Category: 24-7

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 11, 2026 UN

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been supporting Ukraine in clearing the rubble. During this period, one million tons of debris have been removed, marking a significant milestone in the country's recovery efforts.

According to an analysis conducted by the World Bank Group, the Government of Ukraine, the European Commission and the United Nations, with the support of other partners, direct damage to buildings and infrastructure in Ukraine will reach US$176 billion by the end of 2024.

The rubble has become one of the most serious and pressing obstacles to the recovery of the affected areas and the return of Ukrainians to their homes.

UNDP supported early recovery activities in 26 districts of Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Sumy and Zaporizhzhia regions.

As of early 2026, a volume of construction debris equivalent in weight to three Empire State Buildings had been removed and sorted. This allowed for the restoration of safe access to over 200 sites, as well as the repair of residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities.

The implementation of these works placed a strong emphasis on local involvement, with over 400 locally recruited workers employed across the country.

The cleanup work was carried out in accordance with strict protocols for the safe handling of hazardous waste, including asbestos-containing materials, and involved systematic sorting for recycling.

"As communities across Ukraine continue to face widespread destruction, managing millions of tons of rubble is placing a tremendous burden on local authorities," said Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction and Development Oleksiy Kuleba, emphasizing UNDP's critical role in clearing the rubble.

“In 2026, UNDP will strive for new results, working with the Government of Ukraine to create a coherent, coordinated and sustainable national construction waste management system,” said Auke Lootsma, UNDP Representative in Ukraine.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 11, 2026 Healthcare

The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on countries to do everything possible to ensure that the millions of people living with cataracts receive surgery. The WHO emphasizes that cataract surgery is very simple, takes only 15 minutes, and completely restores vision. However, many people still lack access to this procedure.

Tens of millions of people are sick

A new study published today in The Lancet demonstrates the scale of the problem: nearly half of all people worldwide suffering from blindness caused by cataracts still require surgical treatment.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that leads to vision impairment and can lead to blindness. Worldwide, 94 million people suffer from cataracts. Cataract removal is a simple, effective procedure that provides immediate vision restoration that lasts for years.

“Cataract surgery is one of the most powerful tools available to restore vision and change lives,” said Devora Kestel, Acting Director of the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health.

"When people regain their sight, they regain their independence, dignity and opportunity," she added.

The situation is changing for the better

Over the past 20 years, the number of people undergoing this surgery has increased by 15 percent, despite an aging population and rising cataract rates leading to increased demand. This figure is expected to grow by another 8.4 percent over the current decade. The WHO calls for accelerating this growth and increasing the number of people eligible for cataract surgery by 30 percent.

A study analyzing data from 68 countries for 2023 and 2024 shows that the problem is most acute in the African region, where 75 percent of people requiring cataract surgery go untreated. Across all regions, women are less likely to undergo the procedure than men.

Reasons why people do not receive treatment may include a shortage of specialists, low incomes, and lack of information.

Age is the main risk factor for cataracts. They can also be caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, tobacco use, corticosteroid use, and diabetes.

How to solve the problem

WHO recommends that countries integrate vision screening into primary health care, invest in basic surgical infrastructure, and ensure the availability of necessary specialists, especially in rural areas.

The WHO also calls for eliminating gender and geographical inequalities. The organization emphasizes that cataract surgery may become widely available in the near future.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 11, 2026 Peace and security

Five international organizations and regional associations – the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, the European Union, and the UN – have called on the parties to the conflict in Sudan to immediately stop the escalation of hostilities, warning of catastrophic consequences for the civilian population.

In a joint statement, the UN and partners expressed "deep concern" about the continuing deterioration of the situation in the country.

Deadly Blows

They demanded an immediate halt to the further build-up of military force, including the use of increasingly destructive weapons that inflict heavy casualties on civilians.

The situation in the Kordofan and Blue Nile regions is particularly alarming. The statement notes deadly drone strikes, tightened sieges of populated areas, and attacks on critical civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and humanitarian facilities. It also reports the forced displacement of residents, severe restrictions on humanitarian access, security threats along key supply routes, and attacks on aid convoys.

"Five" reminded about the tragedy in El Fasher and warnings, which had been voiced before but were not heeded. International organizations emphasized that civilians should not continue to pay the price for the ongoing fighting.

Obligations under international law

The statement's authors called for coordinated efforts, including by those with the greatest influence over the warring parties, to reduce violence, restore conditions for the protection of civilians, and stop the flow of weapons, fighters, and other support that fuel the conflict and lead to further fragmentation of the country.

The protection of civilians, civilian objects, and local infrastructure is an obligation under international law. All parties must comply with humanitarian law, ensuring safe, rapid, and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations. to all those in needSerious violations, partner organizations stated, cannot go unpunished, and those responsible must be held accountable.

