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March 24, 2026 Refugees and migrants

Since early March, amid the war in the Middle East, more than 130,000 people have arrived in the Syrian Arab Republic from Lebanon, while over 1 million have fled their homes and remain in Lebanese territory. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported this today, citing new data from its population displacement monitoring system.

“The current situation is a stark reminder of how quickly instability can change population movement patterns across entire regions,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “Many of those on the move are already living in precarious conditions, and as pressure mounts, humanitarian needs will increase. Providing protection and assistance to people wherever they are requires sustainable international support".

Increase in the number of people arriving in Syria

Displacement related to the crisis in Lebanon continues: according to the IOM, more than 130,000 people crossed the border between March 2 and 18. Syrians account for 95 percent of them, while 5 percent are Lebanese citizens. The basic needs of those arriving include financial assistance, food, and shelter. Many are temporarily staying with relatives or friends.

The border crossings are primarily made up of families and young men who previously worked in Lebanon and are expected to return when the situation stabilizes. Rapid monitoring has documented the arrival of over 82,000 people in hundreds of locations across Syria. This underscores the broad geographic reach of the humanitarian assistance needed.

Large-scale displacement within Lebanon

In Lebanon itself, the number of internally displaced persons is growing rapidly. According to the country's authorities, as of March 22, more than 1 million people were registered as internally displaced, including more than 134,000 people housed in 644 collective centers.

Most people are staying with relatives, in host communities, or in rented accommodation. Some are forced to sleep in cars or outdoors.

The situation in the region

In other countries in the region, people are leaving their homes as a precaution, seeking safe areas while monitoring the situation, including in Iran.

No large-scale population movements have been recorded in Iraq, but small groups of arrivals have been registered at border crossings.

Meanwhile, movements from Iran to Pakistan continue: from March 1 to 16, more than 6,700 arrivals were recorded, the majority through the Taftan-Mirjaveh crossing. These were primarily returning Pakistanis, as well as Iranian citizens with valid visas or entry permits.

Risks in Afghanistan

While returns from Iran to Afghanistan remain restricted due to unstable situation in both countries, transport restrictions within Iran, and expectations of a quick resolution to the conflict. However, the situation could change quickly.

After the holiday period, a sharp increase in returns is expected due to security risks, economic pressure, unemployment, and deteriorating living conditions for undocumented Afghans in Iran. This could lead to both forced and spontaneous returns.

The crisis has also triggered the movement of third-country nationals. People from various countries are crossing borders with Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, often with the assistance of their governments.

Humanitarian support

IOM continues to closely monitor the situation, working with national authorities and partners to inform humanitarian priorities.

The Agency also supports the UN Secretary-General's call for restraint and urgent de-escalation. It emphasizes that civilians, including migrants and displaced persons, must be protected at all times, and international humanitarian law must be strictly observed.

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March 24, 2026 Human rights

The rape and murder of a 17-year-old schoolgirl in Kyrgyzstan in September 2025 sparked a wave of public outrage. There were calls in the country to reinstate the death penalty. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for a victim-centered approach to combating violence. He noted that justice must be based on prevention, compassion, and the rule of law, not retribution.

By early December, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov officially submitted the amendment reinstating the death penalty to the Constitutional Court for a constitutional review. On December 10, 2025, the court ruled that the proposal violated international treaty obligations enshrined in Kyrgyzstan's constitution and declared the amendment unconstitutional.

Compliance with human rights obligations

The UN Human Rights Office's Regional Office for Central Asia actively participated in the discussion. Its head, Matilda Bogner, noted that the Office's experts reminded both the executive and judicial authorities of international standards and Kyrgyzstan's corresponding obligations.

Kyrgyzstan has abolished the death penalty since 1998. Ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 2010 definitively enshrined its abolition in law. The Covenant and the Protocol legally obligate states to take all necessary measures to prevent the reinstatement of capital punishment.

“It is positive that, despite an initiative that seemed to enjoy broad public support but fell short of international obligations, a rule-of-law approach ultimately prevailed in Kyrgyzstan,” Bogner said.

Justice, not retribution

The tragedy, which occurred in 2025, sparked a national debate about what constitutes justice for the victims. Bogner acknowledged that emotions inevitably run high in such cases.

"This is an extremely sensitive issue, especially when it comes to such horrific crimes," she said.

"A predictable legal process is a more effective deterrent to serious crime than introducing the death penalty into a system that lacks predictability," Bogner added.

Volker Türk also stressed that the focus should be on prevention.

"The crimes cited by the authorities as grounds for reinstating the death penalty are undoubtedly heinous, and due process must be ensured for them. However, there is no evidence that the death penalty plays a significant role in preventing serious crimes," he noted.

