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January 12, 2026 Peace and security

The start of the new year brought neither peace nor even a respite to Ukraine. Russia's massive air strikes against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure across the country have resulted in horrific destruction. These were the words of Deputy UN Political Secretary Rosemary DiCarlo, speaking at the UN Security Council on Monday.

Without heat, water and light

She noted that attacks on energy infrastructure have intensified as weather conditions worsen, temperatures drop, and heating demands increase.

"The strikes killed and wounded dozens of civilians, and left millions of Ukrainians without electricity, heat, and water for long periods," she said.

"The impact of these attacks is felt most strongly by the most vulnerable populations: the elderly, children, and people with limited mobility," DiCarlo added.

The evacuation continues

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) spokesman, Ramesh Rajasingham, said evacuations of civilians in areas along the front line were continuing in dangerous conditions.

"In recent days, evacuations have continued in the Donetsk region, with many children, elderly people, and people with disabilities among those evacuated," Rajasingham said.

Upon arrival in safer areas, many need shelter and medical care.

Strike with the "Nut"

During one of the most recent large-scale bombings, on the night of January 8-9, the Russian Federation reportedly launched 242 drones and 36 missiles at Ukraine, DiCarlo noted. In Kyiv, at least four people were reportedly killed and 25 others were injured. Among the dead was a paramedic rushing to provide emergency medical care to the injured.

Power facilities and residential buildings were damaged, leaving half the city without heat. The Qatari embassy was also damaged.

That same day, an Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile was reportedly launched against the western part of the Lviv region, near the Polish border. "This was the second use of this potentially destructive weapon against Ukraine since 2024. The Oreshnik system is believed to be nuclear-capable, which has heightened concerns about its deployment," DiCarlo said.

She recalled the drone strikes on foreign-flagged vessels on January 8 in the Odesa region and the attacks on the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions on January 7, which left more than a million people without water and heating.

Civilian casualties

Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has confirmed the deaths of at least 14,999 civilians, including 763 children. 40,601 civilians, including 2,486 children, have been injured. The actual figures are likely higher, DiCarlo noted. According to the Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, 2025 has been the deadliest year for civilians since the beginning of the war.

Strikes on Russian territory

In the Russian Federation, local authorities continue to report civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure as a result of alleged Ukrainian strikes.

There are reports of an escalation of cross-border attacks on Russian oil and energy facilities, some of which have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian and residential infrastructure, DiCarlo said.

"In the Belgorod region, local authorities reported that 600,000 residents were left without electricity, heat, and water following the Ukrainian strike on January 9. Authorities also reported the use of drones in strikes in the Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod regions on January 10, resulting in one death and at least three injuries," the Deputy Secretary-General stated. The UN cannot verify these reports, she added.

DiCarlo emphasized that the UN Secretary-General condemns all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The situation at nuclear facilities is unstable

As fighting intensifies, the situation at Ukrainian nuclear facilities remains extremely volatile, a UN representative noted.

On the night of January 3, at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant – the largest nuclear power plant in Europe – a power outage occurred on one of the high-voltage lines due to fighting.

We urge the Russian Federation and Ukraine to cooperate constructively with the IAEA and immediately cease any military actions near the plant.

Over the past week, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team at the site reported a significant increase in military activity in the areas surrounding the Zaporizhzhya NPP. Explosions were heard in the immediate vicinity of the facility.

"These events are extremely alarming. The IAEA continues its efforts to establish temporary ceasefire zones in areas around the plant to allow for necessary repairs and ensure its safe and secure operation," DiCarlo said.

"We urge the Russian Federation and Ukraine to cooperate constructively with the IAEA and immediately cease all military actions near the plant to reduce the risk of a catastrophic accident," she said.

Call for a ceasefire

DiCarlo recalled that the war, which has lasted for almost four years, “has brought untold suffering to the Ukrainian people, claimed the lives of unimaginable numbers of young people from both countries, caused disruptions to the global economy, and sowed instability in the region and beyond.”

She stressed that the UN highly appreciates the efforts of the United States and all other interested parties working to achieve peace.

