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Category: United Nations

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research e.V. in Müncheberg is a member institute of the Leibniz Association.

    ZALF conducts scientific research on the complex interactions within agricultural landscapes in order to provide knowledge for their sustainable use.

    As a contribution to overcoming global challenges such as climate change, food security, biodiversity conservation and resource scarcity, ZALF develops and designs crop systems, integrated in their landscape contexts, that combine food security with sustainability. Therefore ZALF processes complex landscape data with a unique set of experimental methods, new technologies and models as well as socio-economic approaches.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Shaping the Future of Capacity Building for World Heritage: Reference Group Meets on Revised World Heritage Strategy

    Source: United Nations

    As part of the ongoing process of revising the World Heritage Capacity-Building Strategy (WHCBS), the World Heritage Centre and ICCROM convened a Reference Group meeting on 27 March 2025.

    This meeting brought together the World Heritage Committee members along with selected stakeholders and capacity-building partners to discuss the current draft of the revised Strategy. It follows earlier consultations held with the Advisory Bodies and Category 2 Centres, whose contributions have already helped shape the current version.

    The meeting opened with remarks from the World Heritage Centre and ICCROM, setting the tone for a collaborative dialogue. Ms Sarah Court, an ICCROM consultant, presented the draft Strategy, providing insights into its goals and implementation framework. The presentation was followed by an interactive exchange, where participants engaged in constructive discussions, offering valuable feedback and perspectives.

    The revised WHCBS (2025–2035) aims to strengthen the global coordination, accessibility, and effectiveness of capacity-building efforts across the World Heritage system. It is structured around a shared Theory of Change and outlines solutions to identified challenges, including sustainable funding, improved policy implementation, and the development of networks and high-quality learning resources.

    The insights gathered during the Reference Group meeting contributed to finalising the Strategy before its submission to the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee (Paris, 6–16 July 2025).

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 1 April 2025 Departmental update Global meeting calls for stronger partnerships to tackle skin NTDs

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The second global meeting on skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs) convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded last week with a strong call for integrated approaches and enhanced partnerships to achieve the 2030 NTD road map targets. The meeting took place amid ongoing challenges in global health financing.

    “The fight against skin NTDs requires a unified effort in the face of growing challenges,” said Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director of the WHO Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme. “For three days, participants emphasized the importance of robust partnerships across diseases to effectively implement recommended interventions against skin NTDs.”

    The meeting, held from 24 to 26 March under the theme “Integration to Achieve 2030 Targets,” brought together participants from 97 countries (over 300 participants in person and over 800 online participants) including representatives of ministries of health, health-care workers, individuals with lived experience, researchers and partners. Discussions focused on embedding skin NTD interventions into national health systems to ensure sustainability and broader impact.

    “Achieving the 2030 targets will require a stronger collective commitment to integration,” said the keynote speaker, Professor Roderick Hay, King’s College London. “We must support ministries of heath in implementing innovative strategies that guarantee equitable access to care for affected populations.”

    Key highlights

    • Integrated approaches: country presentations demonstrated the feasibility of jointly delivering interventions against multiple diseases, as well as mainstreaming such interventions within existing programmes; notably, findings revealed that over 90% of patients screened for skin NTDs also presented with other common skin conditions emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach within the primary health-care system.
    • Development of new tools: presentations highlighted the potential of digital and artificial intelligence-based tools for capacity strengthening.
    • Advances in research: discussions on telacebec – a promising new medicine to treat mycobacterial infections (Buruli ulcer, leprosy and tuberculosis) – highlighted the potential to significantly shorten durations of treatment.
    • Psychosocial challenges: experts called for the integration of mental health services into NTD programmes, recognizing the profound psychosocial impact of skin NTDs.
    • Climate change and One Health: discussions focused on mitigation measures against the impact of climate change on spread of skin diseases and stressed incorporating a One Health approach in disease transmission studies.
    • Wound care and rehabilitation: discussions on mycetoma, noma and podoconiosis emphasized the need for early detection, integration of surgical and rehabilitation services into comprehensive health care.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message on World Autism Awareness Day [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Around the globe, people with autism are making enormous contributions to societies, human endeavours, and individual lives.  Today we reflect on those achievements, but we also recognise the significant challenges that remain.

    People with autism often experience isolation, stigma and inequality. They have been denied healthcare and education – especially during crises – and their legal capacity has been unrecognized and over-ridden. Such discrimination contravenes the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ commitment to leave no one behind. It must change.

    Governments must adopt legislation and policies that guarantee equality and promote the full participation of people with autism in society. We need inclusive health and education systems, work environments, and urban design – to ensure people with autism have equal opportunities to thrive. 

    On World Autism Awareness Day, let us recommit to create a world where no person with autism is left behind.
     
    ***
    Partout dans le monde, les personnes autistes contribuent énormément à la société, aux activités humaines et à la vie des personnes qui les entourent. Aujourd’hui, nous saluons ces accomplissements, mais nous sommes également conscients des défis majeurs qui restent à relever.

    Bien souvent, les personnes autistes se heurtent à l’isolement, à la stigmatisation et aux inégalités. Elles se voient parfois refuser l’accès aux soins de santé et à l’éducation, en particulier en période de crise, et il arrive que leur capacité juridique ne soit pas reconnue ou qu’elle soit bafouée. Une telle discrimination est contraire à la Convention relative aux droits des personnes handicapées et à l’engagement pris de ne laisser personne de côté, énoncé dans les objectifs de développement durable. Cette situation doit changer.

    Les États doivent adopter des lois et des politiques qui garantissent l’égalité et favorisent la pleine participation des personnes autistes à la société. Il nous faut des systèmes de santé et d’éducation, des environnements de travail et des aménagements urbains inclusifs pour que les personnes autistes puissent avoir les mêmes chances de s’épanouir que n’importe qui.

    En cette Journée mondiale de sensibilisation à l’autisme, réaffirmons notre engagement à bâtir un monde où aucune personne autiste n’est laissée de côté.
     
    ***

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Press Conference by Security Council President on Programme of Work for April

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The Security Council in April will convene two of its annual meetings on peacekeeping operations and on displaced persons and refugees at a “particular time for multilateralism” as “we are confronting a number of crises, including armed conflicts and funding”, its President for the month told reporters at a Headquarters conference today.

    “All of this is compelling multilateralism to think long and hard about its methods and about its capacities to tackle the challenges which it was established to address,” said Jérôme Bonnafont (France), who took up the French ambassadorship on 17 March and whose delegation holds the 15-member organ’s rotating presidency for this month.

    The above-mentioned meetings will convene on 7 April and 28 April focusing on peacekeeping operations and refugees and displaced persons, respectively.  On 2 April, the Council is also set to hold a briefing on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

    Mr. Bonnafont told reporters that the UN’s principles are not just fundamental, “they are the bedrock of the multilateral system and international law”.  And in the Security Council, they must be harnessed for global peace and security.

    On the Ukrainian front, he said the question now is whether discussions will produce a ceasefire that leads to a just and lasting peace, underpinned by the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.  This must ensure respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.  “The Council must guide proceedings towards that outcome,” he stressed.

    In the Middle East, “we cannot rule out a regional escalation”, he warned, adding that the Council, on 29 April, will hold a meeting on the matter to be chaired by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.  The Council will also meet on Lebanon, Syria and Libya in April.

