UN80 Initiative: ‘Critical new phase’ for UN reform effort

On Thursday, Mr. Guterres told the General Assembly that reform is required because “inaction in the face of geopolitical turmoil would compound human suffering.” Launched in March 2025, the initiative seeks to ensure that “every mandate, dollar and decision” delivers greater impact for people and the planet, at a time of growing demands and constrained … Read more

More than half of staff who died in service worked in Gaza, UN chief says at memorial

“These tragedies weigh heavily on us all and should shock the conscience of the entire worldAntonio Guterres said. “Let me be clear. UN personnel must never be targeted. Attacks on peacekeepers and humanitarian workers are a violation of international lawincluding international humanitarian law.” Most recently, a UNIFIL peacekeeper was killed in Lebanon last week – … Read more

Banning children from social media is not the answer, UN warns – platforms must be made safe by design

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the harms children face in digital spaces – from addictive design features to privacy violations – were not inevitable, but the result of deliberate commercial choices. ‘Addictive features’ “Online harms to kids’ safety, privacy and well-being result from design choices and business practices that undermine safety, … Read more

Conflict-related sexual violence cases more than doubled in 2025, UN warns

Releasing the UN’s annual report on Friday, Special Representative Pramila Patten said the numbers reflected a deepening global trend, with rising insecurity, displacement and dwindling resources for survivors all fueling the crisis. “In 2025 documented cases of sexual violence as a tactic of war, torture, terrorism and political repression marked by extreme brutality and overwhelmingly … Read more