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December 17, 2025 Peace and security

Tensions in Yemen continue to escalate, and recent events increase the risk of further escalation and fragmentation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres made this statement to journalists in New York following his briefing to the Security Council on the situation in the country.

"Tensions have been escalating throughout Yemen for some time now. Dramatic new developments in the eastern provinces are adding fuel to the fire," he said.

The Secretary-General recalled that earlier this month, forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council advanced into the provinces of Hadramaut and Mahra. He said such unilateral actions "increase the risk of wider escalation and further fragmentation."

Serious consequences

The UN chief warned that "a full resumption of hostilities could have serious consequences for regional peace and security – including in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa."

Guterres called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, reduce tensions, and resolve differences through dialogue, emphasizing that this also applies to regional actors. He stated that "their constructive engagement and coordination in support of UN mediation efforts are key to ensuring collective security."

The Secretary-General also stressed that "Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be preserved," adding that the country "needs a sustainable, negotiated political settlement" that reflects the aspirations of all Yemenis and brings an end to this devastating conflict.

Until then, the UN chief continued, "the Yemeni people will continue to pay a terrible price." He noted that nearly 4.8 million people have been forced to flee their homes, and 19.5 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Obstacles to humanitarian aid

Meanwhile, UN aid efforts are facing serious obstacles. "In areas under Houthi control, conditions for operations have become unbearable," the Secretary-General said.

He strongly condemned the continued arbitrary detention of 59 UN and partner agency staff, as well as workers from NGOs, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions, and called for their “immediate and unconditional release in accordance with international law.”

The Secretary-General recalled that the de facto authorities, the Houthis, recently referred the cases of three UN staff members to a special criminal court. He called for this decision to be reversed. Guterres emphasized that the United Nations and its partners should never be subject to harassment, arrest, or detention in connection with the performance of their official duties.

Despite the challenges, the UN remains committed to providing vital assistance to the people of Yemen. "This year, we have assisted more than 5.3 million people with food, nutrition support, water, and medical care," the Secretary-General said. However, he continued, with sufficient funding and increased capacity, much more can be done.

"Peace is possible"

The Secretary-General recalled that the parties to the conflict had already come close to peace—during the ceasefire in 2022 and the commitments agreed upon in 2023—but subsequent events "have seriously complicated the situation." Nevertheless, he emphasized, "peace is possible."

The UN chief assured that "the United Nations remains committed to supporting the Yemeni people on this journey." He called on all parties to engage constructively with the Special Envoy for Yemen, prioritize dialogue over violence, and avoid any unilateral actions that could escalate the situation.

"The people of Yemen demand and deserve peace," the Secretary-General concluded.

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December 17, 2025 Healthcare

The flu season in Europe and Central Asia has begun significantly earlier than usual, driven by the emergence of a new dominant strain of the virus. Several countries are experiencing significant strain on their healthcare systems. The WHO recommends that the public take simple precautions to protect themselves and others during the winter.

According to surveillance data, the flu season has started approximately four weeks earlier than in previous years. Of the 38 countries in the WHO European Region that provide information, at least 27 are already reporting high or very high incidence rates. In six countries—Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom—more than half of patients with influenza-like symptoms have tested positive for influenza.

New variant of the virus

“Influenza returns every winter, but this year the situation is somewhat different,” said Hans Kluge, Director of the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe. “The spread of the infection is due to new strain The influenza A H3N2 virus, subclade K, has not been shown to cause more severe illness, but this seasonal flu variant already accounts for up to 90 percent of all confirmed cases in the region. This clearly demonstrates how even small genetic changes in the virus can place enormous strain on healthcare systems, as the population lacks established immunity."

While vaccination does not always prevent infection, preliminary data from the United Kingdom confirms that the current seasonal vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness. Vaccination remains the most important measure for preventing severe influenza illness, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, children, and pregnant women. Healthcare workers are also a priority group to protect both their own health and that of their patients.

As in previous years, school-age children remain the main carriers of the infection. However, the majority of severe cases requiring hospitalization occur in people aged 65 and older. They are particularly in need of vaccination.

How to stay safe this winter

The number of cases is expected to increase until the peak of the season, likely in late December or early January. Most people recover on their own, but those with severe symptoms or underlying medical conditions should seek medical attention.

WHO recommends proven preventive measures:

Getting vaccinated is the best protection, especially for at-risk groups and healthcare workers, who should also follow infection control measures and wear a mask when necessary. Prevent the spread of infection by staying home if you feel unwell; wearing a mask in public places if you have respiratory symptoms; covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing; washing your hands regularly; and ventilating rooms frequently.

