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Every day, we send countless emails, participate in video calls, use search engines and streaming services, and conduct online banking – and we take all of this for granted.
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February 2, 2026 International law
Five years after the military seized power in Myanmar, sexual violence continues to be widely used as a tool of war and repression "to punish and intimidate the population," said Pramila Patten, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.
According to her, since February 2021, the scale of rape, gang rape, and other forms of sexual violence has increased sharply amid ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and a humanitarian crisis. The UN estimates that approximately 11.6 million people, including six million women and girls, are in need of protection.
There are "horrific" reports of systematic sexual violence by the Myanmar military and affiliated forces "against women, girls, men, boys, and members of the LGBTQI community, regardless of ethnicity or religion" during raids in villages, at checkpoints, in detention centers, and online. Similar crimes are also reportedly committed by some opposition armed groups.
Serious risks remain for women and girls in Rakhine Statefrom among the Rohingya people, the statement said.
In July 2025, the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar reported that evidence gathering was ongoing. crimes related to armed conflict, including rape with various objects and gang rapes against civilians of different ages and genders.
"The scale and brutality of sexual violence in Myanmar is shocking," Patten said, calling on the country's commander-in-chief and representatives of all parties to the conflict to immediately stop such crimes and hold those responsible accountable. The Special Representative recalled that since 2017, the Myanmar armed forces have been included in the annex to the Secretary-General's annual report on conflict-related sexual violence as a party credibly suspected of committing rape and other forms of sexual violence.
Patten added that entrenched impunity in Myanmar emboldens perpetrators and deprives victims of the opportunity to seek justice. The Special Representative emphasized the need for accountability for crimes committed by all armed forces, including since the military coup.
Proceedings in the International Court of Justice Gambia v. MyanmarThe report, concerning Myanmar's failure to comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention against the Rohingya people, serves as a reminder that grave violations, including sexual violence, remain a focus of the international community. "I call on states to support efforts to bring those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice in independent and impartial courts and recommend that the Security Council refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court," Patten said.
Survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Myanmar face severe and long-lasting consequences, as well as significant barriers to accessing care. They are subject to repression and stigma, and due to a lack of funding, they often don't receive the services they need.
Displaced persons from Myanmar in Asia also face difficulties accessing assistance due to their legal status and fear of arrest and deportation. The Special Representative noted the exceptional dedication and resilience of Myanmar women, members of the LGBTQI community, and local organizations, who, despite enormous challenges, continue to provide support to victims.
“I call on the international community to keep Myanmar a priority and mobilize all possible political, diplomatic, technical and financial support to ensure that survivors of sexual violence and affected communities have access to the medical, psychosocial, economic, educational and social assistance they need to rebuild their lives,” Patten said.
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February 2, 2026 Peace and security
A drone strike in the town of Ternivka, Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine, killed and wounded mine workers returning home after their shift. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU) reported this. Mission staff visited the scene and interviewed eyewitnesses.
According to local authorities, 12 civilians were killed and 16 others were injured in the attack.
Coal mine workers were traveling on a bus on their regular route from the mine in the Pavlograd district through Ternovka—approximately 65 kilometers from the front line—when Russian drones struck the bus. The explosions shattered the windows and shrapnel struck the bus, killing and injuring the passengers. People in other nearby vehicles and those who rushed to help the victims of the initial blast were also reportedly injured.
"Miners, like all civilians, must be able to go to work and return home without fear," said HRMMU Director Daniel Bell. "This incident demonstrates the danger civilians face when fighting affects everyday life—far beyond the active combat zone."
At the site of the attack, UN personnel recorded two craters—one in front of and one behind the destroyed bus—as well as visible debris from the drones used in the strikes. One witness reported seeing a drone and then hearing a series of explosions.
The injured miner told UN human rights activists that after the first explosion, he climbed out of the bus through the window, hearing the screams of those remaining inside, and then a second explosion occurred a few minutes later.
"This is all wrong," he told representatives of the HRMMU. "We're ordinary miners. People were simply returning home to their families."
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February 1, 2026 Peace and security
The volume of global trade, which the UN describes as "an engine of inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction," reached a record $33 trillion in 2024. At the heart of this extensive system are seaports and airports—key hubs through which the majority of global trade flows pass.
According to the World Economic Forum, over 90 percent of global trade is carried in containers, with more than 860 million units shipped annually. Air cargo, which accounts for approximately 35 percent of global trade by value, is also growing rapidly: in 2024, its volume increased by more than 10 percent compared to the previous year.
However, cross-border trade, so vital to global economic stability, remains vulnerable to organized crime and terrorist groups that use international routes to smuggle weapons, drugs, people and other illicit goods.
This article explains why effective border controls are critical to the security and sustainability of the global economy, and how the UN helps countries protect trade and travel.
Border crossings often become entry points for illegal goods—from weapons and drugs to counterfeit medicines, cultural artifacts, and counterfeit goods. They can also be used by criminals themselves, including drug traffickers and terrorists.
Criminals conceal contraband in containers, luggage, and even on the bodies of carriers. Criminal networks bribe border officials, customs officials, and logistics companies to ensure illegal shipments pass undetected. More sophisticated criminals hack port systems or use counterfeit codes to reroute cargo to their desired destinations.
Insufficient border management capabilities and weak cross-border cooperation create dangerous gaps in trade routes. Criminal networks quickly adapt, merge with other groups, and find new ways to move goods and people, threatening the security of states and consumers.
Effective border control protects public health by restricting the flow of illicit drugs and preventing the distribution of counterfeit medications. It also increases legal revenue for states by supporting legitimate trade and depriving criminal networks of financial resources.
A robust control system prevents chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists and blocks the smuggling of chemical precursors used to produce drugs and explosives. It also helps prevent the illegal trade in wildlife and the movement of hazardous waste, reducing pressure on ecosystems and risks to human health.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), together with the World Customs Organization and Interpol, helps countries strengthen control over air, sea, and land borders. As part of this work, 192 national cargo and passenger control units have been established in 89 countries.
These units conduct risk assessments, identify and intercept high-risk passengers, cargo, and mail. They ensure coordination between countries of origin, transit, and destination, and collaborate with the private sector to disrupt illicit cross-border flows and criminal networks.
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January 30, 2026 Peace and security
Military tensions between government forces and opposition groups in South Sudan are "rapidly escalating." Speaking at a press briefing at UN headquarters in New York on Friday, Acting Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Anita Kiki Gbeho, saidJonglei State has become a "hotbed of tension", where civilians find themselves caught in the crossfire.
More than 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes this month as a result of the conflict, according to the UN representative, who also serves as the Resident Coordinator in the country.
She also warned of the spread of cholera. This month alone, over 500 cases have been registered across the country. Meanwhile, treatment centers are overcrowded and lacking medications and other essential supplies.
Although humanitarian operations continue, access is hampered by road and river restrictions, hindering aid delivery and medical evacuations.
The world's youngest state gained independence in 2011, but soon descended into civil war. Clashes erupted between forces loyal to the national army led by President Salva Kiir and supporters of the main opposition leader, Riek Machar, who is currently on trial on serious charges, including murder, which he denies.
After the opposition achieved some gains, government forces launched an offensive in three counties in Jonglei State this week. All civilians and humanitarian workers were urged to evacuate.
According to Gbeho, "humanitarian facilities are being looted and destroyed (including at least seven in Jonglei), and humanitarian workers are being intimidated." UN peacekeepers are also facing similar difficulties.
The disruption of aid deliveries and peacebuilding efforts is affecting civilians. UNMISS warns that "all the conditions for a humanitarian catastrophe are present."
Speaking via video link from South Sudan, Gbeho stressed that despite the release of $10 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund, "more assistance is needed."
Despite the acute shortage of resources, the priority remains "ending the fighting, protecting civilians and preserving the peace process," as well as working with the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to "restore commitment to the 2018 peace agreement."
Recalling about in the words of the UN Secretary-GeneralGbeho emphasized that "the solution to the current crisis must be political, not military." She called on South Sudan's leaders to take "urgent action to end the fighting, reduce tensions through inclusive dialogue, and return to consensus-based decision-making."
In conclusion, Gbeho emphasized that only the South Sudanese themselves can change the situation for the better.
She called the current stage "a defining moment—a critical crossroads for South Sudan." According to the head of the UN mission, decisions made now could lead the country either to peace or to further escalation of the conflict.
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January 30, 2026 UN
The Winter Olympics begin in Italy on February 6. UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock called on all warring parties to agree to a "mutual ceasefire" during the sporting events, in accordance with the ancient principle of the Olympic Truce.
"The Olympic Truce proves that even in times of discord, humanity can still find common ground through sport," Baerbock said.
"I call on all parties involved in ongoing armed conflicts around the world to show resolve and agree to a genuine mutual ceasefire for the duration of the Olympic Truce," she added.
Baerbock recalled the ancient Greek tradition of ekecheiria, which translates as "Olympic truce." She called it "the sacred principle of the Olympic Games."
The former German Foreign Minister referred to General Assembly resolution, which calls on countries to observe a ceasefire from the seventh day before the start of the Winter Olympic Games until the seventh day after the end of the Winter Paralympic Games.
"Through friendly competition, we can overcome differences," Baerbock said.
She noted that the upcoming Games will be the most gender-balanced in history. The General Assembly President also added that the International Olympic Committee has decided to raise the UN flag at the Olympic stadium and in the Olympic villages as a symbol of peace.
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January 30, 2026 International law
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which controlled the northeast of the country.
"We welcome efforts to bring stability to the region and now hope for a complete cessation of hostilities," said commission chairman Paulo Pinheiro.
“In this regard, we also welcome the recent decree of the Syrian President recognizing the cultural, linguistic and civil rights of the Kurdish population of Syria,” he added.
The Commission called on all parties to ensure strict compliance with international humanitarian law and to protect civilians.
"We are alarmed by reports of the killing of fighters who laid down their arms and other civilians, as well as the desecration of the bodies of those killed," said commission spokesperson Monia Ammar. She noted that the commission is investigating the alleged violations.
Experts also stress the need to ensure unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population and allow civilians to move freely.
The commission is concerned about the situation of children in the region. Cold winter weather—combined with lack of access to electricity, water, food, and heating—could have catastrophic consequences for the population. The experts, in particular, recalled cases of infants dying of exposure in camps for displaced persons in northeastern Syria, including in Ain al-Arab (Kobani).
The situation of detainees, particularly children, amid the shift in control of detention facilities is also deeply concerning. After the Al-Aqtan prison near Raqqa, where individuals suspected of being affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) were held, came under government control, the commission received reports that over 100 children were being held there arbitrarily and subjected to cruel treatment.
The experts also expressed concern about the situation of more than 17,000 children and young people arbitrarily detained in the Al-Hol and Al-Rauj camps and in “rehabilitation centers” such as Khuri and Urkesh.
The Commission calls on countries to repatriate children who are their citizens from northeastern Syria.
Regarding the detained alleged former ISIS fighters, the commission recalled the right of all detainees to a fair trial and called for prompt, effective, transparent and impartial investigations, particularly into those acts that may constitute war crimes.
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January 30, 2026 Climate and environment
Extreme heat, severe frosts, and torrential rains have made January 2026 a month of extreme weather conditions. This underscores the importance of accurate forecasts and investment in early warning systems, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated.
Natural phenomena causing serious human casualties, economic losses and environmental damage were recorded in all regions of the world.
"It's no surprise that extreme weather consistently ranks among the top risks in the World Economic Forum's annual Global Threats Report. The number of people affected by weather and climate disasters is growing year on year, and in January, we saw their tragic consequences literally every day," said WMO Director Celeste Saulo.
She recalled that in countries with effective early warning mechanisms, mortality from natural disasters is six times lower, which makes Early Warning Systems for All initiative particularly relevant.
Although the frequency of severe cold events has been declining globally since 1950, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), this does not preclude isolated severe cold snaps. A weakening of the polar vortex has facilitated the intrusion of Arctic air into mid-latitudes, causing severe frosts in North America, Europe, and Asia. This is a large area of cold air and strong winds that typically circulates around the Arctic in the upper atmosphere and sometimes weakens, allowing Arctic cold to spread southward.
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A powerful winter storm also struck Canada and the United States in late January, causing widespread power outages, flight cancellations, and loss of life. The US National Weather Service warned that by January 31, a new wave of Arctic cold would spread south through the Plains states, the Great Lakes region, and the southeastern and eastern regions of the country.