    The 15-member organ will focus on Africa, as well, holding several meetings throughout the month on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and South Sudan, where entire populations have been compelled to flee, the French Permanent Representative said.  In the Americas region, the Council will hold a briefing on 21 April on Haiti, where there is “pressing need” for a UN mission, he added.

    Asked about the ceasefire in Ukraine, he said that the UN must support a peace that is based on the UN Charter, also noting relevant Council resolutions adopted last month.  “What is going on right now between the United States, Ukraine and the Russian Federation” must be “pushed in the right direction by the UN”, he went on to add.

    When asked about what “tools” the UN and European Union have in their toolbox to push talks in the right direction, he said that support to Ukraine from Europe is multifaceted.  “We are on the side of Ukraine which was aggressed by Russia,” he reiterated, also adding that Europe is financially and militarily supporting Kyiv, as well.

    Answering about Council “relevancy” in a time of protracted wars in Ukraine and Gaza, he said that the Council is actively working to develop processes, but that “there is no magical wand” to put an end to wars.  The Council has a mandate to support processes and deploy operations.  “It is no easy task,” he went on to emphasize, underscoring the importance of “political dynamics” to support peace on the ground.

    On Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and whether there could be a ceasefire achieved in April, he said work is being done to convince Hamas to liberate hostages with dignity.  Clearly, the bombing needs to stop, he said, urging Israeli forces to return to a ceasefire and calling on all parties to return to logic.  In the medium term, the international community must start preparing for Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.

    Asked about the security situation in Haiti, he said that the UN must deploy a mission there, but doing so is contingent on sufficient financing and logistical arrangements.  The security situation in that country, he stressed, is very complex and challenging.

    As to whether the Council will consider sanctioning Rwandan parties for their involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he said that mediation efforts are currently being supported including by Angola and Qatar.  The Council did express its view on the urgency of a ceasefire a few days ago, he noted.

    Responding to a question about protecting Syria’s minorities, he said the Council demanded that Syrian authorities act “as is expected of them, namely that they respect the civilian population and minorities”.  There is a transitional government in Syria “made up of people from different groups”.  For Syria to see a definitive return to peace, it must respect its own diversity and must be inclusive, he said.

    On the bombing of Lebanon, he said it is a very critical moment for Beirut, “which has a chance to engage in efforts for a lasting peace” and become a peaceful country that can coexist with its neighbours.

    For the full programme of work, please see:  www.un.org/securitycouncil/events/calendar.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Lebanon: UN expresses deep concern over latest Israeli airstrikes, in call for restraint

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Peace and Security

    The United Nations on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the latest escalation of violence in Lebanon, despite the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, following an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut that reportedly killed four people – including a woman – and injured several others.

    Tuesday morning’s strike reportedly targeted a Hezbollah official who Israel accused of aiding Hamas in planning an imminent terror attack against civilians.

    It was the second Israeli strike in the southern suburb in five days.

    “The UN reiterates the calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from further escalatory activities, which endanger civilians and jeopardize the progress already made to restore stability on both sides of the Blue Line,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at a regular press briefing at the UN Headquarters in New York.

    He emphasised the importance of fully implementing Security Council resolution 1701, which was adopted in August 2006 to end the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah.

    The resolution called for a cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the creation of a demilitarized zone.

    “It remains crucial that the parties undertake tangible steps towards the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 and uphold their commitments made under the cessation of hostilities agreement,” Mr. Dujarric said.

    He added that the Office of the Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the UN Interim Force in the country (UNIFIL) remain in contact with all stakeholders to dial down tensions.

    Shots fired at peacekeepers

    He also reported that over the weekend, the Israeli army fired warning shots from a machine gun at UN peacekeepers across the Blue Line – which separates Israeli and Lebanese armed forces – near Rmeish in the south.

    The incident was “a clear violation of resolution 1701,” Mr. Dujarric said.

    In a separate incident, the peacekeepers reported that an IDF patrol aimed a laser at them.

    “Any attempt to interfere with peacekeepers’ mandated duties and any act that compromises their safety is unacceptable,” Mr. Dujarric stressed, adding that the security of peacekeepers must be respected.

    He said UN peacekeepers remain in position in southern Lebanon and continue to monitor and report on the situation on the ground.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo: Surging violence as armed groups target civilians in the east, Human Rights Council hears

    Source: United Nations 2

    Human Rights

    Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with 602 victims of extrajudicial or summary executions in North and South Kivu recorded over just two months, the Human Rights Council heard on Tuesday.

    The grim revelation emerged during a high-level discussion at the UN in Geneva on the human rights situation in DRC.

    ​​The Council – the UN’s foremost human rights forum – also heard updates on allegations of ongoing abuses in South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

    Surging violence

    Despite best efforts, armed groups including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel forces have made major recent gains – occupying cities such as Goma and Bukavu – causing mass displacement.

    Conflict-related sexual violence “is being committed by all parties,” warned UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif, citing a 270 per cent spike in reported cases since January.

    “Any plans for a sustainable peace must tackle the root causes of the conflict, including the illegal exploitation of the national wealth that lies in natural resources,” she said, also calling for action against hate speech and corruption.

    She underscored the alarming scale of the crisis: nearly 26 million people face food insecurity, and over 7.8 million are now displaced nationwide. In the east – where multiple armed groups have battled national forces and allied militia for years – more than 1.6 million children are out of school.

    Renewed conflict and repression in South Sudan

    Turning to South Sudan, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) Global Operations Division Director, Maarit Kohonen Sheriff, painted a stark picture of escalating violence and political tension.

    She noted a “severe security, human rights and humanitarian crisis,” including deadly attacks in Upper Nile State and aerial bombardments that have displaced civilians and destroyed infrastructure.

    The Council heard that arrests and detentions linked to political affiliations, including members of the leading opposition militia, known as the SPLM-IO, have raised serious concerns, with some detainees held without access to legal representation or external monitoring.

    “The recent house arrest of First Vice President, Riek Machar is alarming,” Ms. Sheriff said, warning of threats to the 2018 power-sharing arrangement under the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

    Despite some progress – including new transitional justice laws and the creation of a human rights defenders’ network in Unity State – civic space remains severely restricted, and documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence have risen by 72 per cent compared to the previous year.

    Urgent funding needs

    Efforts to train prosecutors and police on investigating sexual violence were highlighted as positive, but Ms. Sheriff emphasised the urgent need for funding and international support.

    “Human rights technical cooperation efforts will only bear fruit if the parties in South Sudan recommit to the peace agreement,” she said.

    The international community must continue to support nation-building efforts and help “prevent a relapse into civil war,” she further emphasised.

    Fragile gains in Central African Republic

    The Council also heard updates from the Central African Republic (CAR), with Ms. Sheriff recognising the Government’s progress in adopting policies to promote human rights, including new protections for human rights defenders.

    Nevertheless, she stressed that the situation “remains difficult”, with violations still being committed by all parties to the conflict.

    Ms. Sheriff highlighted atrocities by armed groups such as the Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé militia in Haut-Oubangui, compounded by spillover violence from Sudan

    “An effective decentralisation process is essential for responsible governance,” she told the Council, urging inclusive local elections and more civic participation, especially by women and youth.

    Transparent justice

    Independent Expert Yao Agbetse echoed her call, urging full implementation of national reforms and increased transparency in justice. While noting progress, he warned that rights violations remain widespread, particularly in areas under armed group control.

    CAR’s Justice Minister, Arnaud Djoubaye Abazene, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to extending judicial institutions across the country.

    “The population is thirsty for justice,” he said, citing efforts to expand courts and upcoming local elections as signs of resolve.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan on brink of famine as fighting ravages Darfur, UN warns

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Humanitarian Aid

    The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is spiralling as rival militaries continue to battle for control of the country, with the UN expressing profound alarm on Monday over escalating hostilities, particularly in North Darfur. 

    Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric warned that “the humanitarian and security situation in Sudan remains dire and is worsening.”

    He highlighted intense fighting around El Fasher, noting, “we are gravely alarmed by reports of intensified hostilities… including attacks in the past two days that resulted in civilian casualties.”   

    The plight of displaced persons is particularly acute. “Yesterday, reported shelling in the Abu Shouk displacement camp… killed and injured civilians,” Mr. Dujarric confirmed.

    Famine taking hold

    This camp is among the critical hotspots where famine is taking hold, alongside Zamzam and Al Salam, and areas in the Western Nuba Mountains, affecting approximately 640,000 people.

    The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is making an urgent call for action to prevent widespread famine, especially as the lean and rainy season approaches. “It is critical that aid organisations have the safe and unimpeded access to people in need,” OCHA emphasised.

    Currently, around 25 million Sudanese face acute food insecurity, a number expected to peak between June and September. Beyond immediate food aid, agricultural assistance is vital to boost local production.   

    The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) requires over $82 million to support 7.5 million farmers with seeds and essential resources before the planting season in June.

    ‘Time is running out’

    “With the rainy season starting soon, and flooding along key routes likely to compound access challenges, time is running out,” Mr. Dujarric warned.

    The conflict has devastated agricultural livelihoods, a lifeline for two-thirds of Sudan’s population. “The ongoing conflict in Sudan has shattered agricultural livelihoods… disrupted market access and left millions of farming families unable to plant or harvest,” he explained.

    Destruction of infrastructure and forced displacement have worsened the crisis.   

    Economic decline and trade restrictions have driven up food prices sharply, limiting access to basic necessities, the UN Spokesperson added.

    “OCHA stresses that timely support to Sudan’s farmers is essential – not only to avert famine…but also to restore livelihoods and build resilience.”   

    He underscored the UN’s position that civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be a target. “All parties must uphold their obligations… and take the utmost care to spare civilians.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: SIJ Media

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    SIJ Media is a Development Communications and Design Agency passionate about communicating positive social impact stories. 

    The agency produces two podcasts, featuring leading innovators from around the world in financial inclusion and social entrepreneurship. 

    SIJ Media also supports social impact-focused organisations in launching their own shows and plans to continue expanding its service portfolio throughout 2025.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement on Myanmar earthquake by Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    I am profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life and the growing number of injuries caused by the earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating event. 

    I echo the call made by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i., Mr. Marcoluigi Corsi, that the people of Myanmar urgently need the steadfast support of the international community. I also call on all countries to double their efforts to reduce disaster risks and foster resilience, to ensure that communities are better protected against all hazards.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Oslo Forum elevates financing for disaster risk reduction to a global priority

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    The urgent need to close the global financing gap for disaster risk reduction took center stage at a high-level forum held in Oslo from 25 to 26 March, hosted by the Government of Norway with the support of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). 

    In recent years, the cost of disasters has increased as a function of more extreme weather events and uninformed development decisions, which unintentionally place people and assets in harm’s way. 

    Despite this growth, there has been no equivalent increase in the amount of funding to reduce disaster risks. Indeed, the lack of funding was identified in the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, as one of the biggest obstacles to transforming plans and strategies into action on the ground.

    By some measures, the amount of funding for disaster prevention has even decreased. According to a review by UNDRR, within the humanitarian sector, the amount of funding for disaster prevention and preparedness has gone down over the years – from an already low level of 3.6% between 2015 and 2018, to 3.3% between 2019 and 2023. 

    Compounding the problem, public development projects and private sector investments are often not informed by an understanding of disaster risks, which could increase the likelihood of these investments triggering disasters or being destroyed by them. 

    The High-Level Forum on Accelerated Disaster Risk Reduction Financing to Build Resilience, which met over two days from 25 to 26 March in Oslo, took up the challenge of addressing these aspects of finance by convening high-level representatives from 20 countries in addition to experts from international organizations, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and research institutes. 

    “We gathered in Oslo to advance the disaster risk reduction financing agenda.  With the constructive contributions over the past two days, I believe we have created the momentum we need to take this forward,” said Mr. Åsmund Aukrust, Norway’s Minister of International Development, who opened the forum. 

    Technical support for the Forum was provided by UNDRR, which participated through a delegation led by Mr. Kamal Kishore, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Head of UNDRR. 

    Mr. Kishore expressed his gratitude to Norway for hosting these discussions and noted the centrality of disaster risk reduction to addressing many global challenges:

    “Financing is the single challenge that unites the disaster, climate, development, and humanitarian domains. The unique advantage of disaster risk reduction is that it can simultaneously strengthen all the other domains, because of its emphasis on reducing vulnerabilities and building resilience.”

    The forum’s outcomes will inform policy discussion on financing in international fora, including the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025, the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, and at the events leading up to the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development. In addition, UNDRR, in coordination with Norway, will follow up with partners to transform some of the proposals into concrete actions over the coming months.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Guterres calls for greater equality and inclusion as world marks Autism Awareness Day

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Health

    Although people with autism are making enormous contributions to societies across the globe, they still face significant challenges. 

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres is calling for renewed commitment to create a more equal and inclusive world in his message marking World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday.

    This year’s theme – Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – highlights the intersection between neurodiversity and global sustainability efforts.

    The goal is to showcase how inclusive policies and practices can drive positive change for autistic individuals worldwide and contribute to making the SDGs a reality.

    Isolation, stigma and inequality

    “People with autism often experience isolation, stigma and inequality. They have been denied healthcare and education – especially during crises – and their legal capacity has been unrecognized and over-ridden,” the Secretary-General said.

    “Such discrimination contravenes the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ commitment to leave no one behind. It must change,” he added.

    Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain, according to a fact sheet by the World Health Organization (WHO).

    Characteristics may be detected in early childhood, involving some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication, however diagnosis often does not occur until much later.

    Vaccine link debunked

    It is estimated that about 1 in 100 children worldwide has autism. Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that make a child more likely to have autism, including environmental and genetic factors, WHO said.

    The UN agency noted that extensive research over many years has demonstrated that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine does not cause autism.

    “Studies that were interpreted as indicating any such link were flawed, and some of the authors had undeclared biases that influenced what they reported about their research,” the fact sheet said.

    Furthermore, evidence also shows that other childhood vaccines do not increase risk.

    Varied life experiences

    The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time, WHO explained. While some can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support. 

    Autism also often has an impact on education and employment opportunities, while families can face significant demands in providing care and support. 

    The Secretary-General stressed that governments must adopt legislation and policies that guarantee equality and promote the full participation of people with autism in society. 

    “We need inclusive health and education systems, work environments, and urban design – to ensure people with autism have equal opportunities to thrive,” he said.

    “On World Autism Awareness Day, let us recommit to create a world where no person with autism is left behind,” his message concluded.

    Commitment to diversity

    Throughout its history, the UN has celebrated diversity and promoted the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, including learning differences and developmental disabilities. 

    For example, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force in 2008, reaffirms the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all. 

    That same year, the UN General Assembly – which brings together all 193 Member States – unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to improve the quality of life of people with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN-backed forum seeks to boost resilience of world’s Least Developed Countries

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    SDGs

    Policymakers, researchers, the private sector and other stakeholders are meeting in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, over the next three days to chart a path toward sustainable development and resilience for the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs). 

