Acute hunger hits nearly 282 million people as famine looms in Gaza
The number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity has increased every year since 2019.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan is a South Asian country facing one of the world's most severe humanitarian and human rights crises. In 2025, the UN estimates that 22.9 million people, including 12.4 million children, will require humanitarian assistance. This includes widespread food insecurity and limited access to healthcare.
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Uneven post-pandemic recovery widens gap between rich and poor
Europe dominates the top rankings as development in half of the world’s poorest nations falls below pre-pandemic levels.
Progress fades on women's rights as the world grows more militaristic
A new U.N. report finds the number of women and girls living in conflict-affected nations doubled in five years.
Reprisals against human rights defenders cited among 42 nations
A new report's evidence of threats and retaliation extends to 12 of the U.N. Human Rights Council's 47 member nations.
WFP warns funding shortfall will push millions to 'brink of starvation'
Its new analysis shows each 1% cut in aid to its $5.2 billion annual budget could push 400,000 people toward starvation.
Fund seeks to elevate Afghan girls' voices in bid for higher education
Education Cannot Wait said Afghan girls are the "furthest behind" in efforts to erase poverty and reduce inequality.
NATO secretary general's successor rises on agenda ahead of summit
The debate over who should succeed Jens Stoltenberg, a Norwegian former prime minister, has become complicated. It's also possible he could agree to a fourth contract extension.
Record 110 million worldwide uprooted by conflict and climate
Some 52% of all refugees and others who needed international protection came from Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine.
Fearing precedent, Pentagon won't cooperate with top global court
A top U.S. diplomatic official said the ICC won't pursue war crimes charges against Americans if the U.S. courts handle it.
Economic sanctions as a modern tool: Cruel to the most vulnerable?
A study finds sanctions contribute to a rise in mortality, poverty and inequality, and a decline in income and rights.
U.N. vote opposes Taliban constraints against females
A U.N. Security Council resolution calls on Afghanistan's de factor rulers to quickly restore the rights of women and girls.
U.N. staff and appeal for aid in limbo from Taliban ban on Afghan women
Most employees who work for UNAMA are Afghan nationals - women and men who have been instructed to stay home.
U.N. raises concerns about human rights records in over 40 nations
A quarter of all humanity lives today in places that are affected by conflict and usually it's the civilians 'who suffer the most.'
Male-only parliaments are no longer as gender parity slowly advances
Six nations have gender parity or a women's majority: Rwanda, Cuba, Nicaragua, Mexico, New Zealand and U.A.E.
A labyrinth of competing interests behind Europe's migration battle
It is a fight that spans the continent and entangles international organizations, border security and others.
Global vows to millions of migrants and refugees still largely unfulfilled
Most of the world's 8 billion inhabitants prefer to stay within their nation of birth, but almost 1-in-20 have left that behind.