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Rights probe alleges sexual violence against Palestinians by Israeli forces used as ‘method of war’

Senior human rights investigators reporting to the UN Human Rights Council alleged on Thursday that sexual and gender-based violence by Israeli security forces against Palestinians – including children - have been increasingly used “as a method of war” following the 7 October 2023 attacks that…

‘Brighter future hangs in the balance’ in Syria after 14 years of war

The Constitutional Declaration issued by Syria’s caretaker authorities marks a pivotal moment in the country’s turbulent transition, with UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen expressing cautious optimism about its potential to fill a legal vacuum and pave the way for a “credible and inclusive political…

World News in Brief: Gaza aid ‘unravelling’, funding cuts in Ukraine, concern over Syria aid access, Duterte in ICC custody

Following 11 days of an Israeli aid blockade in Gaza, “crucial progress” made during the first six weeks of the ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas militants “continues to unravel”, said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Wednesday…

Afghanistan: Opium prices approach historic peaks, crime syndicates benefit

Prices for opium in Afghanistan have increased tenfold since the de facto authorities imposed a drug ban in 2022 following their takeover in Kabul, latest UN data shows. One kilogramme of opium cost $750…

Human Rights Council: Significant increase in child victims of trafficking

Children make up almost four in 10 victims of trafficking worldwide, but the true number of youngsters caught up in the illegal practice is likely much higher, a senior UN official warned on Wednesday…

‘Anxiety, paranoia, fear’: The consequences of digital violence against women

Online attacks against women are getting worse, according to the UN, causing lasting damage that can spill over into real world violence. Leading activists from Spain and Latin America met at UN Headquarters on Wednesday to rally women and share strategies on fighting back…

UN launches gender equality plan: ‘We’re at a turning point’

The UN launched a bold new action agenda to boost rights and achieve gender equality at a high-level event on the sidelines of the ongoing Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) session at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday…

Humanitarian system at breaking point as funding cuts force life-or-death choices

The UN’s top relief official warned on Wednesday that the global humanitarian system has reached breaking point, with funding cuts forcing life-or-death decisions over which aid programmes to sustain and which to shut down…

Guterres prioritises UN reform to ensure taxpayers’ money reaches those in need

The United Nations is prioritising reform to ensure it remains effective, cost-efficient and responsive to the people it serves, Secretary-General António Guterres announced Wednesday, as part of a continued push to modernize the Organization…

‘What’s next?’ Women-led movements fear for the future

Women rights advocates gathered at UN Headquarters for the world’s biggest meeting on gender equality have been sharing their concerns about the growing backlash against feminism, and how major funding cuts from donor countries could threaten programmes aimed at improving the lives of women and…