“We urge all participants to continue this critical work, including through concrete steps to de-escalate, end ongoing attacks affecting civilians in Ukraine and the Russian Federation, and establish clear parameters for ending this devastating conflict,” the Deputy Secretary-General said.

She reiterated her call for an immediate ceasefire and noted that the UN remains ready to support all constructive efforts in this direction.

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January 12, 2026 International law

The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the release of some political prisoners in the country over the past few days. However, as the Mission's experts noted, repressive practices and violations of international human rights law continue in Venezuela.

“Any step that returns freedom to those arbitrarily detained is important for them and for their families, who have tirelessly continued to fight for their loved ones amid prolonged uncertainty, suffering and trauma,” the statement released on Monday said.

Instrument of repression

Of the estimated 800 political prisoners, only about 50 have been released so far, including those whose cases have already been discussed in previous Mission reports. This, as UN experts emphasized, "falls far short of what needs to be done in accordance with Venezuela's international obligations Human Rights Defenders, according to the statement, remain particularly concerned about the situation of women in detention, given their health conditions and special needs.

The fact-finding mission documented in detail the “widespread and systematic use of arbitrary detention as instrument of repression".

"We therefore reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and all persons arbitrarily deprived of their liberty. Furthermore, urgent measures must be taken to address any health concerns of those released," the human rights activists stated.

Requirements of international law

They also expressed deep concern about the "serious consequences of this situation for families." According to the UN Mission, relatives must be provided with clear and timely information about the fate, whereabouts, and legal status of their loved ones, as well as guaranteed access and regular visits.

"Long-term incommunicado detention, a human rights violation that many prisoners continue to face, exacerbates the suffering of families and must end," the experts added.

They called on the Venezuelan authorities to act transparently and expeditiously, specifically to provide information on plans for further releases, including the criteria applied, timeframes, and numbers of individuals to be released. At the same time, according to the statement, detention conditions must be immediately brought into compliance with international law, including access to medical care, meetings with lawyers and family members, and an immediate end to torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

Ongoing violations

The UN fact-finding mission is monitoring the rapidly changing situation in Venezuela and remains concerned that the broader context of repression—including impunity for serious human rights violations—persists. The experts have received "alarming information about armed groups (colectivos) patrolling cities and intimidating the population through searches and phone checks." Furthermore, there are new reports of new detentions of those expressing their political views.

"There remains a pressing need to end all repressive practices in Venezuela and to prioritize human rights. The international community must prioritize this demand at this critical moment," the Mission's statement emphasized.

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January 12, 2026 Economic development

This week, the UN Geneva office will host a meeting of leading financial experts advocating for a radical change in the approach to measuring economic growth. This is due to concerns that GDP indicators provide little information on progress in achieving key goals. sustainable development goals, on which the survival of many people depends.

The meeting in Geneva is organized as part of the "Beyond GDP" initiative, supported by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This movement seeks to develop more comprehensive development indicators that include not only economic indicators but also data reflecting social well-being, environmental sustainability, and quality of life.

GDP doesn't give the full picture

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterresand has previously spoken about the over-reliance of global policy on gross domestic product data.

“Every day we see the consequences of our failure to balance the economic, social and environmental dimensions of development,” the Secretary-General said.

"Going beyond GDP is fundamental to building an economic system that values what really matters – human well-being – now and in the future, for everyone," he added.

His view is shared by many leading economists, who have repeatedly argued that GDP figures overvalue activities that deplete the planet, rather than those that sustain life and promote human well-being.

“This issue is becoming increasingly pressing in the context of climate change, ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, increased conflict and food insecurity, as well as historical inequalities,” the statement said. Expert Group on Moving Beyond GDP.

Wealth and well-being assessment

This week's discussions at the Palais des Nations in Geneva will be the second face-to-face meeting of the expert group since its establishment last May.

“Improving well-being and the drivers of it – health, social capital, and environmental health – are not only good for society but also make an integral contribution to economic prosperity,” the expert group said in its interim report, published in November.