    The third edition of the LDC Future Forum, which opened on Monday, focusses on how these 44 nations can better withstand systemic shocks, including the adverse effects of climate change and other global crises.

    The objective is to develop actionable solutions that will contribute to sustainable development and resilience building in these countries. 

    Challenges and commitments 

    The forum aligns with Priority 5 of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA), a decade-long initiative adopted in 2022 that aims to renew and strengthen commitments between LDCs and their development partners.

    Priority 5 concerns addressing climate change, environmental degradation, recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and building resilience against future shocks for risk-informed sustainable development. 

    LDC countries often grapple with limited domestic resources, hindering their ability to weather economic downturns, natural disasters and health emergencies, according to the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). 

    Moreover, accessing international capital markets is difficult due to low creditworthiness and perceived risks. 

    Women’s voices critical 

    The forum will feature a High-level Dialogue focusing on the critical need for financing to bolster LDCs’ resilience in the face of various challenges.  Special emphasis will be on gender equality as the participation of women and girls in the discussions will be critical to developing holistic and inclusive solutions. 

    Rabab Fatima, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, highlighted the significance of the event. 

    She noted that for the first time the forum is taking place in an LDC, “offering a unique opportunity to galvanize global support for the world’s most vulnerable countries as they navigate the challenges of an ever-changing global landscape.”  

    The forum was organized by UN-OHRLLS together with the Governments of Finland and Zambia, in collaboration with the UN University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development (FERDI). 

    Private sector participation 

    Highlights include four thematic sessions addressing key areas: climate-smart agriculture practices to improve food security and ensure sustainable agricultural development, sustainable water and energy solutions to enhance resilience, circular economy and green industrialization to promote diversification and resilience and targeted social protection programs to strengthen resilience to multiple shocks. 

    A High-level Dialogue will focus on financing strategies to support more resilient economies in LDCs, addressing the critical need for resources to combat economic instability, natural disasters and health emergencies.  

    Additionally, private sector representatives will participate in a Fireside Chat to examine how businesses can drive the transition toward a circular economy, fostering sustainable development and resilience in LDCs.  

    Discussions will centre on strategies for transitioning to a circular economy, building local capacity and skills, ensuring supply chain sustainability and promoting women’s participation in corporate sustainability planning. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Disarmament Architecture ‘at Risk of Collapse’, Secretary-General Warns Eminent Persons Group

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the sixth meeting of the International Group of Eminent Persons for a World without Nuclear Weapons, held in Tokyo today:

    I am pleased to address you on your sixth, and final, meeting. You have carried out your work during a period of deepening geopolitical divisions.

    The nuclear threat is at heights not seen since the cold war — with escalating rhetoric and another nuclear arms race taking shape.

    Meanwhile, the international non-proliferation and disarmament architecture — so carefully constructed over decades — is at risk of collapse.

    Dialogue is sorely needed.  But talk is not enough.  We need solutions and action.  This is why your work over the past two years has been so important.

    You come from all parts of the world — including nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States.

    And you are united in your commitment to ensure that humanity walks a path towards a world without nuclear weapons.

    We are running out of time to make progress.  I look forward to your recommendations — and wish you every success in your final meeting.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Condemns Attack That Killed Kenyan Peacekeeper in United Nations Mission in Central African Republic

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Press Release

    SG/SM/22609

    The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

    The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack on 28 March by armed elements against peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic near Tabane, Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, in the south-east of the country, while they were conducting a long-range patrol to protect civilians.  The unacceptable attack resulted in the killing of a peacekeeper from Kenya.

    The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the Government and the people of Kenya.

    The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.  He calls on the Central African authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this tragedy so that they can be brought to justice swiftly.

    The Secretary-General reaffirms the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and Government of the Central African Republic.

    Central African Republic
    Peacekeeping

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza aid worker killings: One humanitarian still missing in mass grave

    Source: United Nations 4

    Humanitarian Aid

    UN humanitarians and partners on Tuesday expressed deep shock at the killing of 15 colleagues on duty in southern Gaza by Israeli forces whose remains were recovered on Sunday from a shallow grave after a week-long rescue operation, noting that one worker is still missing.

    “This is a huge blow to us…These people were shot,” said Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN aid coordination office, OCHA.

    “Normally we are not at a loss for words, and we are spokespeople, but sometimes we have difficulty finding them. This is one of those cases,” he told journalists in Geneva, referring to video footage taken near Tal-As-Sultan by an OCHA rescue party showing a crushed UN vehicle, ambulances and a fire truck that had been flattened and buried in the sand by the Israeli military.

    Rafah mission

    The clearly identified humanitarian workers from the Palestine Red Crescent Society, Palestinian Civil Defence and the UN Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, had been despatched to collect injured people on 23 March in the Rafah area.

    They came under fire from Israeli forces who were advancing in the area, OCHA’s top official in the Palestinian Occupied Territory said, in a detailed post on X.

    Jonathan Whittall explained that on the day of the attack, five ambulances, a fire truck – and a UN vehicle which arrived following the initial assault – were all hit by Israeli fire, after which contact was lost with teams.

    One survivor said Israeli forces had killed both of the crew in his ambulance, Mr. Whittall said. “For days, OCHA coordinated to reach the site but our access was only granted five days later…After hours of digging, we recovered one body – a civil defence worker beneath his fire truck.”

    Bodies buried in the sand

    The week-long rescue operation ended on Sunday 30 March with the recovery of the bodies of 15 humanitarian colleagues: eight from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), six from the Palestinian Civil Defence (PCD) and the UNRWA worker.

    The body of one more PRCS worker is still missing at the site, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which on Monday repeated its calls for information from the Israeli military.

    Available information indicated that the first team had been killed by Israeli forces on 23 March; the other emergency and aid crews were struck one after another over several hours as they searched for their missing colleagues, OCHA said.

    408 aid workers killed

    According to UNRWA, 408 aid workers including more than 280 UNRWA staff have been killed in Gaza since the war began on 7 October 2023.

    Additional video footage released by OCHA taken from within a UN vehicle near the site of last Sunday’s incident also showed two people walking and then running to escape sniper fire.

    According to OCHA, a woman was shot in the back of the head and a young man trying to retrieve her was also shot. The OCHA team managed to recover her body in the UN vehicle.

    Despite a demand for “answers and justice” from Israel by the UN’s emergency relief chief Tom Fletcher, no information has yet been provided, his office said.

    “We keep engaging with the Israeli authorities daily on this and on other burning matters including, importantly, the critical need to reopen crossings for supplies,” said Mr. Laerke. “Because while this is a huge blow to us on all levels, the crisis itself, just moves on and gets worse every day.”

    Atrocity crimes warning

    The development comes days after the UN agency warned that acts of war in Gaza “bear the hallmarks of atrocity crimes”, with hundreds of children and other civilians killed in Israeli airstrikes in intensely populated areas and hospital patients “killed in their beds, ambulances shot at and first responders killed”.

    James Elder, spokesperson for the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, condemned “unprecedented breaches” of international humanitarian law (IHL) in Gaza linked to the resumption of Israeli bombardment and ground operations inside the shattered enclave.

    Every day since the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel broke down on 18 March with heavy Israeli strikes, “100 children have been killed and maimed every single day since that moment”, Mr. Elder insisted.

