also plays a key role in conflict and crisis settings, where women and girls face heightened risks. According to the UN, between 2022 and 2024, conflict-related sexual violence, increased by 87 percent.

Barriers to justice

Even where laws exist to protect women's rights, in practice they often fail to be implemented due to numerous obstacles.

In seven out of ten countries, women face greater barriers to accessing justice than men. Key barriers include discrimination, stigma, high court costs, distance to courts, and the underrepresentation of women in the justice system.

Read also:

Annalena Baerbock launches global campaign "Like a Woman"

At the same time, new technologies create both opportunities and risks. On the one hand, digital tools can facilitate access to legal information and court procedures. On the other, they open up new forms of online violence and discrimination.

Eliminating legal inequality requires systemic reforms. Experts call on governments to repeal discriminatory laws, strengthen judicial systems, expand access to legal aid, and support women's organizations, which are often at the forefront of the fight for the rights and protection of victims.

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March 7, 2026 Peace and security

A new wave of airstrikes on Ukrainian cities has reportedly killed two children. The attacks, which have affected several regions of the country, have again resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.

According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU), on Saturday night, Russian Armed Forces launched a major attack using missiles and loitering munitions. Explosions were recorded in the Kharkiv, Zaporizhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Odesa, Sumy, Vinnytsia, Chernivtsi, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Khmelnytskyi, and Zhytomyr regions, as well as in Kyiv and the Kyiv region.

Large-scale attack

According to Ukrainian authorities, the strikes targeted energy, railway, and port infrastructure. At least eight civilians were killed and 26 wounded. Most of the casualties were recorded in Kharkiv, where one of the missiles hit a five-story residential building. Rescuers continue to clear the rubble, and the number of casualties may rise.

"International humanitarian law is clear: civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected," stressed UN Coordinator for Ukraine Matthias Schmale.

According to him, the attacks damaged residential buildings, as well as port and railway infrastructure in the Donetsk, Khmelnytsky, Kyiv, Odesa, Vinnytsia, and Zhytomyr regions.

Child casualties

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that, according to preliminary reports, a 13-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy were killed in Kharkiv. At least 20 children have reportedly been injured in shelling over the past week.

"The attacks and senseless destruction of children's lives must stop," UNICEF said.

Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported an attack in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, where residents, including children, were also injured. Humanitarian organizations provided emergency repair materials for damaged homes and shops.

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March 7, 2026 Peace and security

The UN expresses serious concern about the sharp deterioration of the situation in Lebanon following the resumption of hostilities and calls on the parties to immediately de-escalate and comply Security Council resolution 1701.

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert stated that just a week ago, the country was showing signs of gradual progress. The Lebanese army was consolidating state control, preparations for parliamentary elections were underway, reforms were being discussed, and a World Bank loan was expected to support reconstruction.

"That progress has now come to a screeching halt," she noted.

According to a UN representative, the country was once again plunged into a wave of violence and instability on Monday morning. People who had only recently returned to their homes are once again left homeless, and tensions continue to mount.

Read also:

EXPLAINING | Security Council Resolution 1701, the Blue Line, and UNIFIL

"The question is crystal clear: continue the path of destruction and loss of life, or choose restraint, engagement and dialogue," Hennis-Plasschaert said.

She said Security Council Resolution 1701 remains the internationally recognized framework for ending the cycles of violence between Lebanon and Israel, but it has not been fully implemented.

Attack on UN peacekeepers

Amid rising tensions, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres He also condemned the shelling of a UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) position in the southwest of the country on March 6, which wounded three Ghanaian peacekeepers.

The Secretary-General wished the victims a speedy and full recovery.

The statement stressed that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be respected at all times, and that those responsible for such incidents must be held accountable.

The UN reiterated its call on all parties to immediately de-escalate and fully comply with their obligations under Security Council Resolution 1701.

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March 6, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: the Secretary-General warned of the danger of uncontrolled escalation in the Middle East, a UNOPS tanker was damaged by an attack, Anne Hathaway will speak at the UN on International Women's Day, and average food prices rose for the first time in five months.

Escalation in the Middle East

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern today about the ongoing escalation of violence in the Middle East, emphasizing that "unlawful attacks" are causing enormous suffering to civilians. He stated that such actions pose a serious threat to the global economy, particularly to the most vulnerable populations. The Secretary-General warned that the situation could spiral out of control if the escalation continues. He called on the parties to immediately cease hostilities and move to serious negotiations, emphasizing that the stakes are extremely high.

