Category: United Nations

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November 25, 2025 Healthcare

The global HIV response is facing its most serious crisis in decades, according to a new report from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The document analyzes the widespread impact of reduced international funding. Low- and middle-income countries, where HIV prevalence is highest, are particularly hard hit.

According to UNAIDS, 40.8 million people are currently living with HIV. In 2024, 1.3 million new cases were registered, and 9.2 million people are still not receiving treatment.

The sharp reduction in international aid in 2025 has exacerbated the funding shortfall in the HIV response. According to estimates from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), external aid to health systems will decline by 30–40 percent in 2025 compared to 2023, which has already led to significant disruptions.

“The financial crisis has exposed how fragile the gains we fought so hard to achieve were,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima.

"Behind every number in this report are real people: infants and children who were not tested and whose HIV status was not detected early; entire communities suddenly left without services and support. We cannot abandon them. We must overcome this crisis," she added.

Discontinuation of HIV control programs

Prevention services have been hit the hardest, UNAIDS emphasizes. Specifically, they note a significant reduction in access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and a sharp decline in voluntary medical male circumcisions.

The dismantling of prevention programs developed with young women has deprived them of access to HIV prevention services, mental health support, and gender-based violence. In 2024, 570 new HIV infections were recorded daily among girls aged 15–24.

Community-based organizations playing a key role in the HIV response are reporting widespread closures: over 60 percent of women's initiatives have been forced to suspend critical programs. Programs for men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, and transgender people have also been significantly impacted.

UNAIDS warns that if the trend continues and the global community fails to achieve the HIV targets set by the Global Strategy for 2030, 3.3 million more people could become infected between 2025 and 2030 than currently projected.

Human rights situation

The financial crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of deteriorating human rights conditions, which are particularly hard on marginalized groups.

In 2025, the number of countries criminalizing same-sex relations and gender expression increased for the first time since 2008. Increased pressure on civil society – particularly organizations working with key populations in sub-Saharan Africa – further limits access to essential services.

Innovation and new financing opportunities

Despite serious challenges, a number of countries took prompt action to reduce funding gaps. As a result, many countries have managed to maintain the stability of their HIV treatment systems, with some reporting stable or even increasing rates of antiretroviral therapy.

Nigeria, Uganda, Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa, and Tanzania have pledged to increase domestic investment in HIV services. UNAIDS is working with over 30 countries to catalyze national funding plans.

Innovation is playing an increasingly important role in the fight against HIV. New HIV prevention mechanisms—including injections administered just twice a year—have the potential to prevent tens of thousands of new cases in regions with high infection rates.

In 2025, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNITAID, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, and the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) announced work to ensure widespread access to affordable versions of essential drugs—in some cases, costing as little as $40 per person per year.

Plans for the future

Events in the second half of 2025 offer hope for continued international funding. The United States has unveiled a new strategy and begun concluding bilateral agreements with approximately 70 countries to support funding during the gradual transition to independent national systems over the next five years.

Ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December, UNAIDS is calling on world leaders to sustain international funding for this area and invest in innovations, including affordable, long-term prevention and treatment options.

“Our choices now determine the future,” Byanyima emphasized.

"We can… unite around a common goal – ending the AIDS epidemic. Millions of lives depend on the decisions we make today," she added.

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November 25, 2025 Peace and security

Speaking at a briefing in Geneva, UN Human Rights Commissioner Tamin Al-Khitan reported that Russia launched new large-scale strikes on Ukrainian territory on Tuesday night. The attacks involved missiles and loitering munitions, with the primary target being energy infrastructure in Kyiv, as well as in the Odesa and Kyiv regions.

According to preliminary reports, at least seven people were killed in these regions, and another 28 were injured, including four children. The strikes caused power and heating outages in several areas.

Ukraine also launched long-range drone strikes in Russia's Krasnodar Krai and Rostov Oblast. Civilian casualties were reported.

A UN Human Rights Office team is on the ground investigating the aftermath of the attacks on Kyiv and Odesa and will provide further information in the coming days.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is a clear requirement of international humanitarian law.

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November 24, 2025 Women

In 2024, 50,000 women and girls were killed by their intimate partners or family members – an average of one every 10 minutes. These figures are presented in a new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women, published in International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Despite long-standing international commitments, indicators have not improved for many years.

According to the 2025 Femicide Report, a total of 83,000 women and girls were intentionally killed last year. Of these, 60 percent—50,000—were killed by their partners or relatives. This equates to an average of 137 women and girls killed every day. By comparison, only 11 percent of men killed were killed by their partners or relatives.

