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Diplomatic efforts seek to avert Trump split with UN refugee agency, sources say

Diplomatic efforts seek to avert Trump split with UN refugee agency, sources say

By Emma Farge, Olivia Le Poidevin, Simon Lewis and David Brunnstrom GENEVA/WASHINGTON, July 20 (Reuters) -  The Trump administration has in recent weeks weighed cutting ties with the U.N. refugee agency, prompting a campaign by diplomats and U.N. officials to persuade the United States to maintain
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Press Freedom in Sudan Under Scrutiny Ahead of UN Human Rights Review

Press Freedom in Sudan Under Scrutiny Ahead of UN Human Rights Review

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Sudanese Journalists’ Syndicate have submitted a report to the United Nations Human Rights Council, highlighting the severe decline in press freedom in Sudan. This submission comes ahead of Sudan's Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a mechanism that evaluates the human rights records of UN member states. The report documents numerous violations against journalists since the outbreak of war in April 2023, including killings, arbitrary arrests, and enforced disappearances. It also notes the use of legal measures to criminalize reporting in areas controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces and abuses by the Rapid Support Forces.
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Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Sparks Controversy Over Filming in Disputed Western Sahara

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Sparks Controversy Over Filming in Disputed Western Sahara

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Sparks Controversy Over Filming in Disputed Western Sahara
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U.N. Supports Women's Rights Amid Japan's Imperial Law Revision

U.N. Supports Women's Rights Amid Japan's Imperial Law Revision

The United Nations has expressed support for inclusive policies that advance women's rights following Japan's revision of the Imperial House Law. The revised law aims to secure a sufficient number of imperial family members but maintains the male-only succession rule. The U.N. encourages countries to adopt policies empowering women in all areas of life. The revision marks the first substantive change to the law since 1947, despite previous recommendations for gender equality in succession rights.
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Haitian children jailed for years without facing judge, UN official says

Haitian children jailed for years without facing judge, UN official says

By Sarah Morland July 20 (Reuters) - Children in Haiti have reported being jailed for years without appearing before a judge, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Vanessa Frazier told a Security Council meeting on Monday.    
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Eritrean Delegation Advocates for Financial Self-Reliance at OACPS Council of Ministers Session

Eritrean Delegation Advocates for Financial Self-Reliance at OACPS Council of Ministers Session

The Eritrean delegation, led by Mr. Negassi Kasa, Eritrea’s Ambassador to the European Union and the Benelux countries, participated in the 121st Session of the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) in Brussels, Belgium, on July 15 and 16, 2026. The session, attended by representatives from over 65 countries, was moderated by Mr. Seedy Keita, Minister of Finance and Economy of Gambia. The discussions focused on addressing the organization's financial challenges, reviewing member contributions, and enhancing multilateral cooperation with strategic partners. The Eritrean delegation emphasized the need for the organization to achieve financial self-reliance and maintain policy ownership to engage effectively with the European Union. They also urged member countries to ensure timely payment of their contributions.
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Qatar Negotiates Release of Jewish Prisoners in Iran to Improve U.S. Relations

Qatar Negotiates Release of Jewish Prisoners in Iran to Improve U.S. Relations

Qatar is reportedly working with Iranian officials to secure the release of Jewish prisoners detained in Iran. This effort is seen as a move to improve relations with the United States. The detainees, arrested on charges related to criticizing the Iranian regime, are part of a broader crackdown following military tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Qatar's involvement also extends to efforts to release U.S. citizens held in Iran. This diplomatic initiative reflects Qatar's strategic positioning in regional politics and its role as a mediator in international conflicts.
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UN High-Level Meeting Aims to Halve Global Road Traffic Deaths by 2030

UN High-Level Meeting Aims to Halve Global Road Traffic Deaths by 2030

A United Nations High-Level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety is being held on July 20-21, 2026, at the UN Headquarters in New York. The event, convened by the President of the UN General Assembly and the World Health Organization, focuses on scaling up and accelerating the implementation of commitments to halve road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. Road collisions currently claim nearly 1.2 million lives annually and are the leading cause of death among children and young people aged 5-29 worldwide. The meeting brings together leaders, ministers, officials, and experts from various sectors to advance progress in meeting the goal set for the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030. A Progress Declaration has been agreed upon by intergovernmental negotiation in advance of the meeting.
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Qatar Engages in Diplomatic Efforts to Release Jewish Prisoners in Iran to Improve U.S. Relations

Qatar Engages in Diplomatic Efforts to Release Jewish Prisoners in Iran to Improve U.S. Relations

Qatar is reportedly working with Iranian officials to secure the release of Jewish prisoners detained in Iran, as part of efforts to improve relations with the United States. According to Israel's public broadcaster KAN News, five Jewish detainees were recently arrested by Iranian authorities on charges related to criticizing the Islamic regime. This development comes amid heightened military tensions between the U.S. and Iran. In addition to Jewish prisoners, Qatar is also involved in efforts to release U.S. citizens detained in Iran. Tehran has a history of releasing foreign prisoners, with a recent case involving an American prisoner detained since 2024. President Trump has publicly thanked Iran for such releases.
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Armenia-U.S. Bilateral Relations Discussed in Meeting with Congressman Jamie Raskin

Armenia-U.S. Bilateral Relations Discussed in Meeting with Congressman Jamie Raskin

Ambassador Narek Mkrtchyan met with U.S. Congressman Jamie Raskin to discuss the current state of Armenia-U.S. bilateral relations. During the meeting, the Ambassador provided an overview of recent developments and highlighted key areas of cooperation between the two countries. The discussion focused on mutual interests and the importance of continued collaboration to strengthen diplomatic ties. Both parties emphasized the significance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation in addressing shared challenges and opportunities.
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Syria and Germany Establish Reconstruction Committee and Air Transport Agreement

Syria and Germany Establish Reconstruction Committee and Air Transport Agreement

Syria and Germany have initiated a joint committee focused on reconstruction and investment, alongside signing a bilateral air transport agreement. This development follows a meeting between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and a German delegation led by Géza Andreas von Geyr, Germany’s Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office. The agreement aims to establish a regulatory framework for air services, facilitating direct flights between the two nations. This move is part of Syria's broader strategy to attract European support for its new government, following the fall of the Assad regime. The German delegation's visit is seen as a step towards strengthening economic ties and supporting Syria's reconstruction efforts.
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North Korean Foreign Minister Meets Putin Amid Speculation of Kim Jong Un's Visit

North Korean Foreign Minister Meets Putin Amid Speculation of Kim Jong Un's Visit

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 19, 2026, sparking speculation about a potential visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Russia. This meeting follows President Putin's invitation for a reciprocal visit during his 2024 summit in Pyongyang. Analysts suggest that a meeting between Kim and Putin could occur during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September. Meanwhile, North Korea has increased its military presence near the Demilitarized Zone, with new facilities believed to house multiple launch rocket systems.