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Top Stories of the Day | Wednesday: Human Rights, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 10, 2025 UN

The top news of the day in the UN and around the world: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for harnessing the energy of social movements for transformative reforms; one of the largest humanitarian disasters of modern times is unfolding in Afghanistan; the evacuation of civilians continues amid intense fighting in the frontline regions of Ukraine; and the UN chief has begun his visit to Saudi Arabia.

Protection of human rights

Human rights are under attack worldwide, according to Volker Türk, the UN's top human rights official. He noted that the past year "has been difficult"—against the backdrop of declining funding for human rights activities, anti-rights movements are increasingly gaining resources and increasing their influence. Despite these trends, Türk emphasized, in many countries, young people are taking to the streets and engaging in social media activism, speaking out against war, inequality, corruption, and repression. Türk called on governments to "harness the energy of social movements" as a potential for transformation, rather than suppressing them.

Security Council on Afghanistan

At a meeting of the UN Security Council, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher stated that Afghanistan is facing one of the largest humanitarian disasters of modern times. Nearly 22 million Afghans will require assistance by 2026. In 2025, more than 2.6 million refugees, primarily from Iran and Pakistan, will return to the country. Most of them are women and children. Furthermore, the country was rocked by two major earthquakes this year. The UN is requesting $1.7 billion in aid for Afghanistan next year.

The UN provides assistance to Ukraine

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that the evacuation of civilians continues amid intense fighting in frontline regions of Ukraine. According to the latest report from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country, civilian casualties increased by 37 percent in both frontline and urban areas between June and November of this year, compared to the previous six months. With the support of UN agencies, non-governmental organizations are providing assistance to residents of the affected regions.

UN chief visits Saudi Arabia

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Guterres began his visit to Saudi Arabia today. He praised the Kingdom's cooperation with the United Nations. In the capital, Riyadh, he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They discussed a range of regional issues and the current geopolitical situation. The UN chief also plans to meet with the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister and Energy Minister.

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Protection or Isolation? Why Banning Children from Social Media Can Backfire

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 10, 2025 Human rights

On Wednesday, Australia launched the world's first ban on social media use by children and adolescents under 16. The official goal of the ban is to protect young people from cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and harmful content that harms mental health.

While other countries are considering similar measures, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warns that age restrictions alone are not enough to keep children safe online.

"While we welcome the growing global commitment to protecting children in the digital environment, such bans pose new risks and can be counterproductive," the organization said in a statement.

For many children—especially isolated and marginalized ones—social media is a kind of "lifeline," facilitating communication, learning, and self-expression, the foundation believes. Furthermore, many will find ways to circumvent the ban, whether through VPNs or less-regulated platforms, making their protection even more difficult.

Child protection and human rights

"Age restrictions must be part of a broader strategy that protects children from harm, respects their right to privacy, and does not push them into unregulated, less safe digital spaces," UNICEF emphasized.

According to the foundation's representatives, legislative regulation should not replace online platforms' responsibility to invest in child safety. Age-restriction laws are no substitute for improved platform design and rigorous content moderation.

A call for joint action

UNICEF calls on governments, regulators and technology companies to work together with children and their families to create a safe and inclusive digital space that respects children's rights.

The United Nations Children's Fund recommends that countries help parents improve their digital literacy: "Today, they are being asked to do the impossible: control platforms they didn't create and algorithms they don't understand."

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk also commented on this matter: "We know how difficult it is for society to find a balance in protecting children online. When social media was launched, no one assessed their potential impact on human rights."

"It's important to monitor which methods work and which don't," added Volker Türk. "However, from a human rights perspective, the answer is clear: the interests of the child must be at the center of all decisions."

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Sobyanin: Air defense forces shot down another UAV flying toward Moscow.

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Another drone flying toward Moscow has been destroyed. This was reported on its channel in messenger MAX reported Sergei Sobyanin.

"Emergency services are working at the site of the fallen debris," the Moscow Mayor wrote.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's channel inMAX messenger

Earlier, the Mayor of Moscow reported on the interception four unmanned aerial vehicles heading towards the city.

Subscribe to Sergei Sobyanin's official channels on messengers MAX AndTelegram.

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.

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Japan is a provocateur who staged the "radar-guided" farce, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Beijing, December 10 (Xinhua) — Regarding the so-called "radar targeting," Japan first intentionally interfered, then spread false rumors and inflamed the fuss. Japan is the provocateur behind this political farce and must bear full responsibility for it, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated on Wednesday.

As Guo Jiakun noted at a daily press briefing, Chinese media outlets have released audio recordings from the scene of the incident and revealed relevant details, revealing the facts and the true state of affairs with utmost clarity.

According to the official representative, China's exercises in the relevant waters and airspace are fully consistent with international law and international practice, and are professional, standardized, safe, and restrained, with nothing reprehensible in them.

"Yesterday, the Japanese side claimed they had received no advance notice of China's air exercises, but today they admitted they had. Japan is contradicting itself and giving evasive answers. They haven't explained why, despite receiving advance notice, they still sent fighter jets to the area where the Chinese exercises were taking place, conducted close-range reconnaissance and interference, created tension, and then fanned the flames. Is Japan attempting to deliberately divert attention and mislead the international community?" Guo Jiakun asked.

"China hopes that the international community will be able to distinguish truth from lies and will not be misled by Japan. Japan's allies should be especially vigilant and not succumb to its manipulation," the official representative emphasized.

The Japanese side must soberly recognize the root causes of the difficulties in Sino-Japanese relations, seriously reconsider and correct its mistakes, and sincerely take back the erroneous words about Taiwan made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Guo Jiakun concluded.

