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November 7, 2025 Humanitarian aid

The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to rapidly worsen due to ongoing fighting, which has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warns.

Access of humanitarian organizations to areas, captured at the beginning of the year The M23 armed group remains extremely challenging, with a significant shortfall in aid funding further exacerbating the situation.

According to WFP Director in the DRC, Cynthia Jones, aid can be delivered more effectively if air access is restored.

"Two airports in M23-controlled areas have been effectively closed since the end of January… We urgently call for the creation of a humanitarian air corridor," she said, speaking via video link from Kinshasa at a briefing in Geneva on Friday.

Emergency situation

According to a new analysis within the framework Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)Nearly 25 million people in the DR Congo face a nutritional crisis (level 3 on the IPC scale). Particularly alarming is the fact that nearly three million people are in a state of emergency (phase 4) – almost double the number last year.

"This means families are missing meals, losing their livelihoods, selling their animals," Jones explained.

In some areas of eastern DR Congo, people are already dying of hunger, according to the WFP.

Meanwhile, as the UN agency representative noted, fighting between M23 and government forces continues, triggering new waves of displacement. There are currently approximately 5.2 million internally displaced people in the eastern part of the country, 1.6 million of whom have fled their homes this year. This is one of the largest crises of its kind in the world.

Financial crisis

At the same time, the WFP is experiencing acute shortage of fundsThe agency was forced to reduce the amount of assistance it provided: at the beginning of the year, 1 million people received it, and now only 600,000 people.

Without additional funding, only a small fraction of those in need will receive the support they need, Jones noted, calling for $350 million over the next six months. Otherwise, she said, the WFP will be forced to halve its assistance. 300,000 people will receive it—just 10 percent of those who need it.

Without an urgent influx of funds, all emergency food aid programs in eastern DRC could collapse by March 2026.

The financial crisis also affects the organization itself.

"We're closing offices, cutting costs, reducing staff, and trying to maintain a minimum operating capacity in an extremely challenging environment," Jones said.

Meanwhile, humanitarian aid is vital for displaced people in the provinces of North and South Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika. People lack access to money and other means of subsistence.

"Women, children, and men—all suffer from relentless violence perpetrated by non-state armed groups. People are fleeing conflict, exhausted, and desperate for peace," the WFP representative emphasized.

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November 7, 2025 Climate and environment

The UN Secretary-General has called for urgent action to accelerate the global transition to clean energy. He said the world is on a dangerous trajectory leading to warming of the atmosphere by more than two degrees Celsius.

During a round table on energy transition held as part of the climate summit in Belém with the participation of Brazilian President Lula da Silva, Antonio Guterres stressed that the revolution in the field of renewable energy sources has already begun, but changes must happen faster.

According to data cited by the Secretary-General, 90 percent of new energy capacity in 2024 will come from renewable sources. Investments in clean energy have reached two trillion dollars—$800 billion more than the amount invested in fossil fuel extraction.

Read also:

What's important to know about climate change: A WMO expert discusses alarming trends, the spread of misinformation, and the need for joint action.

Renewable energy sources have become the cheapest way to generate electricity in almost every country, noted António Guterres. Every dollar invested in green energy creates three times more jobs than that invested in fossil fuels.

“Despite the progress we have made, we still we are moving towards dangerous warming"Even if all new national commitments are fully met, the world will still continue to move toward warming well above two degrees Celsius," the UN chief emphasized. "This means more floods, more heat, more suffering – everywhere."

Citing the latest scientific data, António Guterres warned that exceeding the 1.5 degree Celsius level is inevitable as early as the early 2030s. To return to safe levels by the end of the century, global emissions must be cut almost in half by 2030, reach net zero by 2050, and then go negative.

Proposed measures

The UN Secretary-General called for transparency and coherence in international action, legislative reform, and the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, which he said "distort" the market and hinder progress.

“We need to put people and justice at the centre of the transition: supporting workers and communities whose lives still depend on coal, oil and gas; providing training, protection and new opportunities – especially for young people and women,” said António Guterres.

The UN chief noted that infrastructure must keep pace with the growth of renewable energy sources and called for urgent investments in power grids, energy storage, and improved efficiency. All new electricity demand, including that of data centers and AI, must be met by clean energy sources, Guterres stated. Technology, he said, must be "part of the solution, not a new burden."

The problem of financing

The Secretary-General focused particularly on financing in his speech. He noted that Africa currently receives only two percent of global clean energy investment, highlighting the need to increase international cooperation, reduce the cost of capital, and attract private investment.

