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March 14, 2026 Peace and security

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday called for an immediate end to hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, stressing the need to respect international law and Lebanese sovereignty. These words came "against the backdrop of ongoing violence that is devastating lives on both sides of the border."

Speaking to journalists in Beirut during a "solidarity visit with the people of Lebanon," the UN chief warned that an escalation of fighting could turn large swathes of the country into "scorched earth" and exacerbate civilian suffering. He noted that recent exchanges of fire had already led to large-scale destruction and displacement of populations in Lebanon.

Civilians pay the highest price

Over the past two weeks, Hezbollah rockets and drones have targeted northern Israel and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. This has resulted in massive Israeli bombing campaigns and evacuation orders across Lebanon. According to the Secretary-General, hundreds of Lebanese have been killed, including children, and hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes.

The Lebanese people did not choose this war. They were dragged into it.

Guterres reported that during his trip, he visited a shelter for displaced persons and was deeply moved by the stories of people who had lost their homes. He warned that southern Lebanon, already severely damaged by the fighting, risks becoming uninhabitable if the violence continues.

"The Lebanese people did not choose this war," he emphasized. "They were dragged into it."

"There is no military solution"

The UN chief made a direct appeal to the parties to the conflict to cease hostilities and return to diplomacy.

"Stop the shelling. Stop the bombing," he said, emphasizing that there is no military solution—only diplomacy, dialogue, and full compliance with the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions.

The ceasefire agreement reached in late 2024 brought only temporary relief and was never fully implemented, Guterres noted. He added that violations continued on both sides of the UN-monitored Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel.

The requirements of Resolution 1701 must be met.

The key to stabilizing the situation, he emphasized, is the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006 after the war between Israel and Hezbollah.

“It is imperative that Hizbullah respect the Government’s decision to ensure a state monopoly on the use of weapons, as well as all relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1701,” the Secretary-General said.

At the same time, he emphasized, Israel is also obliged to comply with international law.

“And it is crucial that Israel respects Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Secretary-General added.

© UNIFIL/H. Fahs

UN Secretary-General António Guterres visits a UN peacekeeper from Ghana in hospital who was wounded during the conflict in Lebanon.

Support for UN peacekeepers

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon is carrying out its peacekeeping mission along the Blue Line despite ongoing fighting. Guterres expressed gratitude to the peacekeepers for their courage, recalling that three Ghanaian soldiers were wounded in recent firefights.

"Attacks on peacekeepers are absolutely unacceptable," he stressed, warning that such actions violate international law and could be considered war crimes.

An appeal to the international community

In addition to the ceasefire, the Secretary-General called on the international community to strengthen its support for Lebanon, including by strengthening the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces and responding to the humanitarian appeal launched the previous day.

"The people of Lebanon—like the people of Israel and other peoples in the region—deserve to live without fear," he said, "to raise their children without the sound of sirens and gunshots. To return home without wondering when they will have to flee again."

Guterres noted that the UN will continue to work with the Lebanese authorities and international partners to achieve de-escalation and bring closer a peaceful future for the region.

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March 13, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: the UN chief, visiting Beirut, called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah; humanitarian aid supplies through the Kerem Shalom border crossing into Gaza are almost completely blocked; the Secretary-General condemned attacks on synagogues in Canada, Belgium, the United States, and the Netherlands; and a report on obstetric violence was presented at the UN.

Secretary General in Lebanon

The UN Secretary-General called for an urgent allocation of over $308 million to help people affected by the escalating crisis in Lebanon. He warned that the escalating conflict in the region is having dire consequences for the civilian population. More than 900,000 people in Lebanon have already fled their homes, more than 90,000 of whom have crossed the border into Syria. People are living in tents and special accommodation centers and are in dire need of food and medical assistance. Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Aid for Gaza

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that yesterday and today, almost all attempts to deliver humanitarian aid through the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza were blocked. Only one convoy was allowed through. Kerem Shalom remains the only functioning crossing on the Gaza Strip; the Rafah and Zikim crossings remain closed. The UN calls for the opening of the crossings and the entry of humanitarian supplies into the Strip, which will allow the necessary aid to be provided to all those in need.

