Category: Global Politics

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March 26, 2026 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: shelling of peacekeepers in Lebanon, a Human Rights Council meeting on Ukraine, a worsening situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and an updated humanitarian plan for Cuba.

Shelling in Lebanon

UN Interim Force in Lebanon missile and artillery strikes are reported within Israel, as well as shelling of populated areas in Lebanon. The day before, two UN facilities came under fire: a position in the eastern sector was fired upon with machine gun fire, and another, located near Beit Lif, was damaged after being hit by a suspected mortar shell. No mission personnel were injured. The UN reiterated that its facilities and personnel should not be made military targets.

Casualties among Ukrainian residents

More than four years after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine "The danger to civilians is only growing"This was the warning made by UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif, speaking to the Human Rights Council in Geneva. UN data shows that in the first two months of this year, 60 percent of all civilian casualties occurred in frontline regions, with almost half of those killed being elderly. The main cause of death and injury was "attacks using short-range drones."

UN Security Council meeting on the DRC

The situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains extremely tense Amid the ongoing activity of armed groups, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the country, Viviane van de Perre, warned this while speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday. Since December 2025, numerous serious human rights violations have been documented, including killings, abductions, and sexual violence. The UN also warns that 26.6 million people in the DRC, or about a quarter of the country's population, will experience food insecurity in 2026.

The Cuban crisis

The UN presented an updated humanitarian plan for Cuba, the organization's spokesperson announced today. Since January, Cuba has faced a sharp reduction in fuel imports due to US measures. The updated plan calls for assistance to two million people—approximately one in five residents of the country. To date, only $26 million of the $94 million needed has been received. The UN is focusing on maintaining basic services. The World Health Organization has warned that hospitals are struggling to keep emergency and intensive care units operational.

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March 26, 2026 Peace and security

Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers continue to carry out their mandate in what the Organization describes as "highly volatile" conditions.

The peacekeeping mission's units are monitoring the situation, maintaining contact with the parties to the conflict, and, where possible, facilitating humanitarian access. Together with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Blue Helmets are delivering food, medicine, and hygiene kits to civilians remaining in the UNIFIL area of operations.

Peacekeepers are reporting rocket and artillery strikes on Israeli territory, as well as shelling of the towns of Beit Lif and Al-Qantara in Lebanon. The day before, two UN facilities came under fire: a position in the eastern sector was hit by machine gun fire, and another, located near Beit Lif, was damaged after being hit by a suspected mortar shell. No mission personnel were injured. The UN reiterated that its facilities and personnel must not be used as military targets.

The situation in Iran

Meanwhile, large-scale humanitarian operations continue in Iran, led by the country's authorities with the support of the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Search and rescue operations are underway, victims are receiving emergency medical care, and temporary shelter is being provided.

Staff from the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are providing the population with food, water and medicine.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), key civilian infrastructure has been destroyed. The Iranian Red Crescent reports damage to more than 87,000 residential and commercial buildings, 600 schools, 289 medical facilities, 17 Red Crescent centers, as well as three helicopters and 48 emergency response vehicles. Humanitarian workers are also suffering losses: the Ministry of Health reported 23 deaths and 112 injuries among medical personnel, while the Red Crescent lost one staff member.

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March 26, 2026 Peace and security

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains extremely tense amid ongoing armed group activity and deteriorating humanitarian conditions, warned Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the country Viviane van de Perre, speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday.

She noted that despite the challenging conditions, the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) continues to carry out its tasks in accordance with resolution 2808.

Escalation of hostilities and the risk of regional conflict

According to her, clashes between the M23 armed group, backed by Rwandan forces, and DRC government forces, supported by allied forces, continue to intensify in the provinces of North and South Kivu. The frontline is expanding, including areas near the border with Burundi, increasing the risk of regional escalation. The situation in Ituri province also remains alarming.

According to van de Perre, there has been an increase in the use of attack drones and electronic warfare systems, including GPS jamming.

In areas under M23 control, the formation of parallel administrative structures continues, undermining governance and complicating the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Diplomatic efforts continue

Despite the escalating situation, diplomatic steps are being taken, the rapporteur noted. The UN welcomed the recent reaffirmation by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda of their commitment to implementing the so-called Washington Accords. At the same time, efforts continue within the Doha process and under the auspices of the African Union to establish ceasefire monitoring mechanisms.

