Myanmar elections marked by fear as UN warns civilians are coerced from all sides

Myanmar elections marked by fear as UN warns civilians are coerced from all sides

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned that the military-controlled ballot is unfolding amid intensified violence, intimidation and arbitrary arrests, leaving no space for free or meaningful participation. “These elections are clearly taking place in an environment of violence and repression,” Mr. Türk said in a news release. “There are no conditions for…

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Synthetic drug market disrupted in Syria after regime change

Synthetic drug market disrupted in Syria after regime change

Captagon, a highly addictive stimulant, has been circulating illegally from the Middle East to Africa and back with 80 per cent of seizures since 2019 indicating Syria as the country of origin, according to the Office. But one year post-regime change in the country, the large-scale manufacturing of the synthetic drug has been disrupted, according…

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Security Council remains divided over Iran nuclear programme, sanctions stay in place

Security Council remains divided over Iran nuclear programme, sanctions stay in place

“Despite intensified diplomatic efforts during the second half of 2025, there was no agreement on the way forward regarding the Iran nuclear programme,” concluded the UN’s chief diplomat, Rosemary DiCarlo.  Ms. DiCarlo – the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs – reminded the Council that the best option for the international community is a…

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Sri Lanka cyclone: More than a million still need aid weeks after Ditwah floods

Sri Lanka cyclone: More than a million still need aid weeks after Ditwah floods

The cyclone made landfall on the island’s eastern coast on 28 November, triggering widespread flooding and deadly landslides across all 25 districts. While some displaced families have begun returning home, recent heavy rains caused fresh flooding, landslides and road closures, particularly in the central districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Polonnaruwa. According to UN assessments,…

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Overnight strikes leave death, destruction and power outages in Ukraine

Overnight strikes leave death, destruction and power outages in Ukraine

Several civilians were killed and nearly 30 injured, including children, according to local authorities. Homes in seven regions, as well as the capital Kyiv, were damaged. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) noted “tragic reports” of one child killed and three injured in Kyiv, Vyshhorod and Zhytomyr. “Children facing another difficult, terrifying winter: Young lives threatened….

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Historic vote looms in Central African Republic as UN urges peaceful participation

Historic vote looms in Central African Republic as UN urges peaceful participation

Ahead of the 28 December polls, Secretary-General António Guterres called on all Central Africans to participate peacefully in the vote and urged authorities to ensure that the elections are conducted in a “peaceful, orderly, inclusive and credible manner,” according to a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson. He also appealed to all political actors…

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Development cooperation agreement marks new phase in UN-Iraq partnership

Development cooperation agreement marks new phase in UN-Iraq partnership

On Thursday, the UN and Iraq signed a new agreement, the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2025 to 2029, to assist the country in making progress on its national goals, which are also reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by Member States in 2015.  The agreement comes ahead of the closure of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), which has…

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First Person: Felipe Paullier, the youngest ever senior UN official, charged with giving a voice to young people around the world

First Person: Felipe Paullier, the youngest ever senior UN official, charged with giving a voice to young people around the world

“When you study history in high school, you learn about the origins of the United Nations, and it was always the organisation that I connected with, in terms of the values it promotes. However, I never thought I would have a direct role in the organisation. During my time working with the Uruguayan government, I…

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UN renews ceasefire push in Sudan

UN renews ceasefire push in Sudan

The appeal follows a peace initiative presented by Sudan’s Transitional Prime Minister during a Security Council meeting earlier this week. UN Secretary-General António Guterres “takes note of the peace initiative”, his spokesperson said on Friday, stressing that “the pursuit of lasting and inclusive peace is essential as the conflict enters a new year.” He called…

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CN Rail says no threat to safety after train derails in Winnipeg – Winnipeg

CN Rail says no threat to safety after train derails in Winnipeg – Winnipeg

CN Rail says its crews are continuing their work at the scene of a train derailment in Winnipeg’s South Osborne area on Sunday. According to an email from CN, the derailment occurred at approximately 3 a.m. local time, with the incident occurring near Winnipeg Transit’s Jubilee Station. Get daily National news Get the day’s top…

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