Prevention of violence

An effective legal system not only responds to violence but also helps prevent it. Bogner emphasized that protecting women from gender-based violence requires prompt and appropriate action by both the police and the courts, including the early identification of warning signs.

Following the Constitutional Court's decision, the Kyrgyz authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law. As part of ongoing efforts to prevent violence, the UN Human Rights Office regional office is supporting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in developing a new risk assessment system aimed at strengthening timely responses to cases of gender-based violence. According to Bogner, this system will allow authorities to monitor the situation and intervene before violence occurs.

As Türk emphasized, the Office continues to cooperate with Kyrgyzstan in creating a victim-centered justice system that ensures accountability and, above all, prevents violence against women and girls.

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March 23, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: the global climate has entered a phase of unprecedented instability, the conflict in the Middle East has entered its fourth week, a drone struck a humanitarian aid minibus in the Donetsk region, and the UN is marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Climate instability

The global climate has entered a period of unprecedented instability: greenhouse gas concentrations have reached record levels, oceans continue to warm rapidly, and ice sheets are shrinking rapidly, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). According to the report, 2025 is likely to be the second or third hottest year on record, while 2024 was the hottest year on record. Extreme weather last year led to thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in economic losses.

Conflict in the Middle East

The war in the Middle East has entered its fourth week. The humanitarian crisis in the region remains the focus of the international community. The UN is providing assistance to displaced persons and people in affected areas. The escalation of the conflict is seriously disrupting global supply chains and leading to rising prices for basic goods, warned the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The consequences of the conflict are already being felt far beyond the region. A sharp rise in oil and gas prices poses a serious threat to the global economy.

Ukraine: Drone strikes

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that since March 19, drone strikes and airstrikes have killed 25 Ukrainian civilians and injured more than 130, including several children. On March 20, a drone struck an evacuation minibus belonging to the national NGO "Mission Proliska" in the Donetsk region. Two elderly women were killed. Two other people, including the driver, were injured. The minibus had the organization's logo on its roof. The UN notes the unacceptable risks associated with the use of drones by Russian armed forces against civilians and humanitarian workers.

Fight against racism

Sixty-nine people were killed when police opened fire indiscriminately on a crowd peacefully protesting apartheid. In this reminder of the Sharpeville tragedy, the UN Secretary-General, in Resolution 134, condemned the actions of the South African government. The Secretary-General emphasized that the memory of this tragedy remains an important symbol in the fight against racism.

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According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 15,364 civilian deaths, including 775 children, have been confirmed since February 2022. Another 42,144 people have been injured. The actual figures, DiCarlo emphasized, are likely significantly higher. In February of this year alone, the death toll increased by 45 percent compared to the same period last year.

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March 23, 2026 Human rights

"Sixty-nine people were killed when police opened fire indiscriminately on a crowd peacefully protesting apartheid" – with this reminder of the tragedy in Sharpeville, UN Secretary-General António Guterres began his speech to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

A protest in South Africa on March 21, 1960, ended with the mass shooting of unarmed demonstrators, sparking a wave of outrage worldwide. The UN Security Council, in Resolution 134, condemned the actions of the South African government. The UN Secretary-General emphasized that the memory of this tragedy remains an important symbol in the fight against racism.

Learned behavior

The UN chief noted that racial discrimination is a direct violation of human rights. He asserted that racism is not an innate, but an acquired trait.

"This is a learned behavior that is widespread and has devastating consequences," Guterres said.

He emphasized that the consequences of racism are still felt today – in the legacy of slavery, colonialism, and oppression. They are also reflected in economic, social, and political inequality.

"Racism underlies the abhorrent actions of white supremacists and other extremist groups. It sows mistrust, divides societies, and robs people of their human dignity," the UN chief said.

Hate in the Digital Environment

The Secretary-General said the spread of hatred in the digital environment is particularly alarming today. New technologies, he noted, facilitate the spread of false notions and stereotypes, which often lead to violence in real life.

The Secretary-General also expressed concern that xenophobia and racism are increasingly becoming part of political discourse and are being normalized in the public space.

“I am deeply concerned about how racism and xenophobia are becoming mainstream on digital platforms and in political discourse,” he said.

Guterres emphasized the need for joint action by governments, businesses, and society: "Let us fight for the dignity, rights, and sense of belonging of every person. And together, let us vow to erase the stain of racism from our world," the Secretary-General said.

Under the guise of the ordinary

Racism still exists in every corner of the world and takes many different forms, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted in her speech.

"Sometimes it manifests itself in obvious and vulgar ways – in the form of offensive words thrown at another person or graffiti scratched on a wall," she said.

"Sometimes it manifests itself quietly and unnoticed, hiding behind the mask of bureaucracy and concealed behind the ordinary," Baerbock added.

But whatever form it takes, racism has devastating consequences for society as a whole, not just for individuals, she stressed.

