United Nations

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema won re-election on August 13, 2026, with about 60% of the vote, defeating opposition leader Brian Mundubile. The election was marred by controversy: vote counting was suspended after attacks on officials and theft of ballot papers, and Mundubile was briefly detained for prematurely declaring victory. The military was deployed during counting, drawing criticism. Despite economic progress in debt restructuring, persistent poverty and inflation remain challenges. International observers noted limited freedoms and unequal campaign conditions.

14 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 28, 11:23 AM UTC

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing its deadliest Ebola outbreak, with over 2,300 deaths and 4,945 cases as of August 2026. Caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus with no approved vaccines, the outbreak is killing one person every 30 minutes and spreading across six provinces. Exhausted health workers struggle with contact tracing amid unpaid strikes, rebel threats, community mistrust, and misinformation. The WHO warns it could become the worst in history, while the UN has allocated $30.5 million and deployed additional staff to contain the crisis.

11 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 22, 09:41 AM UTC

A catastrophic flash flood triggered by a glacier collapse on Langtang Lirung in Nepal’s Himalayan border region with Tibet has killed over 500 people, with more than 1,400 missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals. The flood surged up to 27 feet in 30 minutes, destroying villages, bridges, roads, and power plants. Rescue operations involve thousands of soldiers and police, while a newly formed glacial lake threatens further flooding. The disaster highlights climate change-driven glacial instability.

34 reports · 7 sources · Updated Aug 31, 11:40 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with U.S. naval operations or a potential U.S.-Iran deal regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The threat follows Iran’s closure of the strait in late February amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks, and as Iran negotiates with Oman over shipping regulations. Trump also claimed a backchannel with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and plans to declare the strait U.S. territory. The conflict has driven up global energy prices and remains deeply unpopular ahead of U.S. midterm elections.

43 reports · 16 sources · Updated Aug 28, 02:29 AM UTC

Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine with over 70 missiles and 280 drones, striking Kyiv, Lviv, Kryvyi Rih, and other cities. At least eight people were killed, including three children, and dozens were injured. An unknown object—likely a Russian missile—entered Polish airspace, creating a 10-meter crater near Tarnawa-Kolonia. Poland scrambled fighter jets and placed air defenses on alert. Ukraine retaliated with a drone strike on a Russian Wildberries warehouse in Penza. President Zelenskyy renewed calls for Western Patriot air defense systems.

38 reports · 7 sources · Updated Aug 12, 04:53 PM UTC

The United Nations has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo the fastest growing of all time, with over 1,400 deaths reported so far. UN Ebola Coordinator Julien Harneis stated that cases are increasing exponentially and doubling every 20 days, outpacing the expansion of aid measures. Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme, noted that 1,000 people died in the last two months, compared to eight months for the same death toll during the West Africa outbreak. The UN is urgently calling for a massive expansion of relief supplies, protective equipment, personnel, and medical professionals. Early treatment is emphasized as critical for survival. The current outbreak has already surpassed the 2018-2020 eastern Congo outbreak which killed around 2,300 people, though it remains below the 2014-2015 West Africa epidemic that killed over 11,000.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 06:59 PM UTC

The United Nations has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo the fastest-growing in history, with more than 1,400 deaths reported. UN officials report that cases are doubling every 20 days, outpacing aid efforts. In the last two months alone, 1,000 people have died, compared to eight months during the 2014-2015 West Africa epidemic. UN Ebola Coordinator Julien Harneis and WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau call for a massive expansion of relief supplies, protective equipment, and medical personnel. Early treatment is emphasized as critical for survival. The outbreak has already surpassed the 2018-2020 eastern Congo outbreak, which killed around 2,300 people.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 06:59 PM UTC

The Victims Information, Sensitisation, Welfare and Assistance Society (VISWAS), a voluntary organization, will observe the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, 2026, in Palakkad, India. The event will be held at Bharathamatha CMI Public School, inaugurated by District Crime Branch Superintendent of Police Firoz M. Shefik. VISWAS secretary general and former deputy director of prosecutions P. Premnath will deliver the keynote address. The United Nations designates July 30 as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons to raise awareness about human trafficking and support victims. This year's theme is 'Trapped behind the scam', highlighting the deceptive tactics used by traffickers.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:01 PM UTC

The article commemorates the 60th anniversary of India's space program, which began on November 21, 1963, with the launch of a 715-kg Nike Apache rocket from Thumba, a fishing village near Thiruvananthapuram. The rocket rose 208 km into the sky, witnessed by thousands, including pioneers Vikram Sarabhai, E.V. Chitnis, P.D. Bhavsar, and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. This launch was an international effort under the United Nations. India launched its first fully indigenous rocket on February 22, 1969, described as 'pencil-sized' by Vasant Gowariker. On July 18, 1980, India joined the elite club of nations capable of placing satellites into orbit using its own SLV-3 rocket. Despite failures, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has grown into a major spacefaring power.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 06:36 AM UTC

