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6 refugees speak out as UN-backed treaty to help people fleeing war and persecution marks 75 years

6 refugees speak out as UN-backed treaty to help people fleeing war and persecution marks 75 years

The U.N. refugee agency is marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention
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UN Secretary-General Calls for Respect of Syria's Sovereignty Amid Israeli Violations

UN Secretary-General Calls for Respect of Syria's Sovereignty Amid Israeli Violations

UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Damascus, Syria, where he met with Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. During the meeting, Guterres called for an end to Israeli military actions around the Golan Heights, which he stated violate international rules. He emphasized the need for global support in Syria's post-war recovery, highlighting that 90% of the Syrian population lives in poverty. Guterres urged the international community to contribute to Syria's estimated $216 billion reconstruction needs.
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Indigenous Leaders Present UN with Roadmap Amidst Financial Strain from U.S. Funding Cuts

Indigenous Leaders Present UN with Roadmap Amidst Financial Strain from U.S. Funding Cuts

Indigenous leaders have presented a roadmap to the United Nations (UN) aimed at protecting Indigenous communities, focusing on rights in conflict areas, participation at the UN, and the impact of artificial intelligence. This comes during the 19th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in Geneva. The session highlighted the need for AI development to align with Indigenous rights and addressed the risks posed by AI infrastructure. The roadmap includes 12 key points for global governments, emphasizing protections for Indigenous Peoples in isolation and preserving languages. However, the UN faces a financial crisis due to the U.S. withholding billions in obligatory payments, exacerbating funding challenges.
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Indigenous Leaders Present UN with Roadmap to Protect Communities

Indigenous Leaders Present UN with Roadmap to Protect Communities

Indigenous leaders have presented a 12-step roadmap to the United Nations aimed at protecting Indigenous communities from various threats. The roadmap was proposed during the 19th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in Geneva. Key topics discussed included Indigenous rights in conflict areas, participation at the UN, and the impact of artificial intelligence on Indigenous communities. The roadmap emphasizes the need for greater protections for Indigenous Peoples, preservation of Indigenous languages, and safeguarding data sovereignty.
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Famine Early Warning Systems Network Projects 16 Million Nigerians to Face Acute Hunger by 2027

Famine Early Warning Systems Network Projects 16 Million Nigerians to Face Acute Hunger by 2027

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) has projected that by January 2027, between 16.0 million and 16.99 million Nigerians will face acute hunger. This projection is part of a broader report highlighting the deepening hunger crisis in conflict and climate-affected regions, including Nigeria. The report places Nigeria fourth globally in terms of the number of people facing hunger, following Sudan, Pakistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The crisis in Nigeria is primarily driven by conflict, economic hardship, and adverse weather conditions, which disrupt livelihoods and restrict agricultural activities. Despite an expected main harvest in December, staple food prices are anticipated to remain high due to production and supply disruptions.
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UN Secretary-General Guterres Calls for Global Support During Syria Visit Amid Reconstruction Efforts

UN Secretary-General Guterres Calls for Global Support During Syria Visit Amid Reconstruction Efforts

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has arrived in Damascus, marking the first visit by a U.N. chief to Syria in 17 years. This visit comes as Syria emerges from a decade-long civil war that resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. Guterres is urging the international community to support Syria's recovery and reconstruction efforts under the new government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who took power following the ousting of Bashar Assad in December 2024. During his visit, Guterres met with Syrian officials, toured historic sites, and emphasized the U.N.'s commitment to aiding Syria in building a stable and inclusive future. The visit also highlights renewed international engagement with Syria and the challenges the country faces, including the presence of Israeli forces in southern Syria and ongoing humanitarian needs.
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UN Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Stranded Seafarers in Strait of Hormuz

UN Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Stranded Seafarers in Strait of Hormuz

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for urgent action to protect thousands of seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Following the collapse of a ceasefire in the region, at least 6,000 crew members on approximately 400 vessels remain unable to evacuate. The situation is exacerbated by reports of shipowners abandoning seafarers without support, repatriation, or owed wages. The UN is urging states and shipowners to ensure the protection and safe passage of these seafarers, emphasizing the need for consular assistance and essential supplies.
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U.N. Secretary-General Guterres Calls for International Support for Syrians Amid Reconstruction Efforts

U.N. Secretary-General Guterres Calls for International Support for Syrians Amid Reconstruction Efforts

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has made a significant appeal to the international community to support the Syrian people during his visit to Damascus. This marks his first visit to Syria as U.N. chief, nearly two years after the fall of Bashar Assad. Guterres met with Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and toured the old quarter of Damascus. The visit comes as Syria attempts to recover from a devastating conflict that began in 2011, resulting in nearly half a million deaths and extensive destruction. Despite the end of the Assad family's five-decade rule in 2024, Syria continues to face challenges, including the impact of Western sanctions and cuts to international aid. The U.N. estimates that 90% of Syria's population lives in poverty, and the World Bank has assessed that rebuilding the country could cost approximately $216 billion.
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Uganda Nominates Olara Otunnu for UN Secretary General Role

Uganda Nominates Olara Otunnu for UN Secretary General Role

Uganda has nominated Olara Otunnu, a former opposition presidential candidate and diplomat, for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations. This nomination marks a significant political shift, as Otunnu was previously a prominent critic of Uganda's government. The nomination was formally submitted to the UN, and if successful, Otunnu would be the first East African to hold this prestigious position since the UN's founding in 1945.
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UN Secretary-General Guterres Visits Syria to Strengthen International Ties

UN Secretary-General Guterres Visits Syria to Strengthen International Ties

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has arrived in Syria for the first official visit by a UN chief in 17 years. During his visit, Guterres is meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and other government officials to discuss strengthening cooperation in humanitarian and development fields. The visit marks a significant diplomatic milestone for Syria, which is seeking to rebuild international relations following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. Guterres is also expected to address Syria's new parliament and visit the UN Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights.