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December 5, 2025 Healthcare

A perinatal center was damaged during the attack on Kherson: walls, windows, doors, equipment, and water and gas systems were damaged. Medical staff, mothers, and newborns were able to find shelter, and there were no injuries, the World Health Organization reported on Friday.

This attack further complicates access to medical care in one of the hardest-hit regions of Ukraine, the WHO warns. Furthermore, according to the UN agency's latest data, more than 40,000 people in Kherson remain without heat and electricity following the attacks.

Between the start of the full-scale Russian invasion and December 5, 2025, the WHO recorded 2,763 attacks on Ukraine's healthcare system. These attacks disrupt medical care and threaten the health and lives of patients and medical workers across the country.

Consequences of attacks on Ukraine's healthcare system

Ukraine is facing a dual crisis: direct attacks on the healthcare system—including medical workers, facilities, and transport—and the consequences of attacks on civilian infrastructure. Interruptions in electricity, water, and heating supplies—especially during the winter months—exacerbate the plight of residents in the affected areas.

This winter, many women in Ukraine will have to give birth in the dark and cold; people recovering from injuries or heart attacks may be forced to stay in cold and damp wards; cancer surgeries will be cancelled due to power and water outages. The WHO estimates that between 150,000 and 250,000 patients in frontline hospitals and maternity wards could be left without heat and electricity.

Increase in the number of attacks

Last year, 73 health workers and patients were killed and another 405 were injured as a result of attacks on the healthcare system. In 2025, 19 deaths and 198 injuries were recorded. According to the WHO, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, 224 health workers and patients have been killed and 896 injured.

More than three-quarters of attacks confirmed by the WHO targeted healthcare facilities, and nearly a quarter targeted transport, including ambulances. This trend has persisted throughout three years of full-scale war, systematically undermining emergency response. This year, the WHO has recorded a 12 percent increase in attacks on healthcare infrastructure compared to last year. No component of the healthcare system remains safe. Tertiary care facilities, pharmacies, and warehouses are also under attack.

In frontline areas, 742 healthcare facilities were damaged or completely destroyed. Vulnerable populations have fewer opportunities to receive timely medical care, and ongoing attacks have forced many healthcare workers to flee the hardest-hit regions.

WHO support

“Attacks on the health system are a clear violation of international humanitarian law,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge.

WHO supports frontline hospitals and mobile medical services in hard-to-reach areas.

In 2025, the organization delivered medical supplies worth $19.42 million to 883 healthcare facilities in Ukraine, and also helped install modular heating systems and alternative energy sources to ensure service continuity.

WHO/Europe is also helping hospitals in the Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Mykolaiv regions prepare for power outages, floods, and attacks.

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December 5, 2025 Human rights

In a few days, Syria will mark one year since the fall of the Assad regime. The interim authorities have taken encouraging steps to investigate past crimes, but these actions are only a small part of what needs to be done, human rights activists believe.

In a statement released Friday, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said Syria's transitional government has established commissions to address justice issues and clarify the fate of missing persons. However, alarming reports of extrajudicial executions, killings, and abductions continue, primarily targeting members of certain communities and individuals accused of ties to the former government.

Hundreds of people have been killed since the fall of the Assad regime. These killings were carried out by security forces of the interim authorities, groups affiliated with them, and unidentified armed individuals. People also die from landmines and other munitions.

Reports of violations and abuses include evidence of sexual violence, arbitrary detention, looting, home destruction, forced evictions and home confiscations, as well as restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The violence primarily affected ethnic and religious communities, including Alawites, Druze, Christians, and Bedouins. It was fueled by hate speech, both online and on the streets of Syrian cities, according to the OHCHR statement.

Last year was also marked by Israeli military operations in Syria, including shelling, ground incursions, and the occupation of territory. There were reports of civilian casualties, kidnappings, and house searches.

The integration of armed groups into the new Syrian government's security forces was hasty and lacked proper human rights vetting, according to a statement from the OHCHR. The UN human rights agency believes that such vetting, and reform of the security sector as a whole, is crucial to prevent further violations and ensure that those responsible for serious violations of international law are not integrated into the newly formed security forces.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on the Syrian transitional authorities to take steps to address the root causes of abuses. "Accountability, justice, peace, and security for all Syrians are fundamental prerequisites for a successful political transition," the statement read. "The right of victims to effective remedies and reparations must be fully ensured."

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December 5, 2025 Human rights

In Sudan, the latest round of protracted conflict continues to create dire conditions, worsening the human rights crisis. Human Rights DayOn December 10, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) country representative, Li Fung, spoke to UN News about the scale of the emergency and the efforts of the Organization, its partners and local human rights defenders to assist the Sudanese.

"An extremely difficult period"

"First and foremost, this is a human rights and protection crisis caused by two and a half years of conflict and widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law across the country," the UN spokeswoman said.

