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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 12, 2026 Human rights

The Belarusian authorities are conducting a systematic campaign of repression against their opponents, both real and perceived. People are subjected to arbitrary arrests and detentions for exercising their rights to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

This was stated by the Chairperson of the Group of Independent Experts on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Karinna Moskalenko, while presenting the group's second report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Since January 2025, experts have conducted 181 interviews with victims and witnesses and reviewed nearly two thousand documents.

Inhumane conditions of detention

Moskalenko reported that, according to the collected materials, prisoners in Belarus are held in inhumane conditions and subjected to torture. They are deprived of sleep, and their cells are kept at extremely low temperatures.

"Political prisoners were regularly subjected to punitive isolation on trumped-up disciplinary grounds. Many reported being beaten with fists, feet, batons, and other objects, as well as having electric shock devices used on them," Moskalenko said.

"We are deeply concerned about the deaths of eight people in custody. Some of these deaths could likely have been prevented," she added.

Women detained on politically motivated charges were denied adequate access to gender-sensitive health care, which negatively impacted their health.

The rights of LGBTQI individuals were also violated. Some LGBTQI individuals were subjected to particularly harsh and humiliating conditions of detention.

Forced deportation of those released

In 2025, nearly 200 prisoners – most of whom were held for political reasons – were released after negotiations with the United States.

However, the manner of their release raises serious concerns, Moskalenko noted. Belarusian and foreign citizens were forcibly deported to third countries, and some were stripped of their identity documents.

"These measures are contrary to international human rights standards," the human rights activist emphasized.

Today, more than 1,130 people are illegally detained in Belarus.

"We urge the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners," Moskalenko said.

Transnational repression

Belarusians cannot feel safe even in exile. A group of experts has documented a campaign of transnational repression.

Authorities have opened criminal cases, conducted trials in absentia, frozen assets, and confiscated property of individuals who participated in peaceful demonstrations abroad, gave interviews to media outlets deemed extremist by the authorities, or simply published photographs with opposition leaders.

"We have also confirmed cases where security forces have harassed and intimidated family members of Belarusians in exile," Moskalenko noted.

The guilty are not held accountable

Experts also confirmed that a climate of impunity reigns in the country, and those responsible are not held accountable.

"Not a single significant investigation or disciplinary action has been conducted. On the contrary, those allegedly involved in serious violations have been promoted or awarded state awards," the human rights activist stated.

The Belarusian government, despite repeated requests, continues to refuse to cooperate with the expert group.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

March 12, 2026 Healthcare

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on countries to focus more on preparing for future pandemics and strengthening global cooperation. He made this statement on Thursday at the opening of the 13th Global Baku Forum.

Confront a common threat

The head of the WHO recalled that military spending in 2025 reached $2.7 trillion, which is 30 times more than the amount needed to eradicate hunger by 2030.

He also drew attention to the readiness to repel an attack from an "invisible enemy." This refers to a pandemic such as COVID-19, which is estimated to be "claimed the lives of 20 million people – more than any war in modern history – deprived the global economy of more than 10 trillion dollars.”

The WHO chief emphasized that the world often moves from one crisis to another without learning lessons. Despite the devastating consequences of pandemics, countries spend significantly more on military needs than on protection from health threats.

“And yet, as the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, in a globalized world, health security is national security,” Ghebreyesus emphasized.

"Viruses don't need visas; pathogens don't respect borders. And disinformation spreads faster than diplomacy," he added.

International cooperation

According to the head of the WHO, healthcare should become a platform for international cooperation.

“In a divided and fragmented world, health is one of the few areas where countries can – and should – work together, across ideological divides, to find common solutions to shared threats,” he said.

Ghebreyesus recalled that WHO Member States continue to work to strengthen global preparedness for future pandemics. Last year, they adopted agreement on pandemics, which, once ratified, should become an important international legal instrument for improving health security.

