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February 16, 2026 Healthcare

The World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe), with support from the European Union, is helping Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine integrate arts and culture into their health systems.

The organization notes that the region is experiencing high workloads due to a number of factors, from demographic changes and labor shortages to issues such as the effects of psychological trauma, social isolation, and long-term stress.

Integrated approaches

What is meant by integration of art and culture into the healthcare systemThis could include organising museum visits to help people overcome loneliness and support social cohesion; dance lessons for people living with Parkinson's disease; listening to music for patients with dementia; or choral singing to improve lung health.

Art and health are a developing interdisciplinary field, which can be seen as part of a broader approach to public health that goes beyond biomedical and clinical disciplines, but is also informed by scientific evidence.

"In Armenia, such approaches have significant potential to support healthy aging, mental well-being, and social inclusion, with a focus on people's needs," noted Inessa Asmangyulyan from the Armenian Ministry of Health.

Practical aspects

In late 2025, WHO/Europe held workshops to catalyze efforts in this area. Participants worked with tools for joint planning and evaluation, examined specific examples of arts-based interventions in medical and rehabilitation centers, and discussed ways to strengthen governance systems, ethical standards, and monitoring tools to sustainably expand collaboration between the health and arts sectors.

At a workshop in Yerevan, participants from Armenia and Georgia discussed the role of creative approaches in providing mental health care and psychosocial support, developing community engagement, and preventing stigma.

In Chisinau, healthcare professionals, artists, researchers, legislators, and civil society representatives from the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine discussed how art can contribute to the mental well-being of patients and healthcare staff, as well as to the implementation of innovations.

Cooperation between sectors

The workshops highlighted the importance of bringing together different sectors to achieve health.

"As the scale of mental health issues increases in Ukrainian society, art is taking on an increasingly important and comprehensive role," said Veronika Sklyarova, founder of the NGO Art-Dot. "We call for further collaboration between civil society organizations and the government, artists and psychologists, making such interactions more robust and sustainable."

The ideas presented at the workshops will be translated into real projects. WHO/Europe will further support countries in testing new initiatives, developing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and facilitating the exchange of experience.

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February 16, 2026 Human rights

The United Nations continues to strive to complete the process of decolonization worldwide, noting the significant progress of recent decades. This was stated in a statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered at the opening of the Special Committee on Decolonization on Monday.

Courtenay Rattray, the UN Secretary-General's Chief of Staff, delivered a speech on behalf of the UN Secretary-General. He recalled that decolonization has remained one of the Organization's key objectives since its inception. The UN was conceived as a platform where states interact as equals, not as a system of "rulers and ruled."

Since 1945, more than a hundred countries have gained independence, and today, as noted, more and more people are exercising their right to self-determination. However, the consequences of colonialism continue to be felt – in the form of economic inequality, racism, and the limited participation of some peoples in international decision-making.

Currently, there are still in the world 17 Non-Self-Governing TerritoriesThe UN believes that their future should be determined through inclusive dialogue between representatives of the territories themselves, the administering powers, and UN Member States, taking into account the unique needs of each of these territories and in accordance with the UN Charter and the decisions of the General Assembly.

The speech places particular emphasis on the role of youth, which, according to the Secretary-General, must become the driving force in shaping a more just and inclusive future.

Climate change has been identified as a key challenge. Most Non-Self-Governing Territories are small islands, which are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events. The UN has called for issues of resilience and adaptation to climate change to be placed at the center of international discussions.

Last December, the UN celebrated the first International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and ManifestationsThe day served as a reminder that, despite the progress made, the work of completing decolonization is far from complete.

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February 16, 2026 Peace and security

Almost four years after the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion, the situation for Ukrainian civilians continues to deteriorate. Approximately 325,000 Ukrainians who have already returned to their homes may flee their homes again in the coming months, with more than a third of them considering leaving the country. UN agencies warned on Monday.

