The Taliban marked five years since their return to power in Afghanistan, with leaders celebrating the anniversary while a UN official warned of an ongoing human rights crisis in the country.

Kristin Lund, a retired Norwegian general and former high-ranking UN official who served in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the war, stated that the Srebrenica genocide was a 'systemic failure'.

Petar Petković, Director of the Serbian Government's Office for Kosovo and Metohija, met with Dominika Krois, head of the UN Office in Belgrade, to discuss Priština's actions concerning Kosovo Serbs.

A UN official has reported that children in Haiti are being held in prison for years without ever facing a judge or receiving a trial. This highlights a severe issue within the Haitian justice system regarding juvenile detention.

A UN official has condemned an assault on humanitarian workers by 'de facto authorities' who invaded a warehouse and attacked two drivers delivering supplies, though the official did not explicitly name Hamas.

Israel has challenged the United Nations over its blacklisting and called for the resignation of a UN official, alleging heavy pressure was exerted on the Secretary-General to include Israel on the list.

UN officials are calling on Western nations to engage with Afghanistan to prevent the country from descending further into instability.

Jim Skea, President of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, warned that the world will inevitably experience more climate-related events than currently observed, highlighting the ongoing climate crisis.

A UN official has warned that ongoing rivalries, kidnappings, and political disputes have derailed efforts to rebuild trust and achieve peace in Syria's Sweida province.

Top security chiefs and UN officials have commended and endorsed Governor Dauda Lawal’s 'Rescue Mission' governance model in Zamfara, Nigeria, for its transformative impact.

A United Nations official has emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions for urban development and sustainability.

A United Nations official has stated that financing gaps continue to be the most significant barrier hindering youth action and initiatives globally.

A top UN official has highlighted Türkiye's military strength and achievements in peacekeeping missions, suggesting a larger role for the country in global peace operations.

UN official Tom Fletcher has urged countries not to compromise on values and to continue providing foreign aid.

A United Nations official has expressed concern that Sudan has been 'abandoned' following three years of conflict.

A top UN official has condemned the lack of global urgency and "unacceptable" efforts to end Sudan's catastrophic war, which is now entering its fourth year and worsening the world's largest humanitarian crisis.

A UN official reported that 70 percent of the Sudanese population is now living in poverty as a direct consequence of the ongoing war in the country.

Aarti Holla-Maini, director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, holds a unique position responsible for alerting the planet to potential asteroid threats. Her role involves coordinating international efforts to monitor and respond to objects in outer space.

Aarti Holla-Maini, from the UN's Office for Outer Space Affairs, is responsible for alerting the world about potential asteroid impacts. She has trained extensively for such an event, including a close call over a year ago.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has officially declared South Korea as the 'most hostile state,' vowing to reject and ignore it with the clearest words and actions, and threatening a harsh response to any attack.

Canada's national statistics agency, Statistics Canada, has begun officially tracking 'shrinkflation' as a factor in consumer price index calculations, noting that six product categories are most frequently affected.

A UN official met with Montenegro's Minister of Human and Minority Rights to discuss the devastating impact of the war in Ukraine, including civilian casualties and displacement, and the need for humanitarian aid.

Rabat – Washington has been hosting, from February 23-24, a new round of talks, with the US pushing to advance the UN-led political process toward a mutually acceptable solution based on Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara. The meeting includes representatives from Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and Polisario as well as US and UN officials to […] The post US Intensifies Backing of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in New Western Sahara Talks appeared first on Morocco World News.