In mid-February, the Acting Special Representative visited Goma – the first aircraft landing at the local airport in more than a year since air travel was suspended. During the visit, consultations were held with key partners and stakeholders to advance practical agreements for the launch of the monitoring mechanism.

In this regard, van de Perre called on the Security Council to facilitate the prompt opening of Goma and Kavumu airports and the resumption of flights, stressing that air traffic is essential for the population and humanitarian organizations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Protection of civilians

The UN mission continues to implement measures to support the civilian population. Specifically, peacekeepers provided protection to nearly 3,000 people sheltering at its base in Fataki and increased patrols. Thanks to the mission's operations, approximately 18,000 farmers were able to harvest and transport their crops.

The UN emphasizes the importance of security sector reform and strengthening state institutions as key conditions for ensuring sustainable peace.

Large-scale human rights violations

Numerous serious human rights violations have been documented since December 2025, including killings, abductions and sexual violence, related to the conflict. 173 cases of sexual violence have been confirmed, affecting 111 people, primarily women and girls. The UN notes that the actual scale of the violence is likely much higher.

Human rights defenders, journalists and civil society representatives in areas controlled by armed groups continue to face intimidation and arbitrary detention.

The humanitarian crisis is deepening

The humanitarian situation has changed significantly, the Acting Head of the UN Mission reported. There are approximately 6.4 million internally displaced people in the DR Congo, nearly 4 million of whom are in the eastern regions. Meanwhile, approximately 4.3 million people have already returned to their homes.

The UN warns that 26.6 million people in the DRC, or about a quarter of the country's population, could suffer from food shortages by 2026.

Humanitarian operations are facing serious challenges, including funding cuts and security threats. Since December, at least 10 incidents have been recorded that have put humanitarian workers at risk.

The recent death of a UNICEF worker in a strike on her home in Goma was a tragic reminder of the risks humanitarian workers face, van de Perre noted.

Call to action

In conclusion of the briefing, she stressed that coordinated international efforts are needed to achieve peace in eastern DRC.

"The people of Congo, who have long suffered from violence and illegal exploitation of resources, deserve to see peace and good governance become a reality," the rapporteur said.

She called on the parties to honour their commitments and on the Security Council to take decisive action to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further violence.

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March 26, 2026 Refugees and migrants

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant positive shift in how countries approach refugee and migrant health issues. New data shows that more than 60 countries—two-thirds of survey respondents—have already included these populations in their national health policies and legislation.

The WHO report is based on information from 93 countries. It will form the basis of the first global database designed to track progress in creating inclusive, migrant-friendly health systems.

Migration, the report states, has been a driving force for cultural, social, and economic development throughout human history. Today, more than a billion people—one in eight people worldwide—live as refugees or migrants. The reasons for displacement are varied, ranging from conflicts and natural disasters to the search for education, employment, or family reunification.

However, many migrants face significant barriers to accessing health care, increased risks of infectious and chronic diseases, mental health problems, and unsafe living and working conditions.

"Inclusivity benefits everyone"

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that refugees and migrants are not only recipients of aid but also health workers, caregivers, and community leaders: “Health systems can only be truly inclusive when they serve everyone, without exception. The new WHO report on migrant and refugee health shows that inclusivity benefits all of society and strengthens preparedness for future health challenges.”

The "Global Report on Promoting Refugee and Migrant Health" demonstrates that countries are increasingly relying on scientific evidence and international standards when formulating migration and health policies. Examples from all six WHO regions demonstrate how this works in practice: expanding insurance coverage for migrants in Thailand, using intercultural mediators in Belgium, and involving migrant community representatives in primary health care decision-making in Chile.

Problems persist

In terms of overall progress, the report points to persistent gaps. Only a third of countries regularly collect and analyze migrant health data within their national information systems. Less than half include refugees and migrants in emergency preparedness plans.

Training of healthcare workers in a culturally sensitive approach remains limited, and information campaigns to combat misinformation and discrimination are being implemented only in a few countries. Access to services remains uneven: while refugees receive more healthcare, internally displaced persons, migrant workers, and international students face limitations. The participation of refugees and migrants in healthcare governance processes remains minimal.

WHO calls on governments and partners to redouble their efforts to build inclusive health systems. The organization recommends including refugees and migrants in national strategies, improving data collection and use, strengthening intersectoral collaboration, adapting approaches to the needs of different migrant groups, increasing the participation of migrants themselves in planning and management, and countering misinformation.

