The United Nations on Monday painted a stark picture of global crises, highlighting worsening
conditions in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, ongoing unrest in Iran, and the pressing needs of
refugees and displaced communities around the world. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric
briefed reporters on the latest updates, drawing attention to both humanitarian emergencies and
the work of the Security Council and peacekeeping missions.
Security Council and Ukraine
The UN’s Security Council released its 2025 Highlights of Security Council Practice, offering
a detailed look at its meetings, field missions, and decision-making processes. The report,
described by the UN as a “fantastic trove of data,” gives a glimpse into how the Council works
behind the scenes to maintain peace.
Later on Monday, the Council received a briefing on Ukraine. Under-Secretary-General
Rosemary DiCarlo warned that the new year has brought “no peace or even respite” for the
country, with fighting continuing across multiple regions. She highlighted the Oreshnik missile,
used for the second time since 2024, underscoring the ongoing destructive capacity of the
conflict.
Ukraine’s Humanitarian Strain
The humanitarian situation in Ukraine remains severe. According to the UN, civilians have been
killed or injured in Kyiv, Chernihiv, Donetsk, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kherson, Odesa, and
Zaporizhzhia. Two health workers were reportedly injured in Chernihiv when their ambulance
was attacked.
Energy infrastructure damage has left hundreds of thousands of households without electricity
or heating, with overnight temperatures plunging to –20°C. In Kyiv, water services have been
restored, but heating remains unavailable in 1,000 multi-story apartment blocks, and electricity
is only intermittently available in parts of the city.
Aid workers have stepped in with hot meals, water, psychological support, and mobile
warming centres where residents can charge devices and seek refuge from the cold. On 9
January, an inter-agency convoy delivered medicine, hygiene supplies, shelter materials, and
solar lamps to Sviatohirsk in Donetsk, one of the hardest-hit communities, though access
remains limited due to security concerns.
The UN and partners are preparing a Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2026,
calling on the international community to support Ukraine’s most vulnerable populations.
Iran: Calls for Restraint Amid Protests
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed shock at reports of violence and excessive
force against protesters in multiple Iranian cities, which has left scores dead and many more
injured.
“All Iranians must be able to express their grievances peacefully and without fear,” the UN said.
Authorities were urged to respect fundamental freedoms, exercise restraint, and restore access to
information, including communications.
Sudan: Displacement and Humanitarian Challenges
In Sudan, escalating insecurity in Kordofan is forcing families to flee, disrupting health
services, and severely limiting humanitarian access. In Dilling, South Kordofan, three major
hospitals are out of service, and four doctors have been killed amid shelling.
Displacement continues at a rapid pace. Over 2,200 people fled Abassiya and Kadugli last
week, heading toward White Nile State, while others from North Kordofan arrive in Gedaref,
Khartoum, and River Nile states.
At Al-Afad Camp, which hosts 3,000 households, 60–80 new families arrive daily, straining already limited sanitation, only 100 latrines are available for the 800 needed. Across Northern State, nearly 80,000 displaced families are now hosted, putting pressure on food, health, water, education, and sanitation services.
The UN has called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and unhindered humanitarian
access. The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan aims to assist 20 million people,
supported by a $2.9 billion funding appeal.
Middle East: Peacekeeping and Syria
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, visited Jordan, the Golan
Heights, Damascus, Quneitra, and Israel, meeting authorities and local communities to discuss
peacekeeping priorities.
In Aleppo, renewed hostilities have displaced approximately 119,000 people. UN partners are
providing blankets, mattresses, and winter clothing, but officials stressed the need for immediate
measures to protect civilians and ensure safe passage.
Gaza Strip: Harsh Winter and Ongoing Needs
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical. Last week, UN partners delivered 1,600
tents, 16,000 tarpaulins, and 27,000 blankets to 28,000 families. Despite these efforts, 1.1
million people still urgently need help. A recent storm destroyed thousands of temporary
shelters, leaving children particularly vulnerable.
Winterisation efforts have included 310,000 children’s clothing sets, 112,000 pairs of shoes,
and 150 child-friendly tents. Education partners have opened 18 additional temporary
learning spaces, bringing the total to 440 spaces for 268,000 children. Malnutrition screening
last month covered 76,000 children, identifying 4,900 acute cases, including 820 severe cases.
Venezuela
A shipment of 40 metric tonnes of medical supplies arrived from Brazil, including essential
medicines and dialysis materials for 8,000 patients. This follows the destruction of a warehouse
in La Guaira on 3 January, which had stored roughly three months of dialysis materials,
equivalent to 100,000 dialysis sessions. This shipment is the first installment of a 300-metric
tonne package coordinated with Venezuelan authorities.
Peacebuilding, Cambodia, and UN Honour Roll
The UN has established a new Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO), bringing
together peacebuilding and rule-of-law offices to strengthen prevention and conflict resolution
efforts.
In Cambodia, Vladanka Andreeva assumed her role as UN Resident Coordinator. She brings
over 25 years of experience, including prior service in Azerbaijan and leadership on COP29
and sustainable urbanisation initiatives.
The UN also recognised Armenia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic,
Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Poland, Portugal, and Ukraine on the 2026 Honour Roll for
making full contributions to the UN Regular Budget by 8 February.
Monday’s UN briefing highlighted the scale of global crises, from renewed fighting in Ukraine
to displacement in Sudan, and harsh winter conditions in Gaza. UN officials emphasized the
urgent need for international solidarity, humanitarian aid, and protection of civilians,
warning that without immediate action, vulnerable populations around the world could face even
greater suffering.
Leave a Reply