    Will-power alone will not help anyone survive “when we see breach after breach of IHL, breach after breach of restricting aid,” the UNICEF spokesperson continued, four weeks since the Israeli authorities shut Gaza’s borders to all commercial and humanitarian aid.

    Echoing those concerns, IFRC’s Mr. Della Longa reported that hospitals “are literally overwhelmed” and running out of medicine and medical equipment.

    The IFRC spokesperson also warned that a lack of fuel or damage have put “more than half” of ambulance teams of the Palestine Red Crescent out of action.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Press Statement on Recent Developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Christina Markus Lassen (Denmark):

    The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern over recent developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    The members of the Security Council reconfirmed their full support for the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the annexes thereto.

    The members of the Security Council urged both entities, the three constituent peoples, and others, and all political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to adhere to the provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement and to the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and engage in a sincere, open, and constructive dialogue to preserve the country’s unity and political stability.  They emphasized the need to avoid confrontational approaches, and to preserve peace and promote stability to resolve disputes in spirit of consensus.

    The members of the Council also called on all sides to refrain from and renounce provocative, divisive rhetoric and actions.

    The members of the Security Council expressed their support to European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR) Operation Althea acting in compliance with its mandate.

    The Security Council remains unequivocally committed to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina in full accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 31st Session – UN/CEFACT Plenary

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Election of the UN/CEFACT Vice-Chair (for the period 2025-2026)

    Election of the new UN/CEFACT Vice-Chair will take place on 3 July 2025. According to the Consolidated UN/CEFACT Mandate and Terms of Reference (ECE/TRADE/C/CEFACT/2017/15), the UN Member States who are physically present at the Plenary meeting will elect a Vice-Chair.

    UNECE is inviting UN Member States to nominate their candidates for elections.

    Each Country can nominate one candidate of its choice, using its own criteria for selection and taking into account criteria such as expertise, leadership, ability, willingness to work and geographic balance. The candidate must be a member of the Country’s delegation. It is at the Country’s discretion whether a nominated candidate if from the Government or the Private Sector.

    The deadline to submit nominations is Monday, 19 May 2025.

    In line with the decisions taken at the 30th Plenary, the term of office of the elected Vice-Chair would exceptionally be for one year, with the possibility of one re-election for a three-year term in 2026 (to align the terms of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the UN/CEFACT Bureau, the Plenary decided (ECE/TRADE/C/CEFACT/2024/2) that the next re-election of the entire Bureau (Chair and Vice-Chairs) will be held in 2026).

    Responsibilities of Vice-Chair

    The elected Vice-Chair will be expected to actively participate in at least three physical meetings per year:

    • UN/CEFACT Forums (twice per year, one in Geneva and another one in a different location)*/
    • UN/CEFACT Plenary (one annual meeting in Geneva)

    The Vice-Chairs together with and the secretariat are responsible for preparing the programme of work for approval by the Plenary, with a view to providing a coherent framework that serves the needs of United Nations Member States and other stakeholders within the context of UN/CEFACT’s mandate and terms of reference. This involves outreach to and collaboration with parties interested in working with UN/CEFACT to achieve common goals and, wherever possible, to avoid duplication of work both within and outside of UN/CEFACT.

    The principal functions of the Bureau are outlined in the Consolidated UN/CEFACT Mandate and Terms of Reference (ECE/TRADE/C/CEFACT/2017/15).

          */ In 2025, there will be only one Forum in Dakar, Senegal on 24-28 November 2025

    Guidance on submitting nominations

    The following documents should be submitted for the candidate. This information must be sent directly from the Permanent Mission in Geneva to the UNECE Secretariat ([email protected]):

    • Candidate’s Candidacy Form with motivational statement
    • Government’s Nomination Form with statement of support
    • Recent Curriculum Vitae (including current roles in other relevant organizations and membership in associations)

    For any questions, please contact Ms. Kamola Khusnutdinova, Secretary  of UN/CEFACT at [email protected]

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Myanmar earthquake latest: entire communities flattened, aid teams say

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Humanitarian Aid

    As the death toll continues to rise in Myanmar after last Friday’s earthquake tragedy, UN humanitarians have been rushing to support severely deprived and traumatized victims, warning that the window for lifesaving response is closing.

    Speaking to journalists from Yangon on Tuesday, Julia Rees, Deputy Representative of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the country described seeing massive needs rising by the hour, after a 7.7 magnitude quake.

    “Entire communities have been flattened,” she said, with children and families sleeping out in the open with no homes to return to.

    “I met children who were in shock after witnessing their homes collapsed or the death of a family member… some have been separated from their parents and others are unaccounted for,” she explained.

    Some 72 hours after the quake rocked Mandalay and Sagaing regions as well as Nay Pyi Taw and southern Shan state, the death toll has risen to around 2,000, according to the country’s military junta, with hundreds unaccounted for and thousands injured.

    “The window for lifesaving response is closing,” Ms. Rees said, while across the affected areas, families face acute shortages of clean water, food and medical supplies. But conditions remain extremely challenging as aid teams are working “without electricity or sanitation, sleeping outside, like the communities we serve”.

    International response

    The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that local search and rescue teams, supported by international rescue units from a number of countries including China, India, Russia, Thailand and Bangladesh, have been “intensifying their efforts” particularly in central Myanmar, which has continued to experience aftershocks.

    The UN’s top humanitarian official on the ground, Marcoluigi Corsi, freshly back from a visit to the country’s capital Nay Pyi Taw said that as the critical window for finding survivors under the rubble was narrowing, conditions in the affected areas continued to deteriorate.

    “You have no electricity, you have no running water,” he said, while people were battling the summer heat. “Often there are aftershocks and people are scared to go inside their homes,” he added.

    Hospitals overwhelmed

    Dr. Fernando Thushara, the representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Myanmar, said that in Nay Pyi Taw, he saw hospitals “overwhelmed with patients”.

    “The medical supplies were running dry. There were electricity disruptions in some hospitals… and shortages of running water,” he said, adding that in some cases power generators were not working and hospitals were short on fuel.

    Dr. Thushara warned that a lack of fresh water and sanitation could fuel outbreaks of infectious diseases “unless we control them very quickly”.

    He recalled that a few months back, several townships in Mandalay had been affected by cholera. About 800 cases of the water-borne disease had been reported until February across nine states and regions in Myanmar, while other infectious diseases such as dengue, hepatitis, malaria may spread further.

    The dire health situation is not the only crisis confronting the people of  Myanmar. UN refugee agency (UNHCR) spokesperson Babar Baloch stressed that the country is “reeling” from four years of conflict sparked by a military coup in 2021, while the UN’s Mr. Corsi said that in the past few years it has suffered a cyclone and massive flooding.

    Mr. Baloch spoke of a “double tragedy” for the people of Myanmar, highlighting the fact that even before the devastating earthquake hit, all the affected areas already hosted 1.6 million displaced people.

    Mr. Corsi stressed that the disaster-affected communities’ resilience is now highly compromised. Close to 20 million people across the country were already in need of humanitarian assistance before the earthquake hit and over 15 million were going hungry. Over three months into the year, the UN’s $1.1 billion humanitarian appeal for Myanmar remains only five per cent funded. “This is time…for the world to step up and support the people of Myanmar,” he concluded.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Global Assessment Report (GAR) 2025

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Disasters, pandemics, and other shocks are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more unpredictable. At the same time, the costs of responding and rebuilding are rising faster than many countries can manage. To avoid falling deeper into debt and disruption, we need a new kind of financial system, one that is ready before the crisis starts, and flexible enough to support recovery after.