Chad announced on July 27, 2026, its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the tribunal of ineffectiveness and bias against African nations. The West African country submitted a letter to the United Nations to begin the withdrawal process, which takes at least a year. Chad becomes the fourth African country since 2025 to initiate withdrawal, following Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which announced their exits last year. The ICC is already facing significant challenges, including the removal of its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, over sexual misconduct allegations. The United States, under a campaign to dismantle the ICC's perceived threat to its sovereignty, welcomed Chad's decision. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs called on more of the 125 member states to withdraw from the Rome Statute, citing sovereignty concerns.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:17 AM UTC

The Paris Court of Appeal has authorized Franco-Algerian lobbyist Tayeb Benabderrahmane to immediately appeal a February 3 civil court order that stayed proceedings pending a final criminal ruling. The case revolves around an agreement Benabderrahmane signed in July 2020, after six months of detention in Qatar on espionage suspicions, in which he pledged not to disclose confidential documents about PSG president Nasser al-Khelaïfi under penalty of €5 million. Benabderrahmane claims he was a hostage, tortured, and forced to sign. A UN body recognized his detention as arbitrary in April 2025. His lawyer called the appeal decision a rare disavowal of procedural stalling. Separately, Benabderrahmane is under formal investigation for influence peddling and corruption, accused of providing PSG members with confidential police information and holding compromising material for potential blackmail.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:45 AM UTC

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani threatened to arrest Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu during the UN General Assembly in September, citing an ICC warrant for war crimes in Gaza. After President Trump declared Netanyahu would not be arrested in the US, Mamdani admitted the city lacks legal authority to detain a foreign head of state. Netanyahu dismissed the ICC as a “kangaroo court,” and the US and Israel are not ICC members. The incident highlights political tensions over the Gaza conflict and international law.

19 reports · 7 sources · Updated Jul 28, 04:39 AM UTC

On July 27, 2026, drone strikes attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hit the Sudanese city of El-Obeid, damaging the Agricultural Bank of Sudan and a local lawyers' association, though no casualties were reported. The attack came hours after the Sudanese Army regained control of the 400-kilometer highway linking El-Obeid to Khartoum, following a days-long advance across North Kordofan state. The RSF has been amassing troops around El-Obeid for months, attempting to encircle the city ahead of a large-scale assault. Since the war began in April 2023, over 200,000 people have been killed and more than 33 million need humanitarian aid. The UN has warned of a repeat of atrocities seen in El-Fasher, which bore 'hallmarks of genocide.' El-Obeid, a city of about half a million (doubled by displacement), has been under siege and suffers severe food and infrastructure shortages.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 05:49 PM UTC

UN Secretary-General António Guterres made his first visit to Syria in 17 years, touring the notorious Sednaya military prison, a former torture site under the Assad regime where tens of thousands were killed. Guterres expressed shock at the conditions but praised Syria's political transition, calling for all remaining sanctions to be lifted to reintegrate the country into the global economy. He met with Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and other officials. The visit drew criticism from activists like Hassan Akkad, who accused the UN of financing war profiteers by maintaining ties with Assad and using hotels owned by sanctioned businessmen. Guterres also criticized Israeli military incursions into Syrian territory, calling them violations of sovereignty and urging compliance with the 1974 disengagement agreement. The UN's humanitarian aid covers only about 20% of Syrian needs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:17 PM UTC

The United Nations General Assembly failed to reach consensus on the U.N. Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) for the first time in its 20-year history during the ninth review concluded in early July 2026. The review, which marked the second consecutive cycle without substantial updates, was hampered by a late appointment of co-facilitators, a polarized multilateral environment, and conflicting red lines among member states. The United States broke with consensus practice by calling for a vote, joined only by Israel and Argentina in opposing the resolution. The failure raises questions about the role of U.N. counterterrorism entities amid resource constraints and upcoming leadership changes, including the selection of a new Secretary-General in 2027. The article explores factors behind the failure and suggests alternative paths for structural reform.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:05 PM UTC

