Category: English

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 3, 2025 Peace and security

The resolution, proposed by a number of countries, including Ukraine, was supported by 91 countries, 12 voted against, and 57 abstained. Resolution demands that the Russian Federation ensure the "immediate, safe and unconditional" return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly displaced or deported.

The General Assembly also called on Russia to immediately cease any further practice of forced displacement, deportation, separation of children from their families and legal guardians, changes in their personal status, including through the granting of citizenship, adoption or placement in foster families, as well as the practice of ideological indoctrination.

The document calls on the Secretary-General to use his good offices, including through the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, to remain actively engaged in this issue.

"Imagine: you're 16 years old, going about your daily business… Suddenly, soldiers with machine guns and balaclavas burst into your home," said General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, opening the meeting. "They force you into a car and drive you off to an unknown destination, where you spend months in a horrific situation. They even change your name."

Sharing the story of this Ukrainian child—one of thousands who, according to Baerbock, were forcibly displaced, adopted, or sent for military training in the Russian Federation—she noted that many of these children may not be aware of the role played by the UN General Assembly. But they understand the responsibility it carries. "We must listen to the voices of the people—especially the most vulnerable, children," she emphasized.

According to the President of the General Assembly, international law, particularly Article 49 of the Geneva Convention, unequivocally prohibits the forced displacement or deportation of children from occupied territories. "What we are witnessing is not just a tragedy for individual children, but a violation of international law," she said.

Ukraine: "This resolution is about humanity"

"This resolution is not about politics," the representative of Ukraine said, addressing the General Assembly before the vote. "It is about humanity. There can be no doubt that every child deserves to live in a home where they feel loved."

According to her, "during the Russian Federation's aggressive war against Ukraine, children are killed, wounded, raped, separated from their families, and deported." "It is inconceivable that anyone would consider children war trophies," the Ukrainian diplomat said.

Moscow's so-called "rescue operations," the Ukrainian representative noted, are in fact "cynical missions to exterminate Ukrainians and take away their children." According to her, the Russian Federation has deported at least 20,000 Ukrainian children to date. While some have been returned, the fate of many remains unknown.

Recalling that the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials accused of involvement in these crimes, she emphasized that the occupying power bears full responsibility for the return of Ukrainian children. "No child should be separated from their family," she said, calling on the General Assembly to intercede for Ukrainian children.

Russia: The resolution's purpose is to "promote the narrative of Russia's alleged deportation."

Speaking before the vote, Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Maria Zabolotskaya, noted that the special session should not have resumed its work, as its goal contradicts the purposes and principles of the UN, as enshrined in its Charter, and is to "thwart the achievement of a long-term peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis."

"The purpose of this text [of the resolution] is certainly not to help children," she stated. "Its purpose is to advance the narrative of Russia's alleged deportation of children. For several years now, we've been hearing the figure of 20,000 children allegedly deported. This figure hasn't changed, and it's not supported by any lists or any inquiries from parents or relatives. We've never seen any relatives of the children allegedly deported to Russia."

She recalled that the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Holy See, and the State of Qatar are acting as mediators in this matter, and that the Russian leadership also supported the initiative of US First Lady Melania Trump to take part in the fate of children affected by military action.

"You won't learn from the resolution that child reunification is a two-way street," said Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative. "122 children returned to Ukraine and 29 children returned to Russia."

In June of this year, Ukraine handed over a list of 339 names to Russia in Istanbul. Some of those listed were adults, while others had never been to Russia, the rapporteur added.

Zabolotskaya also refuted reports of Russia's violations of international humanitarian law and the forced adoption of Ukrainian children.

At the end of her speech, the Russian representative stated that “every vote cast in favor of the resolution is support for lies, war, and confrontation; every vote against is a vote for peace.”

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 3, 2025 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: a humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, mass displacement from violence in northern Mozambique, record opium production in Myanmar, and International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The humanitarian situation in Sudan

Sudan is currently experiencing a severe humanitarian disaster: the escalating conflict in Kordofan and other parts of the country has left civilians without food, water, and medical care. UNICEF reports that some communities in South Kordofan are under siege, while West Kordofan is experiencing constant outbreaks of violence. Hospitals are only partially functioning. The World Health Organization has confirmed nearly 200 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in the deaths of over 1,700 people. Despite this, humanitarian organizations continue to deliver water and food to those in need. The humanitarian response plan for Sudan is only 35 percent funded. The UN is calling on donors to urgently increase their support.