Describing the task the group must address, its members warned of a "growing gap between what politicians and citizens think is happening and their lived experience, which does not match the picture created by GDP figures alone."

This week's discussions will feature more than a dozen renowned economists, including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, Indian economist Kaushik Basu, and equality expert Nora Lustig. Their tasks include developing a list of nationally and universally applicable indicators of sustainable development and providing governments with the information needed for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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January 11, 2026 Human rights

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was appalled by reports of violence and excessive use of force against protesters across Iran. He called on the country's authorities to exercise restraint and immediately restore communications.

"All Iranians must be able to peacefully and safely express their demands and grievances," the Secretary-General's spokesperson said in a statement released Sunday. "The rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in international law, must be fully respected and protected."

The Secretary-General called on the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and avoid unnecessary or disproportionate use of force. He also emphasized the need to take measures to ensure the population's access to information, including restoring communications.

Internet and mobile phone service were shut down in Iran on the evening of January 8, severely limiting access to information amid escalating violence. Protests began on December 28 after the sudden collapse of Iran's national currency and have since spread to at least 46 cities across the country. Dozens of people, including at least five children, have reportedly been killed, and many more injured. Iran's parliament also reported security forces fatalities.

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January 10, 2026 Human rights

The UN-mandated Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran has called on the country's authorities to immediately restore internet access and end the brutal crackdown on ongoing protests across the country.

In a press release issued on Saturday, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran said it was alarmed by credible reports that security forces had been ordered to "decisively" and without restraint suppress the protests, which are now in their third week.

On the evening of January 8, internet and mobile phone service were shut down in Iran, severely limiting public access to information amid escalating violence. Protests began on December 28 following the collapse of the Iranian currency and have since spread to at least 46 cities across the country.

As of January 7, more than 40 people, including at least five children, were reported killed in several provinces, including Qom, Yasuj, Kermanshah, Ilam, and Lorestan. Iran's parliament also reported security personnel fatalities.

Respect for fundamental human rights

"The fact-finding mission reiterates that Iranian women, men and children deserve the right to live in safety, dignity and with full respect for their rights, including the right to peaceful protest, free from oppressive violence, intimidation or state reprisals," the statement said.

“It also emphasizes that threats or acts of unilateral military intervention by third states are contrary to international law,” the document notes.

The mission called on the Iranian authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and to release without preconditions all persons arbitrarily detained for exercising their legitimate rights.

The mission is reportedly reviewing videos and photographs showing security forces opening fire on protesters. Other video footage shows buildings and vehicles being set on fire in the streets.

The mission also expressed concern about the use of force in ethnic minority areas, where the response was reportedly particularly brutal. In one incident, security forces allegedly raided a hospital in Ilam, using tear gas and beating patients and medical staff.

It is noted that the current crackdown is repeating patterns documented during the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests that erupted in 2022 following the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman detained for violating mandatory hijab regulations. Those protests were accompanied by accusations of gross human rights violations and systemic impunity.

Fact-finding mission

The fact-finding mission established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2022 is mandated to investigate alleged human rights violations in Iran related to the protests that began in September 2022, particularly affecting women and children.

In April 2025, her mandate was extended for another year to examine allegations of recent and ongoing serious human rights violations.

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January 10, 2026 UN

Exactly 80 years ago, on January 10, 1946, the very first session of the United Nations General Assembly, the main deliberative body of the new international structure created after World War II to prevent future conflicts, opened in London.

The first meeting did more than formally launch the work of the UN. It became a symbol of hope, an attempt by humanity to rethink its own mistakes and create mechanisms for collective security.

The choice of London for the session was deeply symbolic: the British capital suffered severely from air raids during the war. In contrast to the optimistic atmosphere of San Francisco, where the UN Charter was signed, London served as a stark reminder of the need to maintain peace.

Delegations from 51 states that signed the UN Charter gathered in a hall in the Palace of Westminster. It was an international diplomatic forum of unprecedented scale. Belgian Paul-Henri Spaak, a distinguished diplomat and later one of the architects of European integration, was elected President of the historic session of the General Assembly.