Attacks on synagogues

The Secretary-General strongly and unequivocally condemns the attacks on synagogues in Canada, Belgium, the United States, and the Netherlands, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated at a briefing in New York. Places of worship should serve as a refuge for all believers, and attacks on them undermine the principle of humanity, the UN chief emphasized. Guterres called on authorities in all countries where such incidents occurred to ensure the protection of religious sites, hold those responsible accountable, and make every effort to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred.

Obstetric violence

Nearly 70 percent of women in Eastern Europe and Central Asia report experiencing abuse during childbirth, according to a new report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Nearly half of the women surveyed reported medical interventions, including cesarean sections, to which they did not consent, approximately 24 percent reported being insulted by medical staff, and 12 percent reported being restrained during childbirth, such as being tied to a bed or subjected to other forms of physical abuse.

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March 13, 2026 Humanitarian aid

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who is visiting Lebanon, launched a $308.3 million emergency humanitarian aid campaign to support the country's population. Escalating violence in the region has resulted in widespread destruction, civilian casualties, and mass displacement.

Guterres arrived in Beirut on Friday, calling his trip "a visit of solidarity with the people of Lebanon." In his address, the UN chief emphasized that "solidarity in words must be matched by solidarity in deeds."

Humanitarian priorities

According to the Secretary-General, the military escalation in the region is having a devastating impact on Lebanon. Hundreds of civilians have been killed, including many children. Entire communities have been forced to leave their homes, and people's lives were completely disrupted.

Evacuation zones across the country have expanded significantly, and access to food, water, health care, education and other basic services has been severely disrupted.

According to the UN, more than 816,000 people have been displaced within Lebanon, while another 90,000 or more – mostly Syrians, but also Lebanese – have crossed the border into Syria.

Relief efforts

Despite the dire situation, the UN chief noted the expressions of solidarity and mutual assistance within the country. Schools are opening their doors to accommodate displaced families, health workers continue to work under enormous strain, and local communities are demonstrating extraordinary resilience in the face of enormous upheaval.

UN agencies and humanitarian partners are working with national authorities to deliver hot meals, drinking water, hygiene supplies and essential items.

"These efforts are saving lives, but they urgently require much more support," the Secretary-General said.

Additional funding

The funds requested by the UN are for three months and will be used to expand vital assistance, including food, clean water, health services, education, protection of civilians and other essential services.

The success of the operation will depend on rapid and flexible funding, as well as on ensuring safe access for humanitarian workers to people in need.

Guterres also noted that the escalation occurred during religiously significant periods: Ramadan for Muslims and Lent for Christians. Both religions encourage their followers to show compassion and support each other.

He said that for many years, Lebanon has welcomed people fleeing conflict, demonstrating to the world the true meaning of hospitality and solidarity. "And now, in this hour of grave danger and great need, the world must stand with the people of Lebanon," he declared.

Ceasefire and negotiations

The Secretary General also stressed the need immediate ceasefire, which should create conditions for negotiations and allow Lebanon to restore its territorial integrity and strengthen state institutions.

Earlier on Friday, he met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN's firm support for the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Discussions also focused on the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701, including strengthening security and stability.in the Blue Line area, separating Lebanon and Israel.

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March 13, 2026 Healthcare

Nearly seven in ten women in Eastern Europe and Central Asia report experiencing some form of mistreatment during childbirth, according to new report The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report highlights the widespread, yet often hidden, problem of obstetric violence, which violates fundamental rights and humiliates women.

The study is based on an online survey of over 2,600 women giving birth in 16 countries and territories in the region. The survey was conducted by UNFPA and partners, including the Moldovan Center for Partnership for Development.

According to the study, 67 percent of women reported experiencing at least one form of mistreatment during childbirth or medical examination. These include medical procedures without consent, verbal and physical abuse, and violations of privacy.

"These results are alarming," said Florence Bauer, UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. She emphasized that every woman has the right to the highest possible level of health care, which must include respectful and dignified treatment.

"Obstetric violence is not just a medical issue. It's a human rights violation that leaves women feeling helpless and stressed and can have long-term consequences for their health and well-being," Bauer emphasized.