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March 26, 2026 Peace and security

More than four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, "the danger to civilians is only growing," particularly due to the use of drones, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif warned on Thursday.

"In the first two months of this year, 60 percent of all civilian casualties occurred in frontline regions, with almost half of those killed being elderly," Al-Nashif said while presenting her latest report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

She noted that the main cause of deaths and injuries among the population were “attacks using short-range drones” both in areas controlled by the Ukrainian government and in territories occupied by Russia.

UN data shows that at least 580 civilians were killed and another 3,000 injured as a result of such attacks in 2025. In just the first two months of this year, 107 civilians were killed and 430 injured, representing civilian casualties. almost doubled.

Ninety-five percent of casualties from short-range drone strikes were recorded in territory controlled by the Ukrainian government, the Deputy High Commissioner added.

Casualties at the front line

The situation is also grave in the frontline areas occupied by Russia, including the Oleshky district of the Kherson region, where residents report "frequent drone attacks" as well as mines planted along roads.

"The evacuation is extremely difficult and dangerous, leaving many people trapped near the front lines," Al-Nashif emphasized. Local residents also report food shortages.

"Russian authorities also report civilian casualties on the territory of the Russian Federation as a result of attacks by Ukrainian armed forces," the Deputy High Commissioner added.

Attacks on energy infrastructure

Speaking about the repeated attacks by Russian forces on energy infrastructure of UkraineAl-Nashif noted that they have intensified this winter. Ukraine has lost more than half of its power generation capacity to date, leading to power outages across the country. In some areas, these outages lasted up to 22 hours a day.

"Hundreds of thousands of civilians were left without heat, some for weeks or even months, with temperatures often dropping below minus 15 degrees Celsius," the rapporteur continued. She also noted reports of attacks on energy facilities in Russian-controlled areas, which the UN is unable to confirm due to lack of access.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warns that attacks on energy and water infrastructure that disrupted the supply of electricity, heat and water, as well as the operation of sanitation systems in freezing conditions, have left Ukrainian children suffering "the hardest winter" Since the beginning of the war, children have lost between 79 and 88 percent of their learning time, according to UNICEF.

The situation of prisoners

The Deputy High Commissioner also expressed concern about the “widespread” cruel treatment of captured soldiers.

"More than 96 percent of Ukrainian prisoners of war we interviewed said they were tortured and mistreated while in captivity," she explained.

More than half of those held in Ukrainian captivity also reported being subjected to torture or other forms of ill-treatment, primarily during the initial stages of their detention.

The UN representative called on Moscow to "stop this war," "cease extrajudicial executions, torture, cruel treatment and other violations against prisoners of war and detained civilians," and to fulfill its obligations under international law.

She also called on Ukraine to "protect prisoners of war from torture and cruel treatment" and to end discrimination against people who have fled Russian-occupied territories.

Speeches by countries

In his speech, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Yevhen Tsymbalyuk, recalled the widespread consequences of the war, which has displaced thousands of civilians in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions and Crimea. He called this "Russia's deliberate strategy to terrorize the civilian population, suppress dissent, and punish those who refuse to leave their homes or comply with Russia's illegal policies."

The Russian delegation rejected the findings of the UN Deputy High Commissioner's report, calling on it to "stop supporting the Kyiv regime" and adding that it is waging "a war against dissidents, bloggers, journalists, and Zelensky's enemies."

"We are appalled by Russia's increasing attacks on civilian infrastructure, spreading fear and trauma among the population," the German delegation stated. "Large-scale and systematic missile and drone attacks have killed and injured even more civilians in recent months."

In turn, Chinese representatives emphasized their country's commitment to "facilitating peace negotiations and advancing a political settlement to the Ukrainian crisis."

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March 25, 2026 UN

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the immediate release of 118 UN staff members currently held in detention in several countries.

The Secretary-General's call comes amid a rise in attacks on UN personnel: 179 UN staff members were arrested or detained last year alone. This figure has risen sharply: at the same time last year, 52 UN workers were in detention. Currently, in Yemen alone, the de facto authorities are holding 73 UN staff members, including eight from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The UN works in the most dangerous and unstable regions of the world, including Gaza, Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“Any detention not only violates fundamental human rights, international law and immunity, but also undermines vital humanitarian efforts by delaying the delivery of aid to millions of people,” said General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock.

In Yemen, UN staff continue to face arbitrary arrests, and "some have been deprived of their liberty for five years," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Wednesday. "Every day that passes, the injustice of their detention deepens. Their suffering and that of their families is unbearable," he added.

UN staff in Yemen are held in territories controlled by the country's de facto authorities, the Houthis. Since 2014, Yemen has been in a state of civil conflict between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government.

The High Commissioner called on the de facto authorities in Yemen to immediately and unconditionally release all 73 UN staff members.

A history of losses and the fight for personnel safety

Since its founding in 1945, the UN has lost hundreds of staff members to death in the line of duty. As the Organization's operations expanded, so did the realization that its personnel were becoming increasingly vulnerable.

The first step toward systemic protection was the adoption of a resolution on the safety of UN personnel by the Security Council in September 1993. Following this, the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly began work on an international legal mechanism for the protection of personnel.

The result was the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, adopted on 9 December 1994. The document became a key instrument obliging states to ensure the protection of personnel working in conflict and emergency situations.

A reminder of the tragedy

The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing UN Staff is observed annually on the anniversary of the kidnapping of Alec Collett, who worked for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). He was seized by an armed group in 1985. It was only in 2009 that his remains were discovered in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. This story became a reminder of the dangers faced by humanitarian workers.

In recent years, the number of attacks against UN personnel has continued to increase. According to the Organization, staff members face risks of abduction, assault, unlawful detention, and death as a result of armed conflict.

Solidarity, justice, protection

Today's date aims to mobilize the international community to protect UN personnel and peacekeepers; to demand justice for those who have been kidnapped, detained, or attacked; and to strengthen the resolve of states to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers, journalists, and NGO representatives.

The UN emphasizes that protecting personnel is not only a moral obligation, but also a necessary condition for the fulfillment of humanitarian and peacekeeping mandates around the world.

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March 25, 2026 Economic development

The United Nations and the Government of Uzbekistan officially concluded their 2021–2025 cooperation cycle, presenting a comprehensive assessment of the results achieved. The results of the five years demonstrate significant progress in the social sphere, digital transformation, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.

Social support, digital services and infrastructure modernization

As of 2025, approximately 200,000 people received vital social assistance through the partnership. The foundation was also laid for the introduction of state maternity benefits.

Digitalization has become a key element of the reforms: 12.8 million citizens have gained access to faster and more convenient government services.

In the healthcare sector, specialized care was provided to 1.8 million women and newborns, which was an important step in strengthening the maternal and child health system in Uzbekistan.

Educational institutions across the country have implemented modern teaching methods and digital literacy programs. At the same time, new environmental initiatives have been launched, aimed at integrating climate action with the creation of green jobs.

A New Stage of Cooperation: Investing in People

Following the completion of the current cycle, the UN will move on to implementing the new Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030.

Sabina Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, emphasized that the next phase will be based on a single principle: investing in people. The new approach aims to ensure development is inclusive and empowers everyone, especially vulnerable groups, to actively participate in the country's life and realize their potential.

Partnership Reaches New Level

Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Otabek Fozilkarimov noted that sustained dialogue with international partners, primarily the UN, has become a key factor in the country's progress. He stated that under the joint leadership of the President of Uzbekistan and the UN Secretary-General, cooperation has reached new heights in recent years.

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March 25, 2026

With a total enrollment of 1.4 billion in 2024, global primary and secondary education enrollment has increased by 30 percent since 2000. Pre-primary enrollment has increased by 45 percent, and post-secondary enrollment by 161 percent. This means that more than 25 children have access to education every minute. Furthermore, the gender gap in primary and secondary education has, on average, been virtually eliminated.

In China, access to higher education has expanded at an unprecedented rate, from 7 percent in 1999 to more than 60 percent in 2024.

At the same time, more and more children are not only starting but also completing education: since 2000, the global completion rate has increased from 77 percent to 88 percent in primary education, from 60 percent to 78 percent in lower secondary education, and from 37 percent to 61 percent in upper secondary education. However, if current rates continue, the global upper secondary education completion rate will only reach 95 percent by 2105.