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The Georgian Parliament approved the state budget for 2026.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Tbilisi, December 10 (Xinhua) — The Georgian Parliament on Wednesday approved the final version of the draft state budget for 2026. According to the draft, total budget revenues will amount to 30.76 billion lari (approximately 11.42 billion U.S. dollars).

Speaking about the main parameters of the budget, Georgian Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili noted that the initial forecasts for 2026 have been maintained.

He stated that real economic growth is projected at 5 percent, and in the medium term at 5.3 percent.

According to the minister, the average projected inflation rate in 2026 is 3.3 percent, and in the medium term is within the target level of 3 percent.

"The projected nominal GDP is 114 billion 121 million lari, and per capita GDP exceeds $11,300. By 2029, nominal GDP is projected to reach 145 billion lari, which, when converted to per capita, will exceed $14,500," said L. Khutsishvili.

The 2026 state budget's priorities remain social protection, healthcare, and education, with pensions and salaries for school and medical workers to be increased.

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.

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Another UAV heading toward Moscow was destroyed by the Defense Ministry's air defense forces, Sobyanin said.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Another drone en route to Moscow has been destroyed, Sergei Sobyanin announced on his MAX messenger channel.

"Emergency services are working at the site of the fallen debris," the Moscow Mayor wrote.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's channel inMAX messenger

Earlier, the Mayor of Moscow stated that the air defense system successfully repelled an attack by one drone heading towards the capital.

Subscribe to Sergei Sobyanin's official channels on messengersMAXAndTelegram.

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.

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The Moscow mayor reported the destruction of a UAV approaching the capital.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Ministry of Defense's air defense shot down a drone flying toward Moscow. This was reported on its channel in MAX messenger Sergei Sobyanin reported.

"Emergency services are working at the site of the fallen debris," the Moscow Mayor wrote.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's channel inMAX messenger

Subscribe to Sergei Sobyanin's official channels on messengersMAXAndTelegram.

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.

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Exclusive: Technological independence can only be achieved through open cooperation – Russian experts

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, December 10 (Xinhua) — Technological independence can only be achieved through open cooperation, and there are numerous opportunities for collaboration between Russia and China in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Russian experts stated this in an interview with Xinhua at the Open Conference of the Institute for System Programming of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISP RAS), which concluded on Wednesday.

Alexander Kraynov, Director of Artificial Intelligence Development at Yandex, outlined three main areas of Russian-Chinese cooperation in AI: the creation of shared open-source products, the development of alternative hardware, and enhanced scientific collaboration.

"In recent years, China has been taking the lead in open source. All major Chinese language models are now open source, which is absolutely fantastic. Creating large, shared open source products is a very important part of collaboration," noted A. Kraynov. He added that open source is a living technology. Its development is no longer limited to a small group of creators but rather a broader community, especially when a project reaches global prominence.

ISPRAS Director and RAS Academician Arutyun Avetisyan noted that the fragmentation of scientific data and the lack of effective collaboration between scientists are leading to serious problems, making the concept of open source software particularly relevant today. "Our idea is to use the open source model to create a situation where our scientists can develop core technologies. Each of our countries can then use these technologies at their own discretion, transforming them into products specific to their markets," the academician explained.

On Tuesday, the conference's plenary session opened the China-Russia Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence Technology Transfer, a joint effort between the Institute for Systematic Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISP RAS) and the Shandong Center for Computer Science (National Supercomputer Center in Jinan). According to A. Avetisyan, the two sides will collaborate not only on fundamental research but also on the transfer of AI technologies to industry, public administration, and medicine.

"I'm all for open solutions. And our Chinese friends and partners see it that way too. Technological independence can only be achieved through cooperation; there are no other options for ensuring technological independence," the scientist emphasized.

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UNESCO has inscribed Georgian wheat culture on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Tbilisi, December 10 (Xinhua) — UNESCO has inscribed the traditions and rituals of Georgian wheat culture on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development announced this on Wednesday.

The corresponding decision was made at the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi.

According to the Georgian side, UNESCO's recognition highlights the centuries-old work, knowledge, and practices associated with wheat cultivation in the country, as well as the importance of endemic varieties that shape Georgia's unique agricultural and cultural traditions.

As the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia recalled, the traditions and rituals of Georgian wheat culture were recognized as an intangible cultural heritage site of national significance by Resolution No. 98 of March 27, 2024. The following day, March 28, 2024, an application was submitted to UNESCO, which passed all necessary review stages and received the approval of the international organization.

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Lebanon's Foreign Minister declined an invitation to visit Iran, preferring to hold the meeting in a neutral country.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIRUT, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) — Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji said on Wednesday he had declined his Iranian counterpart's invitation to visit Iran, suggesting instead that they hold the meeting in a "neutral third country."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi extended an invitation last week to hold talks on bilateral relations.

As reported by the Lebanese National News Agency, Y. Raji indicated in a written response to A. Araghchi that the rejection of the invitation “does not mean a refusal of dialogue, but rather that the appropriate atmosphere for such a visit is currently absent.”

Yuri Raji again invited Araqchi to hold a meeting in a neutral third country by mutual agreement. He expressed "Lebanon's full readiness to establish a new stage in constructive relations between Lebanon and Iran, provided that they are based solely on mutual respect for the independence and sovereignty of each state, as well as non-interference in internal affairs in any form or under any pretext."

The head of the Lebanese Foreign Ministry stated his “firm conviction that building a strong state is only possible if the state itself, represented by its national army, has the exclusive right to bear arms and retains the exclusive right to decide on war and peace.”

Y. Raji added that the Iranian minister “will always be a welcome guest in Lebanon.”

Despite maintaining diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Iran, relations between the two countries are often complicated by regional factors. Lebanon's political leadership consistently emphasizes the need for non-interference, expressing concern over Iran's support for Hezbollah.

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.