Non-consensual procedures

According to the report, nearly half of the women surveyed (48.1 percent) reported having undergone medical interventions without their informed consent. These included episiotomies, cesarean sections, and the administration of oxytocin. About 24 percent of women reported instances of verbal abuse, including shouting and humiliation by medical staff.

One in ten women reported physical or sexual violence during childbirth or gynecological examinations. For example, 12 percent of women surveyed reported being restrained during labor, such as being tied to a bed or subjected to harsh physical force. Meanwhile, 10.4 percent of women reported experiencing various forms of sexual violence, from inappropriate touching to more severe assault, including humiliating genital manipulation.

However, many women do not report such cases. More than half of survey participants (53.7 percent) had never heard the term "obstetric violence," and only 2 percent of those who experienced abuse officially reported it. People often do not seek help due to mistrust of complaint mechanisms or fear of repercussions.

Regional differences

In Central Asian countries, the problem of obstetric violence is discussed less frequently than in European countries. According to the study, the highest proportion of women who had not heard of or were unaware of the concept of "obstetric violence" was recorded in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan – in these countries, approximately two-thirds of respondents were unaware of the phenomenon.

The report's authors note that the situation may be partly explained by cultural and social characteristics of the region, where traditional ideas about women's roles and childbirth may make discussions of cases of abuse less common.

The level of violations also varies among countries in the region. For example, in Albania, Moldova, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Kosovo, women were more likely to report discrimination, verbal and physical violence, and problems in the healthcare system.

Specifically, in Tajikistan, 31.8 percent of women reported verbal abuse during childbirth, and 22.7 percent reported physical violence. Meanwhile, 34 percent of women giving birth in Ukraine reported poor quality of medical care, including violations of privacy or insufficient staff qualifications.

Sexual violence was reported by 19 percent of women surveyed in Serbia and 16.2 percent in the Republic of Moldova.

Call to action

UNFPA, the European Council and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology called on governments and the medical community in the region to take comprehensive measures to eliminate obstetric violence.

Proposed steps include adopting relevant legislation, improving the training of medical personnel, informing women of their rights, creating accountability mechanisms, and conducting public information campaigns.

"Respectful treatment is not an optional extra, but a prerequisite for quality medical care," Florence Bauer emphasized. She stated that removing systemic barriers will ensure safe and dignified childbirth for every woman.

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March 12, 2026 Peace and security

The UN Secretary-General on Thursday called on all parties to the conflict in the Middle East to cease hostilities, respect international law, protect civilians and immediately return to the negotiating table.

"We hear a lot of talk about peace, but we see catastrophically little of it," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres at a ceremony in Turkey accepting the Atatürk International Peace Prize. "International law continues to be flouted, power politics is gaining momentum, and inequality is growing. New technologies, including artificial intelligence, pose risks and have the potential to spread violence rather than prevent it. Military spending is skyrocketing, while vital humanitarian aid is being cut to critically low levels."

Unacceptable price

At the same time, the UN chief emphasized, civilians continue to pay the highest price, and the unfolding crisis in the Middle East, according to him, serves as a tragic example of this.

"The massive strikes carried out by the US and Israel, and Iran's subsequent attacks on numerous countries, pose a grave threat to international peace and security. They have already caused enormous suffering among civilians," Guterres emphasized. "The region is under intense pressure that could lead to its collapse."

The consequences, according to the Secretary-General, are spreading across the globe: trade chains are being disrupted, energy and food prices are rising, and instability is growing. The only way forward, Guterres emphasized, is through de-escalation and dialogue.

Peace Prize

The Secretary-General's visit to Turkey is another gesture of solidarity with Muslim countries during the holy month of Ramadan, which has become an annual personal tradition for António Guterres.

"These visits are a powerful reminder to the world of the true spirit of Islam, which is compassion, unity, and empathy," he said. "This Ramadan, I felt especially strongly that my solidarity visit should bring me here to Turkey. I came to draw the world's attention to the exceptional and generous spirit of the Turkish people."

Guterres accepted the Atatürk International Peace Prize on behalf of all United Nations staff. In his speech, he recognized their efforts to provide humanitarian aid and maintain peace around the world and paid tribute to those killed in humanitarian work, including those of the UN in Gaza.

