Over 80 per cent of global merchandise trade is on most-favoured-nation basis Geneva, 22 January 2025 — Over 80 per cent of global merchandise trade is conducted on a most-favoured-nation (MFN) basis, according to a new report by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The report, “MFN Treatment in World Trade: A Statistical Overview,” found that … Read more
Support for Haiti Needed Now ‘More Than Ever’, Security Council Hears 22 January 2025, New York – The United Nations Security Council on Thursday heard an urgent plea for increased international support for Haiti, as the country grapples with a deepening political crisis and a surge in violence. “The situation in Haiti is dire,” said … Read more
Myanmar Crisis: Civilians Killed in Airstrikes as Rohingya Risk Dangerous Journeys January 22, 2025 Yangon, Myanmar – Airstrikes conducted by the Myanmar military have killed at least 10 civilians and injured many more in the troubled Rakhine state, according to local authorities and humanitarian organizations. The airstrikes, which occurred on Saturday in the villages of … Read more
World News in Brief: Gaza aid surge, El Fasher update, aid to Somalia, justice in Belarus Gaza aid surge The United Nations has launched a major aid effort in the Gaza Strip, following the deadliest outbreak of violence in the region in recent years. The UN has appealed for $200 million to provide food, water, … Read more
In Syria, top UN envoy highlights international backing for political transition 2025-01-22 12:00 Damascus, Syria – The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, reaffirmed the international community’s support for a political transition in the war-torn country during meetings with Syrian officials in Damascus on Sunday. Pedersen met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and … Read more
Release of ship’s crew, ‘a step in the right direction’: UN Yemen envoy 22 January 2025 The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has welcomed the release of the 11 crew members of the Rwabee, a vessel that was seized off the coast of Yemen in January 2022. “The release of the … Read more
Lebanon: Food insecurity deepens following conflict, new report reveals 22 January 2025 Beirut, Lebanon – A new report has revealed that food insecurity has deepened in Lebanon following the recent conflict. The report, published by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), found that more than half of the country’s population is now food insecure, … Read more
Colombia: Catatumbo Killings Highlight Fragility of Peace Process 22 January 2025 In a chilling reminder of the fragility of Colombia’s peace process, five social leaders were massacred in the Catatumbo region on Friday. The victims, all members of the local community council, were ambushed by unknown gunmen while holding a meeting. The Catatumbo region, in … Read more
At Davos, Guterres Slams Backsliding on Climate Commitments 2025-01-22 12:00 Davos, Switzerland – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has delivered a stark warning at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, condemning the backsliding on climate commitments by governments and businesses. In a speech to the global elite, Guterres said that the world is “far off … Read more
Support for Haiti Needed Now ‘More Than Ever’, Security Council Hears 22 January 2025 New York – The international community must urgently step up support for Haiti, which is facing a spiraling humanitarian crisis and escalating violence, the United Nations Security Council heard on Monday. “Haiti is in crisis,” said Helen La Lime, the UN … Read more