The United Nations General Assembly failed to reach consensus on the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) for the first time in its 20-year history during the ninth review concluded in early July 2026. The review, which marked the second consecutive cycle without substantial updates, collapsed due to late appointment of co-facilitators, polarized multilateral negotiations, and a US-led break with consensus practice. The US, joined by Israel and Argentina, called for a vote and opposed the resolution after proposing and withdrawing last-minute amendments. The failure leaves human rights protections weak and the UN's sprawling counterterrorism system unchecked, amid resource constraints and an upcoming leadership change as the General Assembly selects a new Secretary-General in 2027. The article explores alternative paths to structural reform outside the GCTS process.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:05 PM UTC

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated in an Al Jazeera interview that Syria is pursuing a security agreement with Israel, aiming to involve a group of states to encourage a more balanced Israeli policy. He emphasized that such an agreement could lead to comprehensive peace, but Syria will not relinquish its claim to the Golan Heights. Al-Sharaa also noted his government avoids confrontations and is considering no military interventions in Lebanon, despite US pressure to address Hezbollah. His remarks coincided with a visit by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who called for respect for Syria's sovereignty and condemned Israeli violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Israeli forces had advanced into Syrian territory, including the demilitarized zone and Mount Hermon, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Al-Sharaa is focused on restoring Syria's international standing and rebuilding the economy after nearly 14 years of war.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 11:52 PM UTC

On July 26, 2026, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank, setting fire to two mosques and spraying Hebrew graffiti including 'Jewish revenge' on walls. The attacks followed a deadly clash on July 24 near the village of Tal, southwest of Nablus, where four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers (one a local security coordinator) were killed after settlers made an incursion. Villagers confronted the settlers, leading to a shootout. The Israeli military condemned the attacks and said it was searching for suspects. Palestinian officials reported a separate arson attempt on a mosque near Kour. The incidents are part of a surge in settler violence since the Gaza war began in October 2023, with dozens of Palestinians killed and hundreds wounded this year, according to UN and Palestinian Authority figures.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 12:20 PM UTC

Venezuela has formally notified the United Nations of its 'irrevocable' decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia. The government justified the move by alleging a 'geographical bias' within the court, claiming it disproportionately targets nations in the Global South, particularly Africa and Latin America. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez echoed the criticism, stating the ICC has been 'heavily politicized' against Venezuela. The withdrawal had been anticipated since December 2024, when Venezuela's National Assembly voted to repeal the Rome Statute ratification law, prior to the US removal of former President Nicolas Maduro. The ICC had been investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed by Venezuelan officials since 2017, but closed its Caracas office in January 2025 due to lack of cooperation. The announcement coincided with ICC member states voting to dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan amid sexual misconduct allegations, which he denies. The Trump administration, which has sought to dismantle the ICC, praised Rodriguez's leadership and stated Venezuela is not ready for elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 03:40 PM UTC

The United Nations General Assembly voted on July 24, 2026, to renew Volker Turk's mandate as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for four years, beginning October 12, 2026. The vote was 144 in favor, 10 against, and 13 abstentions, despite strong opposition from the United States, Russia, and Israel. The U.S. ambassador warned of consequences including reassessment of engagement and funding, accusing Secretary-General Guterres of rushing the process. Russia's alternative proposal for a short extension was rejected. Turk, an Austrian jurist serving since 2022, has been outspoken on conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Afghanistan, and Sudan, but criticized for not taking stronger stances on China and Cuba. France defended him as a 'voice of conscience.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 03:31 PM UTC

The International Criminal Court’s member states voted 82-13 to remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan after a UN investigation found he committed serious misconduct and sexual assault against a female aide. Khan denied the allegations, claiming they were politically motivated. The vote, held at UN headquarters in New York, was unprecedented and deepened divisions within the ICC. Israel and the U.S. welcomed the removal, while the arrest warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu remains in effect. A successor will be elected later.

12 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 30, 12:09 PM UTC

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will visit Syria on July 25, 2026, becoming the first serving UN chief to do so since the start of the nearly 14-year civil war in 2011. The visit marks a milestone after rebels ousted former leader Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, ending his family's decades-long rule. Guterres is scheduled to address Syria's new Parliament on July 27, meet President Ahmed al-Sharaa (former head of al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria, under UN sanctions until November 2025), Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and civil society representatives. The UN chief will emphasize opportunities for recovery, stability, and inclusivity. The visit comes weeks after two bombs exploded near a Damascus hotel hosting French President Emmanuel Macron. Syria's transitional government, led by Sharaa, seeks to rebuild international ties and the economy, though sectarian violence—including killings of Alawites and Druze—has marred the transition.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 06:56 AM UTC