“Let’s give peace a chance together,” he concluded.

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March 12, 2026 Peace and security

The UN Security Council met on Thursday to discuss the work of the committee handling sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program. The meeting was convened by the United States, which holds the Security Council presidency this month.

The Committee, established by resolution 1737 in 2006, suspended its activities following the conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015, which also suspended previous UN sanctions. The Security Council then unanimously adopted Resolution 2231, in which he endorsed the JCPOA. However, in September 2025, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom initiated a "rapid response mechanism" (snapback), provided by the agreement to restore UN sanctions against Iran. China, the Russian Federation, and Iran disputed the legality of this move, arguing that the sanctions regime ceased to apply in October 2025, when Resolution 2231 expired.

Disagreements among UN Security Council members

Disagreements among Council members prevented consensus on the committee's report. Nevertheless, the United States decided to hold a briefing, at which the countries also discussed Iran's nuclear program and rising tensions in the region.

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The UN Security Council condemned Iran's strikes on neighboring countries. A Russian draft resolution failed to secure the required number of votes.

Russia, supported by China, questioned the legitimacy of the meeting, claiming that sanctions had been lifted. A Russian representative called for a procedural vote to block the meeting.

The US and UK highlighted nuclear threats

US Representative Michael Waltz called the meeting a "routine, mandated meeting" of the sanctions committee and accused Russia and China of blocking its work. He said the snapback mechanism had reinstated UN sanctions against Iran, including the arms embargo and restrictions on missile technology.

Citing data from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he warned that Iran remains the only non-nuclear weapons state producing uranium enriched to 60 percent, raising serious concerns.

In turn, UK Permanent Representative James Kariuki stated that Iran's nuclear and missile programs remain a serious threat to global security. He also expressed solidarity with the Gulf countries affected by the recent attacks. He added that the UK joined more than 130 countries in condemning Iran's actions and supporting the restoration of UN sanctions.

Russia criticized the US and the EU-3

Russia's Permanent Representative Vasily Nebenzya criticized the majority of Security Council members for what he called their failure to speak out against the "gross violation" of previous Council decisions. He stated that responsibility for the resulting "lawlessness" lies with the US presidency and the countries that support its actions.

Recalling that Washington withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018, he said the US, UK, France and Germany have no legal right to initiate the restoration of sanctions against Iran.

According to him, these countries "have deprived themselves of the right to launch a 'snapback' through their chronic violations of the JCPOA and Resolution 2231." He added that the issue should be resolved within the framework of the Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM) at the Vienna forum.

Destabilization in the Middle East

China's Permanent Representative Fu Cong stated that the crisis over Iran's nuclear program was triggered by the US's unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA. He also accused Washington of resorting to military action alongside Israel before the nuclear talks were concluded. Condemning such actions, the Chinese diplomat called on the US to reverse course and return to diplomacy. He also called on European countries to "stop adding fuel to the fire of war" and warned of the risk of using sanctions to advance narrow political interests.

French representative Jérôme Bonnafon, for his part, stated that "primary responsibility" for the current situation in the region lies with Iran. He accused Tehran of destabilizing the Middle East and obstructing IAEA inspections at its nuclear facilities.

He said the size of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which is estimated at around 450 kilograms, remains unclear – enough to produce several nuclear warheads.

He called on Member States to support the work of the Sanctions Committee established by Resolution 1737, calling it a peaceful instrument to curb Iran's destabilizing activities.

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Elvira Azimova, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan and head of the country's delegation to the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York, spoke about this in an interview with the UN News Service.

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March 12, 2026 Human rights

The Belarusian authorities are conducting a systematic campaign of repression against their opponents, both real and perceived. People are subjected to arbitrary arrests and detentions for exercising their rights to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

This was stated by the Chairperson of the Group of Independent Experts on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Karinna Moskalenko, while presenting the group's second report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Since January 2025, experts have conducted 181 interviews with victims and witnesses and reviewed nearly two thousand documents.

Inhumane conditions of detention

Moskalenko reported that, according to the collected materials, prisoners in Belarus are held in inhumane conditions and subjected to torture. They are deprived of sleep, and their cells are kept at extremely low temperatures.

