United Nations

UN human rights chief Volker Turk faces pushback in bid for second term

Turk, a lawyer who has worked for the United Nations for decades in major offices such as Geneva and field locations including Kosovo, ends his first four-year term in October.

FILE PHOTO: United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, in Mexico City, Mexico April 22, 2026.
Firefighters work at the site of a car repair garage which was hit by a morning Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine July 17, 2026.

Russia intensifies Black Sea attacks as shipowners suspend Ukraine port arrivals

 PRO-PALESTINIAN students hold a walkout from classes to protest ‘one year of genocide’ on the people of Gaza, at the University of California, Irvine earlier this month.

When 'genocide' is no longer enough: Why the Palestinians are pushing 'wholocide' - analysis

An Argentinian flag featuring a map of the Falkland Islands and a sign reading "Never Forget" is seen at the entrance of the Malvinas War Veterans Center, where fans watch the 2026 World Cup football semi-final match between Argentina and England on a television in Ushuaia, on July 15, 2026.

By history, by right, by conviction: Why the Malvinas belong to Argentina - opinion


Def. Min. complex to be built on site of fmr. UNRWA Jerusalem headquarters, Katz says

UNRWA's headquarters in Ammunition Hill was demolished in January after the organization's ties with Hamas were exposed.

Defense Minister Israel Katz speaks during a ceremony returning a stone from the Western Wall that had been kept at HaKirya military base, to the Davidson Center in the Old City of Jerusalem, May 4, 2026.

US pledges new humanitarian aid to UN, says it must align with Trump's interests

The new funding pledge came on top of $2 billion in funding the US announced in December under a new mechanism designed to make aid funding and delivery more efficient and increase accountability.

People arrive at the United Nations headquarters before a meeting on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty at the UN, in New York City, US, April 27, 2026.

Yemen government, Houthis to release more than 1,600 prisoners in conflict's largest swap

The conflict erupted after the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention in support of the government the following year.

Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, poses for a photo as members of the Supervisory Committee on the Detainees Release Agreement attend the closing ceremony of a meeting between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group, in Amman, Jordan, May 14, 2026.

Federal judge blocks US sanctions against UN's Francesca Albanese

US District Judge Richard Leon in Washington claimed that the Trump administration sought to regulate Francesca Albanese's speech because of the "idea or message expressed.”

UN special rapporteur on human rights in Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese attends press conference in Geneva

World Food Programme slashes Syria aid, affecting 7.2 million as funding crisis deepens

The World Food Programme has halved emergency food aid in Syria due to funding shortages, leaving millions vulnerable despite signs of stabilization.

Workers prepare AIS boxes at a World Food Programme (WFP) facility in Damascus countryside, Syria, July 29, 2025.

Israel reportedly operates covert base in Iraq during Iran campaign

A secret Israeli outpost in Iraq allegedly supported airstrikes on Iran and stayed hidden until an Iraqi patrol came dangerously close.

Smoke rises following an airstrike on a Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) headquarters at Kirkuk International Airport, in Kirkuk, Iraq, March 28, 2026.

Suspected oil spill seen on satellite images near Iran's Kharg Island export hub, Iran denies

The cause of the oil spill, which appears to cover the waters west of the 8-kilometer island, is still unknown.

A satellite image shows likely oil spill covering dozens of square kilometers near Iran's Kharg Island, May 6, 2026.

US-proposed Iran resolution at UN faces likely vetoes from China, Russia

A Chinese veto would be awkward ahead of US President Donald Trump's trip to China next week, where the Iran war is likely to be high on the agenda.

Members of the United Nations Security Council vote during at a United Nations Security Council meeting on a Hormuz resolution at UN headquarters in New York City, US, April 7, 2026.

US, Bahrain push UN-backed action for Hormuz as Rubio urges against vetoes

Diplomats said Washington hopes to close negotiations quickly, with the aim of circulating a final draft by May 8 and holding a vote early next week.

Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations, addresses the Security Council during the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, at UN headquarters in New York City, US, February 18, 2026.

Indus Waters Treaty abeyance after Pahalgam attack sparks India-Pakistan clash - opinion

Pakistan challenges India’s treaty suspension at the UN amid rising tensions between the countries.

Indian security force personnel stand guard at the site of a suspected militant attack on tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, April 24, 2025.