Focus On
UN Geneva Press Briefing: OHCHR, UNECE, WHO, IFRC, UNRISD & WFP - 17.03.26
🎥 Lebanon's Growing Humanitarian Crisis; 🎥 Trade Disruptions in the Gulf; 🎥 Israeli Settlements in the Occupied West Bank, Including East Jerusalem; 🎥 South Sudan Updates: Progress and Priorities on the Frontline; 🎥 Establishment of an International Panel on Inequality; Afghanistan: 🎥 Deadly Blast Kills Many at Rehab Centre in Kabul; 🎥 Announcements.
MIDDLE EAST LIVE 17 March: Crisis impact ripples across region
The crisis in the Middle East continues to intensify, with strikes and counter-strikes reported across the region and the humanitarian toll rising. UN agencies warn that health systems are under growing strain, children are increasingly affected by violence and displacement, and hundreds of thousands of people have been forced from their homes. Despite mounting logistical and security challenges, UN agencies are scaling up emergency aid as the conflict’s impact spreads across the region and beyond. Stay with us for live updates from across the UN system.
International Women’s Day | Hear Her Story: Celine Schmitt
Women in humanitarian work often make difficult decisions about working in the field. “I am inspired by all the women and mothers I see in Syria.” Céline Schmitt, spokesperson for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in Syria. Hear her story.
Celebrating the 20-Year Legacy of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance - 9.03.26
On 20 December 2026, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance;turns 20. Before the celebrations begin, here’s a refresher on enforced disappearances, the legacy of the Convention and the Committee that oversees its implementation.
Happening at UN Geneva
World Down Syndrome Day 2026
Join us on Thursday, 19 March 2026 at the Palais des Nations to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, organised by UNOG in collaboration with Down Syndrome International (DSi) and Association Romande Trisomie 21 (ART21).
This year’s event, under the theme of “Together Against Loneliness”, will bring together Member States, individuals living with Down syndrome, families, advocates and experts to promote the rights and well-being of people living with Down syndrome worldwide.
French Language Day Celebration at Palais des Nations
Visit our photobooth to show your language abilities
Everyone working at or visiting the United Nations Office at Geneva has the opportunity to take a picture showcasing the languages they speak.
Take your colleagues for a group picture and demonstrate the linguistic diversity in your team!
Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED)
The Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) is the body of independent experts which monitors the implementation of the Convention for the Protection of all Persons against Enforced Disappearance by the States parties.
The Committee and its Secretariat work daily to support victims, civil society organizations, National Human Rights Institutions and States to search for and locate disappeared persons, eradicate, punish and prevent this crime, and repair the damage suffered by the victims.
Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is the body of independent experts which monitors implementation of the Convention by the States parties.
Worldwide, there are an estimated one billion people with disabilities. Through its engagement and cooperation with States parties, the Committee promotes inclusion, advocates for the human rights of all persons with disabilities, and provides recommendations to support the implementation of the provisions enshrined in the Convention.
Human Rights Committee (CCPR)
The Human Rights Committee is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by its States parties.
The Committee's work promotes the enjoyment of civil and political rights, resulting in numerous changes of law, policy and practice. As such, it has improved the lives of individuals in all parts of the world. It continues to strive to ensure all the civil and political rights guaranteed by the Covenant can be enjoyed in full and without discrimination, by all people.