"Political prisoners were regularly subjected to punitive isolation on trumped-up disciplinary grounds. Many reported being beaten with fists, feet, batons, and other objects, as well as having electric shock devices used on them," Moskalenko said.

"We are deeply concerned about the deaths of eight people in custody. Some of these deaths could likely have been prevented," she added.

Women detained on politically motivated charges were denied adequate access to gender-sensitive health care, which negatively impacted their health.

The rights of LGBTQI individuals were also violated. Some LGBTQI individuals were subjected to particularly harsh and humiliating conditions of detention.

Forced deportation of those released

In 2025, nearly 200 prisoners – most of whom were held for political reasons – were released after negotiations with the United States.

However, the manner of their release raises serious concerns, Moskalenko noted. Belarusian and foreign citizens were forcibly deported to third countries, and some were stripped of their identity documents.

"These measures are contrary to international human rights standards," the human rights activist emphasized.

Today, more than 1,130 people are illegally detained in Belarus.

"We urge the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners," Moskalenko said.

Transnational repression

Belarusians cannot feel safe even in exile. A group of experts has documented a campaign of transnational repression.

Authorities have opened criminal cases, conducted trials in absentia, frozen assets, and confiscated property of individuals who participated in peaceful demonstrations abroad, gave interviews to media outlets deemed extremist by the authorities, or simply published photographs with opposition leaders.

"We have also confirmed cases where security forces have harassed and intimidated family members of Belarusians in exile," Moskalenko noted.

The guilty are not held accountable

Experts also confirmed that a climate of impunity reigns in the country, and those responsible are not held accountable.

"Not a single significant investigation or disciplinary action has been conducted. On the contrary, those allegedly involved in serious violations have been promoted or awarded state awards," the human rights activist stated.

The Belarusian government, despite repeated requests, continues to refuse to cooperate with the expert group.

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March 12, 2026 Healthcare

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on countries to focus more on preparing for future pandemics and strengthening global cooperation. He made this statement on Thursday at the opening of the 13th Global Baku Forum.

Confront a common threat

The head of the WHO recalled that military spending in 2025 reached $2.7 trillion, which is 30 times more than the amount needed to eradicate hunger by 2030.

He also drew attention to the readiness to repel an attack from an "invisible enemy." This refers to a pandemic such as COVID-19, which is estimated to be "claimed the lives of 20 million people – more than any war in modern history – deprived the global economy of more than 10 trillion dollars.”

The WHO chief emphasized that the world often moves from one crisis to another without learning lessons. Despite the devastating consequences of pandemics, countries spend significantly more on military needs than on protection from health threats.

“And yet, as the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, in a globalized world, health security is national security,” Ghebreyesus emphasized.

"Viruses don't need visas; pathogens don't respect borders. And disinformation spreads faster than diplomacy," he added.

International cooperation

According to the head of the WHO, healthcare should become a platform for international cooperation.

“In a divided and fragmented world, health is one of the few areas where countries can – and should – work together, across ideological divides, to find common solutions to shared threats,” he said.

Ghebreyesus recalled that WHO Member States continue to work to strengthen global preparedness for future pandemics. Last year, they adopted agreement on pandemics, which, once ratified, should become an important international legal instrument for improving health security.

Countries are also negotiating an additional pathogen-sharing and benefit-sharing mechanism that should ensure the rapid detection of potentially dangerous viruses and fair access to vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics.

According to the head of the WHO, countries are participating in this process not out of charitable motives, but because cooperation in the areas of epidemiological surveillance, early warning, and access to medical supplies is in their interests.

“This is the point of multilateral cooperation – not to eliminate differences, but to manage common risks,” he stressed.

Funding cuts

Ghebreyesus also noted that the international cooperation system is currently facing serious challenges. He stated that the WHO is going through a period of complex reforms and reorientation due to the cessation of funding. from the largest donor.

“I am confident that WHO will emerge from this situation stronger, more clearly focused on its core mandate, more independent and more capable of serving the peoples and countries of the world,” the head of the agency noted.

“Ultimately, we are one species, living on the same planet, sharing the same DNA and facing the same threats,” he said, emphasizing that restoring trust between countries and international institutions remains key to effectively responding to future crises.

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