The General Assembly had important matters to deal with: forming the main organs of the UN, deciding on the budget of the Organization and the location of its headquarters, and electing the UN Secretary-General.

Just two days after the opening of the session, the UN's principal body, the Security Council, was established, and on February 1, the Secretary-General was elected. He was Norwegian Foreign Minister Trygve Lie.

Photo by UN

On October 24, 1949, the cornerstone of the UN Headquarters building was laid at a special public meeting of the General Assembly in New York.

Initially, the Soviet Union supported the Norwegian diplomat's candidacy. But as disagreements between the West and the socialist bloc intensified, trust among UN member states began to decline. Eventually, the USSR accused the Secretary-General of aiding the United States during the Korean War. Unable to withstand the pressure, Trygve Lie resigned in 1952.

The first session consisted of two parts: on October 23, the General Assembly moved from London to Flushing Meadows, New York. This began the tradition of holding meetings in the United States, where the iconic UN headquarters building was later built.

The General Assembly is the sole universal body responsible for maintaining global peace and security, human development, eradicating poverty and infectious diseases, disarmament, ensuring human rights, and protecting the environment. Currently, 193 states participate in the General Assembly.

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January 10, 2026

© FAO/L. Olmedo

Local residents actively care for the araucaria forests. The Paraguayan holly grows among native trees and plants, and this environment promotes biodiversity, protects the soil, and regulates the hydrological cycle.

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Vibhu Mishra

January 9, 2026 Human rights

An independent UN human rights expert called on the international community to reject the electoral process orchestrated by Myanmar's military government. The first round of voting revealed widespread pressure on voters, the exclusion of opposition representatives, and violence.

Tom Andrews, the UN Human Rights Council's Special Rapporteur on the situation in Myanmar, emphasized in his statement that the elections lack democratic legitimacy. He recalled that high-ranking UN officials had previously warned repeatedly about the electoral process's failure to meet generally accepted standards.

According to the expert, the December 28 vote was a "staged sham" aimed at strengthening military power rather than expressing the will of the people. Andrews declared that it was not a free, fair, or legitimate election, but a "theatrical production" designed to mislead the international community.

Andrews called on UN member states to reject the process, isolate the junta, and demand the cancellation of the two remaining stages of voting. Andrews emphasized that Myanmar's future must belong to its people, not to those who "imprison, silence, and intimidate."

Myanmar's military authorities held a multi-stage vote five years after seizing power in a coup in February 2021. Since then, the country has been engulfed in widespread armed conflict between the army and numerous ethnic groups, leading to mass displacement, economic collapse, and mounting humanitarian needs, exacerbated by devastating earthquakes in March 2025.

The next two rounds of elections are scheduled for January 11 and 25, but the junta has already ruled out voting in at least 65 districts and thousands of towns, indicating its weak control over the territory.

Low turnout and voter pressure

According to data cited by the expert, turnout in the first round was extremely low, despite threats and intimidation. The National League for Democracy, the party that won the 2015 and 2020 elections, was dissolved by the military and banned. Its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, remains in custody, and her condition is unknown.

Official results show that the junta's proxy party, the Solidarity and Development Party, won nearly 90 percent of the seats in the lower house of parliament. Andrews noted that this is unsurprising, as the process was designed to ensure a victory for the military-backed party and create a semblance of legitimacy amid ongoing violence.

Coercion and threats

According to Andrews, the military used the threat of forced conscription to force young people to vote. The expert emphasized that this wasn't participation in the political process, but outright coercion.

Displaced persons, students, civil servants and prisoners were also reportedly subjected to pressure, including threats of being denied humanitarian aid, education and official documents.

Andrews noted that it is impossible to talk about free and fair elections when thousands of political prisoners are behind bars, opposition parties are dissolved, journalists are persecuted, and fundamental freedoms are destroyed.

Speaking about attacks on election commission employees, the expert called on all armed groups to stop targeting civilians.

Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor human rights situations. They are not UN employees and do not receive a salary for their work.

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