Attack on UN ship

The head of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva, called for an investigation following the attack yesterday on an agency tanker en route to collect fuel for humanitarian operations in Gaza. The vessel was struck from the sea and damaged, but no one was injured. The UNOPS chief reiterated that humanitarian workers take risks every day to deliver aid to those in need. He called for a stable supply of fuel to Gaza, noting that it is essential for the functioning of hospitals, water supply systems, sanitation, and other critical infrastructure.

Women's Day

An event dedicated to International Women's Day 2026The UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Anne Hathaway will speak at the UN Headquarters in New York City on Monday. The event will highlight the power of women and girls across generations, cultures, and social movements. The 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the largest annual forum on gender equality, will also open at UN Headquarters. The session will run from March 9 to 19.

FAO Index

World food prices in February showed growth for the first time in five monthsAccording to the updated Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) index, higher quotations for wheat, most vegetable oils, and some meats outweighed lower prices for cheese and sugar. The FAO also released a preliminary forecast for wheat production in 2026. The global harvest is expected to decline by approximately three percent to around 810 million tonnes, remaining above the five-year average.

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March 6, 2026 Economic development

Global food prices rose in February for the first time in five months. According to the updated index from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), higher prices for wheat, most vegetable oils, and some meats outweighed lower prices for cheese and sugar.

The FAO index, which tracks international prices of key commodities, reached 125.3 points, up 0.9 percent from January but still one percent below last year's level.

Price dynamics for major product groups

In February, global grain prices increased by 1.1 percent on average. The rise in global wheat prices was driven by reports of frosts in Europe and the United States, as well as ongoing logistical disruptions in Russia and the Black Sea region. International corn prices also rose slightly, and the rice index increased by 0.4 percent, thanks to robust demand for basmati and Japanese rice.

Vegetable oils rose 3.3 percent, reaching their highest level since June 2022. Palm oil prices rose due to strong global demand and a seasonal decline in production in Southeast Asia. Soybean oil prices rose on expectations of new biofuel support measures in the US, while rapeseed oil prices rose on forecasts of increased Canadian imports. Sunflower oil, on the other hand, fell slightly due to increased exports from Argentina.

Meat prices increased by 0.8 percent. Lamb prices reached a record high, while beef prices increased due to strong demand from China and the United States. Pork and poultry also showed slight increases.

Dairy prices fell by 1.2 percent, primarily due to lower cheese prices. Meanwhile, skim and whole milk powder prices rose due to strong demand in North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Butter prices rose for the first time since their record high in June 2025.

Sugar prices fell 4.1 percent month-on-month and 27.3 percent compared to February 2025, reflecting expectations of ample global supplies this season.

Forecasts for 2026: Decline in wheat crops

The FAO also released a preliminary forecast for wheat production in 2026. The global harvest is expected to decline by about three percent to around 810 million tonnes, while remaining above the five-year average.

In the European Union, Russia, and the United States, farmers are reducing their winter wheat acreage due to lower prices. In India, by contrast, the outlook is favorable: record sowings are spurred by government support measures. Positive expectations are also being noted in Pakistan and China generally.

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March 6, 2026 Peace and security

Violence in the Middle East is escalating, with several countries in the region reporting attacks and retaliatory strikes, raising concerns about the conflict's expansion, deepening instability, and worsening humanitarian conditions. UN agencies warn that the crisis is affecting at least 16 countries, with increasing civilian casualties, displacement, and damage to vital infrastructure.

Children are the main victims of the conflict

Amid ongoing strikes in Iran, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has reported dire consequences for children. According to available data, approximately 180 children in Iran have been killed, and many more have been injured. Among the dead are dozens of schoolgirls who were attending classes at the primary school in Minab, which was hit by the attack.

UNICEF also documented damage to at least 20 schools and 10 hospitals across the country. The organization reiterates that children, schools, and medical facilities are protected by international humanitarian law and calls on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for a "prompt, transparent, and impartial" investigation into the attack on a primary school in southern Iran. Speaking to journalists in Geneva, he emphasized the need for immediate verification of the facts and for those responsible to be held accountable. According to Türk, the lack of access to the scene and the internet shutdown are seriously hampering information gathering.

