Category: United Nations

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March 25, 2026 UN

The United Nations is celebrating today International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members – a date designed to remind people of the risks faced by UN and humanitarian workers in the performance of their duties.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres He stressed that this day serves as a reminder of the "dedicated women and men" who work daily in dangerous conditions to promote the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

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

International Day of Solidarity is marked 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 Peace and security

During an emergency session on Wednesday, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution condemning Iran's strikes on the Persian Gulf states.

Meanwhile, strikes against Iran and Israel, as well as Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, continue. Reports indicate that approximately 2,000 US military personnel are preparing to deploy to the region. Meanwhile, Iran has told the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to "non-hostile" vessels not affiliated with the US or Israel.

Shipping under restrictions

The IMO confirmed that it had held consultations with Iran to clarify the criteria under which ships are allowed to pass through the strategically important Strait of HormuzA letter from Iranian authorities sent on Tuesday stated that the strait remains open, but safe passage will only be provided for "non-hostile" vessels.

It also clarifies that “vessels, equipment and any assets belonging to the aggressor parties, namely the United States and the Israeli regime, as well as other participants in the aggression, do not fall under the category of peaceful or non-hostile passage.”

The UN agency noted that the reports received make it clear that some vessels will not be able to transit the strait, and dialogue on this issue must continue. Evacuation remains the IMO's primary objective. about 20 thousand sailors, stuck west of the Strait of Hormuz.

Urgent debate in Geneva

The UN Human Rights Council has begun an "urgent debate" – the eleventh since the Council's creation in 2006.

The Member States agreed to discuss "the recent military aggression launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran on 28 February 2026 against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure."

Another urgent discussion will take place on Friday – at the initiative of Iran, China and Cuba – regarding attack on a school in Minab, which reportedly killed 168 children.

"Chaos" and violations of international law

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the situation in the Persian Gulf countries as "chaos" more than three weeks after the US and Israeli strikes on Iran began.

He also noted the "extremely dangerous and unpredictable" developments, pointing to numerous attacks using Iranian drones and missiles on military bases, residential areas and energy infrastructure.

"Many of the attacks in this conflict raise serious questions under international law, which prohibits attacks on civilians and their infrastructure, as well as attacks on military targets, if the harm to civilians is disproportionate," Türk emphasized.

Statements of the parties

An Iranian official reported that since February 28, as a result of Israeli and US strikes, about 45,000 residential buildings have been destroyed in the country, and 53 hospitals and 57 schools have been shelled.

"Today, Iran mourns the loss of more than 1,500 lives, including 300 children," Ali Bahraini said.

At the same time, the United Arab Emirates condemned the ongoing attacks by Iran, stressing that it has never allowed its airspace to be used to launch strikes against Iran.

"The contradiction between Iran's claims of good-neighbourly relations and its actions in practice, including attempts to justify attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure such as airports, ports, oil facilities and tourism infrastructure, cannot be ignored," said UAE spokesman Jamal Al Musharrah.

Resolution and disagreements

The Human Rights Council adopted a resolution related to the current debate, condemning Iran's "egregious attacks" on Gulf states and demanding an end to "all unprovoked attacks" on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan.

However, the document does not mention the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which started the conflict, as pointed out by the Indonesian delegation.

"The text does not address the attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, nor Israeli strikes on Lebanon, which continue to worsen the situation,” the country’s representatives said.

Switzerland, in turn, supported the resolution, noting that “Iran’s attacks go beyond the right to self-defense.”

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March 24, 2026 Peace and security

A new wave of Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory has resulted in the death and injury of civilians, as well as the destruction of critical infrastructure in the Dnipropetrovsk, Odessa, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, and other regions.

According to available reports, the strikes hit residential buildings, kindergartens, and stores. Humanitarian organizations are providing first aid, psychological support, repair materials, and other emergency services to those affected.

On the eve, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, speaking to the Security Council, stated that the situation in the country "worse than ever".

The situation around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in southern Ukraine was today disconnected from the 750 kV Dniprovska transmission line. As a result, the facility is dependent on a single backup line for external power supply.

The station has been under Russian control since March 4, 2022, and has been repeatedly damaged by shelling since then.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said the agency's experts are monitoring the situation and consulting with both sides on establishing a local ceasefire that would allow the damaged power line to be repaired.

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March 24, 2026 Peace and security

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: more than 130,000 people have arrived in Syria from Lebanon, the population of Haiti is suffering from violence at the hands of criminal gangs and security forces, settler attacks on Palestinians continue, and one in five cases of tuberculosis in Europe and Central Asia remains undetected.