“The current flu season, although severe, is not comparable in scale to the global emergency of the pandemic era. COVID-19"," the head of WHO/Europe emphasized. "Healthcare systems have decades of experience fighting influenza, safe vaccinations that are updated annually, and a proven set of effective measures. If we use these tools—vaccination, responsible behavior, and strong public health systems to protect the most vulnerable—we will overcome this predictable seasonal threat."

Kluge also emphasized the importance of reliable information: "In the face of misinformation, it's vital to turn to trusted sources—national health authorities and the WHO. During a challenging flu season, verified, fact-based information can save lives."

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December 16, 2025 Culture and education

The UN headquarters in New York celebrated the first time World Day of Turkic Languages – a new international date designed to highlight the importance of Turkic languages and traditions for global cultural diversity. It is symbolic that the Day was celebrated alongside an event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of General Assembly resolutions on the millennium of the Manas epic, one of the key monuments of the Turkic cultural heritage.

In an interview with the UN News Service, Mirbek Mambetaliev, Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, noted that the preservation and development of Turkic languages has significance far beyond the region. "Preserving the Turkic language is crucial not only for the Turkic peoples but for the entire world, as the heritage of the Turkic peoples has very deep roots," he emphasized, citing the rich cultural traditions of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The Manas epic calls for living in harmony with nature, living in peace with neighbors, respecting elders, and paying close attention to the upbringing of the younger generation. Today, more than ever, we all need these values.

"Today we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the UN resolution on the Manas epic. Manas is considered one of the fundamental cultural legacies of the Kyrgyz people and the entire Turkic world," he said.

The Epic of Manas, comprising approximately 500,000 lines, is recognized as one of the longest in the world and is included in the Guinness Book of World Records. Its international recognition has steadily grown: in 2013, the Manas-Semetey-Seitek trilogy was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and in 2023, the epic's manuscripts were added to the Memory of the World Register, underscoring its universal value to humanity.

The interview focused specifically on youth engagement and the adaptation of cultural heritage to the digital age. According to Mirbek Mambetaliyev, learning the Kyrgyz language today faces significant challenges. "In the age of YouTube and mobile phones, the Kyrgyz language is difficult for children," he noted.

In response to these challenges, new cultural and educational initiatives have been launched in Kyrgyzstan. "We have begun producing animated films and anime in the Kyrgyz language. We will soon begin filming an anime based on 'Manas,'" the minister said. Concurrently, work is underway to translate the epic poem into Russian, English, and Turkish, as well as to retell it in prose and create comics to make the complex poetic text more accessible to children and young people.

The minister emphasized that Manas played a key role in shaping the national identity of the Kyrgyz people. "The epic calls for living in harmony with nature, living in peace with neighbors, respecting elders, and paying close attention to the upbringing of the younger generation. Today, more than ever, we all need these values," he said.

Speaking about the role of international platforms, Mirbek Mambetaliev noted the importance of the UN and UNESCO in promoting cultural dialogue. "At the UN and UNESCO, we work with partners from around the world to develop culture and live in harmony with nature without losing our identity," the minister emphasized.

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December 16, 2025 Peace and security

The United Nations warned on Tuesday that the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip remains fragile and the humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating as winter sets in, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent a new escalation.

Addressing the Security Council, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov presented the Secretary-General’s quarterly report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) concerning Israeli settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

At the beginning of his speech, Alakbarov recalled that the Secretary-General strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack on Jewish families gathered to celebrate Hanukkah in Sydney and expressed solidarity with Jewish communities around the world.

Cases of violence

Turning to the situation in Gaza, he noted that despite the ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, violence has not completely ceased. Continued Israeli military strikes and armed attacks by Palestinian groups are resulting in civilian casualties and further destruction of infrastructure.

Dire humanitarian situation

The humanitarian situation, he said, remains extremely dire. The UN is providing assistance during the winter, including distributing tents, blankets, and other essential items, but as temperatures drop, the risks increase. Earlier on Tuesday, the first death from hypothermia was confirmed – a two-week-old newborn boy in Khan Younis.

Alakbarov emphasized the critical importance of maintaining humanitarian access and called for expanded operational space for the UN and its partners. He welcomed the partial reopening of the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge for aid deliveries from Jordan, but noted that current volumes remain insufficient. Significant shipments of vital aid remain in warehouses awaiting full resumption of deliveries.

He also expressed grave concern over the events in East Jerusalem, where on December 8, Israeli authorities forcibly entered the compound of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), seized property, and replaced the United Nations flag with the Israeli flag. The Secretary-General, he said, strongly condemned these actions, recalling the inviolability of UN premises.

West Bank

The situation in the occupied West Bank is also deteriorating. Alakbarov pointed to the Israeli cabinet's recent decision to approve or legalize 19 settlements, including two evacuated in 2005. In 2025, settlement expansion reached its highest level since UN monitoring began in 2017, which, he said, undermines the viability of a unified and territorially contiguous Palestinian state.