"The situation has noticeably worsened," said Danielle Bell, head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU). "Every year, more and more people are killed and injured. Millions have electricity for only a few hours a day. Hundreds of thousands suffer without heat during freezing temperatures. Serious violations of international humanitarian law continue, and the Russian authorities demonstratively ignore international law in the territories of Ukraine they occupy."

The death toll is rising

According to the Mission, the number of civilian casualties in 2025 was 31 percent higher than in 2024, and 70 percent higher than in 2023. Since February 2022, more than 15,000 people have been confirmed killed and over 41,000 injured. The overwhelming majority of casualties were recorded in territories under Ukrainian control.

Each of these figures represents someone's life, destroyed families, and psychological trauma for the population, the UN emphasizes.

Strikes on energy facilities

Since October last year attacks intensified Russian armed forces attacked Ukraine's energy system. The destruction led to prolonged outages of electricity, heating, and water supplies. In January, when temperatures dropped below minus 20 degrees Celsius, district heating facilities were hit, leaving thousands of multi-story buildings without heat.

Human rights violations

The mission also reports serious violations of international humanitarian law that remain unpunished. These include torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees by Russian forces and authorities, sexual violence, and executions. In late 2025, there was a surge in reports of executions of captured Ukrainian servicemen.

At the same time, the HRMMU documented cases of torture and ill-treatment of prisoners of war during the early stages of their detention by Ukrainian authorities. According to the Mission, the scope of investigations remains limited.

In the occupied territories, Russian authorities are reportedly implementing their own laws and administrative systems, forcing residents to obtain Russian citizenship, and restricting freedom of expression.

The mission calls for increased efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

"The Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago resulted in a horrific litany of violations of both international human rights and humanitarian law," Bell emphasized. "Yet, to date, we have seen virtually no efforts to prevent such violations or hold those responsible accountable." Victims, she said, must have access to justice, reparation, and the truth.

Risks of re-displacement

Amid ongoing attacks and severe winter conditions The risks of further displacement are also growing. According to new data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), approximately 325,000 Ukrainians who have already returned to their homelands may leave their homes again in the coming months, with more than a third of them considering leaving the country.

“After four years of war, families will not have enough resilience alone to survive another winter "With power outages and bitter cold," said IOM Director General Amy Pope. "Safe housing, reliable energy, and basic services are not luxuries, but the foundation of security, survival, and human dignity."

As of January 2026, 3.7 million people were internally displaced. More than 4.4 million people who fled their homes since February 2022 have returned, including over one million who arrived from abroad. However, not all who crossed the border were able to return home—372,000 people remain internally displaced.

Amid temperatures reaching -20 degrees Celsius and ongoing power outages across the country, many Ukrainians are once again forced to consider relocation. In frontline areas, people report shortages of generators and repair materials, and psychological stress remains high.

Since 2022, the International Organization for Migration has provided direct or indirect assistance to 6.9 million people within the country, as well as to millions in 11 neighboring countries. The IOM emphasizes that without timely support during the winter, power outages could further push families to move and undermine recovery efforts.

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February 14, 2026 UN

In a world where divisions and mistrust are growing, the African Union remains the "flagship of multilateralism," UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his address on Saturday at the African Union's summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He thanked the continent's countries for their support of UN initiatives and assured that partnership with Africa remains his priority.

According to the UN chief, since the beginning of his mandate, cooperation between the UN and the African Union has been built on respect, ongoing dialogue, and mutual support. During this time, joint mechanisms have been established in the areas of peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights, and collaboration has expanded during the pandemic. COVID-19, new partnerships have emerged.

The Secretary-General recalled the adoption of Security Council resolution 2719, which paved the way for predictable funding for African Union-led peace support operations.

Global governance reform

The Secretary-General also addressed the issue of UN Security Council reform.

"The lack of permanent African seats on the Security Council is indefensible. This is 2026, not 1946," he emphasized. "When decisions are made about Africa and the world, Africa must be at the table."

