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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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February 18, 2026 Peace and security

The United Nations' top official warned the Security Council on Wednesday that the Middle East is at a defining moment: a fragile ceasefire in Gaza offers a rare window of opportunity for progress but remains under serious threat due to ongoing violence and a dire humanitarian situation.

Window of opportunity

Speaking at a meeting chaired by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo stated that the coming weeks would be crucial in determining whether the region could move toward stabilization or face a renewed escalation of conflict. After years of destruction and immense human suffering, she noted, a "window of opportunity" for change has emerged, "but it is neither guaranteed nor indefinite."

Strengthening the ceasefire regime

The UN calls on all parties and Security Council members to focus on strengthening the ceasefire reached last October, as well as on concrete steps to restore and move toward a lasting peace. Key to these efforts remains the implementation of the next phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and progress toward resuming the political process leading to a two-state solution.

According to the rapporteur, these measures should include efforts to demilitarize the Strip – disarming Hamas and other Palestinian groups, as well as transferring powers to the National Committee for Gaza Governance.

Humanitarian access

According to DiCarlo, some progress has been made in expanding humanitarian access since the ceasefire took effect, including the opening of the Rafah crossing to pedestrian traffic in both directions on February 2. This allowed for the medical evacuation of patients and the return of hundreds of people. However, thousands of local residents still need medical treatment unavailable in Gaza.

Despite these advances, the humanitarian situation remains dire. The vast majority of the Gaza Strip's population remains unable to return to their homes and lives in extremely difficult conditions. Aid operations face severe restrictions, and a severe shortage of shelter materials, medical equipment, and educational supplies hampers humanitarian efforts.

Airstrikes on Gaza

"Gaza is still not at peace," DiCarlo emphasized, noting that in recent weeks, Israeli airstrikes have targeted densely populated areas, killing dozens of Palestinians, including women and children. Meanwhile, armed clashes between the Israeli military and Palestinian armed groups have continued, highlighting the fragility of the ceasefire.

The situation in the West Bank

Meanwhile, the situation in the occupied West Bank is rapidly deteriorating. According to the UN, Israeli forces have escalated their operations, including raids, mass detentions, and an increasing number of displaced Palestinian families, particularly in the north. Continued settlement expansion, demolitions, and rising settler violence are further fueling tensions.

DiCarlo warned that recent decisions by Israeli authorities could expand Israel's civil authority over parts of the West Bank and accelerate settlement growth, raising serious concerns about possible forced population displacement and what she called a gradual "de facto annexation" of territory. The UN emphasizes that Israeli settlements have no legal standing under international law.

The economic crisis is also adding to the pressure: withholding tax revenues is exacerbating the Palestinian Authority's financial difficulties and leading to cuts in basic services.

Prospects for lasting peace

In conclusion, DiCarlo emphasized that at this "fragile stage," half-hearted measures are insufficient. She called for the full implementation of diplomatic initiatives, urgent de-escalation on the ground, and the resumption of a political process capable of leading to lasting peace and a viable two-state solution.

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February 18, 2026 Peace and security

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 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. While structured dialogue on governance, security, economics, and national reconciliation has produced proposals aimed at creating conditions for national elections, key political institutions remain unable to agree on the key steps necessary to advance the process.

Political impasse

According to the Special Representative, disagreements between the House of Representatives and the Supreme Council of State are undermining progress, and the unilateral actions of both bodies are further weakening public trust in the authorities. The failure to agree on electoral mechanisms prolongs political uncertainty and deepens public disillusionment with the institutions.

Despite the national political impasse, some positive developments have been noted at the local level. Over the past 14 months, local elections have been held in 119 municipalities, marking a significant step toward strengthening accountable local governance. The election of the country's second female mayor was particularly noted as a sign of increasing women's participation in politics.

At the same time, Tetteh warned of the dangerous deepening of institutional rifts, particularly in the judicial system. Competing constitutional courts in Tripoli and Benghazi are issuing contradictory rulings, effectively creating parallel legal systems, which threatens the effectiveness of governance, government accountability, and the political process itself. Maintaining the integrity of the judicial system, she emphasized, is key to preserving the integrity of the state.

Economic difficulties

The economic situation in Libya is also rapidly deteriorating. The devaluation of the national currency, rising prices, fuel shortages, and declining purchasing power are increasing pressure on the population. An estimated 30 percent of Libyans live below the poverty line, and the cost of food has risen significantly in recent years. The lack of a unified state budget and parallel government structures are contributing to financial instability and undermining confidence in the economy.

Security concerns

Security issues also remain a serious concern. Transnational criminal networks involved in drug, arms, and human trafficking continue to exploit weak state institutions and poorly controlled borders. Recent reports have documented serious human rights violations against migrants, including the discovery of mass graves and signs of torture among released individuals.

Despite numerous challenges, the UN mission is expanding its presence in Libya and strengthening its support for economic reform and the unification of security structures.

"The only way forward is a political solution that unites Libyans," Tetteh said, calling on the international community to continue supporting efforts to restore stability in the country.

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February 18, 2026 Culture and education

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. Based on data from over 120 countries, the study shows that without updated cultural policies, inequality among creative content creators will only worsen.

UNESCO Director-General Khaled Al-Anani noted that the report, which has been an international reference for over a decade, offers a "roadmap of more than 8,100 measures" to support cultural professionals in the face of rapid technological change.

The industry grows while remaining vulnerable

Although cultural and creative industries are increasingly serving as engines of economic growth and sustainable development, the infrastructure supporting them remains fragile. According to the report, 85 percent of countries include culture in their national development plans, but only 56 percent formulate specific goals in this area, highlighting a gap between declarations and action.

Global trade in cultural goods doubled in 2023 to $254 billion, with developing countries accounting for almost half of exports. However, their share of cultural services trade is only slightly over 20 percent, reflecting growing inequality amid the digitalization of markets.

Direct public funding for culture worldwide remains critically low—less than 0.6 percent of global GDP—and continues to decline. Limited artistic mobility remains an additional barrier: developed countries support the emigration of their creative professionals in 96 percent of cases, but only facilitate the entry of cultural figures from developing countries in 38 percent of cases.

The digital divide increases economic instability.

The report documents profound structural changes brought about by digitalization. The share of digital revenue in creators' earnings has grown from 17 percent in 2018 to 35 percent today, but income volatility 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.

The digital skills gap remains significant: 67 percent of people in developed countries possess basic skills, compared to only 28 percent in developing countries. Increasing market concentration around a few large streaming platforms and opaque recommendation algorithms further marginalize lesser-known creators. Furthermore, only 48 percent of countries collect such statistics, complicating the development of effective policies.

Creative freedom under pressure

UNESCO also notes growing threats to artistic freedom. Only 61 percent of countries have independent mechanisms to monitor violations in this area. Political instability, conflict, and forced displacement increase the risks for cultural workers. Digital surveillance and algorithmic bias pose new challenges.

Gender inequality

Despite progress in women's representation in leadership positions in cultural institutions—rising from 31 percent in 2017 to 46 percent in 2024—the gap between countries remains significant. In developed countries, women hold 64 percent of leadership positions, while in developing countries, they hold only 30 percent. In many countries, women are still viewed primarily as consumers of culture rather than as creators and leaders.

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.