    This section explores how governments, businesses, and financial institutions can work together to build that system. It looks at how public and private money can be combined to fund resilience, how better data and regulation can reduce risk, and how financial tools, from insurance to social protection, can help people and economies bounce back stronger.

    Each part offers practical ways to shift from a system that reacts to disasters, to one that plans, protects, and invests in long-term resilience.

    5.1 Scaling Up Blended Finance

    Most countries do not have enough public money to meet their growing disaster and climate risks. But private investors are often hesitant to put money into high-risk areas. Blended finance helps solve this problem by using public or development funding to reduce risk and attract private capital.

    Platforms like GAIA (Global Action on Investment for Adaptation <<https://www.greenclimate.fund/project/fp223>>) aim to make this easier. [add link] GAIA works to bring governments, private investors, and communities together to support projects that reduce disaster risk, protect ecosystems, and build long-term resilience. These platforms make it easier to fund solutions in places that need them most, but that investors might otherwise avoid.

    Blended finance is not just about funding projects. It is about changing how and where money flows, so that resilience becomes part of every investment decision.

    5.2 Corporate Climate Risk Disclosures

    Businesses face growing risks from climate change and disasters, but many still do not fully understand or report them. This creates blind spots for investors, insurers, and regulators. One important step is to make climate risk disclosure part of standard business reporting.

    Mandatory reporting systems, like those being adopted in the European Union and other regions, help companies identify their exposure to climate risks. This includes physical risks, like floods or heatwaves, and financial risks, such as supply chain disruptions or energy price shocks.

    When risks are made visible, businesses are more likely to act early. Investors can make better decisions, and regulators can help reduce systemic financial risks across the economy.

    5.3 Expanding Regional Insurance Mechanisms

    For many small or vulnerable countries, the cost of disasters is too big to manage alone. Regional insurance pools allow countries to share the risk and access quick funding after a shock. These systems are especially useful for small island states and low-income countries with limited financial reserves.

    Two leading examples are: [links to those initiatives in the web]

    These mechanisms help countries access payouts quickly after hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods. This reduces pressure on public budgets and speeds up recovery. Countries pay into the pool, and when disaster strikes, they get fast, rules-based support. Check how regional insurance helped Dominica recover more quickly from one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Caribbean.

    Case study: [CCRIF payout after Hurricane Maria in Dominica]

    5.4. Unlocking Green Resilience Bonds

    Green bonds are already used to fund projects that reduce emissions or support clean energy. But they can also support disaster resilience. When these bonds include components like flood protection, climate-smart agriculture, or heat-resilient infrastructure, they become powerful tools for long-term risk reduction.

    Some governments and financial institutions are now designing green resilience bonds that combine climate and disaster goals. These bonds allow investors to support both environmental and social outcomes.

    For example, Costa Rica issued green bonds with a focus on nature-based solutions and climate adaptation. These projects aim to both cut emissions and reduce the impacts of floods and droughts.

    Case study: [Costa Rica’s green bond program]

    5.5. Adaptive Social Protection for Disaster Recovery

    Social protection systems, like cash transfers, food assistance, or public works programs, can be powerful tools for resilience, especially when they are flexible. When designed to scale up during shocks, they can protect people from falling into poverty after a disaster.

    This is called adaptive social protection. It links disaster early warning systems with financial systems that can respond quickly to changing needs. For example, a drought warning might trigger extra cash support for farmers before their crops fail.

    Like in the Philippines, a national social protection program was adapted to respond to typhoon impacts. It helped deliver assistance more quickly and reach the most vulnerable communities during emergencies.

    Case study: [Philippines’ shock-responsive social protection system]

    5.6. How Central Banks Can Support Resilience Finance

    Central banks play a key role in keeping economies stable. As climate risks grow, they can also help make financial systems more resilient. This means looking at how disasters affect inflation, lending, and investment flows, and adjusting policies to support preparedness.

    Central banks can include disaster and climate risks in their stress tests and financial supervision. They can also support green finance guidelines, invest in resilience bonds, or offer incentives for banks that support risk reduction projects.

    Bangladesh’s central bank created a special refinancing scheme to support solar energy, flood-resilient housing, and climate-smart farming. This shows how monetary policy can support resilience at the local level.

    Case study: [Bangladesh Bank’s green refinancing program]

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Academic Journals

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Academic Journals is a publisher of peer-reviewed open access journals.

    Academic Journals currently publishes over 100 open access journals covering art and humanities, engineering, medical science, social sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences and agricultural sciences. 

    Our mission is to accelerate the dissemination of knowledge through the publication of high quality research articles using the open access model.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Review of General Psychology (Sage Journals)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The Review of General Psychology is the official publication of the Society for General Psychology, Division 1 of the American Psychological Association. The Review of General Psychology publishes theoretical, conceptual, and methodological articles that have a range of foci, including human subjectivity, historical, theoretical, or critical studies of psychology, and global, international, or indigenous perspectives on general psychology. Articles may draw on the psychological sciences and/or the psychological humanities and may contribute to dialogues with cognate fields in the social or human sciences, including science and technology studies.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sint Maarten Trust Fund

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the island of Sint Maarten. The World Bank estimated the damages and losses caused by Hurricane Irma to Sint Maarten to be $2.73 billion. Ninety percent of all infrastructure was affected, with tourism-the country’s biggest industry taking a huge hit. 

    Due to Sint Maarten’s location and dependence on tourism, it is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, which may happen more frequently due to climate change. Sint Maarten needs to be prepared. 

    The Sint Maarten Reconstruction, Recovery and Resilience Trust Fund was launched in April 2018 as a tripartite partnership between the government of the Netherlands, government of Sint Maarten, and the World Bank to help the country rebuild stronger and more sustainably to support longer-term development priorities. 

    The current fund portfolio is US$519 million, with recipient-executed projects addressing the country’s most critical needs-strengthening institutions, building capacity, making infrastructure climate-resilient, and improving social and economic cohesion.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Relief Coordination Centre

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The Relief Coordination Centre is a team of professionals bringing together relevant actors, donors, civil society, authorities and other stakeholders for timely, well-informed and impactful humanitarian and development action, based on accurate and comprehensive information and analytics, effective communication and coordination.

    We cooperate with a large number of local and international organizations. Our team continuously collects, processes and verifies data on needs of affected people, state of communities and settlements, relevant humanitarian interventions, and turns it into useful informational and analytical tools. Based on these tools, we implement, coordinate and facilitate interventions that bring about positive change for people.

    We believe in sharing the values of openness, involvement and partnership between all, who seek to help people and make the world better. Our mission is to structure resources allocation and localize aid for maximum impact. Our vision is functioning of the fastest and most adaptive system of coordination of humanitarian response in the world.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 1 April 2025 News release WHO issues its first-ever reports on tests and treatments for fungal infections

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) today published its first-ever reports addressing the critical lack of medicines and diagnostic tools for invasive fungal diseases, showing the urgent need for innovative research and development (R&D) to close these gaps.

    Fungal diseases are an increasing public health concern, with common infections – such as candida, which causes oral and vaginal thrush – growing increasingly resistant to treatment. These infections disproportionately impact severely ill patients and those with weakened immune systems, including individuals undergoing cancer chemotherapy, living with HIV, and who have had organ transplants.

