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December 16, 2025 Human rights

The situation for civilians in Ukraine is becoming increasingly "unbearable," warned UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk, speaking at an intersessional meeting of the Human Rights Council. He presented data recent report United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) for the period from 1 June to 30 November 2025.

"Almost four years after the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion, the situation for the civilian population of Ukraine has become even more unbearable," Türk said.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted the scale of the work accomplished: over four years, OHCHR staff carried out more than 1,150 missions to affected areas of Ukraine and conducted more than 11,100 interviews on alleged violations of international law.

Rising death toll

According to the UN, the number of civilian casualties since the beginning of this year 24 percent higher, compared to the same period last year. "This is largely due to the fact that the Russian Armed Forces have intensified the use of long-range missiles and drones in frontline and urban areas," Türk noted. "This escalation is an endless nightmare for the people of Ukraine."

The High Commissioner added that strikes are being carried out throughout the country, including in the western regions. He cited as an example attack on November 19, 2025, when approximately 500 drones and missiles were launched at Ukraine. "A cruise missile hit a residential building in Ternopil, and a drone caused a fire in another building, killing at least 38 civilians and injuring 99, with some still missing," he said, calling the strike the deadliest in western Ukraine since the war began.

"The Russian Federation reports that 146 civilians were killed and more than 1,150 were injured in the country during the reporting period, but we have not been able to confirm these figures," the UN representative added.

Strikes in frontline areas

Türk also drew attention to the situation in Ukraine's frontline regions, where more than 60 percent of casualties have been recorded this year. Nearly half of the dead were elderly.

"The use of short-range drones with first-person cameras by Russian forces causes significant harm to civilians," he stated. Approximately 300 civilians were killed in such attacks during the reporting period, including people riding bicycles, in cars, and on public transportation.

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In addition, according to OHCHR, in October and November, the Russian Federation carried out eight large-scale coordinated attacks that caused prolonged emergency situations. power outagesin a number of areas and planned power outages in most regions for up to 18 hours a day.

The situation of prisoners of war

The High Commissioner also emphasized the plight of prisoners of war and detained civilians. "Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Office has documented the extrajudicial executions of 96 Ukrainian prisoners of war and persons hors de combat," he reported. He added that since mid-November, there has been an increase in reports of executions of Ukrainian servicemen after capture. "We have confirmed as credible the reports of the killing of 14 Ukrainian prisoners of war after their capture by Russian forces and are investigating 10 additional cases," Türk said.

He added that the Office had also recorded "four executions of Russian prisoners of war by Ukrainian armed forces" and was investigating "credible reports of three additional incidents." The High Commissioner also emphasized that the UN continues to document "systematic and widespread torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war."

"The people of Ukraine need peace"

Concluding his speech, Volker Türk again called for an end to the war. He stated that "those responsible for all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law must be held accountable."

"I can't even begin to imagine how exhausted the people of Ukraine are," the High Commissioner said. "They need the guns to fall silent. They need a peace based on human rights—in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and General Assembly resolutions."

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December 16, 2025 Healthcare

Amid the early start of the flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, a new variant of the virus is spreading rapidly, with vaccination remaining the "most effective means of protection," the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Tuesday.

Influenza and other respiratory viruses are currently spreading rapidly, Wenqing Zhang, head of the Global Respiratory Threats Unit at the WHO's Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Threat Management, told reporters in Geneva. According to her, the current season is characterized by the emergence and rapid spread of a new AH3N2 variant. It was first detected in August in Australia and New Zealand and has since been identified in more than 30 countries, she noted.

Genetic transformation

"Available epidemiological data do not indicate an increase in disease severity, although this genetic shift represents a significant stage in the virus's evolution," Zhang said. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, she explained, which is why flu vaccines are regularly updated.

“WHO monitors these changes, assesses the associated public health risks, and develops vaccine composition recommendations twice a year through the long-standing Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) – in collaboration with other global experts,” Zhang emphasized.

The new variant was not included in vaccines produced for the current flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, the WHO expert clarified. However, "early data suggest that current seasonal vaccines continue to provide protection against severe illness and reduce the risk of hospitalization," she added.

According to WHO estimates, approximately one billion cases of seasonal influenza are registered worldwide each year, including up to five million cases of severe respiratory illness. Up to 650,000 deaths per year are associated with respiratory complications caused by seasonal influenza.

Recommendations for risk reduction

“Vaccination remains our most effective means of protection, including against ‘drifting’ strains, especially for high-risk groups and those caring for them,” Zhang emphasized.

