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Jazz takes centre stage in Chicago for 2026

Chicago has been named host city for the 2026 International Jazz Day festivities - coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the event and the 250th anniversary of the United States. The announcement…

International aid: ‘The money isn’t coming back anytime soon’, Fletcher warns

UN relief chief Tom Fletcher warned on Thursday that the global aid system must undergo a “humanitarian reset”, becoming significantly more efficient and exploring new sources of funding, as major donors – including the United States – sharply reduce their contributions…

Israel must end ‘cruel collective punishment’ in Gaza, urges UN relief chief

The UN’s top humanitarian official on Thursday issued a stark warning over the continuing blockade of aid into Gaza, calling on Israel to lift restrictions that have left civilians without food, medical care, and hope…

UN alert over deepening crisis in Sudan as famine spreads and violence escalates

The United Nations has warned that Sudan is sliding deeper into catastrophe, with growing famine and surging violence – particularly in North Darfur – driving mass displacement and an alarming rise in civilian deaths…

Millions will die from funding cuts, says UN aid chief

Lifesaving operations everywhere continue to be shut down by sweeping funding cutbacks which will result in millions of people dying, the UN’s top aid official said on Wednesday. “Cutting funding for…

Haiti: Mass displacement and deportation surge amid violence

Marked by mass killings, abductions and sexual violence during the first quarter of 2025, the human rights situation in Haiti remained extremely concerning, the UN said in a report published on Wednesday…

First Person: Myanmar aid workers brave conflict and harsh conditions to bring aid to earthquake victims

In the aftermath of the huge 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, life-saving aid efforts led by the UN are being hampered by damaged infrastructure, ongoing armed conflict and global aid funding cuts…

‘Recovery must move ahead’ in southern Lebanon, top aid official says

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon has called for greater support to people in the south of the country working to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of last year’s hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah…

UNRWA warns against closure of six schools in East Jerusalem

The education of 800 students in occupied East Jerusalem is at risk as Israel moves to close their schools next week, a senior official with the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said on Wednesday.…

UN envoy warns of escalating violence in Syria

The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, voiced deep concern on Wednesday over the recent surge in violence across Syria, particularly in the suburbs of Damascus and in Homs. He…