Online violence leads to real-life threats

"Femicides don't just happen. They often become the final culmination of ongoing violence that begins with control, threats, and harassment –including online" said Sarah Hendricks, Director of Policy, Programmes, and Intergovernmental Relations at UN Women. She emphasized that this year's 16 Days of Activism campaign aims to draw attention to the fact that digital violence often extends beyond the online space, escalating into physical violence and, in the worst cases, leading to murder.

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840 million women have experienced partner violence or sexual violence.

"Every woman and girl has the right to safety. Preventing femicide requires timely intervention and enforcement of laws that address both online and offline violence," Hendricks added.

Home remains a deadly place for many

John Brandolino, Acting Head of UNODC, noted: "The home remains a dangerous, and sometimes deadly, place for too many women and girls. This report highlights the need for more effective measures to prevent femicides and strengthen the response of criminal justice systems."

According to the report, cases of gender-based homicide are recorded in all regions of the world. The highest rate of femicides committed by intimate partners or family members is estimated to be in Africa – 3 cases per 100,000 women and girls. The Americas (1.5), Oceania (1.4), Asia (0.7), and Europe (0.5) follow.

Although some femicides are committed outside the home, data on these cases remains insufficient. To improve monitoring and analysis, UN Women and UNODC are working with countries to implement a statistical framework that will allow for more accurate identification, recording, and classification of gender-based killings. Improving the volume and quality of data, the UN emphasizes, is key to assessing the scale of the problem, developing effective responses, and ensuring access to justice.

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November 24, 2025 Peace and security

A series of attacks carried out over the weekend and on Monday morning in several Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Zaporizhia, left at least 20 civilians dead and nearly 100 injured. Children were among the casualties, UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric reported, citing local authorities.

According to him, ongoing fighting is causing destruction in frontline settlements, undermining the safety of civilians in major cities, and damaging energy infrastructure.

Safety of humanitarian workers

Humanitarian workers and facilities have also been damaged in a recent series of attacks. The day before, a drone strike damaged the building of a humanitarian organization in the town of Koryukovka in the Chernihiv region; fortunately, no one was injured. However, a few days earlier, on November 20, in the city of Zaporizhzhia, an off-duty employee of a local NGO was among five civilians killed in an airstrike.

Read also:

UN Security Council on Ukraine: Attacks on the country are intensifying, the death toll is rising

In total, three aid workers have been killed since the beginning of September – including two while on duty – and another 11 have been injured.

Power outages across the country

Military action is also disrupting critical services, Dujarric continued. "Ukrainian authorities report that intermittent power outages continue throughout the country due to the cumulative damage to energy infrastructure," he said. "Some areas of the Kharkiv region are left without electricity and water. The port and energy facilities in the Odessa region have also been damaged, including the ferry terminal on the border with Romania."

Providing humanitarian aid

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that, despite numerous security and access challenges, UN staff continue to provide assistance to the people of Ukraine.

On November 21, a humanitarian convoy delivered essential supplies to the frontline zone in the Kherson region. Local residents received thermoses, solar lamps, chargers, hygiene kits for people with disabilities, and food.

This year, 27 interdepartmental convoys delivered aid to approximately 30,000 residents of frontline areas.

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November 24, 2025 Healthcare

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) signed an agreement yesterday on a new pricing mechanism that will significantly reduce the cost of a key malaria vaccine. This will allow nearly seven million additional children to be protected from this deadly disease by 2030.

Under the agreement, the price of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine will drop to $2.99 per dose within a year. This will save up to $90 million and allow countries to purchase over 30 million additional doses over the next five years.

“We are using innovative financing tools and partnerships to ensure access to vaccines that will better protect children from one of Africa’s biggest killers,” said Gavi’s Head of Vaccines Programs and Markets, An Vermeersch.

Nearly 600,000 deaths in 2023

Malaria remains one of the most deadly infectious diseases in the world. In 2023, it claimed the lives of approximately 597,000 people, the vast majority of whom were young children in African countries. Approximately one child dies from malaria every minute.

“This high mortality rate demands action,” said UNICEF Director of Supply, Leila Pakkala. “In the context of cuts in international aid UNICEF will work with partners to ensure sufficient vaccine supplies are available at the most affordable price."

The reduction in vaccination costs was made possible by an advance payment secured by the International Finance Facility for Immunization (IFFI). Funds pledged by donors over the longer term are now available. This allows Gavi to respond quickly when opportunities arise to influence the vaccine market.