Breaking down barriers

“Let’s not kid ourselves: we may no longer separate people by race on buses, but too often we still do so in our thoughts and in the way we live,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

Around the world, people of African and Asian descent, Jews, Muslims, indigenous peoples and other ethnic, religious and cultural minorities continue to face discrimination, stigmatization, hatred and dehumanization, he stressed.

"By questioning our preconceptions, checking the facts, and studying history and human rights, we can see clearly beyond the distraction tactics and realize our common humanity," Türk said.

He called for us to work together to break down barriers that limit people, “until they disappear completely.”

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March 23, 2026 Climate and environment

The global climate has entered a phase of unprecedented instability: greenhouse gas concentrations have reached record levels, oceans continue to warm rapidly, and ice sheets are shrinking at a rapid pace. This is according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), published in time for World Meteorological Day, celebrated on March 23.

According to the report, 2015–2025 were the 11 hottest years on record, and 2025 is likely to end up being the second or third hottest year. Last year's temperature was approximately 1.43 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level of 1850–1900.

"Every key climate indicator is flashing red," the UN Secretary-General said. Antonio Guterres“When history repeats itself eleven times in a row, it is no longer a coincidence – it is a call to action.”

Warming of the World Ocean and Loss of Glaciers

The world's oceans, which absorb over 91 percent of excess heat, have reached a new record warming level. Over the past two decades, they have annually accumulated energy equivalent to eighteen times the annual energy consumption of humanity. Nearly 90 percent of the ocean surface will experience at least one marine heatwave by 2025.

Ice cover continues to decline rapidly: Arctic sea ice extent reached minimum or near-minimum levels in 2025, and Antarctica recorded the third-lowest extent in satellite records. Massive glacier loss has been recorded in Iceland and along the Pacific coast of North America.

Global sea levels continue to rise, and are already 11 centimeters higher than in 1993, when satellite measurements began. These processes, experts emphasize, will continue for centuries, and changes in deep ocean temperature and acidity will be irreversible for millennia.

Energy imbalance

For the first time, the WMO included in its report an indicator of the Earth's energy imbalance—the difference between incoming solar energy and outgoing thermal radiation. This imbalance has reached its highest level in the 65-year observation period.

“Human activity is increasingly disrupting the natural balance, and we will have to live with the consequences of this phenomenon for hundreds and thousands of years,” emphasized WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

"Delay can cost lives"

Extreme weather in 2025—from droughts and storms to floods and wildfires—has led to thousands of deaths, millions of people affected, and billions in economic losses. The report also documents rising climate-related food insecurity, increased migration, and worsening public health, including the spread of dengue fever and increased heat stress.

"In this era of war, climate disruption reveals another truth: our dependence on fossil fuels undermines both the climate and global security. Today's report should come with a warning: climate chaos is accelerating, and delay could cost lives," António Guterres emphasized.

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March 23, 2026 Peace and security

The war in the Middle East has entered its fourth week. The humanitarian crisis in the region remains the focus of the international community. At the same time, the energy crisis is intensifying amid attacks on shipping and oil and gas infrastructure in the Persian Gulf.

In recent days, there have been reports of new strikes on Iranian territory by Israel and the United States, as well as Iranian attacks on southern Israeli cities. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that he was postponing strikes on Iranian energy facilities following "productive" negotiations aimed at ending the war.

Nuclear safety is under threat

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on Monday that Director General Rafael Grossi held a telephone conversation with the leadership of Rosatom, whose technology is used at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in southern Iran. Grossi received an update from the head of the Russian state corporation.

According to the IAEA, as a result strike on March 18 A facility approximately 350 meters from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant was destroyed, but the reactor itself was not damaged.

The agency's head recalled that, in accordance with the fundamental principles of nuclear safety, any military action must not jeopardize the integrity of nuclear facilities or the safety of their employees.

Aid to Lebanon amid destruction

Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that a humanitarian convoy carrying vital supplies, including hygiene products, drinking water, first aid kits, water purification tablets and chlorine, is heading to southern Lebanon today.

UNICEF representative Christophe Boulerac noted that the destroyed bridges could complicate the delivery of aid, but the operation will continue.

At the same time, the agency is in dire need of funding: only 14 percent of the requested amount of $48 million has been received.

Global supply chains under pressure

The escalation of the conflict is seriously disrupting global supply chains and leading to rising prices for basic goods, warned Jorge Moreira da Silva, head of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

According to him, the consequences of the conflict are already being felt far beyond the region: rising oil, fuel, and gas prices are putting pressure on the global economy. The closure of airspace, sea routes, and key crossings is hindering the delivery of vital goods, including medicine.

Of particular concern are attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz– one of the key routes for global energy trade. This could lead to further price increases and supply delays.

Developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, could be hit hardest, with disruptions in energy and fertilizer markets threatening their food security.

"There is no military solution to the problem," Moreira da Silva stressed, calling for increased diplomatic efforts.

Cultural heritage under threat

Since the fighting began on February 28, cultural heritage sites in Iran, Israel and Lebanon have been damaged, UNESCO reports.

In Iran, the Golestan Palace, the Chehel Sotoun Palace, and the Masjed-e Jameh Mosque were damaged, as were buildings near the prehistoric monuments of the Khorramabad Valley.

In Israel, damage was recorded in the White City of Tel Aviv, and in Lebanon, in the ancient city of Tyre.

UNESCO warns that other sites in the region are also under threat, including countries in the South Caucasus, the Middle East and the Persian Gulf.

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March 21, 2026 Climate and environment

Forests cover more than 40 percent of Belarus's territory. Last year, the country recorded twice as many forest fires as the previous year. Threats to this vital ecosystem and conservation efforts ahead of the upcoming International Day of Forests, which is celebrated on March 21, said Armen Martirosyan, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belarus.

According to him, forests are not just a natural resource, but a complex, self-regulating ecosystem, the significance of which extends far beyond national borders.

© UNDP in Belarus

Armen Martirosyan, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Belarus.

"Forests absorb and store carbon, playing a vital role in mitigating climate change, regulating water resources, protecting soil from erosion, and improving air quality," Martirosyan said in an interview with Evgenia Kleshcheva of the UN News Service.

Ecosystem and Economy

Today, forests cover 40.3 percent of Belarus's territory—almost 10 million hectares. According to UNDP data, their area has grown by a million hectares over the past 30 years. There is approximately one hectare of forest per capita in Belarus. This is twice the global average.

Forest ecosystems play a key role in preserving biodiversity, providing habitat for thousands of plant and animal species. Equally important economic contribution of forestryIn Belarus, this industry employs approximately 40,000 people, and wood processing products account for 8.4 percent of exports. Non-timber forest resources, such as berries, mushrooms, and medicinal plants.

In addition, forests are an important space for recreation and tourism, which creates new opportunities for small businesses and employment in the regions.

"Ecotourism is becoming a priority in Belarus. Forests offer local communities the opportunity to create jobs, develop small businesses, and organize educational eco-tourism trails for residents and visitors," the UNDP representative emphasized.

New threats

However, forest ecosystems are facing growing threats, primarily related to with the consequences of climate change.

© UNDP in Belarus

Forest fire in Belarus.

Forest fires remain one of the most serious problems. Martirosyan emphasized that this is directly related to rising temperatures, shorter frost periods, changes in precipitation patterns and intensity, and the increasing incidence of extreme weather conditions. According to experts, since the start of the 2025 fire season, more than 700 fires have been registered in Belarus, covering over 1,200 hectares of forest—almost double the number recorded the previous year.

"Especially vulnerable coniferous forests"In Belarus, fires can cause serious damage to biodiversity and destroy entire ecosystems. Forest pests remain an equally serious challenge. In recent years, the number of insects, such as bark beetles and sawflies, has increased. This is also linked to global warming and the declining resilience of forest ecosystems," Martirosyan explained.

UNDP support

The United Nations Development Programme has been collaborating with the Belarusian Ministry of Forestry for many years, helping to implement modern approaches to forest resource management.

Thus, UNDP specialists prepared recommendations for updating legislation in this area. In 2025, proposals were developed for the use of digital technologies and innovative methods for forest inventory, conservation, and protection, as well as for effective fire management. In February 2026, with the support of the UN agency, Belarus adopted a strategy and national action plan for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

A new project to strengthen preparedness for fire prevention and response was launched in 2025. This is the first project implemented by UNDP in Belarus with financial support from the Government of the People's Republic of China as part of South-South cooperation. Another project, aimed at developing ecotourism, is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and with support from the Russian Federation.

"Ecotourism creates new sources of income for local residents while simultaneously supporting protected areas. The project helps develop ecotourism infrastructure, create new routes and services, and train specialists working in Belarusian nature reserves," explained a UNDP representative.

Three steps to protect forests

According to Martirosyan, to preserve forests There is a need to focus on three key areas.

The first is the use of innovation and digital technologies to monitor forest conditions and detect threats early.

© UNDP in Belarus

Inspection of firefighting personnel and equipment in preparation for the fire season in Belarus.

The second is strengthening partnerships between the state, international organizations and local communities.

Third, education and raising environmental awareness, especially among young people.

Working with partners at the international, national, and local levels enables us to develop a systems-based approach to forest management, ensure sustainable results, and preserve forests for future generations.

"The forest is a living organism. It must be treated not just as a resource, but as part of our shared reality, on which our future depends," the expert emphasized.

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.