"Let's act quickly and in a coordinated manner!" urged António Guterres. "We must make justice the engine of acceleration and build an economy that is clean, inclusive, and sustainable… The era of fossil fuels is ending. Demand for clean energy is growing. Let's make this transition just, fast, and final!"

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November 7, 2025 Human rights

Eleven months after the fall of the former Syrian regime, alarming reports of abductions and enforced disappearances continue to emerge from the country, Tamin Al-Khitan, a representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said at a briefing in Geneva on Friday.

At the same time, according to the UN, more than 100 thousand people missing during Assad's reign.

"Since the fall Assad regime "Some families have been reunited with their loved ones, but many continue to live in uncertainty, not knowing the whereabouts of their relatives or what happened to them," the OHCHR representative noted. He emphasized that the fate of all missing persons—both before and after the fall of the previous government—must be clarified immediately, and expressed support for the work of Independent Institute for Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Al-Khitan cited the example of the disappearance of Syrian Civil Defense volunteer Hamza Al-Amarin, who went missing on July 16, 2025, during a humanitarian mission to evacuate people during the fighting. in the province of As-SuwaydaThe man's fate remains unknown.

Continued instability

The UN representative recalled that all armed groups – both state and non-state – have an obligation to respect and protect humanitarian workers in accordance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

“Accountability and justice for all human rights violations, past and present, are critical to building a lasting and peaceful future for all Syrians,” he stressed.

Answering journalists' questions, Al-Khitan stated that since the change of power in the country, the situation remains unstable, with various forces and groups vying for influence. He noted that people are afraid to contact the UN due to threats, making it difficult to determine the actual number of abducted and disappeared. Since January 2025, the Office has documented 97 cases of abductions, but many remain unreported for fear of reprisals. Some of the abductees were subsequently released, but no definitive information has been released.

Efforts of the Independent Institute

He added that work to establish the Independent Institute for Missing Persons in Syria began even before the change of power, and the mechanism was quickly put into action after the regime's fall. According to Al-Khitan, this is "difficult but vital work," requiring the full support of the international community and the cooperation of the Syrian authorities.

According to OHCHR, many of the abductions occurred during outbreaks of armed violence, For example, in coastal areas and the province of As-Suwayda, but new incidents continue to be reported.

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November 7, 2025 International law

Experts from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry visited Ukraine from November 2 to November 6. They reported that during the visit, they held meetings with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prosecutor General's Office, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, as well as with civil society representatives and torture victims.

The visit took place shortly after the Commission presented its report The UN General Assembly stated that Russian authorities had carried out forced evictions and deportations of Ukrainian civilians in a systematic and coordinated manner.

"The Commission concluded that short-range drone attacks on numerous settlements along the right bank of the Dnieper constitute crimes against humanity in the form of murder and forced displacement of population. Furthermore, the deportation or displacement of civilians from the occupied areas of the Zaporizhia region constitutes war crimes," the press release stated.

Since its establishment in 2022, the Commission's experts have visited Ukraine 26 times, as well as conducted working visits to Georgia, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Poland. During their tenure, they have published nine reports and made several oral statements.

"The Commission documented a wide range of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as well as international crimes, primarily committed by Russian authorities during the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine," the press release states. These violations, the experts report, were committed against both civilians—men, women, children, and the elderly—and military personnel.

According to the Commission, indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks using explosive weapons carried out by Russian armed forces resulted in widespread destruction and numerous civilian casualties.

"These attacks targeted civilian infrastructure receiving special protection, including medical facilities. Russian armed forces often failed to take necessary precautions to avoid harming civilians," the experts report.

The Commission also found that "Russian armed forces and authorities committed a number of war crimes against the civilian population, civilian infrastructure, and members of the Ukrainian armed forces," including the deportation of children and adult civilians, attacks on civilians and infrastructure, the killing of civilians and prisoners of war, and torture and sexual violence.

Read also:

The UN General Assembly heard a new report from the Independent Commission on Ukraine.

As a result of these crimes, according to experts, thousands of people died, many were wounded, maimed, lost their loved ones, and also lost property, housing, and livelihoods.

"The conflict has shattered lives, divided families, and destroyed cultural treasures. The pain and trauma caused by a war of this magnitude will leave deep scars for generations," the press release states.

The commission also investigated violations committed by the Ukrainian authorities. It found that the Ukrainian authorities were responsible for several violations of human rights and humanitarian law, including indiscriminate attacks.

In some cases, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, ill-treatment, and disappearances of persons accused of “collaboration” were recorded.

The commission also examined other alleged violations committed by the Ukrainian authorities, but was unable to complete the investigations due to lack of access to certain areas, risks to the safety of witnesses, and a lack of response from the Russian authorities.

