Nuclear terror threat ‘has never been so high’

The humanitarian, environmental, and economic consequences of a radiological or nuclear terrorist attack would be global, undermining international peace and security and eroding confidence in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Although there is no strict definition of nuclear terrorism, examples of what could constitute an attack range from the use of ‘dirty bombs’ to … Read more

LGBTIQ+ face mounting violence and discrimination, warns UN rights chief

That’s the worrying message from UN human rights chief, Volker Türkwho says that more than one in three countries still criminalize consensual same-sex conduct and several also maintain the death penalty for it. “The trend is worsening. Over the past year, Burkina Faso criminalized consensual same-sex relations,” the High Commissioner for Human Rights insisted. “Senegal … Read more

World Urban Forum opens in Baku as housing crisis and climate shocks intensify

The conferenceorganized by UN-Habitat together with Azerbaijan, opens on Sunday 17 May and runs through Friday, 22 May. It will bring together world leaders, mayors, urban planning experts, as well as representatives of governments, the private sector, civil society and international organizations. An ambitious goal: housing the world The theme of the forum is a … Read more

Global energy and trade disruption pushing millions towards poverty

The warnings came during a special meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Friday focused on safeguarding energy and trade flows amid continuing volatility in global fuel markets, shipping routes and critical supply chains. “This is not only an energy challenge. It is a development challenge. It is a financing challenge.“ECOSOC President … Read more

World News in Brief: UN relief vehicle struck in Ukraine, emergency airdrops in South Sudan, backlash against LGBTIQ+ rights

The vehicle was part of an inter-agency humanitarian mission led by OCHAthe UN humanitarian affairs office, and had been notified to the parties in advance. “The Secretary-General reiterates that international law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected at all times,” the statement read. “Civilians and civilian objects, including humanitarian relief personnel and objects used … Read more

WHO sounds alarm over nicotine pouches targeting young people

In a new report, the UN health agency described the “deceptive tactics” manufacturers use to normalize nicotine use among young people. In addition to social media promotion and advertisements targeting young people, packaging of some products mimic sweets or popular candy brands, increasing risks to children. Nicotine pouches are small sachets placed between the gum … Read more

WHO says hantavirus ship operation completed, monitoring to continue

Almost 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries had been stranded aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship for weeks following an outbreak of Andes hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly disease that can, in rare circumstances, spread between humans through close contact. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the operation, coordinated under the International Health Regulations … Read more

HIV prevention and treatment services faltering, warns UNAIDS

The sudden funding decline is hitting the HIV response “like a shock wave,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDSadding that “the world is pulling back just when we need to push forward.” Many countries are unprepared to sustain programs previously supported by international funding, Ms. Byanyima told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York, … Read more

World News in Brief: Malnutrition in Somalia, hunger crisis in DR Congo, energy shortages in Cuba

Somalia’s hunger crisis has worsened sharply in recent months, with more than half a million additional people now facing acute food insecurity compared to projections released in February. The deterioration has been driven by poor Gu rainfall – the country’s main rainy season – rising food and fuel prices linked to the 2026 Middle East … Read more