    “Invasive fungal infections threaten the lives of the most vulnerable but countries lack the treatments needed to save lives,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Antimicrobial Resistance ad interim. “Not only is the pipeline of new antifungal drugs and diagnostics insufficient, there is a void in fungal testing in low- and middle-income countries, even in district hospitals. This diagnostic gap means the cause of people’s suffering remains unknown, making it difficult to get them the right treatments.”

    The fungi in the top ‘critical priority’ category of the WHO’s fungal priority pathogens list (FPPL) are deadly, with mortality rates reaching as high as 88%. Advancements in treatments mean that more people are likely to be living with immunocompromised conditions, which also could mean increases in cases of invasive fungal diseases. This is a complex challenge to manage due to inaccessibility of diagnostic tools, limited availability of antifungal medicines, and a slow and complex R&D process for new treatments.

    Constrained process in developing treatments against deadly fungal infections

    WHO’s report on antifungal drugs highlights that, in the past decade, only four new antifungal drugs have been approved by regulatory authorities in the United States of America, the European Union or China. Currently, nine antifungal medicines are in clinical development to use against the most health-threatening fungi, as detailed in the FPPL.

    However, only three candidates are in phase 3, the final stage of clinical development, meaning few approvals are expected within the next decade. Twenty-two drugs are in preclinical development, an insufficient number to feed a clinical pipeline considering the dropout rates, risks and challenges associated with earlier development stages.

    Issues with current antifungal treatments include serious side effects, frequent drug-drug interactions, limited dosage forms and the need for prolonged hospital stays. The report highlights the urgent need for safer antifungal medicines, possibly reducing requirements for continuous drug monitoring.

    Antifungal medicines that work against a wide range of severe infections caused by fungal priority pathogens are also needed. Children are particularly underserved with few clinical trials exploring paediatric dosing and age-appropriate formulations.

    WHO recommends investing in global surveillance, expanding financial incentives for drug discovery and development, funding basic research to help identify new and unexploited targets on fungi for medicines, and investigating treatments that work by enhancing patients’ immune responses.

    Landscape report of diagnostics for fungal priority pathogens

    The new diagnostics report shows that while commercially available tests exist for fungal priority pathogens, these rely on well-equipped laboratories and trained staff, which means that most people in in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not benefit from them. All countries, but particularly LMICs, need faster, more accurate, cheaper and easier testing for a broad range of fungal priority pathogens, including diagnostic tools that can be used at or near point-of-care.

    There are many challenges with existing antifungal diagnostics; they work only for a limited range of fungi, are insufficiently accurate and take a long time to obtain results. Most of the tests are not well suited to primary and secondary health facilities as certain diagnostics require stable electricity supplies within suitable and equipped laboratories.

    Health workers often have insufficient knowledge about fungal infections as well as the impact of fungi growing more resistant to treatments, resulting in limited ability to perform the testing needed to determine the appropriate treatment. WHO calls for strengthening the global response against invasive fungal diseases and antifungal resistance, and is also developing an implementation blueprint for the FPPL.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Myanmar earthquake tragedy ‘compounds already dire crisis’

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Humanitarian Aid

    Entire communities in central Myanmar have been devastated and the full scale of the earthquake disaster “remains unclear”, the UN’s top humanitarian coordinator in the country said on Monday.

    Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator Marcoluigi Corsi expressed the UN’s profound sorry at the immense loss of life stemming from Friday’s 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude quakes with the death toll rising to around 2,000, according to the country’s military junta.

    “The latest reports indicate significant loss of life, widespread injuries, and many still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue,” Mr. Corsi said in a statement on behalf of the UN Country Team.

    Urgent support operation continues

    He stressed that the UN and partners continue to urgently mobilise in support of the emergency response, standing ready to assist all communities “wherever they are”.

    The earthquakes struck near Mandalay and Sagaing, with impacts felt across Bago, Magway, Nay Pyi Taw, and parts of Shan State. Hospitals are overwhelmed, while communication and transport routes have been severely disrupted.

    Thousands are sleeping in the open, fearful of aftershocks and unable to return to damaged homes.

    UN-facilitated rescue teams from around 20 countries, including sniffer dogs, paramedics and medical supplies, supported by millions of dollars in aid, continue to arrive in Myanmar – where millions were already displaced by civil war, arising from the military coup of February 2021.

    Resilience further eroded

    “Even before this earthquake, nearly 20 million people in Myanmar were in need of humanitarian assistance,” Mr. Corsi emphasized. “This latest tragedy compounds an already dire crisis and risks further eroding the resilience of communities already battered by conflict, displacement, and past disasters.”

    The UN Humanitarian Country Team is actively conducting rapid needs assessment missions in coordination with UN agencies, humanitarian partners, local authorities and community-based organizations, paying particular attention to the needs of women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected in such disasters.

    “Beyond the immediate response, this crisis highlights the urgent need to strengthen efforts towards recovery and to invest in measures that help communities withstand future shocks,” Mr. Corsi said.

    Significant UN presence

    An initial $15 million in emergency funds has been allocated by the UN to support the lifesaving response. Medical teams, shelter materials, and critical water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) items are arriving – alongside prepositioned and supplementary food aid.

    “We have a significant presence in Mandalay and surrounding areas, and we are doing everything we can to reach people in need despite serious logistical challenges,” Mr. Corsi said. “But much more will be required in the days and weeks ahead.”

    More than ever, timely support is critical to prevent further deterioration of the crisis, he added.

    The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that it aims to support 100,000 of the worst hit with ready-to-eat meals, following by food and cash-for-food assistance to around 800,000 for the next month.

    WFP Myanmar/Chit Min Htet

    Severe damage to Naypyidaw’s road infrastructure following the ea​rthquake in Myanmar.

    Ceasefire now: UN Special Envoy

    The UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop issued a statement on Monday saying she stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar.

    “The earthquake has laid bare the deeper vulnerabilities facing Myanmar’s people and underscored the need for sustained international attention to the broader crisis.”

    Referencing the ongoing conflict which has seen military forces lose control of a majority of the country to opposition armed groups amid brutal fighting and airstrikes, she said that “all sides must urgently allow space for humanitarian relief and ensure that aid workers can operate in safety.”

    Continuing military operations in quake-affected areas “risks further loss of life and undermines the shared imperative to respond,” she continued.

    Ms. Bishop called for an immediate ceasefire by all parties, to prioritise the rescue, aid and recovery effort, including protection of civilians.

    She said she was in close contact with Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher and the UN Country Team in Myanmar who are working in partnership with neighboring countries and others, supported by the UN’s regional and global network. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Fires in the Republic of Korea: UNESCO remains at the disposal of the authorities for the protection and restoration of heritage

    Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    UNESCO expresses its solidarity with the firefighters and the authorities of the Republic of Korea who have been facing unprecedented fires in recent days. In view of the heavy human toll, the Organisation also extends its most sincere thoughts to the victims and their families.
    As part of its mandate, UNESCO has been monitoring the damage to heritage and culture. These forest fires have indeed posed a significant threat to several properties inscribed on the World Heritage List.
    UNESCO commends the authorities for taking immediate action, deploying more than 750 professionals to the heritage sites to carry out inspections and implement emergency protection measures.

    These actions helped to prevent the World Heritage sites from being directly affected by the fires and cultural property of universal value from disappearing.

    Unfortunately, the scale of the disaster caused significant damage to other Korean cultural sites of national importance, such as the 7th-century Gounsa Temple in Uiseong County, which was destroyed.