Mass displacement in Lebanon

Since the beginning of March, against the backdrop of the war in the Middle East, people have arrived in Syria from Lebanon. more than 130 thousand people, and over 1 million have fled their homes and remain on Lebanese territory. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported this today. In Lebanon, more than 134,000 people are housed in 644 collective centers. Most are staying with relatives, in host communities, or in rented accommodation. Some are forced to sleep in cars or outdoors. IOM calls for sustained international support for humanitarian efforts in countries in the region.

Violence in Haiti

Criminal gangs continue build influence in Haiti, seizing key sea and land routes, while police in the crisis-ridden country are accused of using "disproportionate lethal force and extrajudicial killings." A new report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights describes how the growing influence of gangs is devastating the lives of Haitians amid ongoing bloodshed—more than 5,500 people died last year alone. Violence is also being perpetrated by Haitian security forces, private security companies, and vigilante groups.

Palestinian territories

Since the reopening of the Rafah crossing last Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners have supported the medical evacuation of 16 patients and 30 accompanying persons from Gaza. The UN is reiterating its calls for the opening of additional crossings and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian operations. Meanwhile, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that settler attacks on Palestinians continue in the West Bank. Several attacks have been recorded over the past few days, resulting in casualties, property damage, and displacement.

Tuberculosis incidence

March 24 marks World Tuberculosis Day. Tuberculosis remains unnoticed in the European Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). every fifth case of this disease, and the rate of drug-resistant forms of the disease remains one of the highest in the world, according to a new report from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. According to data for 2024, 161,569 new and relapsed cases of tuberculosis were registered in 51 countries in the region—only 79 percent of the estimated number of cases. The WHO estimates that approximately 204,000 people have been infected in the region.

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March 24, 2026 International law

UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the March 20 drone strike on a teaching hospital in Sudan's East Darfur state. The death toll from the "horrific attack" continues to rise amid a "sharp increase" in drone strikes against civilians and infrastructure this year, UN agencies reported on Tuesday.

The attack on a hospital in the East Darfur capital of El Daein occurred late on Friday evening. It marked the beginning of a new round of escalation in the brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Intervention Forces, which erupted in April 2023.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the death toll has risen to 70, including seven women and 13 children. Search and rescue operations are underway at the scene. Among the casualties are also medical workers: one doctor and two nurses. The number of injured, according to the latest data, stands at 146.

The UN chief demanded that all parties to the conflict comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, which provides special protection for medical personnel and healthcare facilities and prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. He called for an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities.

The Secretary-General also reiterated his call on the parties to engage with mediators, including his Personal Envoy for Sudan, to achieve a sustainable ceasefire. The UN expressed its readiness to support tangible steps to end the fighting and chart a path to lasting peace.

Medical facilities have become military targets

Since April 2023, according to the WHO, more than 200 attacks on health facilities have been confirmed in Sudan, resulting in the deaths of over 2,000 people.

"An attack on a hospital is not just an attack on a building; it is an attack on people seeking medical care, on the medical workers risking their lives to save others, and on the very possibility of surviving this crisis," said Hala Khudari, WHO Deputy Representative in Sudan.

"Sudan is approaching its third year of armed conflict, and attacks on the healthcare system continue," she stressed, noting that medical facilities, ambulances, medical staff and patients "have been repeatedly targeted."

The attack on the hospital in El Daein has effectively forced its closure, and now patients "may have to travel more than 160 kilometers to reach the next higher-level hospital, which is particularly difficult for those in need of specialized care," a WHO spokeswoman explained.

The hospital that was hit served more than two million people in the city itself, as well as in nine other districts in East Darfur.

Search for the guilty

Asked who was responsible for the attack, UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) spokesperson Marta Hurtado said that while the perpetrators have not yet been identified, both sides in the conflict are actively using drones.

"We call on both sides to immediately stop using this type of weaponry," she said.

Hurtado warned of an increase in drone strikes in Sudan this year, which "highlights the devastating impact of high-tech and relatively cheap weapons in densely populated areas."

According to her, from January 1 to March 15, more than 500 civilians were killed as a result of such strikes, the vast majority of them in three states of the Kordofan region.

Strikes in Chad

A UN Human Rights Office spokeswoman also said that "the use of drones is extending beyond Sudan, creating a serious risk of further escalation with regional implications."

She recalled last week's drone strikes on villages in Chad, near the Sudan-Chad border, following earlier ground offensives by the Rapid Reaction Force.

“The ongoing attacks targeting civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure raise serious concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, and may amount to war crimes,” Hurtado concluded, calling for an end to “the arms flows that fuel this conflict.”

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March 24, 2026 Healthcare

In the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region, one in five tuberculosis cases remains undetected, and the rate of drug-resistant forms of the disease remains among the highest in the world. This was stated in a joint report published Tuesday by the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

According to 2024 data, 161,569 new and relapsed cases of tuberculosis were registered in 51 countries in the region—only 79 percent of the estimated number of cases. The WHO estimates that approximately 204,000 people have been infected in the region. Underdiagnosis remains a key problem: people who are not diagnosed promptly continue to transmit the infection and face more severe forms of the disease.

