Global Affairs
Somalia assumes UN Security Council presidency for January
Amb. Osman said Somalia's election to the council and its assumption of the presidency "symbolizes Somalia's commitment to strengthening multilateralism."
UN
Global Affairs
UN appeals for restraint as Central African Republic prepares for elections
The country is set to hold presidential, legislative, regional and municipal elections, with more than two million registered voters expected to cast their ballots. The vote comes amid heightened political debate following constitutional amendments earlier this year that removed presidential term limits, opening the way for President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who has been in office since 2016, to seek another term.
Global Affairs
Gaza aid improves post-ceasefire, but tens of thousands still in crisis
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that last month, over 100,000 Gazans were under IPC Phase 5, the most extreme level of food insecurity, labelled as “catastrophic conditions” for households.
Global Affairs
UNGA selects former Iraqi President Salih as next UN Refugee Chief
According to the UN statement, Salih was instrumental in Iraq’s reconstruction and economic recovery following the 2003 conflict. His experience in governance and diplomacy is expected to guide his leadership at the UN Refugee Agency.
Global Affairs
UN special adviser warns of possible genocide in Sudan after Nairobi consultations
Beyani said his visit to Kenya from December 15 was prompted by reports of systematic and targeted attacks against protected civilian populations across Sudan, which he said are protected under both the Genocide Convention and the Geneva Conventions.
Global Affairs
60,000 flee el-Fasher as RSF takeover leaves 150,000 still trapped — UN
UNHCR teams say more than 60,000 civilians have already fled towards Tawila, about 80km away, as fear rises and reports of executions and abuse emerge. Eujin Byun from the UN refugee agency said new arrivals are sharing distressing testimonies of rape and other atrocities, while aid workers struggle to offer them food, shelter and medical care.
News
UN raises alarm as Kenya fails to address human rights concerns
UN Special Rapporteur, Mary Lawlor’s first letter, sent on October 1, 2024, sought the government’s response to claims of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and deportations of human rights defenders and activists who were part of demonstrations against the controversial Finance Bill 2024. The communication also questioned the use of excessive force by police when protesters stormed Parliament on June 25, 2024.
News
Prof Ndurumo named UN Kenya Person of the Year 2025
The award was presented on Friday during the 80th anniversary celebrations of the United Nations at the UN Office in Nairobi. Widely acknowledged as Kenya’s Father of Sign Language, Prof Ndurumo has been instrumental in creating and promoting the Kenyan Sign Language (KSL), which is now used nationally and has spread to neighbouring countries, including South Sudan.
Global Affairs
UN raises alarm as fresh clashes in South Sudan displace 300,000 people
Figures released by the UN show that 148,000 South Sudanese have crossed into Sudan, 50,000 into Ethiopia, another 50,000 into Uganda, 30,000 into the Democratic Republic of Congo, and 25,000 into Kenya. This new wave of displacement adds to the 2.5 million South Sudanese already living as refugees in neighbouring countries. Within South Sudan, at least two million people remain displaced, while the country also shelters more than half a million refugees who fled the war in Sudan.
Global Affairs
Nearly half of global heritage sites now impacted by climate change
The report, which assesses conservation trends over the last decade, shows a worrying decline in the number of sites with a positive conservation outlook. Only 57 percent of sites are now considered to be in good condition, down from 62 percent in 2020. Biodiversity-rich regions have been hit hardest, with many species facing new or worsening threats.
Global Affairs
Ethiopia warns UN of Eritrea’s alleged war preparations
The two countries last fought between 1998 and 2000 over the border town of Badme, a conflict that claimed tens of thousands of lives. Although Abiy mended ties with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki after taking office in 2018, that alliance has since fractured, particularly following disputes linked to the peace deal that ended the Tigray conflict in 2022.
Global Affairs
WHO: Nearly 42,000 Gazans suffer life-changing injuries in war
Since the war began with Hamas's attack inside Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel's counteroffensive has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry, considered reliable by the UN.