According to her, the conflict led to the largest humanitarian crisis in the world: mass displacement of populations, destruction of cities and “shocking levels of hunger.”

Accountability and the fight against impunity

OHCHR continues to document most serious violations, including extrajudicial executions, sexual violence, arbitrary detentions and disappearances, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and restrictions on civic space. Of particular concern are ethnically motivated violence and the widespread prevalence of hate speech.

However, restrictions on movement, particularly in Darfur, make documenting violations very difficult.

Many Sudanese fear that those responsible will not be held accountable. However, as the OHCHR representative emphasizes, accountability mechanisms exist and the work continues. The Office records all events to preserve evidence, give a voice to victims, and ensure that this information contributes to accountability processes at the international and national levels.

OHCHR

Li Fung recalled that the Security Council gave the International Criminal Court a mandate to investigate crimes in Sudan. Furthermore, the Human Rights Council established an independent international fact-finding commission to investigate the situation in the country.

But the key remains the development of internal mechanisms for transitional justice.

"We work with human rights defenders and civil society organizations, supporting their vision, their quest for justice, and their transitional justice processes. Our goal is to ensure their voices are heard, their priorities are taken into account, and they form the basis of international efforts to ensure justice and accountability," the OHCHR representative added.

The role of the international community

According to Li Fung, political action and funding for human rights activities are needed to advance dialogue, ensure the protection of civilians, and end the violence. She also called on states to prevent arms transfers to Sudan.

"Impunity fuels further violence and abuse," the human rights activist emphasized.

The international community, she said, must support investigations, ensure access for monitoring mechanisms and the protection of civilians, and ensure the inclusion of all groups in Sudan's population in peace processes.

Hope remains

Despite the grim picture, Li Fung is confident that “there are glimmers of hope – and above all, they come from the Sudanese themselves.”

She recounted her recent trip to Khartoum: "I witnessed remarkable resilience amid the devastation of the capital." Despite "unimaginable hardship," she said, local residents continue to support each other, protect their neighbors, and "insist on their right to live with dignity, despite daily risks and hardships."

OHCHR

A UN official noted that international attention to the situation in Sudan has finally increased – and it is now important to maintain it.

“We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Sudan,” she said, adding that on Human Rights Day and in the final days of the 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women campaign, the UN also expresses solidarity with Sudanese women facing special threats.

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December 4, 2025 Humanitarian aid

While visiting the Al-Shifa Medical Complex during a tour of Palestine, UNFPA Representative Nestor Owomuhangi said the Fund will increase its support to the people of the Gaza Strip, with a particular focus on providing health services to women and girls.

"We will continue to supply medical equipment and supplies to Gaza, as well as deploy midwives, to ensure that services are provided to pregnant and postpartum women despite the difficult circumstances," Ovomuhangi said.

The Fund currently supports 22 health facilities throughout the Gaza Strip, including five major hospitals.

Footage from Al-Shifa Hospital, filmed during the visit and distributed by UNFPA, demonstrates the scale of destruction to the hospital complex and its infrastructure. Despite the colossal damage to one of the largest hospitals in the sector, Al-Shifa continues to partially function, providing vital medical services.

In recent weeks, UNFPA has expanded its operations in Gaza, coordinating the work of 175 midwives across the Strip and continuing to deliver medicines and medical equipment from around the world to ensure local health facilities can reach all women and girls in Gaza who need support.

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December 4, 2025 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: escalating violence in Sudan, extreme weather events in Arab countries, the International Day against Unilateral Coercive Measures, a WHO report on progress in the fight against malaria.

Violence in Darfur and Kordofan

In El Fasher, North Darfur state, Sudan, extrajudicial killings, rapes, and ethnically motivated attacks are taking place. Those who manage to escape the city are also becoming victims of crimes: the roads leading out of El Fasher have become "scenes of unimaginable brutality," stated UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. He also warned of events unfolding in the neighboring region of Kordofan. Violence there is escalating, several towns are under siege, and the number of civilian casualties is rising.

Extreme weather in Arab countries

Temperatures in the Arab region are rising almost twice as fast as the global average. In 2024, the region experienced unprecedented heat, droughts, and severe water shortages, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)'s first report on the state of the climate in the Arab world. Several countries reported temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius last year, while the regional average was 1.08 degrees Celsius higher than the 1991-2020 average. The WMO also notes that only 60 percent of Arab countries have early warning systems for extreme weather events.

Unilateral coercive measures

Today marks the first International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures. The General Assembly held an informal meeting to mark the occasion. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock highlighted the difference between unilateral coercive measures and those provided for in the UN Charter. She called for dialogue and a multilateral approach.

Progress in the fight against malaria

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its annual malaria report on Thursday, noting significant progress in the fight against the disease thanks to the introduction of new tools, from vaccines to innovative mosquito nets. Experts estimate that approximately 170 million malaria infections and at least one million deaths will be averted globally by 2024. The WHO has certified nearly 50 countries, including Georgia, as malaria-free.

