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January 14, 2026 International law

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that Israeli security forces raided the agency's medical center in East Jerusalem and ordered its closure for 30 days, depriving hundreds of Palestinian refugees of access to primary healthcare. All UN symbols were also ordered to be removed.

UNRWA spokesman Jonathan Fowler told UN News Service that the agency's facilities are United Nations premises and are protected by international law.

"An anti-humanitarian gesture"

According to him, the medical center serves several hundred patients daily.

"For most of them, this is the only way they can access primary health care," Fowler said.

He also said utility companies had notified UNRWA of plans to cut off water and electricity supplies to the agency's facilities in East Jerusalem, including medical and educational facilities, in accordance with new legislation passed by the Israeli parliament in December.

“This is an anti-humanitarian gesture in many ways,” he emphasized.

A broad campaign against UNRWA

In turn, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called the incident part stable trend.

"This is a new step in the pattern of deliberate disregard for international law and the United Nations," he said.

He recalled that the International Court of Justice had previously confirmed that Israel was obliged to facilitate the work of UNRWA.

UNRWA Director for West Bank Affairs, including East Jerusalem, Roland Friedrich also stated that the UN presence in East Jerusalem is rapidly declining.

"Israeli security forces forcibly entered the UNRWA medical center in Jerusalem, demanding that UN signs be removed," he said.

Later, according to him, an order was issued to temporarily close the institution.

"It may never open again," Friedrich added.

He also announced planned water and electricity outages at several agency facilities.

“It is impossible to provide humanitarian services without electricity and water,” Friedrich emphasized.

The UNRWA representative also recalled that these measures followed amendments to legislation, adopted in December 2025.

"These measures are part of a campaign to hinder UNRWA to fulfill the mandate of the UN General Assembly in occupied East Jerusalem,” he said.

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January 14, 2026 Climate and environment

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially confirmed that 2025 will be among the top three warmest years on record. Thus, the trend of global warming continues: the last 11 years have been the hottest on record, and the rise in ocean temperatures shows no signs of slowing.

According to an analysis of data from eight independent sources, the average global surface temperature in 2025 was 1.44 degrees Celsius above the 1850–1900 average. Two sources ranked 2025 as the second-warmest year in the 176 years of data collection, while the other six ranked it third.

Records in all respects

The period 2023–2025 was recorded as the warmest in all eight databases. The average temperature over these three years exceeded the pre-industrial level by 1.48 degrees. A similar trend is observed on a longer time scale: 2015–2025 were the eleven hottest years on record.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo noted that 2025 began and ended with a La Niña cooling phase, but even this did not prevent it from becoming one of the warmest years ever recorded. She noted that the accumulation of greenhouse gases continues to warm the atmosphere, while high land and ocean temperatures intensify extreme weather events—from heat waves to tropical cyclones—highlighting the need for effective early warning systems.

Global warming

A separate study published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences found that ocean temperatures in 2025 also reached record levels. Approximately 90 percent of the excess heat caused by global warming accumulates in the ocean, making it a key indicator of climate change. Heat content in the upper two kilometers of the world's oceans increased by an amount comparable to 200 times the global electricity generation for the same year.

Particularly strong warming was observed in the tropical and southern Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, the northern Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean.

The average global sea surface temperature in 2025 was 0.49 degrees Celsius above the 1981–2010 normal and the third-highest on record, despite a slight decrease compared to 2024 due to the influence of La Niña.

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January 14, 2026 Economic development

Global unemployment remains stable, but progress in achieving decent work has effectively stalled, according to the International Labour Organization's (ILO) new report, "World Employment and Social Prospects: Trends to 2026."

According to the report, the global unemployment rate will remain at 4.9 percent in 2026, representing 186 million people. Meanwhile, even more people still lack access to quality work.

“Sustained economic growth and stable unemployment figures must not distract us from the deeper problem: hundreds of millions of workers remain trapped in poverty, informal employment and social exclusion,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo.

Quality of employment is at risk

Nearly 300 million workers continue to live in conditions extreme poverty, earning less than $3 a day. At the same time, informal employment is growing: by 2026, 2.1 billion people will be working without social protection, labor rights, or job guarantees.

Progress has been particularly slow in low-income countries, where workers with the worst working conditions are further disadvantaged.

