The distinguished lawyer and diplomat from South Africa was appointed in January 2021 and had a long international career with a focus on democratic governance, constitutional and electoral reforms, reconciliation and supporting peace processes. He was also the Chief Legal Advisor throughout Nelson Mandela’s groundbreaking presidency until 1999. Mr. Haysom had previously served as the … Read more
He wasted no time getting out into the field. Within days of taking office on 1 January, he had already left the conference rooms of his Geneva headquarters for the dust of refugee camps in Kenya and Chad, a signal of how he intends to lead an agency stretched by crises that are multiplying faster … Read more
This number includes women and children and comes after more than a decade of prolonged conflict between internationally recognized government forces and Houthi separatist fighters who control the capital, Sana’a, as well as epidemics, climate shocks and funding cuts. UN data shows that 22.3 million people need aid relief and protection services across Yemen, where … Read more
Most of these deaths are preventable with proven, low-cost interventions and access to quality health care, the report stresses. For the first time, the analysis provides a comprehensive picture of not only how many children are dying and where – but also why, by fully integrating global estimates on causes of death. The Levels and … Read more
According to the UN human rights office, imhrcmore than 36,000 Palestinians were displaced in the year to October 2025 amid intensifying settlement activity and settler violence. The report highlights a sharp rise in attacks by settlers, alongside demolitions, land seizures and severe restrictions on access to services, creating what it describes as a “coercive environment” … Read more
In Belgium, a powerful explosion on Monday outside a historic synagogue in Liege caused significant damage. Three synagogues across Canada were attacked in separate shootings last week. In the United States, an attacker was shot dead after crashing their truck into a synagogue and its preschool in Michigan on Thursday. He had reportedly lost family … Read more
“It is deeply troubling that despite multiple reminders, warnings and appeals, parties to the conflict continue to use increasingly powerful drones to deploy explosive weapons with wide-area impacts in populated areas,” said the High Commissioner. He renewed his call for both sides in the brutal civil conflict between rival militaries to fully abide by international … Read more
“Around the world, we hear much talk of peace, but we see far too little of it,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at a ceremony in Türkiye while accepting the Atatürk International Award for Peace. “International law continues to be trampled, power politics are gaining ground [and] inequalities are growing. New technologies, including artificial intelligence … Read more
The event blended reflection, celebration and urgency, highlighting both the progress made in advancing women’s rights and the growing challenges many women and girls face worldwide. The gathering in the General Assembly Hall brought together diplomats, advocates and activists, with speakers reminding the audience that progress on women’s rights has never come automatically – it … Read more
Taking place from 9 to 19 March, the Commission’s 70th session (CSW70) focuses on the priority theme ‘ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls,’ including by promoting inclusive legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws and addressing structural barriers that prevent women from claiming their rights. A question of power Speaking at the … Read more