Inclusive education

The report also highlights the growing commitment to inclusion principles worldwide. An analysis of policies in this area since 2000 shows that the proportion of countries that have enshrined inclusive education in legislation has increased from 1 to 24 percent, while the proportion of countries that provide for the education of children with disabilities in inclusive educational environments in their laws has grown from 17 to 29 percent.

According to a UNESCO report, countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus are demonstrating a major shift from the "medical model" of disability to an inclusive pedagogical approach. The report finds that the proportion of children with disabilities studying in specialized boarding schools in the region has decreased from 78 percent in 2005 to 29 percent in 2024. The most impressive rates of desegregation were recorded in the Republic of Moldova, where the figure fell from 77 to 8 percent, and in Armenia, where, thanks to legislative reforms in 2005 and 2021, the proportion of children in special schools fell from 37.5 percent in 2015 to just 6.5 percent in 2023.

Funding and availability

Over the past 25 years, the share of countries using various funding mechanisms to benefit disadvantaged groups in primary and secondary education has more than quadrupled. These include measures such as transfers to subnational governments, schools, and directly to students and their families. Specifically, 76 percent of countries have strategies in place to reallocate resources to disadvantaged schools. However, the new index presented in the report shows that only 8 percent of countries are fully utilizing these mechanisms to reallocate educational resources to disadvantaged groups.

Previous efforts to ensure affordability of education have expanded enrollment but led to a decline in quality, leading to a rise in student dropout. Furthermore, other significant expenses that remain barriers for families, such as transportation, after-school childcare, and food, have not been addressed. Amid declining donor funding for school grants and school nutrition systems (operating in 84 percent of countries) that were not fully integrated into national budgets are now at risk of closure.

What's next?

The report demonstrates that no single measure can ensure universal access to education. Policies must be tailored to local realities, address problems comprehensively, and be evidence-based. For example, in 14 African countries, the introduction of compulsory, rather than merely free, education increased the average years of schooling by more than a year for both girls and boys. Moreover, combining such measures with laws prohibiting child labor yields an even more significant effect.

Read also:

School meals help improve the quality of education

Effective policies must also consider factors beyond education. For example, in Cambodia, electrification alone increased the length of schooling by almost a full year. In low- and middle-income countries, school feeding programs yield up to six months of additional schooling for every $100 spent. Providing cash transfers linked to school attendance increases the likelihood of children enrolling in school by 36 percent.

By supporting governments around the world and bringing together ministers, development partners, civil society and youth representatives, UNESCO will continue to shape the post-2030 education agenda, ensuring that education remains a priority in the face of global challenges.

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March 25, 2026 Peace and security

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, expressed deep concern over the March 24 attacks on a building on the grounds of the Bernardine Monastery, which is part of the Lviv Historic Centre Ensemble World Heritage Site.

The Bernardine Monastery complex is one of Lviv's most famous architectural symbols. The monastery was built in the first quarter of the 17th century.

UNESCO reminds that cultural property is protected by the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 World Heritage Convention. All parties must safeguard heritage and refrain from any actions that damage cultural property. UNESCO stands ready to support authorities in conducting assessments, implementing protective measures, and providing emergency assistance.

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March 25, 2026 Peace and security

"This war is out of control." Secretary-General António Guterres made this statement regarding the situation in the Middle East, speaking to journalists at UN headquarters in New York.

He said he maintains close contact "with many representatives of this region and around the world."

"A number of initiatives aimed at dialogue and peace are currently underway. They must be successful. I have just appointed Jean Arnault as my personal envoy to lead UN efforts to resolve the conflict and its aftermath," Guterres said.

It is time to stop the escalation and begin diplomatic negotiations, he stressed.

"My message to the United States and Israel is that it's time to end the war. My message to Iran is to stop attacking your neighbors," the UN chief said.

Guterres also called for respect for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure of the strait would paralyze oil, gas, and fertilizer supplies at a critical time, as the global planting season begins, he noted.

The consequences of the crisis are being felt by civilians in the region and beyond.

"I saw some of these consequences with my own eyes during my recent visit to Lebanon. And the war there, too, must end. Hezbollah must stop attacking Israel. And Israel must cease its military operations and attacks on Lebanon, which are causing the greatest suffering among civilians," the Secretary-General said.

The UN is making every effort to minimize the consequences of the war, Guterres noted, but humanitarian operations are currently hampered.

"We need a way out of this catastrophe. The way out is diplomacy. The way out is full compliance with international law. The way out is peace," he concluded.

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