She also shared the results of a preliminary evaluation of the vaccine's effectiveness against the new variant, published several weeks ago in the UK. "These data look very encouraging," the expert said, noting that the vaccine is approximately 75 percent effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization in children and approximately 35 percent effective in adults.

Zhang warned that the upcoming holiday season could lead to a new surge in respiratory illnesses. "Advance planning and increased preparedness, including encouraging vaccination and strengthening healthcare system readiness, are strongly recommended," she said.

The WHO expert also recommended that countries strengthen laboratory diagnostics and year-round disease surveillance and participate in the GISRS network.

Global monitoring is necessary

The network includes influenza centers in 130 countries, as well as more than ten reference laboratories.

Asked whether the United States would remain a member of the network next year despite the country's decision to withdraw from the WHO effective January 22, 2026, Zhang said, "From an influenza, respiratory surveillance and preparedness perspective, it is absolutely essential that all countries around the world participate in surveillance, preparedness, and response to influenza and other respiratory viruses because we don't know when and where the next pandemic strain will emerge."

"And the time between its emergence, detection, characterization, and inclusion in vaccines could be critical to the number of lives saved," she concluded.

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On Monday, the Security Council held an open debate on "Leadership for Peace," focusing on the role of future United Nations leadership amid growing geopolitical confrontation, weakening multilateralism, and the crisis of the UN system itself. Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Fordham University Professor of International Politics Anjali Dayal spoke at the meeting.

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December 15, 2025 International law

The world's largest anti-corruption conference kicked off today in Doha, Qatar, with a call to harness new technologies in the fight against corruption, with a particular focus on its links to organized crime and other types of illegal activities. At the 11th session of the Conference of States Parties UN Convention against Corruption More than 2,500 delegates from 170 countries are participating.

“Preventing and ultimately eradicating corruption is our shared responsibility,” UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said in a video message to the event’s participants.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in turn, emphasized that corruption is not a victimless crime.

"It fuels conflict, perpetuates inequality, and deprives the world of the resources needed to protect people and the planet," he noted. "Every dollar lost to economic crime is a dollar stolen from those striving for a better future."

According to the UN chief, new technologies, including artificial intelligence, can be used both by criminals and help identify and prevent violations.

“However, this requires regulation and accountability,” he stressed.

John Brandolino, Acting Head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), noted that corruption creates "an illicit infrastructure that allows criminal groups to continue operating and profiting with impunity around the world." He emphasized the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach, with agencies working across sectors and countries. Brandolino called on member states to fully utilize UNODC's anti-corruption initiatives and tools.

The draft resolutions before the participating States address, inter alia, the role of artificial intelligence in preventing and combating corruption, educating children and youth in the spirit of honesty and integrity, increasing the transparency of political party and election campaign financing, and analysing how corruption contributes to other violations, including illegal smuggling of migrants and crimes that damage the environment.

UN Convention against Corruption

The UN Convention against Corruption is the only legally binding international treaty in this area. It entered into force in December 2005. It has 192 states as parties, making it virtually universal.

Under the Convention, countries are obliged to prevent and prosecute corruption, develop international cooperation to combat it, ensure the return of stolen assets, and strengthen technical assistance and information exchange in the public and private sectors.

Thanks to the mechanisms provided by the agreement, 146 countries have updated or adopted anti-corruption laws and policies since 2010. UNODC helps countries implement specific reforms aimed at protecting public resources, increasing transparency, strengthening integrity, and promoting sustainable development.

The Conference of States Parties is the main decision-making forum under the Convention. It meets every two years to support the implementation of commitments and determine the direction of global anti-corruption policy.

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December 15, 2025 Peace and security

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the "despicable" attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney, Australia, to celebrate Hanukkah.

“My heart is with the Jewish community around the world on this first day of Hanukkah, the holiday that celebrates the miracle of peace and light conquering darkness,” he wrote.

Two gunmen reportedly opened fire on Hanukkah celebrations on Bondi Beach in Sydney. At least 11 people were killed. Two of the victims were police officers. Authorities are calling the attack a terrorist act. One of the attackers was killed, and the other was detained.

The Secretary-General expressed solidarity with the people and Government of Australia, as well as with the Jewish community in the country and around the world.

He "unequivocally condemned anti-Semitism in all its forms" and said attacks on religious communities and peaceful assemblies undermined fundamental values such as tolerance, peaceful coexistence and human dignity.

When the attack occurred, the Secretary-General was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the World Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations was taking place.

This initiative was created 20 years ago to promote respect and understanding between cultures and religions.

Alliance High Representative Miguel Angel Moratinos said he was "shocked" by the attack.

“I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” he wrote on the X platform.