The report's authors emphasize that the slowdown in the transition of economies to more high-tech industries and services remains a major obstacle to improving productivity and job quality.

Youth and the Risks of AI

The situation of youth is also alarming. The youth unemployment rate has risen to 12.4 percent by 2025. Around 260 million young people worldwide are not in education, employment, or training.

In low-income countries, the proportion of such young people reaches 27.9 percent.

ILO warns that artificial intelligence and automation may worsen the situation, especially for educated youth in high-income countries.

"While the full impact of AI on youth employment is not yet known, its potential scale warrants close attention," the report notes.

Gender inequality persists

Women still face systemic barriers, associated with social norms and stereotypes. They account for only two-fifths of global employment and are 24 percent less likely to participate in the labor market than men. Progress in increasing women's participation in the labor force has virtually stalled.

Demographic changes

Population aging in rich countries is slowing labor force growth, while in low-income countries, rapid population growth is not being accompanied by the creation of sufficient productive jobs.

In 2026, employment growth is projected to be:

0.5 percent in upper-middle-income countries; 1.8 percent in lower-middle-income countries; 3.1 percent in low-income countries.

The ILO warns that without sufficient quality jobs, poor countries risk missing out on their demographic dividend.

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This refers to the benefit a country can gain when the share of the working-age population grows faster than the share of dependents, provided that jobs are created and investments are made in education and health care.

Trade instability

Global trade disruptions are increasing uncertainty in labor markets. Unclear trade rules and supply chain disruptions are reducing workers' incomes, particularly in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Europe.

At the same time, trade remains a major source of employment, providing jobs for 465 million people worldwide, more than half of whom live in the Asia-Pacific region.

The report highlights that export industries in low- and middle-income countries often offer higher wages, less informal employment, and more opportunities for women and youth.

A call for joint action

The ILO Director-General stressed the need for concerted efforts.

“Unless governments, employers and workers act together to use technology responsibly and expand quality employment opportunities for women and youth – through coordinated institutional measures – the deficit in decent jobs will persist and social cohesion will be at risk,” said Gilbert Houngbo.

ILO experts call for:

Invest in skills, education, and infrastructure to boost productivity; reduce employment gaps for youth and women; ensure that global trade promotes decent employment in all regions; and mitigate risks from debt, AI, and trade uncertainty through policy coherence.

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January 13, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: the UN calls on the Iranian authorities to stop violence and restore communications, a humanitarian plan for Ukraine for 2026 has been presented, children in Gaza continue to die despite the ceasefire, and the Special Envoy for Yemen held a series of meetings in Oman.

Violence in Iran

At the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights shocked by the violence, which Iranian security forces are using against protesters. According to media reports, at least 2,000 people have been killed, and approximately 17,000 have been arrested. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with thousands of people being admitted with injuries. The killings of peaceful protesters must stop, and the demands of the Iranian people must be heard, the Directorate emphasized. It also calls on the Iranian authorities to restore the internet and other communication channels in the country.

Help for Ukraine

Amid escalating Russian attacks across Ukraine, the UN on Tuesday called for the allocation of $2.3 billion to provide humanitarian aid to the country's most vulnerable residents in 2026. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the UN and its partners have been supporting the affected populations of Ukrainian cities, areas near the front lines, and people evacuated to safer areas. This year, aid is planned for 4.1 million Ukrainians.

The situation in Gaza

Despite the ceasefire, Gaza has suffered from airstrikes, drone attacks and hypothermia. children continue to dieSince the beginning of October, more than 100 children have died in the enclave, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). UNICEF representatives note that the ceasefire has allowed for progress in primary healthcare, but patient evacuations remain difficult. Due to screening procedures by Israeli authorities, deliveries of medicine and food are being delayed.

UN Special Envoy to Yemen

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg is visiting Muscat, the capital of Oman. Today, he met with Omani authorities to discuss recent developments in Yemen and the broader regional context. Grundberg also met with a representative of the Ansar Allah movement. One of the main topics of the talks was the fate of detained staff members of the UN, other international organizations, and local NGOs. Grundberg reiterated his demand for their immediate release.

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January 13, 2026 Peace and security

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) today expressed grave concern over the continuing rise in civilian casualties and new displacements as a result of the escalation of fighting in several areas of Sudan.