    UNESCO remains ready to provide any expertise that may be deemed necessary by the authorities to further strengthen the protection of heritage sites. The Organization also remains at their disposal, once the emergency is over, to plan the restoration of cultural property, wherever possible, and to draw up updated risk prevention plans.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza: UN relief chief demands ‘answers and justice’ following killings of first responders

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Humanitarian Aid

    The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher on Monday called for “justice and answers” after Israeli forces killed eight Palestinian medics, six civil defence first responders and a UN staff member in an attack in southern Gaza.

    The clearly identified humanitarian workers from the Palestine Red Crescent Society, Palestinian Civil Defence and the UN had been despatched to collect injured people on 23 March in the Rafah area of southern Gaza, when they came under fire from Israeli forces who were advancing in the area, said the UN aid coordination office’s (OCHA) top official in the Palestinian Occupied Territory in a detailed post on X.

    Jonathan Whittall said that on the day of the attack, five ambulances, a fire truck – and a clearly marked UN vehicle which arrived following the initial assault – were all hit by Israeli fire, after which contact was lost with teams.

    No access for days

    “One survivor said Israeli forces had killed both of the crew in his ambulance. For days, OCHA coordinated to reach the site but our access was only granted five days later,” Mr. Whittall said.

    When UN staff then travelled to the area they encountered hundreds of civilians fleeing under Israeli fire.

    “We witnessed a woman shot in the back of the head. When a young man tried to retrieve her, he too was shot. We were able to recover her body using our UN vehicle,” he added.

    ‘Devastating scene’

    He said aid workers we were finally able to reach the site on Sunday, discovering “a devastating scene: ambulances, the UN vehicle, and fire truck had been crushed and partially buried. After hours of digging, we recovered one body – a civil defence worker beneath his fire truck.”

    The Palestine Red Crescent Society – part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – expressed outrage on Sunday over the deaths, adding that a ninth staff member is still missing.

    “These dedicated ambulance workers were responding to wounded people…They wore emblems that should have protected them; their ambulances were clearly marked. They should have returned to their families: they did not,” said IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain.

    Humanitarian law ‘could not be clearer’

    “Even in the most complex conflict zones, there are rules,” he added. “These rules of International Humanitarian Law could not clearer – civilians must be protected; humanitarians must be protected. Health services must be protected.”

    The incident represents the most deadly attack on Red Crescent Red Cross workers since 2017.

    Israeli forces said the emergency responders had been fired on after their vehicles “advanced suspiciously”, according to news reports, adding that a Hamas operative had been killed along with “eight other terrorists”.

    The attack occurred following the collapse of the fragile two-month ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas militants on 18 March. On Monday, Israel issued a new mass evacuation order for the whole of the Rafah region.

    ‘This should never have happened’

    OCHA’s Jonathan Whittall reiterated on Sunday that first responders should never be a target.

    “Today, on the first day of Eid, we returned and recovered the buried bodies…They were killed in their uniforms. Driving their clearly marked vehicles. Wearing their gloves. On their way to save lives. This should never have happened.”

    The UN Humanitarian Affairs chief, Tom Fletcher, on Monday send condolences to the families of all who had been killed

    “They were killed by Israeli forces while trying to save lives. We demand answers and justice,” he said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 31 March 2025 Departmental update WHO’s Strategic Group of Experts charts bold path to strengthen global immunization amid new challenges

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Vaccination remains one of the most cost-effective public health tools, but without sustained support, the gains achieved under the Immunization Agenda 2030 are at serious risk. 

    Global Progress Meets Budget Cuts 

    A report from WHO’s Department of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals outlined major achievements and severe threats. While vaccines against HPV, malaria, and TB advance, many immunization programmes face reduced donor support and shrinking health budgets. 

    Measles control efforts are particularly under strain, with weakened surveillance and response capacities raising the risk of outbreaks. WHO reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, regional manufacturing, and partnerships to secure resilient immunization systems for the future. 

    Gavi’s Vision for the Future 

    Gavi previewed its 2026–2030 strategy (Gavi 6.0), focused on expanding new vaccines, strengthening national programmes, and reducing zero-dose children. Progress continues toward immunizing 86 million girls against HPV by 2025, with growing investments in malaria and polio vaccines. 

    Yet, Gavi also flagged vaccine supply constraints, especially amid the mpox emergency in Africa. Over 582,000 doses have been administered in DRC, underscoring the need for a sustainable vaccine stockpile. 

    Resurgence of Measles, Lagging Coverage 

    Regional updates showed rising zero-dose children in many areas, despite HPV vaccine scale-up in South-East Asia. Measles remains a serious threat where routine immunization has not recovered. The “Big Catch-Up” helped narrow gaps, but challenges remain. 

    New Vaccines and Smarter Strategies 

    SAGE reviewed updated evidence on pneumococcal, varicella, and herpes zoster vaccines, offering more flexibility in schedules. However, countries must weigh trade-offs when introducing newer, higher-valency vaccines and strengthen surveillance to guide decisions. 

    Mpox: Rising Again, Resources Thin 

    A renewed mpox emergency, declared in August 2024, is spreading across Africa. With supply constraints persisting, WHO and SAGE recommend flexible dosing and stress the need for preventive vaccination. Cuts to HIV programmes could further heighten mpox risks for vulnerable populations. 

    Polio: Eradication Still Elusive 

    Polio remains a challenge, with transmission continuing in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and vaccine-derived cases spreading, including in Europe. SAGE endorsed a revised IPV-based schedule of three doses but stressed full coverage is essential. 

    Looking Ahead: A Call for Global Commitment 

    SAGE concluded with a clear message: immunization is a major public health success, but without renewed commitment, we risk reversing the progress made. The world must act—urgently and together—to protect the next generation from preventable disease. 

    Click here to subscribe to the Global Immunization Newsletter.

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    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement on Myanmar

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar as the devastating earthquake has greatly exacerbated an already dire situation. She is heartbroken by first-hand accounts of the magnitude of the suffering. Many victims still cannot be reached due to severe damage. The earthquake has laid bare the deeper vulnerabilities facing Myanmar’s people and underscored the need for sustained international attention to the broader crisis. All sides must urgently allow space for humanitarian relief and ensure that aid workers can operate in safety. Continuing military operations in disaster-affected areas risks further loss of life and undermines the shared imperative to respond. The Special Envoy condemns any form of violence and calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and focus their efforts on the protection of civilians, including aid workers, and the delivery of life-saving assistance. With her visit to India last week, the Special Envoy has concluded her first tour of all Myanmar’s neighboring countries. These consultations highlighted both a shared regional concern and the potential for greater coordination to support access and assistance. The Special Envoy will return to the region very soon to advocate for a coherent, inclusive and principled response to the fall-out from the earthquake and the widening regional implications from the political crisis. She will continue to cooperate closely with the ASEAN Special Envoy. The Special Envoy remains in close contact with the Emergency Relief Coordinator and the UN Country Team in Myanmar who are working in partnership with neighboring countries and others, supported by the UN’s regional and global network. A number of countries including Myanmar’s neighbors and ASEAN mechanisms have provided immediate support. The Special Envoy appeals to Member States and other donors to swiftly provide flexible funding to scale up the response. Safe and unimpeded access to affected populations and areas must be provided through all available channels and actors in line with international humanitarian principles, and regardless of territorial control. Community-based responders – many operating in hard-to-reach areas – will play a critical role in the days ahead. A pathway to reconciliation requires an end to violence and unfettered access for the UN and its partners to address humanitarian needs, especially among the most vulnerable and marginalised.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –