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December 23, 2025 Peace and security

From the moment last discussion On October 10, the United States' military presence and operations off the coast of Venezuela intensified, further escalating tensions between the two countries, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding Khaled Khiari told the UN Security Council on Tuesday.

Khiari recalled that the United States characterized its actions as part of a "non-international armed conflict" to combat drug cartels, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter. President Donald Trump stated that he intends to use "the full power of the United States to combat these drug cartels and root them out, no matter where they operate."

The Venezuelan government viewed the US actions as a serious threat to international peace and security. In a letter dated December 16, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister stated that the United States was violating the principle of the prohibition of the threat or use of force in international relations.

Airstrikes and International Law

Since early September, the US has carried out strikes on vessels it claims were transporting drugs. According to US authorities, 105 people have been killed in these operations. The exact coordinates of the strikes have not been disclosed, but the US claims they took place in international waters or within the "Southern Command area of ​​responsibility."

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned these attacks, stating that combating drug trafficking is a task for law enforcement agencies and not a pretext for the use of lethal force in an armed conflict. Türk called for an independent investigation, Khairi recalled.

Political steps and new sanctions

In late November, Presidents Nicolás Maduro and Donald Trump held a telephone conversation. The United States officially designated the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization and imposed new sanctions against its affiliates.

The US president also declared Venezuela's airspace "completely closed," prompting most international airlines to suspend flights to the country. Venezuela called this an attempt to impose an "air blockade."

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in turn, recalled that each state has full sovereign authority over its airspace, but also noted that countries have the right to warn airlines about the risks of flying over the territories of other countries.

Blockade of oil tankers

On December 10, tensions escalated following the US announcement of the seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. President Trump claimed that Venezuelan oil was being used to finance criminal activity and ordered a "total and comprehensive blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers." The US subsequently imposed sanctions on six shipping companies and six vessels.

Venezuelan authorities described these steps as a "unilateral naval blockade" and, in letters to the Secretary-General and the President of the UN Security Council, stated that the US actions violate the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence and constitute a "violation of international law."

Amid the escalation, it was reported that the Venezuelan navy began escorting oil vessels leaving the country's ports. The US intercepted two more tankers off the coast of Venezuela on December 20 and 21.

The situation in Venezuela

Khaled Khiari also drew attention to deterioration of the situation of the residents of VenezuelaAccording to him, since the expansion of President Maduro's emergency powers, public life has become even more militarized, and humanitarian and human rights problems persist. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has reported forced conscription into the Bolivarian National Militia, including of adolescents and the elderly, as well as arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and severe socioeconomic hardship.

Nicolás Maduro, on his own initiative, held a telephone conversation with the UN Secretary-General on December 17. Antonio GuterresThe UN chief reaffirmed the Organization's position on the need to respect international law and the UN Charter, exercise restraint, and de-escalate in order to maintain regional stability.

Guterres pledged to support diplomatic efforts, including using his "good offices," stressing that "dialogue is the only viable path to lasting peace and the prevention of further instability and human suffering."

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December 23, 2025 Peace and security

Despite intensified diplomatic efforts in the second half of 2025, no progress has been made on agreements regarding the Iranian nuclear program, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo stated during a Security Council meeting on the implementation of the Resolution 2231 (2015).

Resolution 2231 was adopted in July 2015. It endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program, which was adopted in 2015 as a result of lengthy negotiations involving China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and Iran itself. The deal provided for restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of previously imposed sanctions. The agreement included a "snapback mechanism" for reimposing sanctions if the parties to the agreement deemed Iran to be failing to fulfill its obligations.

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In August 2025, France, Germany and the United Kingdom notified the Security Council of their intention to invoke the mechanism, citing Iran's "material non-compliance" with its obligations.

BecauseThe UN Security Council did not adopt The resolution extending the sanctions waivers for the set deadline automatically reinstated the previously effective measures after September 27, 2025. However, several member states challenged the legality of this move. Russia, China, and Iran also claimed that Resolution 2231 expired on October 18, 2025. The EU3 countries—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—rejected this position.

Referring to the latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) dated November 12, 2025, DiCarlo recalled that Iran ceased to comply with its obligations under the JCPOA on February 23, 2021. At the same time, the agency continued checking certain aspects of the program within the framework of the safeguards agreement under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

The IAEA confirmed that Iran exceeded the JCPOA limits during this period and also reported that, as of October 18, 2025, it had no information on the status of its enriched uranium stockpiles. The agency concluded that an "agreed framework supported by interested countries" is necessary to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program and noted the IAEA Director General's readiness to engage with Iran "as soon as possible."

Diplomatic impasse

A crisis in diplomatic efforts followed escalation between Israel and Iran in June 2025 and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Despite the deep disagreements between the parties, Rosemary DiCarlo emphasized that all participants continue to affirm the importance of a diplomatic solution. According to her, "a negotiated settlement that ensures the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program and eases sanctions pressure remains the best option for the international community." The UN Secretariat, she added, remains fully at the disposal of the parties to facilitate this process.

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December 23, 2025 Human rights

The security and human rights situation in Myanmar is rapidly deteriorating ahead of the December 28 elections, which will be held under the full control of the military, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights announced on Tuesday.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk noted that citizens face threats from both the military and armed groups opposing the junta. He stated that pressure on the population is becoming increasingly brutal. Türk stated that the military must stop using violence to force people to vote and stop arresting those who express dissent.

Harsh sentences and mass arrests

According to the UN, dozens of people were detained under the so-called "election protection law," but in reality for expressing their opinions. Some of those arrested received extremely harsh sentences. For example, three young Yangon residents were sentenced to terms ranging from 42 to 49 years for posting posters calling for a boycott of the elections.

Among those arrested were prominent cultural figures: director Mike Tee, actor Kyaw Win Thut, and comedian On Daing. Each received seven-year prison sentences for "violating public trust" after criticizing a propaganda film promoting voter participation.

Threats against displaced persons

Human rights activists are particularly alarmed by reports from displaced persons, including those in the Mandalay region. According to eyewitnesses, they are being threatened with attacks and confiscation of property if they do not return to their homes to vote. One source said, "They are telling displaced people, 'Go back to the city to vote. If you don't return, we will continue bombing you.'"

Türk stressed that forcing people to return to unsafe conditions is a violation of international law.

Attacks by anti-government groups

The military isn't the only threat in Myanmar. Armed groups opposed to the junta also resort to intimidation. In mid-November, nine teachers were kidnapped on their way to election-related training. They were later released after threats and intimidation.

In mid-November, the self-proclaimed "Yangon Army" bombed several government buildings, injuring election commission staff. The group announced its intention to continue attacks on election officials.

According to Türk, the current situation completely precludes the free expression of citizens' will in Myanmar. "These elections are taking place in an atmosphere of violence and repression. The conditions for freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, which are essential for people's full participation in the political process, are completely absent," the High Commissioner stated.

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December 23, 2025 Peace and security

On Tuesday morning, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on 12 Ukrainian regions and Kyiv, killing and injuring civilians. Damage to energy infrastructure led to power outages across Ukraine, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country reported today.

According to available information, three civilians were killed, including one child. Another 13 people, including three children, were wounded. The UN mission, citing Ukrainian forces, reports that 635 drones and 38 missiles were used during the attack.

Residential buildings and civilian infrastructure were damaged again in the Chernihiv, Odesa, and Sumy regions. As a result, many Ukrainians are left without basic services, including electricity, during the cold winter weather. "As the cold season begins, the most vulnerable people need support. This violence must stop. Civilians must be protected," stated the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Humanitarian workers are supporting those affected by the recent wave of large-scale attacks across Ukraine. In Kyiv, Odesa, Zhytomyr, and other regions, UN agencies and their partners are providing psychosocial and legal support, distributing emergency housing repair materials, and registering people for cash assistance.

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December 22, 2025 Humanitarian aid

Despite the declared ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, humanitarian organizations continue to receive reports of airstrikes, shelling, and gunfire. According to the UN, over the past 24 hours, the violence has resulted in new casualties and disrupted humanitarian operations. Nevertheless, aid continues to reach the most vulnerable families despite these threats and the cold and rainy winter weather.

Due to a severe shortage of shelter, many people are forced to live in partially or heavily damaged buildings. Several buildings recently collapsed due to the storm, causing injuries. Three-quarters of female-headed households urgently need housing, and two-thirds need warm clothing.

UN partners continue to work to expand access to decent housing for approximately 1.3 million people in Gaza. Over the past week, approximately 3,500 families affected by storms or living in flooded areas received tents, bedding, mattresses, and blankets. More than 250,000 children have already received winter clothing, but approximately 630,000 adolescents still need it.

The UN reiterates its call for the lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, including construction materials, as such restrictions seriously hamper the work of humanitarian services.

Humanitarian organizations continue to coordinate missions inside Gaza. On Sunday, Israeli authorities approved half of their requests.

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December 22, 2025 Peace and security

Fighting over the weekend has led to an increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine, as well as extensive damage to the country's critical infrastructure, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Monday.

From Friday until early Monday morning, according to Ukrainian authorities, more than ten civilians were killed and over 70 others were injured, including two children. Disruptions to basic services were reported in more than 270 settlements across Ukraine.

The attacks are taking place against a backdrop of harsh winter conditions. Recent shelling has already led to power and heating outages.

Almost daily attacks

The Odessa region, which is subject to near-daily attacks, has been particularly hard hit. On Friday, an overnight attack on port infrastructure claimed the lives of eight civilians and injured 27 others. Tens of thousands of people remain without power.

Hundreds of thousands of people were also affected by damage to energy infrastructure in the Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv regions.

Ukrainian authorities reported that a humanitarian aid warehouse in the Mykolaiv region was damaged in the attack. A medical facility and a school were also hit.

Funding shortfall

In the Sumy region, approximately 40 people have been evacuated to safer areas over the past three days, the OCHA reported. Meanwhile, in the Donetsk region, approximately 330 civilians, including 50 children, have been evacuated.

Since June, nearly 150,000 people have been evacuated from frontline areas, including more than 16,500 children and more than 5,000 people with limited mobility.

Humanitarian workers were able to provide assistance to 700,000 people in areas near the front lines this year. However, due to funding shortages, more than a million people remain without clean water, and access to protection services and assistance for survivors of gender-based violence is limited.

This year, the $2.6 billion humanitarian plan for Ukraine received only about half the funding – less than $1.4 billion.

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December 22, 2025 Peace and security

As the war in Sudan approaches its 1,000th day, civilians continue to suffer from its worsening consequences, UN officials warned at a Security Council meeting.

Assistant Secretary-General in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Khaled Khiari said the conflict had escalated again since his department's last briefing to the UN Security Council in October.

According to him, the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) is in the Kordofan region advanced into new territoriesSpecifically, they seized an oil field and a processing station for South Sudanese oil, which is pumped to Port Sudan for export. The towns of Kadugli and Dilling are "under increasing siege."

"These events reflect the increasingly complex nature of the conflict and its expanding regional dimension. If action is not taken, Sudan's neighbors could find themselves drawn into the regional conflict," Khiari emphasized.

Casualties among civilians and peacekeepers

The rapporteur cited "the increasing use of indiscriminate drone strikes by both sides, causing significant civilian casualties," as a particularly alarming trend. Specifically, on December 4, attacks in South Kordofan on a kindergarten and a hospital where victims of the initial attack were taken resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, including 63 children.

On December 13th, drones A UN logistics base in Kadugli was hit, resulting in six members of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent being killed and nine injured. Due to ongoing threats, all UN peacekeeping personnel were evacuated from Kadugli.

Khiari also noted that the increasing number of civilian detentions on charges of collaborating with one side in the conflict is alarming. In November, the UN Human Rights Office recorded 93 such arrests in the Kordofan region.

De-escalation of violence

The UN representative emphasized that the ongoing arms supply remains a key factor in the conflict, while the parties "remain unprepared for compromise or de-escalation."

"While they have managed to stop the fighting to preserve oil revenues, they have not yet been able to do the same to protect the population," Khiari noted.

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Humanitarian crisis in Kordofan

Edem Wosornu, a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, speaking on behalf of UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, briefed the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Sudan.

According to her, according to UN data, drone strikes killed more than 100 civilians in South Kordofan between December 4 and 16. An inter-agency convoy led by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, scheduled to arrive in Kadugli on December 15, was unable to do so due to the increasingly volatile and unpredictable situation.

In North Kordofan, "the attack on a World Food Programme truck on December 5, which seriously injured the driver, is further evidence of the enormous risks facing humanitarian workers."

Meanwhile, in West Kordofan, "new population movements, including crossings into South Sudan, and civilian casualties were recorded following the capture of Heglig."

Ongoing UN efforts

"Despite the difficulties, humanitarian operations continue: since January, approximately 16.8 million people have received some form of support. The humanitarian aid system is under unprecedented pressure and is increasingly becoming a target of attacks," Vosornu said, calling for urgent action.

The Security Council, she said, "must send a strong, unambiguous signal that attacks against civilians, sexual violence and othergross violations of international humanitarian law "Unacceptable." The UN representative also emphasized that humanitarian workers must be able to work in safe conditions and without hindrance.

“As another dark milestone approaches in this horrific war, renewed efforts are needed more than ever to stop the fighting, halt the arms flows that fuel the conflict, and move the parties closer to the inclusive and sustainable nationwide ceasefire that is so desperately needed,” she concluded.

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December 22, 2025 Peace and security

Following regime change in Syria a year ago, the illicit production of Captagon, one of the most widely used synthetic drugs in the Middle East, has been significantly disrupted. This is according to a new analytical report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which contains preliminary findings from a large-scale study to be published in 2026.

Since December 2024, the new Syrian authorities have closed 15 industrial laboratories and 13 warehouses previously used for Captagon production and storage. However, the UNODC notes that production likely continues in other Middle Eastern countries. However, researchers have been unable to confirm the widespread belief that some Syrian production facilities may have been relocated to other regions, including Africa.

By the end of 2024, Captagon production in Syria reached several million tablets per day. Experts estimate that the accumulated stockpiles could sustain the illicit market for several more years, fueling regional smuggling networks.

The market is experiencing a shortage, and seizure volumes are growing

The Persian Gulf countries remain a key market for Captagon. Signs of shortages are already being reported in several countries in the region, likely due to increased anti-smuggling measures.

Since December 2024, the UNODC has confirmed at least 177 million tablets seized—approximately 30 tons—across the Arab region. The final figures may be higher as data collection continues.

At the same time, smugglers are actively seeking new routes. The report notes that transhipment and repackaging points in Western and Central Europe, as well as North Africa, are increasingly being used.

The region unites in the face of a common threat

As the threat mounts, countries in the region have stepped up cooperation, sharing intelligence, conducting joint operations, and coordinating efforts to curb illicit trafficking.

According to Bo Mathiasen, Director of Operations at the UNODC, political will and international cooperation were key factors in the record seizures in 2025. He noted that the market's expansion in previous years had divided the region, but now the need for decisive action is helping to consolidate it.

The UNODC warns that disrupting Captagon production chains could lead drug traffickers and users to switch to methamphetamine and other synthetic substances. This could accelerate the spread of new drugs in the region.

The study emphasizes that the fight against illicit drug trafficking must be combined with the development of scientifically based prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation systems. Only such a comprehensive approach will effectively counter the expansion of the synthetic drug market.

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December 21, 2025 Culture and education

Meditation is a practice of focused attention aimed at achieving a state of calm and mental clarity. Rooted in religious, yogic, and secular traditions across various civilizations, it encourages living in the present moment.

According to archaeological evidence, meditation existed as early as 5000 BCE. Its various forms are found in ancient Egypt and China, as well as in Judaism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. This year, the UN is celebrating its second World Day dedicated to this ancient practice, which has been proven to improve personal well-being and mental health.

In the face of global challenges, meditation offers a powerful tool for cultivating peace, unity, and compassion.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), meditation can be an effective self-care tool that complements treatment and improves overall well-being, especially in anxiety disorders. Research confirms its ability to reduce stress, improve concentration and emotional balance, alleviate anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality. It also promotes physical health, including lowering blood pressure and relieving pain.

Even a few minutes of daily practice based on breathing and mindful presence can help you find calm and focus.

Strengthening Peace and Unity through Meditation

Beyond its individual benefits, meditation fosters empathy, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose, promoting collective well-being. Recognized for its universality, meditation is practiced in all regions of the world by people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles.

At the United Nations, meditation holds a special place, exemplified by the Meditation Room at UN Headquarters in New York. Opened in 1952 under the leadership of Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, this "room of silence" symbolizes the crucial role of silence and introspection in achieving global harmony. In Hammarskjöld's words, in this house of work and discussion for the benefit of peace, "there should be one room dedicated to silence in the outer sense and stillness in the inner sense."

In times of global challenges such as armed conflict, climate crisis, and rapid technological advancement, meditation offers a powerful means for cultivating peace, unity, and compassion. World Meditation Day reminds us of the importance of developing human consciousness to address these challenges and create harmony within ourselves and our communities.

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December 20, 2025 Culture and education

Bhutanese tradition, innovation, and women's empowerment are intertwined in a collection of clothing created with ethical fashion principles and UN support.

Far away in Bhutan, on a cliff in the Himalayan Mountains, approximately two thousand meters above sea level, a woman sits. Bending over a loom, she weaves cloth and chants, continuing the centuries-old spiritual tradition of storytelling.

This weaver hails from the village of Goenpa-Kabab, home to a matriarchal Buddhist community. The local women take great pride in their skill in sewing traditional silk dresses, called kishuthara, which they decorate with intricate patterns. Historically, some members of this community even served as weavers for Bhutanese queens and princesses.

Weaving is a tradition passed down from mother to daughter in these mountain communities. As the primary breadwinners in their families, women spend entire days at the loom, earning a living through their artistic craftsmanship while simultaneously preserving the heritage of the past.

Weaver Sherab Tsomo, now 41, began mastering the art of kishutjara dress making at the age of eight. Making a dress requires more than just weaving the fabric; it's a painstaking process that involves dyeing raw silk with local plants like indigo, washing, boiling, and sun-drying it. Finally, it's spun into yarn, which the weavers use on a traditional sash loom to hand-weave intricate patterns using a technique called trima.

While these woven products are highly valued both in Bhutan and abroad, many artisans continue to face difficulties in accessing wider international markets, including the global fashion industry.

"We have to rely on people to transport these fabrics from our village to the urban areas," says Sherab. "Furthermore, we know almost nothing about entrepreneurship, accounting, and marketing. And although new technologies have given us access to smartphones, we still haven't learned how to use them properly."

© FAO/Sonam Yangzom

Sherab Tshomo followed in her mother's footsteps: she has been involved in the art of sewing kishuthara dresses since childhood.

Traditions of mountain communities go out into the world

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan, is bringing Bhutanese weavers to the wider world. As part of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat's "Fashion for Fragile Ecosystems" project, funded by the Italian Development Cooperation and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Employment of Bhutan, efforts are underway to establish collaboration between an international fashion brand and artisans from remote mountain communities to promote the use of traditional fabrics in fashion design at the international level.

Under the auspices of this initiative, FAO Mountain Partnership Goodwill Ambassador and fashion designer Stella Jean visited Bhutan, where she collaborated closely with local designers and artisans from the village of Goenpa Kabab to create a capsule collection featuring kishuthara dresses. Drawing on traditional weaving techniques and appliqué and embroidery techniques, the women collaborated to create a vibrant and contemporary collection, which was presented at Milan Fashion Week.

"Before training through this project, I hadn't even considered selling our fabrics to international markets to create contemporary clothing," says Sherab. "I used only traditional weaving methods and made simple bags and tablecloths for tourists visiting Bhutan. Now I understand the opportunities available in international markets and how to collaborate in the textile industry."

This collaborative project was made possible, in part, by the expertise and experience of Chandrika Thaman and Tashi Tsangmo, two Bhutanese fashion designers who contributed crucially to the creation of this collection. Chandrika Thaman adheres to the principles of zero-waste design and uses recycled materials to create artistically meaningful garments and textiles while simultaneously promoting the empowerment of women, including single mothers.

Tashi Tsangmo, widely known by her stage name Wanpe Couture, is an entrepreneur in Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. She has been designing clothing since 2015, drawing on her business experience and the Bhutanese weaving traditions that are inextricably linked to her life. Growing up in a family of skilled weavers, Tashi was inspired to become a fashion designer by her mother's example – it was through her that she developed a deep love for traditional craftsmanship, which continues to play a defining role in shaping her designs. She believes this project will launch a new generation of weavers who embrace innovative techniques in their work.

"Traditional weaving is an art for the patient, as a single piece can take several months, sometimes even over a year, to complete. Yet, I believe these challenges are the essence of our craft. Unlike machine-made fabrics, each piece, crafted by a skilled artisan, is imbued with patience and soul. This is what makes them unique," says Tashi.

Fashion Protects Fragile Ecosystems

Now, the creations of Sherab, Chandrika, Tashi, and other Bhutanese artisans have appeared on fashion runways, introducing the world to ethical mountain clothing traditions. At the same time, the creativity of Bhutanese designers is promoting female entrepreneurship and improving the well-being of mountain residents.

Bhutanese designers and artisans retain the intellectual property rights to the collaborative collection presented in Milan by Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean, allowing them to continue to produce and sell pieces from the collection to customers worldwide through their own channels.

Furthermore, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, through the Mountain Partnership Products (MPP) initiative, organized training for 18 artisans on product branding, supply chain sustainability, and certification processes. From now on, Kishutjara and Yatthara textiles will carry MPP labels, providing consumers with information about their production methods and locations.

The initial phase of the "Fashion for Fragile Ecosystems" project involves establishing collaboration between artists and artisans from the world's most remote regions and international fashion brands. The project's impact extends beyond ethical fashion: it demonstrates how tangible cultural heritage can evolve, combining the knowledge of many generations and innovation to create new opportunities for women living in mountainous regions.

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