Call for a truce

Ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, the P5 urged that the opportunity be seized to negotiate a humanitarian truce that would prevent further casualties and ensure the delivery of vital aid. Such a step, the statement emphasized, could be an important step toward a broader ceasefire, but all efforts must be undertaken within the framework of clearly defined agreements that comply with international law, existing commitments, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2736, adopted in 2024.

International partners reaffirmed their commitment to Sudan's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity, warning that further escalation would only exacerbate the threat to the population and infrastructure. They emphasized their readiness to facilitate inclusive political dialogue in the country, which should lead to an end to the war and lay the foundation for a peaceful political transition.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 11, 2026 Peace and security

Humanitarian organizations are providing emergency aid to residents of the town of Bohodukhiv in Ukraine's Kharkiv region following a drone attack overnight that killed three young children and their father. The family had recently fled from another frontline area in search of safety, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Wednesday.

According to field personnel, the strike occurred around midnight on February 11. The residential building was completely destroyed. The Proliska humanitarian mission reported that a father, a pregnant mother, and three children, the youngest aged one and two, were inside the house. The man, who had a disability, and the children were killed.

The woman was taken to the hospital. Doctors are providing emergency care; her condition is assessed as extremely serious, including psychologically. Humanitarian organizations plan to provide further support as soon as possible.

Neighboring homes also sustained damage: windows were blown out, roofs were destroyed, a car was burned, and outbuildings were destroyed, according to humanitarian workers. In subzero temperatures, they are helping victims seal their homes and carry out emergency repairs to retain heat and prevent further damage. They are also providing psychological support and legal advice regarding property damage.

On Sunday, February 8, a strike in Bohodukhiv killed a woman and a 10-year-old boy, and wounded three others. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs notes that this town had not previously been subjected to such intense attacks, and for this reason, it was considered a safer place for displaced persons to relocate. However, as the UN has repeatedly noted, there are virtually no safe places left in Ukraine.

Children are under constant threat

The day before, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) also reported casualties among minors.

UNICEF stated that it was shocked by reports of the deaths of a ten-year-old boy and his mother in the Kharkiv region, as well as an eleven-year-old child in the Donetsk region. According to the organization, 14 children have been injured in the past five days.

The foundation's representatives emphasized that Ukrainian children live under the constant threat of attack every day, and many young lives have already been cut short.

Humanitarian workers continue to support affected families, helping local communities cope with loss and destruction.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 11, 2026 Healthcare

The number of measles cases in Europe and Central Asia in 2025 has significantly decreased compared to 2024, according to preliminary data from 53 countries in the WHO European Region. However, the threat of new outbreaks remains, warn the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

In 2025, 33,998 measles cases were registered in the region—almost 75 percent fewer than the previous year, when 127,412 cases were recorded. This decline is due both to the implementation of special measures and to a gradual decline in the number of people susceptible to the infection, after many people in areas with low vaccination rates had already contracted the disease.

Operational measures and the fight against disinformation

WHO Regional Director Hans Kluge noted that over the past three years, more than 200,000 people have contracted measles in the region. Despite encouraging trends, the 2025 figures still exceed those seen in most years since 2000. In some countries, the number of cases has even exceeded the 2024 figures. Measles cases will continue to be recorded in 2026. However, many of these cases could have been prevented with more widespread routine immunization and a more rapid response to outbreaks.

“While the number of cases has decreased, the factors that led to the resurgence of this deadly disease in recent years have not gone away – and with them it is necessary to fight" said Regina de Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. She emphasized that all children should have access to vaccinations. It is also essential to combat the spread of misinformation about vaccines.

Based on country data for 2024, the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination found that the number of countries where measles remains or has been re-established endemic has increased to 19, compared with 12 countries the previous year.

Consequences of the spread of infection

Outbreak preparedness and response, as well as achieving measles elimination, remain public health priorities in Europe and Central Asia. UNICEF and WHO, together with governments and partners, are working to prevent and contain the infection by engaging with communities, training health workers, strengthening immunization programs and surveillance systems, and conducting catch-up vaccination campaigns.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses. A single infected person can infect up to 18 unvaccinated people, making measles approximately 12 times more contagious than the flu. In addition to hospitalization and death, the disease can lead to to severe long-term complicationsIt can also "erase" the body's immune memory of how to fight infections for months and even years to come. As a result, those who have recovered from the virus become more vulnerable to other illnesses that can be fatal.

