Diplomatic engagement still the key to peace in Yemen: UN envoy
Delivering his final briefing for the year, Hans Grundberg noted that 2024 was marked by immense turmoil and tragedy across the Middle East region, where far too many people – including in Yemen – have endured profound loss due to…
Forging Peace in Syria: Great opportunities, grave risks
As the fighting intensified, the UN never stopped working behind the scenes to bring about a political solution that would deliver dignity, freedom and justice for the Syrian people. Here are some of the key developments where the UN has…
Uprooted Syrians mulling return mustn’t be pushed, says UNHCR
For those forced to flee the country’s 13-year war, “they are considering how safe Syria is to return to, and how far their rights will be respected before they can make an informed, voluntary decision to return home; they must be…
Syria crisis: Nothing must stop peaceful transition, says UN Special Envoy
“Syria is now at a crossroads with great opportunities for us, but also with grave risks. And we need really to look at both,” said Geir Pedersen, UN Special Envoy for Syria. “We know that, of course, HTS is now…
UN continues response to crises in Gaza and Lebanon
At his regular press briefing, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric noted the dire situation, and the efforts to alleviate suffering and provide essential aid. In the north central area around Gaza City, limited deliveries of fuel on 6 and 8 December…
Middle East: Live updates from Syria and the wider region for 9 December
The historic power shift in Syria adds new layers of complexity to the Middle East crisis, with ongoing hostilities in Gaza, violence in the West Bank, and a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon. Millions across the region continue to rely on…
Security Council hears of ongoing imperative to end violence in eastern DR Congo
Bintou Keita, who also heads the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, reported on the instability in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, particularly operations by four armed groups: ADF, M23, CODECO and Zaïre. She applauded efforts to…
Syrians now have ‘historic opportunity’ to build a peaceful future, says Guterres
As reports continued to emerge from the Syrian capital, Damascus, where opposition forces declared victory overnight on State television, the UN chief said in a statement: The future of Syria is a matter for the Syrians to determine. There is…
Flagging the United Nations
Captured in UN Photo’s Flags Avenue, you can view the full photo essay here. Rain or shine When weather conditions are favourable, which means above freezing conditions, the flags begin their ascent at 8am sharp. With steady hands and unwavering resolve,…
First Person: Tears of joy as Argentinian city children encounter nature for first time
Ana Di Pangracio works for the civil society organization Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales or FARN which is involved in projects to restore degraded land in Argentina. She spoke to UN News in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she was attending…