From ambition to action

"The IFFI was created to turn ambition into action," said Ken Lay, chairman of the organization's board. "This agreement demonstrates how financial innovation can unlock life-saving opportunities."

Twenty-four African countries have included malaria vaccination in their national immunization schedules, and more than 40 million doses have already been delivered through Gavi-supported programmes.

Demand remains high: 14 countries introduced the vaccine for the first time last year, and seven more will do so in 2025.

The price reduction will bring Gavi closer to achieving its goal of vaccinating 50 million children against malaria by the end of the decade.

Both vaccines recommended by the World Health Organization – R21/Matrix-M and RTS,S – have been shown to reduce malaria cases by more than half within the first year after vaccination, with additional protection provided by an additional dose.

"This is about giving every child an equal chance at protection," Lay said. "This is about saving lives now, not years later."

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November 24, 2025 Peace and security

The "Championship of Hope" football tournament concluded in the Gaza Strip. The tournament, organized by the Palestinian Football Association for amputees, aims to support the amputees and confirm their right to participate in official sporting events.

"We are participating in this championship to restore hope to the people after two years of war against our people," said Ali Abu Armana, the project coordinator. "We were supposed to be in Jakarta at this time, representing Palestine in the West Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in Costa Rica, but the border crossing closure and the fighting deprived us of that opportunity."

The tournament organisers aim to help thousands affected by the war since the ceasefire was declared in October.

"We remain committed to football and the cause of Gaza's revival," said national team player Abdullah Abu Mukhaimer. "New names will emerge today, as the latest war in Gaza left nearly 60,000 people amputated. We will continue and hope the authorities will pay attention to football."

Farah Youssef, who lost a leg, shared her experience: "I strive to play sports to regain some of my former physical abilities and relive pre-war memories. My message is simple: don't give up, keep going! Despite the injury and the amputation, keep going!"

According to the tournament organizers, the "Championship of Hope" is intended to become a symbol of resilience and the will to live, as well as a sign that sport remains a powerful tool for recovery and unification, even in times of war.

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November 24, 2025 Peace and security

The world is changing at a "radical pace": technology is advancing rapidly, climate chaos is intensifying, and inequality is growing. These were the words with which the UN Secretary-General opened his speech at the 7th annual African Union-European Union summit in Luanda, Angola.

Expanding the Role of the Global South

The UN chief emphasized that a multipolar world does not in itself guarantee stability: "Today's multipolarity, to be successful, also requires multilateral institutions and multilateral dynamics," Guterres said.

He noted that the partnership between the African Union and the European Union could become the "axis of a new multipolar world" capable of correcting historical mistakes and expanding the participation of countries of the Global South in decision-making on the international stage.

The Secretary-General spoke of the need to reform the global financial architecture. He said the current system is "unfair and inefficient" and "favors rich countries." He called for radical changes, including reducing the debt burden of developing countries.

Africa is rich in renewable energy

Guterres noted that Africa is rich in solar and wind energy, as well as minerals, the demand for which is expected to triple by 2030. He emphasized the need to move away from the old model of commodity exploitation.

"With the right preparation and funding, the renewable energy revolution can expand opportunities for all of Africa," the UN chief said.

Peace and security

He paid special attention to issues of peace and security. The Secretary-General called the war against Ukraine "the most terrible conflict in Europe" in decades, leading to civilian suffering and serious disruption to the global economy.

"In Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo, countless people are experiencing bloodshed and pain," Guterres said.

He reiterated the need to grant African countries permanent membership in the UN Security Council and called for funding for African Union-led peacekeeping operations.

The Secretary-General also recalled that 40 percent of UN members are EU and AU countries, meaning that these two regional powers are capable of becoming the engine of global stability.

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November 24, 2025 Peace and security

Speaking to the UN Security Council on Monday, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov said the ceasefire in Gaza, which came into effect last month, was "generally holding," but the situation remained fragile and under serious threat.

He said recent Israeli airstrikes on densely populated areas had led to numerous victims and destruction, while Palestinian armed groups continue to carry out sporadic attacks on Israeli troops, which also lead to human losses.

"This violence threatens the fragile ceasefire. All parties must exercise maximum restraint and fully comply with their obligations," Alakbarov emphasized.

The Deputy Special Coordinator noted the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States, as well as the positive role played by the recent adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2803 (2025).

Return of hostages and search for missing persons

Alakbarov noted that the ceasefire brought relief to residents on both sides. Several families in Israel were reunited with relatives previously held in Gaza. Others received the bodies of the dead.