Of particular concern is the rise in settler violence, especially during the olive harvest season. Palestinian farmers face attacks, intimidation, and crop destruction, often in the presence of Israeli security forces.

Arrests of Palestinians

The report also expressed concern about the continued detention of large numbers of Palestinians, including children, reports of abuse in detention facilities, and inflammatory and provocative rhetoric by officials.

Commitment to peace

In conclusion, Alakbarov reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to the two-state solution and called for an end to the illegal occupation and strict compliance by all parties to the conflict with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

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December 16, 2025 Human rights

Arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances, restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and generally high tensions persist in Venezuela, stated UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

Speaking at a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk emphasized that the situation in Venezuela has not improved since June, when he last presented his report.

Pressure on civil society

The High Commissioner reported that in September and November, the Venezuelan government passed laws expanding emergency powers under the pretext of external threats. However, the content of the new legislation was not published, making it impossible to assess its compliance with international law.

According to Volker Türk, pressure on civic space has noticeably increased. He also noted the increasing militarization of public life, which "increases the risk of violence in a society already facing high crime rates." The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has received reports of forced recruitment into the Bolivarian National Militia, including of adolescents and older people.

"The authorities encourage denunciations of relatives, neighbors, and colleagues through a state-sponsored mobile app," Türk added, emphasizing that "such a policy breeds fear, mistrust, and self-censorship."

Persecution of journalists and human rights activists

The High Commissioner recalled that the NGO oversight law adopted last year continues to severely restrict the activities of civil society organizations. Journalists, human rights defenders, opposition representatives, and humanitarian workers, he said, "continue to face threats, harassment, and the risk of arbitrary detention simply for doing their jobs."

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The UN's top human rights official reported that several journalists were arbitrarily detained and remain in custody, while "hundreds of people are imprisoned for political reasons." The recent detention of the general secretary of the largest trade union, he said, "sent a chilling message to workers across the country."

Deaths in custody and enforced disappearances

Moreover, detention conditions "undermine the physical and mental health of detainees and, in some cases, cost them their lives." According to the OHCHR, at least five people detained in connection with the 2024 presidential elections have died in custody.

"All these cases must be immediately and independently investigated," Turk said.

He also noted the increasing number of transfers of detainees to unknown locations, "some of which amount to enforced disappearances." In a number of centers, people continue to be held incommunicado, "which is a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights."

Turk noted the release of at least 51 people since the last report, including members of the political opposition, foreign citizens and people in poor health.

At the same time, according to the High Commissioner, since July, the detention of "at least 17 people – mostly women, children, and the elderly – in connection with the activities of their relatives has been documented." The fate and whereabouts of another 12 people remain unknown.

The UN's top human rights defender has called for the unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained for their civic activism.

Economic crisis and regional tensions

Speaking about the socio-economic situation, Türk noted that Venezuelans face “poverty and hunger” on a daily basis.

"Inequality and prices are skyrocketing," he said, noting that inflation is projected to reach 270 percent in 2025.

“The minimum monthly wage is more than 1,000 times less than the cost of a basic food basket,” the UN representative emphasized.

The High Commissioner also expressed concern about the possible impact of the growing US military pressure on the human rights situation.

"History has shown time and again that when confrontations escalate, it is ordinary people who find themselves caught in the crossfire," he said, calling on the United States to use established methods to combat the drug trafficking problem.

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December 16, 2025 Human rights

The situation for civilians in Ukraine is becoming increasingly "unbearable," warned UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk, speaking at an intersessional meeting of the Human Rights Council. He presented data recent report United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) for the period from 1 June to 30 November 2025.

"Almost four years after the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion, the situation for the civilian population of Ukraine has become even more unbearable," Türk said.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted the scale of the work accomplished: over four years, OHCHR staff carried out more than 1,150 missions to affected areas of Ukraine and conducted more than 11,100 interviews on alleged violations of international law.

Rising death toll

According to the UN, the number of civilian casualties since the beginning of this year 24 percent higher, compared to the same period last year. "This is largely due to the fact that the Russian Armed Forces have intensified the use of long-range missiles and drones in frontline and urban areas," Türk noted. "This escalation is an endless nightmare for the people of Ukraine."

The High Commissioner added that strikes are being carried out throughout the country, including in the western regions. He cited as an example attack on November 19, 2025, when approximately 500 drones and missiles were launched at Ukraine. "A cruise missile hit a residential building in Ternopil, and a drone caused a fire in another building, killing at least 38 civilians and injuring 99, with some still missing," he said, calling the strike the deadliest in western Ukraine since the war began.

