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March 18, 2026 Peace and security

The ongoing escalation in the Middle East is increasing pressure on Syria at a time when the country is undergoing a fragile transition and recovery, UN officials warned at a Security Council meeting on Wednesday.

Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Claudio Cordone reported that the consequences of the regional conflict are already being felt on Syrian territory.

Regional threats

According to him, debris falling after missiles and drones were intercepted resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. Furthermore, one incident of shelling from Lebanese territory was recorded, as well as increased Israeli operations in Syrian airspace and repeated incursions into Syrian territory.

He noted that strikes on Lebanon led to about 140,000 people, mostly Syrians, crossing the border in search of safety.

Cordone called on Israel to "fully respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity" and abide by the 1974 disengagement agreement.

At the same time, he praised the Syrian government's efforts to cooperate with international partners in order to prevent the country from being further drawn into the regional conflict.

“Adherence to international law, de-escalation and dialogue remain key to preventing further consequences of this devastating war,” the Deputy Special Representative emphasized.

Steps towards a political transition

Cordone reported on the indirect elections held yesterday in Raqqa province and planned voting in other regions, emphasizing the importance of inclusive representation, especially of women, in future institutions of power.

He paid special attention to the creation of the National Commission on Transitional Justice, noting that this step reflects the desire to restore the rule of law, ensure accountability and promote reconciliation.

At the same time, unresolved issues remain, including the situation in As-Suwayda and the integration of Kurdish forces into state structures.

Cordone also warned about activation of ISIS and pointed out the serious challenges associated with the closure of the Al-Hol camp and the resettlement of its residents.

Humanitarian situation: growing needs and risks

In turn, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator of the United Nations Joyce Msuya noted that, despite the closure of the Damascus airport and increased security risks, humanitarian operations continue.

The situation in northern and eastern Syria is stabilizing, but more than 100,000 people remain displaced in the provinces of Aleppo and Hasakah.

Meanwhile, irregular power supplies continue to disrupt water supplies and medical facilities. Humanitarian organizations provide assistance to more than 200,000 people monthly, providing food, medical care, and essential items.

However, Msuya emphasized that humanitarian aid cannot replace government services.

Mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) continue to pose a serious threat. Since February, according to the UN, such incidents have killed 50 people and injured another 97. The UN is prepared to expand mine clearance efforts, but this requires additional resources and security.

Msuya warned that prolonging the conflict in the region could seriously impact the Syrian economy, including through rising fuel prices and supply chain disruptions.

"It would be a tragic mistake if international support for the Syrian people were to weaken now," she concluded.

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March 18, 2026 Human rights

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed deep concern over a series of anti-Semitic attacks in recent days against synagogues and Jewish communities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada and the United States.

In his official statement on Wednesday, Turk stressed that the "monstrous" attacks on religious sites and communities require a decisive response from states.

Call for a prompt investigation

The High Commissioner called on the authorities of the countries where these attacks occurred to take "meaningful steps" to promptly, fully, and transparently investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice. He stated that impunity in such cases sets a dangerous precedent and fuels a climate of fear.

The right to freedom of religion is under threat

Türk emphasized that everyone should be able to practice their religion "without fear or intimidation." He noted that the rise in anti-Semitic incidents in various regions of the world requires increased attention and systematic measures to protect vulnerable communities.

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March 18, 2026 Peace and security

More than 20,000 seafarers and approximately 3,200 vessels are stranded in the Persian Gulf west of the Strait of Hormuz amid the war in the Middle East, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The UN agency is holding an emergency meeting in London to discuss measures to support the seafarers and vessels trapped on one of the world's key trade routes.

According to the UK Maritime Safety Authority, 21 incidents were recorded between February 28 and March 17, including 16 attacks and five cases of "suspicious activity." These included strikes on tankers and container ships off the coast of the UAE and Iraq, which resulted in fires and the evacuation of crews.

The lives of sailors are at risk

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez recalled that at least seven seafarers have been killed and several more injured in attacks on ships since the beginning of the conflict.

“Whenever shipping is treated as collateral damage in conflicts, the entire world suffers –from the global economy to food security"," the head of the IMO said.