Türk noted that respect for international law is key to preventing further escalation and protecting civilians, especially children, who are already suffering disproportionate losses. The High Commissioner called for de-escalation of the conflict, which, he said, is spreading "like wildfire."

Escalation of the situation in Lebanon

The situation in Lebanon is rapidly deteriorating following a series of intense airstrikes and widespread Israeli evacuation orders affecting much of the country's south. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Israeli forces have ordered residents of areas south of the Litani River, the southern suburbs of Beirut, and parts of the Bekaa Valley to immediately vacate their homes.

These orders triggered large-scale displacement, with families fleeing amid heavy traffic, taking only the bare necessities. Nearly 100,000 people are currently housed in collective centers, while others are seeking refuge with relatives or heading to safer areas in northern Lebanon. Schools, universities, and sports facilities are serving as temporary shelters. Humanitarian organizations are stepping up their assistance to Lebanese in need.

Disruptions to shipping

The IOM warns that disruptions to maritime routes caused by the escalating crisis in the Middle East have already led to increased shipping costs and delays for humanitarian cargo. Anne-Kathrin Schäfer, IOM Deputy Director for Humanitarian Response and Recovery, reported that instability in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea is forcing shipping companies to impose "emergency surcharges" of approximately $3,000 per container.

These additional costs and delays are impacting the delivery of critical supplies – from tents to solar lamps – to humanitarian operations in the region and beyond.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's key maritime corridors, handling nearly a fifth of global oil trade and significant volumes of commercial cargo daily. Any disruption to shipping in this narrow passageway immediately impacts energy markets and global supply chains, increasing transportation and insurance costs.

For humanitarian organizations dependent on fuel and shipping, instability in the Strait of Hormuz – coupled with tensions along the Red Sea shipping routes – means slower delivery of vital aid and higher costs for operations around the world.

Lack of funding

Amid growing needs, UN humanitarian agencies are facing a serious funding shortfall. IOM Representative in Lebanon Matthieu Luciano emphasized that funding is "dramatically inadequate" compared to the scale of needs on the ground.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recalls that even before the war began, it estimated its humanitarian needs for this year in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan at $454 million. To date, only 15 percent of this amount has been raised.

Humanitarian consequences

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher also warned that the widening conflict in the Middle East threatens serious humanitarian consequences far beyond the region.

According to him, there are disruptions on key sea routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, could lead to higher food prices, increase the burden on health systems and hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Speaking to reporters at UN headquarters in New York on Friday, Fletcher noted that huge resources were being diverted to fighting the war while international aid budgets were being cut.

"We need de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities, genuine dialogue and negotiations in accordance with the United Nations Charter. Common sense must prevail," he said.

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March 6, 2026 Women

Despite gradual progress, women still hold only slightly more than a quarter of seats in national parliaments worldwide. This is the second consecutive year of growth in representation. remain the slowest since 2017. According to a new report from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), as of January 1, 2026, women held 27.5 percent of parliamentary seats worldwide – slightly up from 27.2 percent the previous year.

The report is based on data from 49 countries where parliamentary renewals took place in 62 chambers in 2025.

The greatest progress

The largest increase in women's representation last year was recorded in Kyrgyzstan. The share of women in the country's parliament increased by 12.9 percentage points. It was followed by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (12.3 points) and the upper house of Saint Lucia's parliament (9.1 points).

Despite slow global progress, some countries have achieved record-breaking results. In Australia, women will hold 46 percent of parliamentary seats after the 2025 elections—the highest percentage in the country's history. In the Czech Republic, the proportion of women in the lower house increased from 25 percent to one-third of members. In Ecuador, women held a record 45 percent of seats in the National Assembly.

The year also marked a historic milestone for Japan: for the first time in the country's history, a woman became prime minister. Following the July elections, the proportion of women in the upper house of parliament reached a record 29.4 percent.

Reduction in the number of female speakers

At the same time, the proportion of women holding parliamentary speaker positions has significantly declined globally. Currently, it stands at 19.9 percent (54 speakers), compared to 23.7 percent a year earlier.

Of the 75 new speakers elected or appointed in 2025, only 12 are women.