The Commission aims to promote accountability for crimes and violations committed in order to end impunity and strengthen respect for international law, experts say.

The Commission consistently promotes a broad understanding of accountability, including criminal prosecution and the realization of victims' rights. Particular attention is paid to rehabilitation, mental health protection, and psychosocial support.

"This armed conflict remains complex and widespread, and much remains to be investigated. Within its capabilities and mandate, the Commission will continue to contribute to the process of holding those responsible accountable, ensuring justice and ensuring the rights of all victims are met," the experts stated.

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November 7, 2025 Economic development

Global food prices fell in October, according to a press release published Friday by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in international quotations for major food commodities, stood at 126.4 points in October, down 1.6 percent from September.

The grain price index fell by 1.3 percent compared to September, with declines recorded across all major grains. Wheat prices fell by exactly one percent, while rice fell by 2.5 percent.

The meat price index fell by two percent over the month, primarily due to a sharp drop in pork and poultry prices. Beef prices, on the other hand, continued to rise, primarily due to high prices for Australian products amid robust global demand.

The dairy price index fell by 3.4 percent in October, driven by a sharp drop in butter prices due to abundant export supplies from the European Union and New Zealand. The price of powdered milk also declined due to limited import demand and intense competition among exporters.

The average sugar price decreased by 5.3 percent compared to the previous month, reaching its lowest level since December 2020. This trend is due to high production rates in Brazil and an expected increase in export stocks in Thailand and India.

The vegetable oil price index increased by 0.9 percent in October, reaching its highest level since July 2022. Prices for palm, rapeseed, soybean, and sunflower oils rose due to a combination of factors, including delays in the Black Sea harvest.

Forecasts point to a record grain harvest

Also on Friday, the FAO published updated forecasts for the global grain market. Global grain production is expected to increase by 4.4 percent in 2025, reaching 2.99 billion tonnes, a record high. Production growth is forecast for all major grains. Global grain stocks are projected to increase by 5.7 percent, reaching a record 916.3 million tonnes. The stock-to-use ratio in the 2025–2026 season is projected to reach 31.1 percent, the highest level since 2017–2018.

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November 6, 2025 Peace and security

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Thursday removing current Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from the sanctions list against ISIS (Daesh) and al-Qaeda.

Fourteen of the 15 members of the Security Council, including Russia, voted in favor, while China abstained.

The text of the resolution reaffirms “commitment to full respect for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of the Syrian Arab Republic.”

The Security Council members also declared "their intention to promote the long-term recovery, stability, and economic development of the Syrian Arab Republic." However, according to the document, such efforts should not undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the sanctions regime against ISIS (Daesh) and al-Qaeda.

The resolution reiterates the importance of combating terrorism, protecting human rights, ensuring humanitarian access and promoting political process led by the Syrians themselves.

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November 7, 2025 Peace and security

Many residents of El Fasher, Sudan, affected by the violence remain "trapped" as they are not allowed to leave the city. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned today, expressing concern that "horrific atrocities," including extrajudicial killings, rape, and ethnically motivated violence, continue.

For those who manage to escape, the violence does not stop: on the way to shelters, they are again met with “unimaginable cruelty.”

The High Commissioner also warned of the grave situation in Kordofan, where "the number of civilian casualties, the scale of destruction and mass displacement is growing."

"There are no signs of de-escalation. On the contrary, what's happening on the ground points to clear preparations for an intensification of hostilities—with all the ensuing consequences for a population already suffering for so long," Türk said in a statement.

The role of the international community

The UN's top human rights defender called on the international community, especially states with influence over the parties to the conflict, to "recognize that unless they take swift and decisive action, we will see even more bloodshed and atrocities." Türk recalled the Security Council arms embargo, which requires that further military support be ceased for parties committing serious violations.

“I reiterate my call for an immediate end to the violence in both Darfur and Kordofan. The international community must act boldly and without delay"," the High Commissioner said.

Prevention of genocide

The newly appointed UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Chaloka Beyani, also expressed concern about numerous reports of war crimes committed in El Fasher last month. He plans to discuss a coordinated response with representatives of the African Union soon.

"We are watching mass violations "international human rights norms, direct attacks on civilians, failure to respect international humanitarian law, which governs the conduct of hostilities, with attacks primarily targeting civilians," Beyani told the UN News Service.

He said that he had discussed the situation with the UN Resident Coordinator in Sudan, Denise Brown, and intended to send his recommendations to the Secretary-General. Antonio Guterresto the Security Council and other structures of the UN system.

Alert

According to Beyani, when the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide sounds the alarm, it signals a situation that goes beyond “ordinary violations of human rights or international humanitarian law.”