"The Russian Federation reports that 146 civilians were killed and more than 1,150 were injured in the country during the reporting period, but we have not been able to confirm these figures," the UN representative added.

Strikes in frontline areas

Türk also drew attention to the situation in Ukraine's frontline regions, where more than 60 percent of casualties have been recorded this year. Nearly half of the dead were elderly.

"The use of short-range drones with first-person cameras by Russian forces causes significant harm to civilians," he stated. Approximately 300 civilians were killed in such attacks during the reporting period, including people riding bicycles, in cars, and on public transportation.

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In addition, according to OHCHR, in October and November, the Russian Federation carried out eight large-scale coordinated attacks that caused prolonged emergency situations. power outagesin a number of areas and planned power outages in most regions for up to 18 hours a day.

The situation of prisoners of war

The High Commissioner also emphasized the plight of prisoners of war and detained civilians. "Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Office has documented the extrajudicial executions of 96 Ukrainian prisoners of war and persons hors de combat," he reported. He added that since mid-November, there has been an increase in reports of executions of Ukrainian servicemen after capture. "We have confirmed as credible the reports of the killing of 14 Ukrainian prisoners of war after their capture by Russian forces and are investigating 10 additional cases," Türk said.

He added that the Office had also recorded "four executions of Russian prisoners of war by Ukrainian armed forces" and was investigating "credible reports of three additional incidents." The High Commissioner also emphasized that the UN continues to document "systematic and widespread torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war."

"The people of Ukraine need peace"

Concluding his speech, Volker Türk again called for an end to the war. He stated that "those responsible for all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law must be held accountable."

"I can't even begin to imagine how exhausted the people of Ukraine are," the High Commissioner said. "They need the guns to fall silent. They need a peace based on human rights—in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and General Assembly resolutions."

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December 16, 2025 Healthcare

Amid the early start of the flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, a new variant of the virus is spreading rapidly, with vaccination remaining the "most effective means of protection," the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Tuesday.

Influenza and other respiratory viruses are currently spreading rapidly, Wenqing Zhang, head of the Global Respiratory Threats Unit at the WHO's Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Threat Management, told reporters in Geneva. According to her, the current season is characterized by the emergence and rapid spread of a new AH3N2 variant. It was first detected in August in Australia and New Zealand and has since been identified in more than 30 countries, she noted.

Genetic transformation

"Available epidemiological data do not indicate an increase in disease severity, although this genetic shift represents a significant stage in the virus's evolution," Zhang said. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, she explained, which is why flu vaccines are regularly updated.

“WHO monitors these changes, assesses the associated public health risks, and develops vaccine composition recommendations twice a year through the long-standing Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) – in collaboration with other global experts,” Zhang emphasized.

The new variant was not included in vaccines produced for the current flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, the WHO expert clarified. However, "early data suggest that current seasonal vaccines continue to provide protection against severe illness and reduce the risk of hospitalization," she added.

According to WHO estimates, approximately one billion cases of seasonal influenza are registered worldwide each year, including up to five million cases of severe respiratory illness. Up to 650,000 deaths per year are associated with respiratory complications caused by seasonal influenza.

Recommendations for risk reduction

“Vaccination remains our most effective means of protection, including against ‘drifting’ strains, especially for high-risk groups and those caring for them,” Zhang emphasized.

She also shared the results of a preliminary evaluation of the vaccine's effectiveness against the new variant, published several weeks ago in the UK. "These data look very encouraging," the expert said, noting that the vaccine is approximately 75 percent effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization in children and approximately 35 percent effective in adults.

Zhang warned that the upcoming holiday season could lead to a new surge in respiratory illnesses. "Advance planning and increased preparedness, including encouraging vaccination and strengthening healthcare system readiness, are strongly recommended," she said.

The WHO expert also recommended that countries strengthen laboratory diagnostics and year-round disease surveillance and participate in the GISRS network.

Global monitoring is necessary

The network includes influenza centers in 130 countries, as well as more than ten reference laboratories.

Asked whether the United States would remain a member of the network next year despite the country's decision to withdraw from the WHO effective January 22, 2026, Zhang said, "From an influenza, respiratory surveillance and preparedness perspective, it is absolutely essential that all countries around the world participate in surveillance, preparedness, and response to influenza and other respiratory viruses because we don't know when and where the next pandemic strain will emerge."

"And the time between its emergence, detection, characterization, and inclusion in vaccines could be critical to the number of lives saved," she concluded.

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On Monday, the Security Council held an open debate on "Leadership for Peace," focusing on the role of future United Nations leadership amid growing geopolitical confrontation, weakening multilateralism, and the crisis of the UN system itself. Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Fordham University Professor of International Politics Anjali Dayal spoke at the meeting.

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