Regional differences

The highest level of women's representation remains in the Americas. In 2025, women accounted for 36.1 percent of the members elected to 20 parliamentary chambers in 13 countries in the region. Overall, as of the beginning of 2026, women held 35.6 percent of parliamentary seats in the Americas.

The region is also home to four of the world's seven countries that have achieved gender parity, or have more women than men in parliament: Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Mexico. Elsewhere, Rwanda, Andorra, and the United Arab Emirates have achieved this level of representation.

The lowest level of women's representation remains in the Middle East and North Africa, where women hold an average of only 16.2 percent of parliamentary seats.

In three countries – Oman, Tuvalu and Yemen – there are no women members of parliament at all in the lower houses of parliament or unicameral parliaments.

The role of quotas

The report shows that quotas remain one of the most effective tools for increasing women's representation.

In 2025, women held an average of 30.9 percent of seats in parliaments with legislative or voluntary quotas. In parliaments without quotas, this figure was 23.3 percent.

Pressure and violence

Violence and pressure against female politicians remains a serious obstacle. An IPU study found that 76 percent of female parliamentarians in the Asia-Pacific region have experienced psychological violence.

Women deputies more often become targets of threats and intimidation from society—both online and offline. Seventy-six percent of women and 68 percent of men surveyed reported this experience.

Experts warn that threats could deter women from participating in politics and slow progress towards gender equality in representative bodies.

Some countries are already taking steps to combat this phenomenon. For example, the Philippine Electoral Commission intervened after male candidates made derogatory remarks about female politicians, and the Colombian parliament passed a law aimed at preventing and punishing violence against women in politics.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is a global organization of national parliaments, founded in 1889. Today, it comprises 183 national parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary organizations. The IPU promotes democracy and protects the rights of parliamentarians worldwide.

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March 5, 2026 Peace and security

The meeting, opened by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, was a key gathering for the United States, which holds the presidency of the Security Council for March. A concept note circulated by the American side among Security Council members calls for the Council to examine the impact of resource competition on global security.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo said the rapidly growing demand for key 21st century resources is creating unique opportunities for development, but is also increasing geopolitical tensions.

According to her, minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements have become the foundation of the digital economy and the energy transition. In 2023, global trade in raw and semi-processed minerals reached $2.5 trillion, accounting for over 10 percent of global trade. Forecasts indicate that demand could triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040.

DiCarlo emphasized that this growth opens up enormous opportunities for producer countries, from job creation to economic diversification. At the same time, it intensifies competition for resources, fuels human rights violations, and harms the environment.

The relationship between conflict and resource extraction

The Deputy Secretary-General recalled that the production of critical minerals is geographically concentrated in a few locations, and many key producers are facing instability. More than 70 percent of global cobalt production comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar remains one of the largest sources of rare earth elements, and Ukraine has significant reserves of titanium and lithium. In the context of wars and conflicts, DiCarlo noted, unregulated mining undermines governance, fuels shadow economies, and funds armed groups.

The Security Council has repeatedly recognized the link between natural resources and conflict, imposing sanctions against the illicit trade in raw materials in the DRC, Libya, and the Islamist group al-Shabaab. UN experts help identify violations, trace supply chains, and prevent illegal exploitation.

Particular attention is being paid to the African Great Lakes region, where control over mineral deposits directly influences conflict dynamics. According to the UN, the AFC/M23 rebel coalition in the Democratic Republic of Congo earns over a million dollars a month from illegal mineral extraction and smuggling. Together with the DRC authorities and regional partners, UN peacekeepers are working to reduce the influence of armed groups in mining areas, and the Secretary-General's special envoy is promoting the strengthening of mechanisms for transparency and joint resource management.

Three priority areas

DiCarlo outlined three areas that she believes should be prioritized to ensure that countries experiencing conflict can harness the potential of critical minerals for their own benefit and that of the international community.

First, she said, extraction must produce fair and equitable results, which requires strengthening state institutions, improving regulation, and enhancing the ability of states to negotiate beneficial agreements. Second, international and regional efforts are needed to strengthen governance systems, increase the transparency and resilience of supply chains, and foster dialogue between producer and consumer countries. Third, diplomatic tools must be used to prevent and resolve resource disputes.

Concluding her speech, DiCarlo emphasized that the responsible and equitable use of critical minerals has the potential to lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and become a force for peace, not conflict. This, she said, requires concerted action by governments, businesses, civil society, and the entire UN system.

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