Countries are also negotiating an additional pathogen-sharing and benefit-sharing mechanism that should ensure the rapid detection of potentially dangerous viruses and fair access to vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics.

According to the head of the WHO, countries are participating in this process not out of charitable motives, but because cooperation in the areas of epidemiological surveillance, early warning, and access to medical supplies is in their interests.

“This is the point of multilateral cooperation – not to eliminate differences, but to manage common risks,” he stressed.

Funding cuts

Ghebreyesus also noted that the international cooperation system is currently facing serious challenges. He stated that the WHO is going through a period of complex reforms and reorientation due to the cessation of funding. from the largest donor.

“I am confident that WHO will emerge from this situation stronger, more clearly focused on its core mandate, more independent and more capable of serving the peoples and countries of the world,” the head of the agency noted.

“Ultimately, we are one species, living on the same planet, sharing the same DNA and facing the same threats,” he said, emphasizing that restoring trust between countries and international institutions remains key to effectively responding to future crises.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

March 12, 2026 Peace and security

The war in the Middle East continues, and its consequences are spreading beyond the region. Oil prices have risen to approximately $100 per barrel amid attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, UN agencies are expanding humanitarian aid to victims across the region.

Today in New York, the UN Security Council is holding a meeting dedicated to the work of the sanctions committee related to Iran's nuclear program.

Escalation in Lebanon

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reports a significant escalation of fighting along the Blue Line dividing Israel and Lebanon. Peacekeepers recorded more than 120 shells fired from Lebanese territory into Israel, followed by seven Israeli airstrikes and more than 120 instances of retaliatory artillery fire.

The Mission stated that such exchanges of attacks violate Security Council Resolution 1701 and warned that the violence is leading to further displacement and destruction in border communities. Peacekeepers remain on the ground, monitoring the situation, maintaining contact with the parties, and helping to ensure humanitarian access.

According to the UN, since the beginning escalation of violence in Lebanon 815,000 people were forced to flee their homes. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provided mattresses, blankets, and other essential items to 67,000 internally displaced persons in approximately 300 collective shelters across the country.

Meanwhile, Amy Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), expressed grave alarm over reports of a strike on a site housing internally displaced people in Beirut. Eight people were killed and dozens were injured. Civilians and civilian infrastructure should never be targeted, the IOM emphasized. Meanwhile, the Red Cross has drawn attention to the mortal danger facing humanitarian workers: one of its staff members was killed in an attack in Lebanon.

Strait of Hormuz: Sailor killed in strike

Several ships were reportedly hit in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, a key shipping route for oil from the Persian Gulf. Oil prices have risen to around $100 per barrel, raising concerns about global energy markets and supply chains.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) confirmed an incident involving two tankers near the Iraqi port of Khor az-Zubair on Wednesday. The attack on the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel Safesea Vishu killed one Indian sailor. The attack also caused a fire on the tanker Zephyros, which was transferring oil between vessels.

Sharp increase in displacement in Iran

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees warns that up to 3.2 million people may have been forced to flee their homes within Iran. Preliminary estimates indicate that between 600,000 and one million families are displaced, with many fleeing Tehran and other major cities for northern and rural areas in search of safety.

UNHCR notes that this figure could grow as continuation of hostilities.

The crisis is also affecting refugees from other countries in Iran, particularly Afghans, who are already living in precarious conditions and with limited support. UNHCR reports that it is adapting its work with national authorities and partners, using hotlines, reception centers, and other services to support displaced people.

UN agencies in Afghanistan are preparing for a sharp increase in returnees from Iran. It is estimated that up to 800,000 Afghans could cross the border if the crisis continues.

Humanitarian organizations warn that the ongoing conflict and border restrictions are complicating logistics and transportation of essential supplies. The World Food Programme (WFP) is forced to consider alternative supply routes as disruptions in Iran and along the border with Pakistan are slowing the delivery of vital aid.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.