He stressed that approximately 20,000 sailors remain in the Persian Gulf, “exposed to high risks and experiencing significant psychological stress.”

“I once again call on all shipping companies exercise extreme caution when working in the affected area and, if possible, avoid it,” Dominguez said.

Disagreements regarding the conduct of the meeting

The holding of the emergency session sparked controversy among member states. The delegations of Iran and Russia questioned the necessity of the meeting, citing possible violations of IMO procedural rules, including a lack of proper notification.

Despite this, the IMO Council decided to use a clause in the Code of Practice that allows the meeting to be held without complying with the standard requirements.

Iranian strikes

Speaking on behalf of his country, the representative of the United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the strikes by Iran, calling them "unprovoked" and "illegal", and stressed that they pose a serious threat to international shipping and regional stability.

He said the attacks were a "gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of the country, including its territorial waters, and violated basic principles of international law.

According to a delegation representative, there have been fatalities and injuries among seafarers and port infrastructure workers. There are also additional risks to maritime safety and the environment.

The UAE stressed the need to protect freedom of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, and reaffirmed its right to self-defense in accordance with the UN Charter.

The situation of sailors

A number of countries have focused attention on the situation of sailors caught in the conflict zone.

Sweden welcomed the discussion, noting the need to maintain the international community's attention to the fate of "innocent sailors" who remain stranded in the region.

The Netherlands emphasized that seafarers continue to work in extremely dangerous conditions and are often unable to leave the area. The delegation called for their access to basic resources, including food and drinking water, and for their safety to be prioritized.

Risks to the global economy

China called for an immediate end to hostilities, noting that only de-escalation can ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Chinese delegation also warned that if "normal maritime transport order" is not restored urgently, it could have serious consequences for the global economy and trade.

Trust tools

The United States, for its part, announced the creation of a reinsurance mechanism that is expected to help restore market confidence and resume energy and commercial shipping.

The US delegation also welcomed additional initiatives, including a proposal submitted to the IMO Council to establish a safe sea corridor for the evacuation of merchant ships from affected areas.

The US delegation called on partners to "support efforts to restore shipping through the strait."

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Byubyusara Ryskulova, Honorary President of the Sezim (Feeling) Crisis Center, has been helping women and children affected by violence for over 30 years. She participated in the ongoing 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, where representatives from over 100 countries are discussing access to justice and the protection of women's rights.

"My work has been connected to the topic discussed at this session for over 30 years," says Ryskulova. "We have a very representative delegation: at the level of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Ombudsman, the Deputy Prosecutor General, the Supreme Court, and ministries. I was the only representative of civil society. For me, this is an opportunity to learn about the experiences of other countries. You hear a lot of criticism in your own country, but you still learn a lot by comparing."

According to the human rights activist, Kyrgyzstan has made significant progress in this area, but problems still remain.

The Sezim Crisis Center is one of the first in the region. It was established in 1998, when the very idea of helping victims of violence was new to the country. Prior to that, Ryskulova worked at another center, Umut (Hope).

According to her, the decision to dedicate herself to this work arose after a trip to the United States in the late 1990s.

"People often ask me: Why a crisis center? I answer: I fell into this field by accident. In 1998, the four of us were invited to the United States on an exchange program; we traveled to about seven states. It was the first time I saw how the aid system worked. Before, we hadn't even talked about it out loud. When they started teaching us what a public organization, what an NGO, was, I studied like a schoolgirl: everything was new and very interesting. But even then, I knew that our problems were very deep."

Even today, she says, discussing violence openly can be difficult.

"Since the early 1990s, religiosity has increased here; sometimes people perceive many things through religion. There's been a certain backsliding on some issues of women's rights. For example, in the village where I come from, there's one school and two mosques. And in a short period of time, religiosity has grown significantly. That's why talking about violence can still be difficult."

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Bubusara Ryskulova, honorary president of the crisis center "Sezim".

Nevertheless, there has been progress. In 2003, Kyrgyzstan was one of the first countries in the post-Soviet space to adopt a law on domestic violence, following a campaign by public organizations and a signature drive. It was updated in 2017.

"We wouldn't complain at the legislative level," says Ryskulova. "But the law is one thing, and its implementation is another. That's why we're now working more on the ground, protecting specific individuals. We have a shelter, and our specialists have been working there for over 30 years. I myself earned a second degree—as a practicing psychologist. And now I often represent victims in court. Our law allows you to do this by proxy, even if you're not a lawyer."

According to her, sometimes it is precisely these types of cases that become resonant and help change the system.

"In recent years, our organization has handled about 40 court cases, and nearly 90 percent of the rulings were in favor of the victims. These were very serious cases—murders, rapes. We work and then raise public awareness. But if a woman doesn't want publicity, we maintain complete anonymity," the human rights activist explains.

Today, the situation is gradually changing in the professional sphere as well. While in the early 1990s, there were almost no practicing psychologists in the country, they are now being trained at many universities.

But the beginning was very difficult – especially when the first hotline appeared.

"When we opened the helpline, we just sat and waited to see if they'd call. And for a long time, no one called. When the first call finally came, they told me to pick it up myself. I had almost no experience, and my hands were shaking. But that's how we got started," Ryskulova recalls.

International cooperation, including with UN agencies, played a major role in the development of crisis centers. Ryskulova recalls that one of the first partner organizations was the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

"That's where I first heard about sexual slavery. I said, 'What are you even talking about?' And then we opened a hotline specifically for this topic. I remember one of the first girls—a minor, pregnant. I met her at the airport myself. She said she didn't want to live, that she would commit suicide if she had this child. We literally had to stand by her hospital bedside to make sure she didn't harm herself," the human rights activist recounts.

Today, the Sezim Center continues to work with UN agencies such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and UN Women.

"This is very important to us – sharing experiences, training specialists, and joint projects. Platforms like the session of the Commission on the Status of Women provide an opportunity to see what's happening in the world and what we still need to learn," says Ryskulova.

Despite decades of work and significant changes, Ryskulova is confident that helping victims still requires daily effort.

"Seminars and trainings are important, prevention is important. But if even one person who has suffered remains unprotected, it means we haven't done everything we need to," she says.

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March 17, 2026 Healthcare

An estimated 4.9 million children, including 2.3 million newborns, will die before reaching their fifth birthday in 2024. New research findings highlight an alarming slowdown in global progress in reducing child mortality.

Most of these deaths are preventable with proven, affordable interventions.

The report "Levels and Trends in Child Mortality," published by the UN Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, shows that while under-five mortality has more than halved since 2000, the rate of progress has slowed by more than 60 percent since 2015. The report's authors note that this is the first study of its kind, which takes into account statistics from around the world and analyzes the causes of death.

Malnutrition and other major threats

More than 100,000 children aged one month to five years have died directly from severe acute malnutrition. The highest death tolls were recorded in Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan. This is the first global estimate of this mortality factor. Experts warn that the actual number is likely higher, as malnutrition weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to other dangerous diseases, and many cases go unreported.

"No child should die from diseases we can prevent. However, we are seeing alarming signs that progress in preventing child deaths is slowing – and this is happening against a backdrop of further cuts to global budgets," said Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

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A child receives treatment for malnutrition at a WFP-supported clinic in South Sudan.

Infectious diseases remain a serious threat: nine infections account for 43 percent of all deaths in children under five globally. After the first month of life, malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia remain the leading causes of death. Mortality remains concentrated in a limited number of countries with endemic infections, including Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, and Nigeria, where conflict, climate change, the spread of disease vectors, drug resistance, and other threats continue to limit access to prevention and treatment.

Newborn mortality now accounts for almost half of all deaths among children under five, reflecting slower progress in preventing deaths during this period of life. The main causes are complications associated with preterm birth, as well as complications during childbirth and infections.

Children die more often in conflict situations

Geographical disparities remain significant. In 2024, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 58 percent of all under-five deaths, with South Asia accounting for another 25 percent.

Children living in fragile and conflict-affected areas are almost three times more likely to die before reaching the age of five than children in other areas.

The report also notes that 2.1 million children, adolescents, and young adults aged 5 to 24 will die in 2024. While infectious diseases and injuries remain the leading causes of death among younger children, the risk profile shifts during adolescence: among girls aged 15 to 19, self-harm is the leading cause of death, while among boys, it is road traffic accidents.

