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.
Israel
Israel, a key U.S. ally and a major player in the Middle East, is a member of the U.N. and has a highly advanced technology sector. The country's foreign policy is currently defined by the ongoing war in Gaza, which has drawn international scrutiny and led to a severe humanitarian crisis. While seeking to defeat Hamas, Israel is also navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, including heightened tensions with Iran and its allies, and maintaining a key security relationship with the U.S.
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Negotiations for a pandemic treaty gain ground in political declaration
The U.N. health agency praised world leaders for a 'historic' commitment to working together against future pandemics.
Danger of exhausting local water supply puts 1-in-4 at risk globally
'Extremely high water stress' afflicts 83% of the population in the Middle East and North Africa and 74% in South Asia.
Groups warn of backsliding in nuclear security around the world
The biennial report noted the erosion of nuclear security coincides with growing nuclear security dangers and alarming increases in stockpiles of weapons-usable nuclear materials.
Nuclear diplomacy suffers major setback in Russia’s war on Ukraine
The total number of nuclear warheads fell worldwide, but the amount of operational nuclear weapons started to rise.
U.N. stalemate over autonomous weapons enters second decade
Delegates in Geneva mustered a non-binding report that essentially prolongs a decade-old geopolitical impasse.
Nuclear tensions fuel disarmament agenda for Hiroshima G-7 summit
Humanitarian leaders say the risk of nuclear catastrophe is the highest 'since the worst moments of the Cold War.'
International arms control at a 'crossroads' over nuclear threats
The NATO chief emphasized the need to negotiate new arms control arrangements, despite broad geopolitical worries.
Stockpiles of nuclear weapons available for use increased in 2022
Nuclear warheads available to nations for deployment reached 9,576 at the start of 2023, up from 9,440 a year earlier.
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.
U.N. rights chief decries reported Israeli spyware abuse on journalists
Michelle Bachelet said reports about the use of Pegasus software for spying 'seem to confirm some of the worst fears.'
U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees reinstated as U.S. aid recipient
The United States pledged to restore aid to the Palestinians, almost two-thirds of it earmarked for UNRWA.
U.N. nuclear treaty ban to enter into force
Fifty nations ratified a treaty to ban nuclear weapons that will enter into force in 90 days, the U.N. confirmed on the same day it was founded 75 years ago.
UNGA approves pandemic measure on 6-month mark
The U.N. General Assembly approved its third coronavirus-related resolution on Friday, six months after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic.
Elders rally resistance to Israeli annexation
An independent group of global leaders appealed to European leaders to "stand firm" against Israel’s threat to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.