According to local sources, at least 19 civilians were killed yesterday in a ground attack in the Jarjira area of North Darfur state. Another 10 people were killed and nine wounded in a drone strike on the city of Sinja, the capital of Sennar state, according to the Sudan Doctors Network.

Violence continues to force people to flee their homes. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 8,000 people fled villages in the Kernoi district of North Darfur on Friday: some remained within the state, while others crossed the border into Chad seeking refuge.

The deepening nutrition crisis

At the same time, a severe food crisis is developing in Northern Darfur. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and its partners, a survey conducted last month in the Tina, Um Baru, and Kernoi districts showed levels of acute malnutrition, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization's emergency threshold of 15 percent.

The Um Baru district recorded the highest rate, with 53 percent of children suffering from acute malnutrition.

The UN reiterates its call on all parties to immediately protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, respect international humanitarian law, and ensure rapid, safe, unimpeded, and sustainable humanitarian access. Funding for life-saving assistance is also urgently needed.

Visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will visit Sudan from 14 to 18 January.

During his visit, he plans to meet with authorities in Port Sudan, as well as representatives of civil society and UN agencies in the country. Türk will also travel to the Northern State, where he will visit the Al-Afad camp and meet with displaced persons and humanitarian partners working on the ground.

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January 13, 2026 Peace and security

Despite the ceasefire, children continue to die in Gaza as a result of airstrikes, drone strikes, and hypothermia. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), more than 100 children have died in the enclave since the beginning of October.

"It's as if one girl or one boy were dying every day," UNICEF spokesman James Elder told reporters in Geneva via video link from Gaza.

The cold kills

According to him, several more children have died in recent days from hypothermia due to harsh winter conditions.

"Six children have already died from hypothermia this winter alone," he said, describing "winds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour tearing apart tents on the coast" and "unbearable" cold and dampness.

Medical evacuation is blocked.

Elder noted that the ceasefire has enabled "real progress" in primary healthcare. UNICEF and its partners have opened the first clinics in the northern part of the Gaza Strip and expanded vaccination programs.

However, medical evacuation for children remains effectively blocked: “there is no noticeable improvement” in either the issue of permits for the departure of seriously wounded patients from Gaza or in the willingness of countries to accept these patients, Elder emphasized.

He said that during his last trip, he met with families who were denied evacuation despite completing all formal procedures. Among them was a nine-year-old boy with a fragment in his eye who "will lose sight in one eye, and possibly both," a girl who is in danger of dying without help, and a child who requires a leg amputation.

"All three are obvious candidates for medical evacuation; and all three are still being refused," a UNICEF representative said.

Before the war, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 50 and 100 patients were evacuated from Gaza every day.

The WHO also warned that screening procedures by Israeli authorities continue to delay shipments of medicines and food. Some essential medical supplies are classified as "dual-use" items and are not allowed to be imported.

Ban on NGO activities

James Elder expressed serious concern over Israel's decision ban the activities of international non-governmental organizations, which will take effect next month. He said this means "blocking vital aid."

He also stressed the need to allow international journalists into Gaza: "Much more pressure is needed to allow international media into Gaza."

According to Elder, two years of war have made life "unbearably difficult" for children in Gaza. Many of them, however, do not receive the psychological support they need.

"A ceasefire that reduces the scale of bombing is progress. But a ceasefire that continues burying children is not enough," the UNICEF representative emphasized.

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January 13, 2026 Healthcare

The falling price of sugary drinks and alcohol is making them increasingly accessible, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is leading to an increase in noncommunicable diseases and injuries. This has a particularly severe impact on children and young people, who are experiencing increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.

Two global reports published Tuesday by the WHO call on governments to significantly strengthen tax policies on sugar-sweetened beverages and alcoholic beverages. The organization warns that weak tax enforcement allows these harmful products to remain cheap.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that high taxes on such products are one of the most effective tools for improving public health. He stated that increasing taxes on tobacco, sugary drinks, and alcohol reduces their consumption and provides additional funding for health services.

Billions in profits at the expense of public health

Although the global sugar-sweetened beverage and alcohol market generates billions in profits, governments receive only a small share of this revenue. Taxes on sugary drinks exist in at least 116 countries, but many high-sugar products—such as fruit juices, milkshakes, and ready-to-drink coffee or tea drinks—remain tax-free. Energy drinks are taxed in 97 percent of countries, a figure that remains unchanged from 2023.