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Rome Abas, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

December 14, 2025 Culture and education

Intercultural dialogue is not an optional extracurricular activity, but a strategy for human survival. This was the message addressed to the international community by participants at the XI Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, which opened Sunday in Riyadh.

Not an optional course, but a necessity

The conference delegates gathered in the capital of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation between representatives of different cultures and faiths. In an era of increasing polarization and conflict, they are convinced that dialogue remains the only path to life.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres He rejected the notion that the Alliance's mission is unrealistic or, as critics claim, "too soft for our cruel world." Those who dismiss dialogue as naive, he warned, are mistaken. According to Guterres, diplomacy and cooperation are not optional, but essential.

Two decades have passed since then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, with the support of Spain and Turkey, launched the Alliance. While the geopolitical landscape has changed radically since then, the organization's core goal remains unchanged: countering extremism and intolerance and promoting dignified coexistence among people of diverse cultures and faiths.

The UN chief described the paradox of an era in which societies are increasingly interconnected and simultaneously fragmented. He outlined two directions for how this situation could develop: on one side, fear, walls of separation, and military escalation; on the other, a bridge between cultures.

Only the second path, he emphasized, leads to sustainable peace: "No more October 7ths. No destroyed Gaza Strip. No starving El Fashers. No communities massacred, displaced, or scapegoated."

The Secretary-General identified three forces capable of driving positive global change: youth, women and girls, and people of faith. He called on delegates to advance the Alliance's mission "with courage, clarity, and hope."

Riyadh Communiqué: A Call for Peaceful Coexistence

Forum delegates endorsed the Riyadh Communiqué, which identified the fight against all forms of religious intolerance as a global priority. The document emphasizes the key role of education in fostering dialogue, human rights, and peaceful societies, and reaffirms the Alliance's original goal: strengthening cooperation among representatives of different cultures and religions while promoting the principles of respect, mutual understanding, and inclusiveness.

Equal voices – shared responsibility

Opening the conference, High Representative Miguel Moratinos, who is also the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, emphasized that all cultures must have an equal voice in shaping the future of the world. No single community should dominate, he said.

Moratinos warned of the "return of hate speech" and called for vigilance amid rising discrimination. Quoting a verse from Surah Al-Hujurat in the Quran, he emphasized that diversity should be a source of strength, not a cause for division. He also noted that Islamophobia and anti-Semitism have no place in the modern world.

Saudi Arabia calls for dialogue

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, reaffirmed the Kingdom's "long-standing commitment to intercultural dialogue." He stated that Saudi Arabia's support for the Alliance reflects its firm belief that interaction between cultures and civilizations is essential for peace, cooperation, and conflict prevention.

He highlighted a number of Saudi initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue and countering extremism, and warned of the growing spread of extremist movements motivated by religion and nationalism, as well as the spread of hate speech and Islamophobia over the past two decades.

These challenges, he said, should encourage states to strengthen – rather than reject – the values of dialogue and the idea of peaceful coexistence.

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December 14, 2025 Culture and education

On December 15, the international community will celebrate the World Day of Turkic Languages for the first time. The decision was made at the UNESCO General Conference held in Samarkand in November. The organization considers this an important step toward recognizing linguistic diversity, which enriches our common human heritage.

The choice of date is symbolic and deeply meaningful. On December 15, 1983, Danish linguist Wilhelm Thomsen announced the successful decipherment of the Orkhon inscriptions, one of the oldest known written sources. The inscriptions were created by ancient Turks in the Orkhon Valley, in what is now Mongolia, in the 8th century CE and discovered in 1889.

Thomsen's achievement provided invaluable insight into the linguistic tradition that today links dozens of communities across Eurasia.

A language family that is spread across different continents

UNESCO emphasizes that languages belonging to the Turkic language family, such as Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkish, Turkmen and Uzbek, among others, are native to more than 200 million people in an area of approximately 12 million square kilometers.

A rich documentary heritage in Turkic languages, as well as vibrant oral traditions, is shared by more than 10 states.

Promoting multilingualism and cultural dialogue

The initiative to celebrate World Day was put forward by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan. It was supported by 21 countries.

By declaring December 15 as World Day of Turkic Languages, UNESCO emphasizes the importance of linguistic cooperation, cultural rapprochement and dialogue among civilizations.

The initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation in linguistic research, education, and cultural exchange. UNESCO notes that this day will facilitate large-scale scientific research and promote global dialogue aimed at preserving Turkic languages.

Starting in 2025, World Turkic Language Day will feature a variety of cultural and academic events, including exhibitions dedicated to linguistic heritage, lectures and public discussions, and literary and poetry evenings.

World Day of Turkic Languages is an important step towards recognizing the linguistic diversity that enriches our common human heritage.

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