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December 4, 2025 International law

Today marks the first International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures. The General Assembly held an informal meeting to mark the occasion. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock highlighted the key difference between unilateral coercive measures and those provided for in the UN Charter.

"As the name suggests, 'unilateral' measures are taken by one side. And their purpose is to coerce the other side," she said.

She stressed that such steps are fundamentally different from actions taken collectively by the Security Council or regional organizations in accordance with the UN Charter.

According to Baerbock, unilateral coercive measures are not an abstract policy. She cited the Secretary-General's latest report, which describes the consequences of such actions for developing countries and their populations, including food and medical shortages, problems with the delivery of humanitarian aid, economic slowdowns, and rising inflation.

“They [unilateral coercive measures – editor’s note] have a real impact on people’s lives,” the General Assembly Speaker emphasized.

Baerbock noted that the negative effects are felt far beyond the individual countries against which such measures are directed.

“They can also extend beyond their borders, disrupting regional and global supply chains,” the Chair said.

Read also:

UN expert: Unilateral sanctions deprive millions of people of the right to education

Baerbock also emphasized that UN member states agree that any restrictive measures must comply with the Charter of the Organization and international law.

She added: “Such measures and sanctions would not be necessary if all Member States respected the principles of the UN Charter and their obligations under international law.”

Baerbock called for dialogue instead of coercion and a multilateral approach instead of a unilateral one.

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December 4, 2025 Healthcare

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its annual report on Thursday malaria, which notes significant progress in the fight against this disease thanks to the introduction of new tools—from vaccines to innovative mosquito nets. Experts estimate that by 2024, approximately 170 million cases of malaria infection and at least one million deaths will have been averted globally.

Since 2021, when the world's first malaria vaccine was approved, 24 countries have included it in their national immunization programs. Seasonal chemoprophylaxis has been expanded, reaching 54 million children in 2024, up from only 200,000 in 2012. Furthermore, the WHO has certified 47 countries and one territory as malaria-free. Cabo Verde and Egypt will join them in 2024, and Georgia, Suriname, and Timor-Leste will follow in 2025.

Despite these successes, in 2024, 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths were recorded globally. Ninety-five percent of deaths occurred in the WHO African Region, with the majority of deaths occurring in children under five. The mortality rate was 13.8 per 100,000 population, more than triple the global target of 4.5.

Drug resistance and genetic mutations

The WHO warns of growing parasite resistance to key drugs. Additional challenges include genetic mutations in parasites that reduce the accuracy of rapid tests, resistance to pyrethroids in 48 countries, and the spread of the insecticide-resistant Anopheles stephensi mosquito in nine African countries. Climate change and extreme weather events are fueling new outbreaks, while conflict and instability are disrupting health systems.

Funding shortfall

Funding for malaria remains critically low: $3.9 billion was allocated in 2024, less than half the 2025 target. This funding cut has weakened health systems, led to the cancellation or postponement of routine screenings, and increased risk of drug supply disruptions.

"New tools give us hope, but we face significant challenges," said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The World Health Organization is calling on countries where malaria remains endemic to maintain their commitment to combating this dangerous disease.

What you need to know about malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted to humans by certain species of mosquitoes. It occurs primarily in tropical countries.

Infection occurs through a parasite bite. The disease is not transmitted from person to person.

Malaria symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. Mild symptoms include fever, chills, and headache. Severe symptoms include weakness, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

Infants, children under five years of age, pregnant women, and people with HIV infection or AIDS are at increased risk of severe infection.

Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and through medication. Treatment can help stop the further progression of mild cases.

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December 4, 2025 Peace and security

In El Fasher, North Darfur state, Sudan, extrajudicial killings, rape, and ethnic violence are taking place. Those who manage to escape the city also become victims of crimes: the roads leading out of El Fasher have become "scenes of unimaginable brutality," stated UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

He also warned about events unfolding in the neighboring region of Kordofan. Following the capture of El Fasher by the Rapid Intervention Forces, the number of civilian casualties there has increased.

"There are no signs of de-escalation. On the contrary, events on the ground indicate clear preparations for an intensification of hostilities," Türk said.

The UN team working in Sudan has condemned the escalation of violence in Kordofan, including the siege of several towns.

"We are deeply concerned about the ongoing attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, which are a clear violation of international humanitarian law," the team said in a statement.

It also notes that the fighting is limiting the population's access to food, medicine, and basic necessities. Farmers are unable to work their fields or sell their produce at markets, further increasing the risk of famine.

In the town of Kadugli in South Kordofan state, conditions that could lead to famine have already been recorded.

“We call on all those involved in the fighting to protect civilians, as well as medical and humanitarian workers, especially those fleeing besieged areas, and local first responders on the front lines providing vital support to the population,” the UN country team said.

They also called for the protection of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and markets, and an end to the abduction and recruitment of children.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.