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Climate change threatening access to water and sanitation |

“Climate change is already posing serious challenges to water and sanitation systems in countries around the world,” said Thomas Croll-Knight, spokesperson for the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Rising risks According to UNECE and the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe), despite being a priority aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement, plans to … Read moreClimate change threatening access to water and sanitation |

Europe: WHO supporting countries affected by rare monkeypox outbreak |

Monkeypox occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa, but outbreaks have emerged in other parts of the world in recent days. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.  WHO said it was “working with the affected countries and others to expand disease surveillance to find and support people who may be affected, and … Read moreEurope: WHO supporting countries affected by rare monkeypox outbreak |

Cultural destruction in Ukraine by Russian forces will reverberate for years, UN rights expert warns |

“As in other conflicts, we currently witness the unfolding of suffering in Ukraine that does not seem to end and we cannot stop,” said Alexandra Xanthaki, Special Rapporteur on cultural rights. “The questioning and denial of the Ukrainian identity and history as a justification for war, is a violation of the Ukrainians’ right to self-determination … Read moreCultural destruction in Ukraine by Russian forces will reverberate for years, UN rights expert warns |

Ukrainian refugees arrive in Poland ‘in a state of distress and anxiety’ |

“Poland remains the main country of arrival for refugees from Ukraine,” UNHCR spokesperson Olga Sarrado told journalists at a regular press briefing in Geneva. And while the pace has slowed in comparison to early March – when over 100,000 people were arriving per day – May has continued to witness around 20,000 daily arrivals. Vulnerable refugees … Read moreUkrainian refugees arrive in Poland ‘in a state of distress and anxiety’ |

Ukraine: At least two children killed in war every day, says UNICEF |

Highlighting the devastating and lasting consequences of the war on millions of the country’s youngsters, UN Children’s Fund UNICEF, maintained that most of the victims were from “attacks using explosive weapons in populated areas”, a claim supported by the UN human rights office, OHCHR. “1 June is International Day for the Protection of Children in … Read moreUkraine: At least two children killed in war every day, says UNICEF |

Ukraine: ‘Perfect storm’ threatens economic devastation in developing world |

UN Secretary-General António Guterres was speaking in Sweden alongside Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, where he is attending the Stockholm+50 conference, which he described as “a crucial opportunity to bolster our response to the triple planetary emergency of climate disruption, pollution and biodiversity loss.” ‘Practical steps’ Mr. Guterres said the UN remained “intensely focused on practical … Read moreUkraine: ‘Perfect storm’ threatens economic devastation in developing world |

Interview: ‘Any way you look at it, wars are evil’, UN Ukraine Crisis chief |

UN News: The Russian war in Ukraine has reached a tragic milestone. Are there any hopes that this war will end anytime soon? Amin Awad: “There is optimism that the war will end, because neither Ukraine nor Russia can afford it. Ukraine is suffering from the loss of life, the destruction of hospitals, schools, homes, railway … Read moreInterview: ‘Any way you look at it, wars are evil’, UN Ukraine Crisis chief |

Ukraine: After 100 days of war, Guterres calls for end to violence, as UN works to free up vital food and fertilizer exports |

In a statement, the Secretary-General said that the conflict, which began on 24 February, has already taken thousands of lives, caused untold destruction, displaced millions of people, resulted in unacceptable violations of human rights and is inflaming a three-dimensional global crisis – food, energy and finance – that is pummeling the most vulnerable people, countries … Read moreUkraine: After 100 days of war, Guterres calls for end to violence, as UN works to free up vital food and fertilizer exports |

Guterres condemns missile strikes in Ukranian Black Sea port of Odesa |

“Yesterday, all parties made clear commitments on the global stage to ensure the safe movement of Ukrainian grain and related products to global markets. These products are desperately needed to address the global food crisis and ease the suffering of millions of people in need around the globe. Full implementation by the Russian Federation, Ukraine … Read moreGuterres condemns missile strikes in Ukranian Black Sea port of Odesa |

Reports of sexual violence in Ukraine rising fast, Security Council hears |

Pramila Patten, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict, recalled her recent visit to Ukraine and outlined the elements of a recently signed Framework of Cooperation on the Prevention and Response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, which seeks to strengthen accountability and combat those abhorrent crimes. “Too often have the needs of women and girls … Read moreReports of sexual violence in Ukraine rising fast, Security Council hears |