At the same time, some meteorological forecasts indicate that stratospheric warming over the Arctic could lead to a significant weakening of the polar vortex in early February, which, in turn, will create conditions for a new invasion of Arctic air into North America and Northern Europe in the second half of the month.
Europe experienced a series of storms with heavy rainfall, winds, and flooding, from Ireland and the UK to the Mediterranean. Meteorological services warned of continued increased rainfall in northwestern Europe and the Mediterranean.
The situation is particularly dire in southern Africa. According to Mozambique's national authorities, floods have affected at least 650 thousand peopleHundreds of thousands were forced to flee their homes, and approximately 30,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. South Africa declared a national disaster after torrential rains claimed dozens of lives.
Australia experienced two heatwaves in one month. In the city of Ceduna, the temperature reached 49.5 degrees Celsius – a record for the area. Scientists note that climate change intensified the January heatwave by approximately 1.6 degrees.
In Chile, wildfires have killed at least 21 people, and tens of thousands have been evacuated. Fires have also engulfed southern Argentina. According to the IPCC report, human-induced climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of heat waves since the mid-20th century.
WMO is stepping up its efforts to combat the impacts of extreme heat and other weather-related hazards, including through joint initiatives with the World Health Organization.
As experts emphasize, January 2026 became another reminder: investments in early warning, climate resilience and disaster preparedness save lives.
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January 30, 2026 Peace and security
The conflict in Ukraine continues to pose "the most serious threat to nuclear security in the world," IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated at the agency's Board of Governors meeting in Vienna on Friday.
Grossi said the IAEA had to coordinate four separate temporary ceasefires between Ukraine and Russia in recent months to allow for repairs to power lines supplying the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).
A total of five such repairs were carried out. The last one was completed on January 19, when the plant was reconnected to its last backup line. It had been damaged since January 2—according to the agency, due to military activity. Before the backup line was restored, the Zaporizhzhya NPP depended on the only remaining main line, which supplied power to the cooling systems of the six shut-down reactors.
The IAEA, Grossi said, is closely monitoring how plant personnel cope with harsh winter conditions, including preventing water in the cooling pond and irrigation basins from freezing.
The IAEA director noted that the safety of Ukrainian nuclear power plants directly depends on the operation of key substations. Damage to these substations "undermines nuclear safety and must be prevented," he emphasized.
An IAEA expert mission is working at all Ukrainian substations affected by the strikes. Specialists are assessing the condition of 10 facilities critical to the NPP's external power supply. Some of these were already inspected in December 2025, while others are being inspected for the first time.
IAEA experts recorded military activity near other nuclear facilities, including the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, where several power lines were damaged. Although the plant continues to receive power through alternative sources, emergency diesel generators were activated due to power outages and voltage surges. All main power lines were subsequently restored.
Grossi reiterated that a cessation of hostilities is the only way to guarantee security and prevent a nuclear incident.
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January 29, 2026 Economic development
More than one-eighth of trade revenues come from information and communications technology (ICT), with 80 percent of these products manufactured in Asia. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), electronic components—microchips, circuit boards, and sensors—play a key role in the sector's rapid growth.
Electronic components are an unnoticed but critical part of our daily lives. They are found in smartphones, computers, network centers, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. Their production generates significant added value and influences the economic development of countries. Companies that produce components create more highly skilled jobs and generate sustainable export revenues.
However, the benefits of digital trade are unevenly distributed. Developing countries often have limited capacity, producing only simple components or performing assembly. This prevents them from fully participating in the digital economy. Without investment in technology and skills development, such countries risk remaining on the periphery of global trade.
According to UNCTAD, global trade in information and communications technology services will reach $1.2 trillion in 2024. The sector has seen steady growth since 2017, with demand increasing significantly during the pandemic. COVID-19.
Europe leads the world in ICT services exports (e.g., telecommunications and computer services), accounting for approximately 57 percent of the total market, while Africa and Latin America combined account for less than 3 percent.
Trade in goods that can be delivered remotely in digital format, including films, music and books, grew by 10 percent in 2024.
Developed countries accounted for about three-quarters of exports, amounting to approximately $3.8 trillion, while developing countries exported goods worth about $1.2 trillion.
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