"This indicates that the threshold is about to be exceeded and therefore early response measures need to be taken," Beyani stressed.

Late last month, shocking reports and videos of alleged war crimes committed by members of the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF), who took control of North Darfur's capital, El Fasher, after a 500-day siege, began circulating online.

The Office stated that there are indicators of a risk of particularly serious international crimes being committed in Sudan, but emphasized that only a competent judicial body can establish the fact of genocide.

Earlier this week, the International Criminal Court (ICC) expressed deep concern about reports of mass killings, rape and other crimes being committed in El Fasher, noting that an investigation into alleged war crimes, which began after the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, is ongoing.

"Humanitarian Ceasefire"

The Rapid Intervention Forces agreed to a "humanitarian ceasefire" on Thursday amid growing criticism of its forces' actions in and around El Fasher, media reports said.

The RSF leaders stated that they were ready to accept the terms of the ceasefire proposed through the mediation of the United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

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November 6, 2025 Healthcare

Digital technologies and telemedicine can significantly improve care for people with dementia and make life easier for their loved ones, according to a new study by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. When implemented in an age-friendly environment and supported by on-site support, such solutions can reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

"Technology is more than just a healthcare tool. It's a way to bring people together and restore hope," said Natassia Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of Health at the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Digital solutions are especially relevant in rural areas where access to specialists is limited. These solutions include medication reminders, artificial intelligence systems to prevent falls, and improved quality of care.

The study was based on nearly 100 scientific reviews and 3,000 publications, but the authors emphasize that more data is needed to effectively implement new solutions.

The aging of Europe

The number of people over 80 in Europe is projected to double by 2050. This requires adaptation of healthcare systems, particularly in terms of caring for elderly people with dementia – a condition most often associated with Alzheimer's disease and particularly affecting women.

Digital technologies help seniors maintain independence, security, and social connections. They reduce stress for patients and their families, reduce indoor falls by 63 percent, and help manage behavioral symptoms.

However, there are challenges: older users and their caregivers sometimes experience fatigue and irritation when using digital platforms. Therefore, it is important to make technologies accessible and user-friendly, the WHO notes.

“Even small improvements in mental health can slow down regression and reduce dependence on care,” said David Novillo Ortiz, digital health adviser at the WHO European Regional Office.

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November 6, 2025 Climate and environment

Uzbekistan joined the Protocol on Water and Health, supplementing Convention on Transboundary WatersThis was one of the key events of the Protocol's meeting in Budapest, which is taking place from November 5 to 7. The document now brings together 29 parties working to strengthen water, sanitation, and hygiene systems in WHO European Region.

Issues of hygiene, sanitation, water, and health are highly relevant for Uzbekistan, which has an arid climate, said Olga Mirshina, a specialist with the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan, who attended the meeting.

"Uzbekistan is located in the center of Central Asia and is a country that is profoundly impacted by both climate change and water supply issues," she said. According to Mirshina, the region's arid climate impacts sanitation conditions and the water supply system.

"We decided that the Protocol would be one of those tools that would help us and facilitate our continued promotion of safe drinking water, safe sanitation, and the implementation of safe hygiene in all public facilities," the specialist explained.

The protocol helps ensure the population has access to clean water.

Protocol, which has been in force for two decades—since 2005—helps countries ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for all segments of the population. This unique, legally binding document remains the only international agreement directly linking the environment, water resources, and health.

Ministers and other delegates from more than 40 countries gathered in Budapest to discuss experiences addressing critical issues and a work program for the next three years.

The Protocol, jointly administered by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, paved the way for the recognition of the human right to water and sanitation by the UN General Assembly in 2010. Since then, it has played a key role in promoting this right in the region and serves as a model for other parts of the world.

Over the past two decades, the document has contributed to improving drinking water quality and developing hygiene practices. However, as UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molchan noted, many challenges remain.

"The task before us becomes even more urgent."

“As the impacts of climate change intensify, health emergencies multiply, environmental conditions deteriorate, and new threats such as cyberthreats emerge, our task becomes even more urgent,” she stressed.

“To build a safe and secure future, we must invest in sustainable and equitable water, sanitation, and hygiene systems,” Molchan added.

In his address to the meeting participants, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that work under the Protocol “has shaped policies and investments aimed at improving access to safe water and sanitation, preventing water-related diseases, and improving human health.”

He recalled that 2 billion people in the world still do not have access to clean drinking water, and 1.4 billion people die every year due to poor sanitation.

According to the WHO, 118 million people in the European Region receive healthcare in facilities lacking basic sanitation. Every day, 14 people in the region die from diseases related to unsafe water and poor hygiene.

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