Two doses of the measles vaccine provide up to 97 percent lifelong protection. To prevent outbreaks and achieve herd immunity—which protects both infants too young to be vaccinated and people for whom it is contraindicated for medical reasons, such as immunodeficiency—at least 95 percent of the population must be immunized.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 10, 2026 Peace and security

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday called on all parties involved in renewed heavy fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region to cease hostilities, warning of the risk of further escalation of the crisis both in the north of the country and beyond.

"The situation remains extremely volatile, and we fear further deterioration, which will worsen the already dire human rights and humanitarian situation in the region," Türk said.

Echo of a previous conflict

The latest events in Tigray are a continuation of the bloody 2020–2022 conflict between government forces and separatist forces in the region, sparked by rising tensions between federal and local authorities. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and more than two million forced to flee their homes during the clashes, which reportedly involved troops from neighboring Eritrea. About a million of them remain internally displaced.

Between Two Fires

According to the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), the new escalation has led to intensified fighting between the Ethiopian National Defence Forces and Tigray regional security forces near the border with Amhara state.

"Both sides have used drones, artillery, and other heavy weapons," Türk noted. "Civilians are once again caught in the crossfire, while both sides are reportedly arresting people suspected of having ties to the other side. This must stop."

Meanwhile, clashes continue in south and southeast Tigray between federal troops and the Tigray Peace Forces, a rival group, the High Commissioner added.

"All sides must step back from the brink and seek a political solution to their differences," Türk said. "Reports of serious violations or abuses must be promptly and independently investigated."

The Call of the Turk

Speaking to journalists in Geneva, High Commissioner Ravina Shamdasani warned that new clashes could erupt "at any moment," with grave consequences for the civilian population. She reiterated Türk's call for all parties to reaffirm their commitment to the Pretoria Ceasefire Agreement signed in 2022.

According to her, the warring parties must also ensure the return of internally displaced persons to their homes—this is one of the confidence-building measures envisaged by the agreement. "This process is not going as smoothly as it should," she noted.

A threat to the stability of the entire region

The High Commissioner also warned that recent tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could exacerbate already serious human rights concerns and worsen the humanitarian situation in both countries, as well as throughout the Horn of Africa region.

"We call for disputes to be resolved politically, not through violence," said Ravina Shamdasani. "We remember what happened in 2020-2021, when the conflict in Tigray escalated into a full-scale war… We cannot afford to return to that scenario."

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 10, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: humanitarian catastrophe and aid shortages in Sudan, escalating violence and political deadlock in South Sudan, fraud in the fish and seafood trade, pulses as part of the solution to malnutrition.

The situation in Sudan

Children in Sudan today live in conditions the world's largest humanitarian disaster, UN representatives warned on Tuesday. Amid intensifying fighting, they are receiving less and less aid. In some areas of Northern Darfur, more than half of children suffer from acute malnutrition. Across the country, nearly 34 million people—roughly two-thirds of the population—need humanitarian assistance. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) supports 25 therapeutic feeding programs and delivers supplies from Chad, but funding shortages are seriously hampering their work.

Escalating violence in South Sudan

Escalating violence, political deadlock and shrinking humanitarian aid capacity are driving South Sudan closer to a new full-scale conflictUN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix warned Security Council members of this on Tuesday. He reported that clashes between government forces and the opposition have intensified in recent weeks, particularly in Jonglei State. Lacroix called on South Sudanese leaders to return to dialogue.

Fraud in the fishing sector

About 20 percent of global fisheries trade is result of fraudThis is a significantly higher figure than in the meat, fruit, and vegetable trade. Today, a huge variety of fish and seafood—over 12,000—can be found on store and market shelves, and scammers often exploit this to make easy money. For example, minced fish is sold as crab meat, dyes are added to tuna and salmon to make them look fresh, and cheaper fish is passed off as more expensive.

World Pulses Day

Around 700 million people worldwide face food shortages, and climate change threatens crops. Pulses could be part of the solution, according to the UN. Every year on February 10, the day is celebrated. World Pulses DayThese crops are drought-resistant, grow well in any soil, and are highly nutritious and healthy. They are available to millions of people around the world, and the protein they contain is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to livestock products.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 10, 2026 Economic development

Artificial intelligence today means different things to different people: for some, it's a powerful tool for solving global problems, while for others, it's a source of threats to jobs and privacy, as well as a lack of trust in online information. In practice, AI's impact is far more complex and significant.

The second edition of a report prepared by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Deloitte shows that AI technologies are rapidly moving from the realm of experimental projects to widespread and diverse real-world applications.

While public attention is focused on generative models that create text, images, or code, more profound changes are occurring in the field of autonomous AI agents capable of planning tasks, making decisions, and coordinating actions with minimal human intervention. Such systems are already being used in healthcare, logistics, finance, and public administration, integrating into workflows and interacting with each other. But the more autonomy AI gains, the more important human oversight becomes—and this oversight must be carefully considered, the report's authors argue.