Aid for internally displaced persons in Mozambique

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher on Wednesday released $6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to expand support for 120,000 people displaced by violence in northern Mozambique. The situation in the African country has deteriorated sharply since mid-November as the conflict has escalated. According to humanitarian organizations, children make up more than two-thirds of the 100,000 people who have fled in the past two weeks. They are taking refuge in overcrowded schools, temporary shelters, and sleeping on the streets. All this is happening against the backdrop of cholera spreading across the region. The Central Response Fund will prioritize water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies for those in need.

Myanmar's opium production hits record high

Opium poppy cultivation volumes in Myanmar reached the maximum level Over the past ten years, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported in a new report. The study was published at a critical moment for the country, which is experiencing protracted conflict and socioeconomic instability. According to the report, the area under poppy cultivation in Myanmar has increased by 17 percent compared to last year. Economic factors play a key role. Since 2019, the price of opium at farmers' markets has more than doubled. According to the UNODC, rising prices and reduced heroin supplies from Afghanistan are creating incentives for further expansion of production in Myanmar.

International Day of Disabled Persons

Today, 1.3 billion people, or one in six people on Earth, face significant health-related limitations. People with disabilities face twice the risk of developing chronic diseases, from diabetes to depression, and the gap in life expectancy compared to people without disabilities can be as high as 20 years. These figures reflect not only health status but also the consequences of systemic exclusion, discrimination, and limited access to services. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his message on the occasion International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is celebrated on December 3, emphasized that without real inclusion it is impossible to talk about genuine social progress or sustainable development.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 3, 2025 Human rights

For the first time in the country's history, Syrians are preparing to publicly celebrate next week Human Rights Day – a small but significant step that the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) says marks a “new chapter” in its engagement with the authorities and gives hope to millions of people waiting for change.

In an interview with the UN News Service, OHCHR representative Mohammad Al-Nsour reported that the situation in the country is improving a year after the fall of the Assad regime. "Every time we come to Damascus, we see changes," he said.

For many years, the Office was not allowed to operate inside Syria, but the OHCHR team is now permanently based in Damascus. Previously, Al-Nsour monitored the human rights situation remotely from Beirut.

Signs of progress

Syria still faces many challenges, including rebuilding the war-torn country and holding those responsible for crimes committed both under the former regime and since its fall to justice.

Al-Nsour noted that the security problem also remains extremely serious, recalling in particular the massacres in coastal areas of Syria earlier this year, including cases committed by security forces.

Nevertheless, overall, he said, the situation is developing “very constructively and positively.”

"There is political will and a desire on the part of the government to improve the situation," he said. The government is receiving technical assistance from UN representatives aimed at reforming legislation, strengthening human rights principles in law enforcement, and improving the effectiveness of public administration.

These steps, he noted, demonstrate a commitment to a future based on respect for human rights.

He stressed that one of the key advantages of having an OHCHR office inside the country is that its staff act “as consultants to the authorities.”

"Our goal is not to shame or blame any government, but to prevent violations," Al-Nsour said.

Human Rights Day

Preparations are in full swing for the first-ever Human Rights Day commemoration on December 10. The event, which coincides closely with the anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, is jointly organized by the OHCHR and the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Al-Nsour noted that the celebration would mark a "new chapter in relations with the Syrian government," and that discussions would focus on "how to advance the human rights agenda in the new Syria."

Accountability and fairness

For many Syrians, accountability remains a key demand. Following the coastal incidents in March, the authorities established a National Investigative Committee, which received significant technical support from the OHCHR. Some perpetrators have already been brought to justice.

Al-Nsour noted that the government also agreed to extend the mandate of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, allowing for the continuation of independent international investigations not only into violations committed under the Assad regime but also after its fall.

Voices of Women and Youth

The OHCHR also supports women's civil society organizations and promotes women's greater political participation. According to Al-Nsour, the authorities are open to this approach.

The UN representative emphasized that the main source of hope for Syria is the Syrians themselves.

"Syria's remarkable trait is the resilience of its people," he said. "The remarkable, educated young generation, ready to participate in building a new Syria in the most positive way, inspires hope," the OHCHR representative added.

Across the country, young people are launching their own initiatives, from cleaning public parks to supporting local services.

“They have seen what has happened in other countries – in post-conflict situations in the region and beyond – and they are doing everything they can to move in the right direction,” Al-Nsour said.

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.