However, the bodies of three hostages have still not been returned, and their families are "living in excruciating uncertainty." A UN representative called for the immediate return of the remains.

He also reported meeting with relatives of missing Gazans, whose fate remains unclear: many may be under rubble or in detention facilities.

Destruction on a catastrophic scale

Alakbarov again warned that, despite the decrease in fighting, the situation in Gaza remains extremely dire. Nearly 80 percent of buildings in the enclave are damaged or destroyed, and many of the 1.7 million displaced people are living in overcrowded shelters without adequate access to water, food, or medical care. The delivery of tents, blankets, and other items is delayed, which is especially alarming as winter approaches.

© UNICEF/M.Nathil

The speaker reported that of the 214,000 tons of humanitarian aid prepared for delivery, only about 24,000 tons had been delivered to Gaza. He called on Israel to expand crossing capacity and expedite the screening of humanitarian aid, as well as to resume NGO registration.

The UN continues to work closely with the Civil-Military Coordination Centre to deliver aid in accordance with humanitarian principles. This collaboration has resulted in increased delivery volumes. Alakbarov also cited the restoration of fiber-optic internet in Gaza as a positive sign.

"The destruction in Gaza—physical, economic, and social—is catastrophic. We cannot limit ourselves to simply meeting immediate material needs. Psychosocial support, restoring social cohesion, and addressing justice are equally important. People need to regain their sense of dignity and hope," he emphasized.

Escalation of violence in the West Bank

Alakbarov expressed deep concern about the sharp increase in violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He stated that settlement expansion continues, and Israeli military operations are causing death and destruction. September saw a record number of settler attacks, with up to eight incidents per day.

The attackers destroy trees, attack Palestinian farmers, set fire to property, and desecrate holy sites. In several cases, he noted, Israeli forces failed to prevent the attacks or were involved in them.

The Deputy Special Coordinator also condemned terrorist attacks by Palestinian groups, stressing the need to bring all perpetrators to justice.

Economic sustainability of Palestine

Alakbarov emphasized that a viable Palestinian economy is key to the recovery of Gaza and stability in the region. He called for an end to unilateral measures that undermine the Palestinian Authority and for an urgent resolution to the crisis in the banking sector.

Concluding his speech, he stated that lasting peace is only possible with a political process leading to a just resolution of the conflict. This requires ending the illegal occupation and implementing the two-state solution.

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Conor Lennon

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November 24, 2025 Human rights

The growth of large corporations, uncontrolled technological development, and the climate crisis pose a serious threat to human rights, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said Monday at the 14th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva.

He stressed that both states and private companies must "choose a different path" to protect people and the planet.

Artificial intelligence and social networks

Türk noted that modern digital platform business models are increasing polarization in society, and new technologies pose the risk of undermining fundamental freedoms.

"Without proper safeguards and regulation, AI systems could turn into a modern-day Frankenstein's monster," Turk said.

He warned that the use of generative AI "for political or economic purposes" could facilitate the manipulation of public opinion and undermine the rights to privacy, freedom of expression and work.

Climate Injustice and Corporate Responsibility

Speaking about the climate crisis, Türk criticized the role of the fossil fuel industry and the inconclusive results of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30).

"The oil and gas industry reaps enormous profits while simultaneously destroying the world's poorest communities and countries. Those responsible for this injustice must be held accountable," the High Commissioner said.

He added that future generations may regard the current policy of inaction as a crime.

Persecution of human rights activists

Turk expressed concern about attacks on human rights defenders and the weakening of legal requirements for corporate responsibility in a number of countries.

"Attacks on human rights defenders who bravely try to expose business-related abuses are unacceptable," the UN's top human rights official stressed.

He also noted alarming attempts to roll back measures aimed at supporting diversity, equality and inclusion and combating structural discrimination.

Positive examples

Despite the negative trends, Türk emphasized that some companies can serve as role models for others: they are implementing risk management in line with international standards, switching to renewable energy, and creating mechanisms to respond to disruptions.

He particularly noted decisions by international and national courts that affirm the obligation of businesses to respect human rights, as well as their responsibility for environmental damage and labor abuses.

"The courts have made it clear that corporations have a duty to respect human rights," Türk emphasized.

Business Support Service

The High Commissioner announced the launch of a Business Helpdesk within the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), which he heads. The new body will provide guidance to States, companies, and civil society on UN Principles on Business and Human Rights.

In conclusion, Türk spoke of the need to create a global coalition that would unite representatives from various sectors at the interregional level. He emphasized that human rights are "about and for everyone."

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