Applications of AI

The report states that AI is already delivering tangible results in key sectors. In education, adaptive systems tailor learning materials to individual students, and in regions with teacher shortages, digital tools are expanding access to quality education.

In medicine, AI helps detect diseases at an early stage, improves diagnostic accuracy, and accelerates drug development, while virtual assistants improve access to services in remote areas.

In the field of climate and ecology, artificial intelligence monitors environmental changes, optimizes energy systems, and warns of extreme weather events, helping countries adapt to climate risks.

In urban management, AI facilitates the optimization of transportation systems, timely emergency response, and effective modeling of infrastructure solutions. In agriculture, precision technologies enable more efficient use of resources and help farmers cope with climate instability and market uncertainty.

Growing risks

However, along with the opportunities come growing risks. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2030, the transformation could affect approximately 91 million existing jobs, while 170 million new ones could be created—a global net gain of 79 million. Meanwhile, employers expect nearly 40 percent of key skills to change, creating unprecedented pressure on education systems and the labor market.

The environmental impact is also becoming more pronounced: in 2024, data centers consumed approximately 1.5 percent of global electricity generation—a figure that could double by 2030. A single large data center can use as much energy as 100,000 households, making infrastructure resilience critical.

Digital sovereignty

To address these challenges, the institutions responsible for regulating AI must evolve to keep pace with the technologies themselves, the report's authors note. Governments around the world are striving for digital sovereignty by investing in their own computing power and technological components. New initiatives in this area view AI as a strategic resource comparable in importance to energy systems, and decisions about its development are becoming a matter of public policy.

The report's authors emphasize that AI does not automatically bring benefits. Its impact on society depends on how equitably access to the technology is distributed and how responsibly it is used. To avoid fragmentation and inequality, closer coordination is needed between governments, businesses, academia, and civil society organizations.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

February 10, 2026 Economic development

Around 20 percent of global fisheries trade is the result of fraud. This figure is significantly higher than in the meat, fruit, and vegetable trade, primarily due to the diversity of species.

Today, a huge variety of fish and seafood—more than 12,000—can be found on store and market shelves, and scammers often exploit this to make easy money.

A new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines fisheries fraud as "deliberate practices aimed at misleading others" and includes several categories. Here are just a few:

Adulteration – for example, adding colorings to make tuna or salmon appear fresher; counterfeiting – for example, “shrimp production” from starch-based compounds; imitation – for example, selling minced fish as “crab sticks”; diversion – distributing legitimate products outside of their intended markets; false product positioning and labeling: fraudsters claim that products are “green” or mislead consumers about their origin and expiration dates; species substitution – for example, selling tilapia as red snapper.

Health hazard

As the FAO notes, fraud in the fish and seafood trade can harm human health, the environment, and economies.

The risks to humans are clear, as some types of fish are dangerous when eaten raw, and refreezing seafood increases the risk of bacterial growth.

Global problem

According to the organization, no continent or country—from Latin America to Asia—is immune to fish fraud. In the US alone, up to a third of all fish products are sold in packaging containing false or inaccurate information. However, only about one percent of such products are inspected.

Restaurants, the FAO emphasizes, are no exception – and they often receive goods with incorrect labeling (up to 30 percent).

Fish scams are easy money

Fraud in the fish trade is fueled by powerful economic incentives.

For example, selling farmed Atlantic salmon as Pacific salmon generates nearly $10 in additional profit per kilogram. Sea bass sold in Italy as a local product costs two to three times more than the same fish farmed in Greece or Turkey, and even more if sold as wild-caught.

Adding water to fish products to increase their weight and price is another easy way to sell them at a significantly higher price.

Tools for combating crime in the fishing industry

The FAO report recommends strengthening labelling requirements for fish and seafood, mandating the use of scientific names where possible, and improving monitoring systems.

FAO experts continuously develop international standards to combat food fraud and provide technical support to countries.

The organization reminds that modern technologies, including nuclear technology in some cases, can be used to check fish products, including for freezing, authenticity, and origin.

Efforts of countries

The report cites a number of coordinated anti-fraud efforts in Italy, Argentina and the United States.

For example, a study using so-called "DNA barcoding" conducted in Los Angeles found that mislabeling was rare among retail seafood products, while it was common in sushi restaurants. Mislabeling was rare among tuna and salmon products at the retail level, but widespread among red snapper and halibut.

Over 10 years, a local initiative bringing together industry, academic, and government officials has reduced the number of mislabeled products in some Los Angeles neighborhoods by two-thirds.

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.