The situation in the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA) is also alarming experts. In 2024, 38,249 cases of tuberculosis were registered there, but one in five patients who started treatment fails to receive follow-up testing within a year. This gap persists even among children under 15.

Despite overall declines in TB incidence and mortality—by 39 percent and 49 percent, respectively, since 2015—the region remains significantly behind the End TB Strategy targets. Progress in the EU/EEA has been even slower: TB incidence has declined by 33 percent, while mortality has declined by only 17 percent.

Drug resistance

The European Region bears a disproportionately high share of the global burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. In 2024, 26,845 cases of the disease resistant to rifampicin or multiple other drugs were confirmed here.

European rates significantly exceed global ones: 23 percent of new cases in the region are multidrug-resistant (compared to only 3.2 percent globally), and among previously treated patients, resistance is detected in 51 percent of cases (compared to 16 percent globally). This makes the region one of the most problematic globally.

"A Missed Opportunity"

"One in five people with tuberculosis in the European Region remains undetected, and this isn't just a failure to diagnose—it's a missed opportunity to prevent suffering and further transmission," said Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. He emphasized that accelerating diagnosis, switching to shorter, oral regimens, and strengthening monitoring can put countries back on track to achieve their goals.

Additional challenges: HIV, prisons and childhood illnesses

The report records 23,000 cases of TB and HIV co-occurrence, 80 percent of which occur in Russia and Ukraine. Despite high testing rates, antiretroviral therapy coverage remains below target.

The situation in prisons is particularly alarming: the incidence rate there reaches 121.6 cases per 100,000 people – 13 times higher than the regional average.

In several European countries, the incidence rate of tuberculosis among children under four years of age exceeds 10 cases per 100,000 people, indicating persistent disparities within the region.

Commenting on the findings of the report's authors, ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner noted that progress in recent years in Europe has been insufficient: "To achieve the 2030 targets, sustained efforts in early detection and support of patients throughout their treatment are needed."

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March 24, 2026 Refugees and migrants

Since early March, amid the war in the Middle East, more than 130,000 people have arrived in the Syrian Arab Republic from Lebanon, while over 1 million have fled their homes and remain in Lebanese territory. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported this today, citing new data from its population displacement monitoring system.

“The current situation is a stark reminder of how quickly instability can change population movement patterns across entire regions,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “Many of those on the move are already living in precarious conditions, and as pressure mounts, humanitarian needs will increase. Providing protection and assistance to people wherever they are requires sustainable international support".

Increase in the number of people arriving in Syria

Displacement related to the crisis in Lebanon continues: according to the IOM, more than 130,000 people crossed the border between March 2 and 18. Syrians account for 95 percent of them, while 5 percent are Lebanese citizens. The basic needs of those arriving include financial assistance, food, and shelter. Many are temporarily staying with relatives or friends.

The border crossings are primarily made up of families and young men who previously worked in Lebanon and are expected to return when the situation stabilizes. Rapid monitoring has documented the arrival of over 82,000 people in hundreds of locations across Syria. This underscores the broad geographic reach of the humanitarian assistance needed.

Large-scale displacement within Lebanon

In Lebanon itself, the number of internally displaced persons is growing rapidly. According to the country's authorities, as of March 22, more than 1 million people were registered as internally displaced, including more than 134,000 people housed in 644 collective centers.

Most people are staying with relatives, in host communities, or in rented accommodation. Some are forced to sleep in cars or outdoors.

The situation in the region

In other countries in the region, people are leaving their homes as a precaution, seeking safe areas while monitoring the situation, including in Iran.

No large-scale population movements have been recorded in Iraq, but small groups of arrivals have been registered at border crossings.

Meanwhile, movements from Iran to Pakistan continue: from March 1 to 16, more than 6,700 arrivals were recorded, the majority through the Taftan-Mirjaveh crossing. These were primarily returning Pakistanis, as well as Iranian citizens with valid visas or entry permits.

Risks in Afghanistan

While returns from Iran to Afghanistan remain restricted due to unstable situation in both countries, transport restrictions within Iran, and expectations of a quick resolution to the conflict. However, the situation could change quickly.

After the holiday period, a sharp increase in returns is expected due to security risks, economic pressure, unemployment, and deteriorating living conditions for undocumented Afghans in Iran. This could lead to both forced and spontaneous returns.

The crisis has also triggered the movement of third-country nationals. People from various countries are crossing borders with Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, often with the assistance of their governments.

Humanitarian support

IOM continues to closely monitor the situation, working with national authorities and partners to inform humanitarian priorities.