The Middle East faces a renewed regional crisis as the fragile peace in Yemen collapses. In mid-July 2026, Iran orchestrated a clandestine flight transporting 10-21 IRGC commanders and advanced missile/drone components to Houthi-controlled Hodeidah. In retaliation for a Saudi-backed attack on Sanaa airport, Houthi forces declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, launched missiles and drones at two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, and targeted Abha International Airport. This escalation, linked to broader US-Iran tensions, threatens global energy markets, worsens the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, and risks redrawing Arabian Peninsula security. Western analysts assess the IRGC mission is to enhance Houthi operational capabilities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 04:04 AM UTC

On July 20-21, 2026, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen declared an immediate maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, threatening to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. The blockade, retaliation for a Saudi-led siege on Yemen and an attack on Sanaa airport, escalates the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. It threatens Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea port of Yanbu, already strained by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Tankers carrying Saudi crude have turned back, and global oil markets face severe supply disruptions.

48 reports · 14 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:36 PM UTC

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Cambodia will intensify efforts to combat evolving scam networks, according to an interview with Bloomberg TV. The announcement comes amid United Nations estimates that up to US$114 billion was lost to scams in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand in 2025. The article, published by The Business Times on July 24, 2026, highlights the growing regional challenge of sophisticated scam operations and Cambodia's commitment to addressing the issue.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 12:53 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump has reportedly proposed FIFA President Gianni Infantino as the next UN Secretary-General, as António Guterres is set to step down at the end of the year. The suggestion, described by Trump's Special Envoy Paolo Zampolli as a 'genius idea,' comes after Infantino organized the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Trump reportedly believes Infantino is 'respected all over the world' and has a 'special ability to bring people together.' However, the article questions whether Infantino, who earns €5.16 million as FIFA president, would accept the UN role's €366,000 salary, possibly demanding perks like hydration breaks. It also speculates that the move could pave the way for a Nobel Peace Prize for Trump, given Infantino's chairmanship of the Nobel Committee. The report highlights Trump's disdain for the UN but his willingness to install a loyalist.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:18 PM UTC

Trinamool Congress former Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale filed a police complaint on July 23, 2026, against Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba for allegedly assaulting a woman protester during a police crackdown on a student march near Jantar Mantar on July 20. The complaint was submitted to the Parliament Street police station, invoking BNS sections including assault with intent to outrage modesty, voluntarily causing hurt, and public servant disobeying law. Gokhale noted the complaint came a day after the Delhi High Court was told no one had sought an FIR. He also filed a complaint with the UN Special Procedures mechanism over alleged police brutality, claiming over 90 people were injured, police used lathis fitted with nails, and officers lacked name tags. Gokhale appealed for public video evidence to identify officers involved.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:04 PM UTC

According to the FAO's 2026 State of Food Security and Nutrition report, global hunger has declined for the third consecutive year, with 7.8% of the world's population undernourished in 2025. This marks a dramatic improvement from nearly 35% in 1970. The rate fell from 8.1% in 2024 and 8.5% in 2023, though 645 million people still face hunger. Less than 2.5% of people in the U.S., Canada, Eastern Asia, and Europe are undernourished, with hunger concentrated in developing regions of Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Armed conflict remains the primary driver of acute food insecurity in 12 of 13 identified hunger hotspots. Despite progress, the current level remains above the pre-pandemic low of 7.2% in 2017, and the FAO projects 510 million people will still be undernourished by 2030, far short of the UN's zero hunger goal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:15 PM UTC

In an interview with The Nation, Cuban UN Permanent Representative Ernesto Soberón Guzmán discusses the intensifying US blockade, particularly a January 2026 executive order targeting Cuba's fuel supply, which led to a nationwide blackout on July 6. He argues the blockade is a deliberate strategy to cause economic collapse and political change, citing the 1960 Mallory memorandum. Despite the siege, Cuba has announced its most significant economic opening in a decade on June 18, expanding private business and foreign investment. Soberón insists these reforms aim to secure, not abandon, the social guarantees of the revolution. He emphasizes Cuba's commitment to international law, sovereignty, and non-interference, stating that the gains of the revolution are not negotiable.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:03 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump warned on July 22, 2026, that the U.S. will destroy one bridge or power plant each time Iran attacks a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating the ongoing conflict. The U.S. carried out another wave of strikes on Iran overnight, and air defenses opened fire over Tehran. Iran launched a missile attack on the Jordanian city of Aqaba, near Israel's Eilat, raising fears of a wider war. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil and gas passed during peacetime, remains largely closed due to Iranian attacks, causing global economic disruption and rising fuel prices. Benchmark Brent crude rose to around $94 per barrel. Both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure, with Iran striking energy and desalination plants in Gulf countries. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres decried such attacks as unacceptable. The war has cost the U.S. an estimated $37.5 billion, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:04 PM UTC