UN officials warn that cuts in foreign aid are undermining efforts to protect maternal and child health.

Global goals

UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua called the data a "stark reminder" that many countries are not on track to meet the targets set out in the Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"We know how to prevent these deaths. What's needed now is renewed political commitment, sustained investment in primary health care, and more robust data systems to ensure no child is left behind," he noted.

The report emphasizes that investing in children's health is one of the most cost-effective development interventions. Vaccinations, nutrition programs, and skilled birth attendance can save millions of lives.

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March 17, 2026 Peace and security

For women and girls in Afghanistan, 2026 has already proven to be an "extremely difficult year" due to the conflict in the Middle East and ongoing fighting on the border with Pakistan, UN Women Special Representative in Afghanistan Susan Ferguson said on Tuesday.

Speaking via video link from Kabul to reporters in New York, Ferguson said the recent escalation in fighting has left at least 64,000 Afghans injured, about half of them women and girls.

"This number includes thousands of families who were displaced again after living for six months in temporary camps following the August 2025 earthquake," she said. "They also include women and girls who recently returned from Iran or Pakistan."

Ferguson noted that women in Afghanistan today primarily need shelter, medical care, and clean water. She reiterated the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan's call for "an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further civilian casualties and for all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law."

Echoes of the war with Iran

According to Fergusson, a sharp increase in the number of Afghans returning from Iran, including women traveling alone or with children, is expected in western Afghanistan in the coming weeks. She emphasized that UN Women and partners are prepared to deploy more humanitarian workers to the border to assist returning Afghan women with registration and support.

"We urgently need funding to meet these needs at this critical time," the Special Representative said. "Women and girls in Afghanistan cannot survive another economic shock."

The current situation "must not become the norm"

When the international community begins to normalize what is happening in Afghanistan, Ferguson emphasized, it stops believing that the situation can change and stops noticing what is happening.

"Therefore," she continued, "to the international community, including the decision-makers gathered this week in New York for the Commission on the Status of Women, I would say: 'Don't call this the norm.' Despite all the obstacles and limitations, Afghan women continue to demonstrate exceptional courage and determination, and we must do the same. Change is still possible, but only if the world continues to support Afghan women."

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March 17, 2026 Climate and environment

The disruption to global energy supplies is being felt around the world. The conflict in the Middle East has led to a sharp rise in oil and gas prices. This volatility highlights the strategic value of renewable energy, emphasized Simon Steele, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

"Renewable energy is a game-changer," Steele said at the Green Growth Summit 2026 in Brussels. The meeting brought together European climate and environment ministers, as well as business representatives and investors.

"Sunshine doesn't rely on narrow and vulnerable sea lanes, the wind blows without costly taxpayer-funded military escorts, and renewable energy allows countries to protect themselves from global shocks without being caught up in might-makes-right politics," Steele said.

According to him, renewable energy also meets the key needs of Europeans: security, well-paid jobs, reduced living costs, and improved public health.

Dependence on fossil fuels

"Dependence on fossil fuels undermines national security and sovereignty," Steele said.

"Renewable energy sources reduce costs and create significantly more jobs," he added.

Moreover, the head of the UNFCCC noted, by abandoning fossil fuels, the air becomes cleaner, public health and quality of life improve.

Crises will repeat themselves again and again.

Steele said it was "astonishing" that in response to the current crisis, some are proposing "to double down on the root cause of the problem and slow the transition to renewable energy, even though it is clearly cheaper, safer, and faster to deploy."

"These [proposals] are out of touch with reality because history shows that fossil fuel crises will happen again and again," Steele said.

His message to ministers gathered in Brussels was simple: passive dependence on fossil fuel imports, which will cost the EU more than €420 billion in 2024 alone, will condemn it to constant crises.

Enormous opportunities

Noting that renewables will overtake coal as the world's leading source of electricity in 2025, and that investment in clean energy will exceed $2 trillion (twice that of fossil fuels), Steele emphasized that "the opportunities are enormous."

Europe is actively promoting investment in innovation today, and European companies are at the forefront of cleantech and economic growth. Among them are Siemens, Schneider, and IPS, pioneers in wind energy, energy storage, and electrical services.