The Agency also supports the UN Secretary-General's call for restraint and urgent de-escalation. It emphasizes that civilians, including migrants and displaced persons, must be protected at all times, and international humanitarian law must be strictly observed.

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March 24, 2026 Human rights

The rape and murder of a 17-year-old schoolgirl in Kyrgyzstan in September 2025 sparked a wave of public outrage. There were calls in the country to reinstate the death penalty. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for a victim-centered approach to combating violence. He noted that justice must be based on prevention, compassion, and the rule of law, not retribution.

By early December, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov officially submitted the amendment reinstating the death penalty to the Constitutional Court for a constitutional review. On December 10, 2025, the court ruled that the proposal violated international treaty obligations enshrined in Kyrgyzstan's constitution and declared the amendment unconstitutional.

Compliance with human rights obligations

The UN Human Rights Office's Regional Office for Central Asia actively participated in the discussion. Its head, Matilda Bogner, noted that the Office's experts reminded both the executive and judicial authorities of international standards and Kyrgyzstan's corresponding obligations.

Kyrgyzstan has abolished the death penalty since 1998. Ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 2010 definitively enshrined its abolition in law. The Covenant and the Protocol legally obligate states to take all necessary measures to prevent the reinstatement of capital punishment.

“It is positive that, despite an initiative that seemed to enjoy broad public support but fell short of international obligations, a rule-of-law approach ultimately prevailed in Kyrgyzstan,” Bogner said.

Justice, not retribution

The tragedy, which occurred in 2025, sparked a national debate about what constitutes justice for the victims. Bogner acknowledged that emotions inevitably run high in such cases.

"This is an extremely sensitive issue, especially when it comes to such horrific crimes," she said.

"A predictable legal process is a more effective deterrent to serious crime than introducing the death penalty into a system that lacks predictability," Bogner added.

Volker Türk also stressed that the focus should be on prevention.

"The crimes cited by the authorities as grounds for reinstating the death penalty are undoubtedly heinous, and due process must be ensured for them. However, there is no evidence that the death penalty plays a significant role in preventing serious crimes," he noted.

Prevention of violence

An effective legal system not only responds to violence but also helps prevent it. Bogner emphasized that protecting women from gender-based violence requires prompt and appropriate action by both the police and the courts, including the early identification of warning signs.

Following the Constitutional Court's decision, the Kyrgyz authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law. As part of ongoing efforts to prevent violence, the UN Human Rights Office regional office is supporting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in developing a new risk assessment system aimed at strengthening timely responses to cases of gender-based violence. According to Bogner, this system will allow authorities to monitor the situation and intervene before violence occurs.

As Türk emphasized, the Office continues to cooperate with Kyrgyzstan in creating a victim-centered justice system that ensures accountability and, above all, prevents violence against women and girls.

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March 23, 2026 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: the global climate has entered a phase of unprecedented instability, the conflict in the Middle East has entered its fourth week, a drone struck a humanitarian aid minibus in the Donetsk region, and the UN is marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Climate instability

The global climate has entered a period of unprecedented instability: greenhouse gas concentrations have reached record levels, oceans continue to warm rapidly, and ice sheets are shrinking rapidly, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). According to the report, 2025 is likely to be the second or third hottest year on record, while 2024 was the hottest year on record. Extreme weather last year led to thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in economic losses.

Conflict in the Middle East

The war in the Middle East has entered its fourth week. The humanitarian crisis in the region remains the focus of the international community. The UN is providing assistance to displaced persons and people in affected areas. The escalation of the conflict is seriously disrupting global supply chains and leading to rising prices for basic goods, warned the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The consequences of the conflict are already being felt far beyond the region. A sharp rise in oil and gas prices poses a serious threat to the global economy.

Ukraine: Drone strikes

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that since March 19, drone strikes and airstrikes have killed 25 Ukrainian civilians and injured more than 130, including several children. On March 20, a drone struck an evacuation minibus belonging to the national NGO "Mission Proliska" in the Donetsk region. Two elderly women were killed. Two other people, including the driver, were injured. The minibus had the organization's logo on its roof. The UN notes the unacceptable risks associated with the use of drones by Russian armed forces against civilians and humanitarian workers.

Fight against racism

Sixty-nine people were killed when police opened fire indiscriminately on a crowd peacefully protesting apartheid. In this reminder of the Sharpeville tragedy, the UN Secretary-General, in Resolution 134, condemned the actions of the South African government. The Secretary-General emphasized that the memory of this tragedy remains an important symbol in the fight against racism.

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According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 15,364 civilian deaths, including 775 children, have been confirmed since February 2022. Another 42,144 people have been injured. The actual figures, DiCarlo emphasized, are likely significantly higher. In February of this year alone, the death toll increased by 45 percent compared to the same period last year.