Conflicts on the continent

The UN chief called for increased efforts to resolve crises.

In Sudan, he said, the parties must cease hostilities immediately and return to negotiations on a comprehensive and inclusive political process. In South Sudan, the African Union initiative offers opportunities for resuming dialogue.

Speaking about the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Secretary-General emphasized the need to uphold commitments, including an immediate ceasefire and respect for the country's territorial integrity. He also mentioned the importance of consolidating the results achieved in the Central African Republic, advancing the political process in Libya, and strengthening coordination in the Sahel and West African countries. The UN chief also reiterated his disappointment with the lack of agreement in the Security Council on a funding mechanism for the African Union mission in Somalia.

Finance and Development

Developing countries face a huge funding gap Sustainable Development Goals – around $4 trillion per year, Guterres recalled. Meanwhile, many African countries pay significantly higher loan repayments and lose significant funds due to illicit financial flows.

He called for expanding the capacity of multilateral development banks, reducing borrowing costs, and reforming the international financial architecture so that African states can fully participate in decision-making.

Climate justice

Africa, according to Guterres, has enormous potential in renewable energy, but receives only a small share of global investment.

"Enough exploitation. Enough plunder. The people of Africa must benefit from Africa's resources," he declared, advocating for fair production chains and job creation on the continent.

Priority – Africa

In conclusion, the Secretary-General emphasized that talk about the “farewell” nature of his participation in the summit is not true.

“I can guarantee that until the last moment of my mandate, Africa will be the number one priority for the UN,” he said, adding that the continent will remain at the forefront of his attention even after his mandate ends at the end of 2026.

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February 13, 2026 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: a report on crimes in El Fasher, Sudan, large-scale destruction as a result of cyclones in Madagascar, a socio-economic crisis in Cuba, and the Secretary-General's message at the beginning of the month of Ramadan.

Crimes in El Fasher

The violence committed in El Fasher, Sudan, last October was "shocking in its scale and brutality." The violations could constitute war crimes and probable crimes against humanity, according to a new report from the UN Human Rights Office. Based on hundreds of interviews with eyewitnesses, the Office documented over 6,000 killings in the first three days of the Rapid Reaction Force offensive. The report's authors emphasize that the total number of deaths over the weeks of fighting is "significantly higher."

Cyclone in Madagascar

Madagascar's main port was severely damaged by Cyclone Gezani, which struck the country just ten days after a previous storm, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported on Friday. According to the agency, hundreds of thousands of people need humanitarian assistance. In anticipation of the storm, WFP and its partners provided cash assistance to the most vulnerable families to enable them to purchase food and other essentials. However, the scale of destruction caused by two cyclones in such a short period of time has dramatically increased needs and complicated supplies.

The situation in Cuba

The UN Human Rights Office expressed grave concern about the deepening socioeconomic crisis in Cuba amid the long-standing embargo, extreme weather events, and recent restrictions on oil supplies. Fuel shortages threaten vital services throughout the country, including healthcare, water, and communications. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reiterates his call on all States to lift unilateral sectoral measures, given their widespread and indiscriminate impact on the population.

UN chief's message for Ramadan

In his message ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, the UN Secretary-GeneralAntonio GuterresHe emphasized that this is a time of reflection and prayer, one that holds within it a vision of hope and peace. However, for too many people, this hope remains elusive. He recalled the ongoing suffering of civilians – from Afghanistan to Yemen, from Gaza to Sudan, and throughout the world. The UN chief urged everyone to heed the enduring message of Ramadan: to build bridges, bring aid and hope to those in need, and protect the rights and dignity of every person.

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February 13, 2026 Peace and security

Following the ceasefire agreement in northeastern Syria, a window of opportunity has opened to advance the political transition, but the security situation remains fragile and humanitarian needs remain enormous, UN representatives stated at a Security Council meeting on Friday.

Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Claudio Cordone, speaking for the first time to the UN Security Council in his new capacity, welcomed the announcement on January 30 agreement between the government and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Steps towards integration in the North-East

"We look forward to its full and swift implementation in terms of the peaceful integration of northeast Syria, the protection of the rights of Syrian Kurds, the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of displaced persons, and the creation of conditions under which all residents of this part of the country can live in dignity and without fear," he said.

According to Cordone, hostilities have largely ceased, and work on mechanisms for implementing the agreements is progressing positively. The UN, however, calls for an investigation into allegations of violations and abuses and for those responsible to be held accountable.

The UN representative noted that the situation around detention facilities in northeastern Syria is being closely monitored, including the transfer of ISIS suspects to Iraq.

Tensions in the South and External Factors

In As-Suwayda province, clashes between security forces and local armed groups have again erupted, Cordone noted. Israeli operations are also continuing.

"We reiterate our call for full respect for international law, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria," the UN spokesman said.

Human rights and the role of women

Cordone emphasized that protecting human rights, resolving the issue of missing persons, and advancing transitional justice are key elements of trust. He particularly noted the contribution of Syrian women and civil society.

The UN mission, he said, intends to expand cooperation with the authorities and other partners.

Hundreds of thousands of victims, millions in need

Lisa Doughten, a representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, addressed the Council on behalf of the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator.

According to her, recent fighting has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. While many have returned, approximately 130,000 remain displaced. More than 90 percent of them are women and girls.

Despite the difficulties, the UN and partners are expanding their operations. Trucks with food, water, medicine, and fuel have been dispatched to the affected areas. Electricity has been partially restored in some areas.

According to the latest estimates, the food situation has improved somewhat, but about 700,000 people still face extreme food insecurity, and millions more face moderate food insecurity.

Doughten added that heavy rains this week caused flooding in areas of Idlib and northern Latakia, killing two children, injuring thousands of displaced people and destroying tents.

Three key directions

To overcome the crisis, the UN representative emphasized, efforts are needed to prevent a new escalation, invest in restoring infrastructure and livelihoods, and maintain vital humanitarian funding.

"We have a rare opportunity to help the Syrian people turn the tide in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Let's continue to do everything we can to ensure they seize this opportunity," she concluded.

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February 13, 2026 Refugees and migrants

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has stated the need for urgent international support for Afghans returning from neighboring countries to their homeland under extremely difficult conditions. This was announced on Friday by UNHCR Representative in Afghanistan Arafat Jamal at a briefing in Geneva.

According to the agency, nearly 150,000 Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan since the beginning of 2026. This is in addition to the unprecedented 2.9 million people who arrived in the country in 2025.

Since October 2023, a total of approximately 5.4 million Afghans have returned, voluntarily or involuntarily.

UNHCR warns that the speed and scale of returns are further exacerbating the crisis in a country already facing dire humanitarian, economic, and social conditions, particularly for women and girls. The World Bank estimates that rapid population growth will reduce Afghanistan's per capita GDP by four percent by 2025.

The situation is exacerbated by a harsh winter: freezing temperatures and snowfalls threaten the lives of people, many of whom lack housing, employment, and documentation. According to a UNHCR survey, only half of men and less than a quarter of women were able to find even informal employment. More than 90 percent of families live on less than five dollars a day, and over half lack identification documents.

UNHCR expressed concern that five percent of respondents plan to leave the country again, and more than ten percent know someone who has already left after returning. "These decisions are driven by the impossibility of rebuilding a dignified life," Arafat Jamal emphasized during a briefing.

At the same time, the agency also notes “islands of hope”: among those returning in 2025, there are more people with education and work experience, which could contribute to stabilization if employment opportunities are available.

In 2026, UNHCR will prioritize supporting the reintegration of returnees in Afghanistan. The agency requires $216 million to assist returnees and internally displaced persons, but the plan is currently only eight percent funded.

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