A gold mine for investment

"Europe can secure long-term multi-trillion dollar investment potential that is just beginning to unfold if it embraces green growth," Steele said.

He recalled that in the last century, when the continent, shaken by war, came together to create the foundations of integration, energy was paramount: countries understood that reliable and affordable supplies were the foundation of peace and prosperity.

“These principles are more important today than ever,” Steele concluded.

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March 16, 2026 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: the UN Secretary-General's visit to Brussels, the shelling of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, the delivery of humanitarian aid to frontline areas of Ukraine, and the extension of the mandate of the UN Mission in Afghanistan.

The UN Secretary-General's visit to Brussels

The UN Secretary-General will arrive in Belgium on Tuesday for an informal discussion with members of the European Council. The visit will be part of a series of meetings focusing on the state of international relations, cooperation between the UN and the European Union, and prospects for strengthening multilateralism. The Secretary-General will hold separate bilateral meetings with European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. During the talks, the parties are expected to exchange assessments of the current global situation and discuss the role of the EU and the UN in responding to international crises.

UN peacekeepers attacked in Lebanon

United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported on MondayOn March 15, peacekeeper patrols came under fire three times in the south of the country. Two patrols returned fire in self-defense and then resumed their mission. There were no casualties among the peacekeepers. The mission emphasized that the presence of weapons outside state control in its area of operations violates Security Council Resolution 1701, and attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable and may constitute a war crime.

Delivery of humanitarian aid to frontline areas of Ukraine

UN humanitarian agencies in Kyiv report that numerous civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure have been recorded following a series of overnight and early morning drone and missile strikes in Ukraine over the weekend. National and international non-governmental organizations, the Ukrainian Red Cross, and UN agencies are working on the ground. They are providing first aid, psychological support, legal counseling, repair materials, and financial assistance to victims. On Friday, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, together with partners, dispatched two humanitarian convoys to frontline areas. Electric generators, solar lamps, ready-to-eat food, feminine hygiene kits, blankets, and diapers were delivered to the Kupyansk area in the Kharkiv region and to Kherson.

Extension of the mandate of the UN Mission in Afghanistan

On Monday, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for another three months. The decision was made amid growing humanitarian and human rights challenges in the country. The UN Secretariat emphasized that the Organization remains committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan through "principled and pragmatic engagement" within the political mission. The Secretary-General reiterated his call on the country's de facto authorities to lift restrictions imposed on women and girls. António Guterres also welcomed the Security Council's call to restore access for female UN staff to the Organization's premises in Afghanistan.

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March 16, 2026 Human rights

The UN Secretary-General on Monday called on countries to "work together" to eradicate the growing wave of hatred against Muslims. António Guterres emphasized the need to reject "narratives of fear and exclusion."

Amid ongoing conflict and instability, "millions of Muslims around the world are feeling this pain," he said. Antonio Guterres, speaking at an event dedicated to International Day Against Islamophobia"Let us reaffirm our commitment to equality, human rights and the dignity of every person, everywhere," he said.

The Secretary-General warned that many Muslims living in countries where they are a minority face various forms of institutional discrimination, socio-economic marginalization and unjustified surveillance in their daily lives.

Bias exacerbates division

Guterres called on governments to take responsibility and implement measures that "ensure equality rather than perpetuate prejudice." He also warned of "hidden forms of bias" that rarely make headlines but nonetheless "shape people's lives, undermine trust, and send a clear message about who is and is not included in society."

These could be issues of missed opportunities, prejudice, or suspicion. He says these phenomena are fueled—and dangerously amplified—by anti-Muslim rhetoric, disinformation, and outright hatred.

The rise of prejudice in the digital age

Speaking at the same event in New York, General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted that such biases are amplified in the digital age: technologies that are meant to strengthen connections between people “are instead accelerating the spread of misinformation and bias at an unprecedented rate.”

Read also:

UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia: "We are seeing a dangerous rise in hatred – especially in Europe"

According to Guterres, the consequences of such phenomena are evident: harassment, intimidation, vandalism, threats, and attacks against individuals and mosques. Such actions constitute "an assault on the values that underpin peaceful and inclusive societies."