Alcohol is becoming more accessible

A WHO report shows that alcohol taxes are in place in 167 countries, with 12 countries completely banning alcohol sales. However, since 2022, alcohol has become more affordable or remained at the same price in most countries, as tax rates have not kept pace with inflation and income growth. Wine is not subject to additional taxes in at least 25 countries.

Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department of Health Metrics, noted that accessible alcohol contributes to an increase in violence, injuries, and diseases.

Excise taxes and inflation

The WHO notes that excise taxes on alcohol remain low globally, with an average of 14 percent for beer and 22.5 percent for spirits. Taxes on sugary drinks are also low: on average, they amount to only about two percent of the price of a regular soda and often apply only to a limited list of products. Furthermore, few countries adjust tax rates for inflation, making unhealthy products increasingly affordable.

A 2022 Gallup poll found that the majority of respondents support raising taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks. The WHO is calling on countries to reconsider their policies in this area.

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January 13, 2026 Human rights

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is appalled by the violence used by Iranian security forces against protesters. According to the latest reports, hundreds have been killed and thousands arrested. Security forces personnel may be among the dead.

"The killing of peaceful protesters must stop; labeling protesters as 'terrorists' to justify violence against them is unacceptable," said Department spokesman Jeremy Lawrence.

He recalled the 2022 protests, which were also brutally suppressed by the authorities. According to Lawrence, the Iranian authorities are once again responding with force to "legitimate demands for change."

"This cycle of horrific violence cannot continue. The Iranian people and their demands for justice, equality, and fairness must be heard," Lawrence said.

“All cases of killings and violence against protesters and other human rights violations must be investigated in accordance with international norms and standards, and those responsible must be held accountable,” he added.

Hospitals in Iran are reportedly overwhelmed amid the brutal crackdown on protests. The country has shut down internet and other telecommunications services, making it difficult to verify information coming from there. The Human Rights Office is calling on authorities to restore communications.

According to some reports, Iranian officials are publicly declaring that they are speeding up trials and using the death penalty against protesters. The Directorate emphasizes that Iranians have the right to peaceful demonstrations.

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January 13, 2026 Humanitarian aid

Amid escalating Russian attacks across Ukraine, the United Nations on Tuesday launched a humanitarian appeal calling for $2.3 billion to help the country's 4.1 million most vulnerable people through 2026.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the UN and its partners have been supporting the affected populations of regularly hit Ukrainian cities, areas near the front lines, and people evacuated to safer areas.

"We are talking about internally displaced persons who have been living in collective centers for two to three years, the elderly, and people with limited mobility," said Matthias Schmale, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, explaining the priorities for 2026.

According to media reports and official Ukrainian government information, in the last week alone, Russian forces launched nearly 1,100 drones, more than 890 guided bombs, and at least 50 missiles of various types—including ballistic and cruise missiles—into Ukraine. In the Lviv region a blow was struck medium-range ballistic missile "Oreshnik".

Speaking at the presentation of the humanitarian plan in Kyiv, Shmale recalled updated data from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, according to which 2025 will be the deadliest year for civilians since 2022: more than 2,500 civilians have been killed and over 12,000 injured.

Support on the front lines

In addition to providing food, medical care, shelter, protection and cash support, one of the key objectives of the 2026 Humanitarian Appeal is to facilitate the evacuation of people in immediate danger.

Schmale called the work "heroic," citing the hundreds of UN-supported partner organizations that save lives every day on the front lines.

He explained that the funding is needed to support civil society institutions that help victims – from farmers struggling to survive in the war to cancer patients whose access to medication has been disrupted by attacks on the healthcare system – across the country, primarily within 50 kilometers of the contact line.

“We want to continue to support them at the highest level, but this requires funding,” Shmale emphasized.

"An emergency situation in an emergency situation"

A UN official drew attention to the "enormous suffering of civilians" across Ukraine, especially as temperatures in Kyiv reach drops to minus 15 degrees.

He called the situation "an emergency within an emergency" and noted that, in addition to the humanitarian appeal presented today, Ukraine will likely need additional assistance.

"We appeal first and foremost to the international community, UN member states, and other donors to maintain solidarity with Ukraine and express it in the form of financial support for the work we plan to continue," said Shmale.

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