U.N. human rights chief says her China visit did not find answers
Michelle Bachelet acknowledged she was unable to adequately judge the situation for Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang Province.
United States (U.S.)
The U.S. is a major global power and a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. It is a founding member of NATO and a key participant in a vast network of international organizations, including the G-7, G-20, OECD, and World Bank. It is currently re-evaluating its alliances and relationships, particularly with China and Russia, while also engaging in diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war and addressing new trade tensions with key partners like India.
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Heftier hurricanes, simmering summers, and wilder wildfires
In a climate change twist, the U.S. weather agency finds less air pollution can cause more hurricanes.
More frequent wildfires globally seen as sign of climate 'tinderboxes'
A UN report finds wildfires are burning longer and hotter, and will likely become more frequent in some areas.
Nations agree to new scrutiny of U.N. vetos
Prompted by its own paralysis over Syria and Ukraine, the U.N. moved to prevent abuse of power by Russia and other permanent Security Council members.
U.S.-Russia find little common ground on Ukraine at Geneva talks
Diplomats debated Russia's massive troop buildup around Ukraine, the first in a series of talks on Europe's security.
New rise in Cold War tensions over science and technology feared
A Swiss science diplomacy foundation wants to prevent a new Cold War from being fought over science and technology.
U.N. fundraiser raises billion-dollar 'lifeline' of aid for fleeing Afghans
As the Taliban consolidates power, donors pledged to provide emergency aid for Afghans at a U.N.-sponsored fundraiser.
Organizations turn to airlift for Afghanistan
The U.N. health agency and other international organizations began airlifting emergency supplies to Afghanistan through neighboring Pakistan and its airline.
Taliban's grip imperils aid for Afghan civilians
Humanitarian aid agencies and U.N. leaders scrambled to protect civilians in Afghanistan while calling on the Taliban to end fighting and provide assurances.
U.N. extends humanitarian aid border crossing to rebel-held Syria
The U.N. approved a compromise to keep open Syria's last non-government controlled border crossing for aid.
Biden and Putin agree at face-to-face Geneva meeting to cut nuclear risks
With U.S.-Russia tensions nearing Cold War-era dimensions, the leaders turned to Swiss diplomacy to improve relations.
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. appeal falls short of Yemen's needs
International donors contributed US$1.7 billion for people starving in Yemen, an amount that leaders of humanitarian organizations called disappointing.
Nations debate call for 'vaccination cease-fire' in conflict zones
The U.N. took up a proposal calling for cease-fires in conflict zones to allow deliveries of coronavirus vaccines.
Myanmar coup raises stakes for investigations into rights abuses
Leaders fear the fall of a democratically elected government will trigger a human rights crisis as the junta returns to power.
Vaccine nationalism clouds the world's pandemic recovery efforts
Rich countries locked up most of the COVID-19 vaccine supply despite the COVAX Facility's efforts to provide equal access.