"Confronting Islamophobia isn't just about defending one religious community. It's about defending our shared humanity," Baerbock emphasized.

She called on governments, international organizations, technology companies, and civil society to follow the UN's lead and actively combat stereotypes while disseminating accurate information.

Hate speech

The UN Secretary-General noted that when discrimination is “supported by people in positions of power, prejudice becomes the norm.”

"When stereotypes are left unchallenge, they become the policy they follow. And decisions driven by fear lead to injustice," he said.

According to the UN chief, "governments have a clear responsibility" to take action, including through legislation, to combat Islamophobia and to create security mechanisms that protect people and respect human rights, "rather than stigmatize entire communities."

António Guterres also emphasized the responsibility of tech companies. "Online spaces should bring people together, not divide them," the Secretary-General noted, adding that platforms must do far more to identify, prevent, and combat hate speech.

Silence fuels hatred

“Silence in the face of hatred only allows it to spread,” the Secretary-General stressed, adding that everyone must stand up to intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination.

“As Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims around the world reaffirm the values that underpin the UN Charter… These universal principles must guide our global response to hatred and division,” he concluded.

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March 16, 2026 Human rights

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk presented an oral report on the situation in Venezuela to the Human Rights Council on Monday.

Türk emphasized that the Venezuelan people are currently experiencing conflicting feelings: hope, fear, and profound uncertainty. The main event of recent months has been US military intervention, following which the Venezuelan authorities declared a state of emergency. According to Türk, this led to the expansion of powers for security forces and armed groups, heightening the atmosphere of fear among the population. The High Commissioner called on the government to review the state of emergency decree and ensure its compliance with the principles of necessity and proportionality.

Correcting the mistakes of the past

At the same time, the authorities took steps that Türk described as an attempt to "correct the mistakes of the past." An amnesty was declared in mid-February, but, as the High Commissioner noted, the corresponding law was drafted without sufficient public consultation.

According to the government, under amnesty Around 7,700 people were detained. The Office of the High Commissioner requested an official list of those released and access to several places of detention, but has not yet received a response. Türk emphasized the need for greater transparency.

Since the previous update, the Office has confirmed the release of approximately 950 people, including human rights defenders, journalists, trade unionists, and political figures. Türk emphasized that these individuals should not have been detained. He expressed hope that the practice of arbitrary detention will be permanently ended and that the authorities will ensure the protection of freedom of expression and the work of human rights defenders. Around 60 prisoners were able to contact their families for the first time in a long time.

Systemic problems

Despite some positive steps, systemic problems in the field of human rights persist. The Office continues to receive reports of torture and ill-treatment of prisoners. Many people remain under arbitrary detention, including the elderly, people with disabilities, the seriously ill, and at least one child.

Civic space in Venezuela remains extremely limited: years of repression have left people afraid to openly express their opinions. The NGO oversight law continues to hinder the work of civil society and, according to Türk, should be repealed. He also expressed hope that a review of the "Anti-Hate Law" will lead to an end to its use to suppress dissent.

Socio-economic difficulties

Economic and social hardships continue to seriously impact the population. People face problems accessing healthcare, water, sanitation, and food. Protests against extremely low wages, which fail to cover basic needs, are taking place across the country.

Türk called on the authorities to ensure full respect for freedom of peaceful assembly. He paid particular attention to the situation of indigenous peoples, who face serious barriers to accessing healthcare and continue to suffer high mortality rates. There has been no progress in demarcating their territories.

The High Commissioner stressed that any economic reforms, including investments in the oil and gas sector and the extraction of critical minerals, must ensure the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people over their natural resources and serve the advancement of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as environmental protection.

The need for deep reforms

In his closing remarks, Türk outlined key areas of action that, he said, would shape the country's future. He called on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those remaining in arbitrary detention, expand civic space, and ensure the protection of journalists, human rights defenders, trade unions, and NGOs. The High Commissioner emphasized the need for deep reforms in the justice and security sectors, including the dismantling of legal mechanisms that allowed suppress political dissent.

Concluding his speech, Türk emphasized that Venezuela's future must be determined solely by its people. He called on the government, the opposition within and outside the country, and all political leaders to unite around human rights and put the interests of the people first.

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