JERUSALEM: Israel on Wednesday imposed restrictions on Palestinian worshippers from the occupied West Bank attending weekly Friday prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem and capped the worshippers number at 10,000 during the holy month of Ramazan which began on Wednesday. The Israeli authorities also imposed age restrictions on West Bank Palestinians, permitting entry only to men aged 55 and older, women aged 50 and older, and children up to age 12 to attend the Friday prayers. “Ten thousand Palestinian worshippers will be permitted to enter the Temple Mount for Friday prayers throughout the month of Ramadan, subject to obtaining a dedicated daily permit in advance,” COGAT, the Israeli agency in charge of civilian matters in the Palestinian territories, said in a statement. “Entry for men will be permitted from age 55, for women from age 50, and for children up to age 12 when accompanied by a first-degree relative.” COGAT said, adding that restrictions apply only to Palestinians travelling from the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Imam of Al Aqsa arrested by Israeli police; Hamas condemns arrest, restrictions on worshippers’ access to holy mosque “It is emphasised that all permits are conditional upon prior security approval by the relevant security authorities,” COGAT said. “In addition, residents travelling to prayers at the Temple Mount will be required to undergo digital documentation at the crossings upon their return to the areas of Judea and Samaria at the conclusion of the prayer day,” it said, using the Biblical term for the West Bank. During Ramazan, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians traditionally attend prayers at Al Aqsa, Islam’s third holiest site, located in east Jerusalem, which Israel captured in 1967 and later annexed in a move that is not internationally recognised. Since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023, the attendance of worshippers has declined due to tough Israeli restrictions. Israel arrests Al Aqsa Mosque Imam Israeli police on Monday arrested the Imam of Al Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Moh­am­med al-Abbasi, from inside the mosque’s courtyards in occupied Jerusalem. The Palestinian news agency WAFA, citing local sources, reported that Israeli forces detained Sheikh al-Abbasi inside the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque without giving any reason. It said the arrest “comes amid escalating Israeli measures against the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque, including restrictions on imams, preachers and worshippers stationed there, limitations on the entry of worshippers, and intensifying incursions carried out by settlers under heavy protection from Israeli police”. On Tuesday, Hamas condemned the arrest of al-Abbasi in a statement, saying he had been “served with an order banning him from the mosque”. The movement said the measure “constitutes blatant interference in the affairs of Al Aqsa and an unacceptable assault on its imams”. Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2026

As Taliban leaders commemorate five years since taking power in Afghanistan, a United Nations official has issued a stark warning about a deepening human rights crisis in the country. The anniversary highlights ongoing concerns about the state of human rights under Taliban rule.

A United Nations official has been accused of years-long espionage, providing confidential information to Israel, described as an 'Israeli mole' within the UN.

A UN official has warned that an 'intense' El Niño, with an 81% probability of being 'very strong,' could deliver a 'double blow' to Latin America, potentially ranking among the most severe since 1950.

Gaza is experiencing an unprecedented collapse of its water and sanitation systems, leading to a worsening health crisis, according to aid agencies and UN officials.

A UN official has accused Hamas of obstructing the distribution of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. This accusation highlights ongoing challenges in delivering essential assistance to the region.

UN official Kitty van der Heijden stated in an interview that the impact of climate change on children has never been adequately recognized in multilateral contexts. She also noted that the withdrawal of some states from international treaties should not be an excuse to abandon certain causes.

UN News reports that UN official Türk has urged an immediate stop to the use of explosive weapons in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mukesh Kapila, a former UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, has issued a warning that the crisis in El Obeid could become worse than the situation in El Fasher. This highlights escalating humanitarian concerns in the region.

A top U.N. official has stated that the extensive scale of destruction observed indicates that a larger death toll is yet to be confirmed.

The status of Portuguese as a global language is being discussed, with some expressing doubt that it will ever become an official language of the United Nations. Despite being the fifth most spoken language globally, it is reportedly low on the list of priorities for such recognition.

Israel’s inclusion on the UN blacklist has sparked outrage in the country, which has historically had a strained relationship with top UN officials.

Francesca Albanese, a UN official, has won a round in court against the US government, which she claims sanctioned her for speaking out against Israel, with the government now appealing the judge's ruling.

A senior United Nations official stated that Syria has made limited progress toward political integration and accountability, but cautioned about ongoing military tensions and economic challenges.

A UN official has warned that the conflict in the Middle East, specifically the Iran war, poses a significant threat to the upcoming planting season and global food security, exacerbating existing fertiliser shortages and rising costs.

The Chernobyl disaster is recognized as a pivotal mega-crisis that fundamentally transformed global approaches to disaster response and preparedness. UN officials and European perspectives emphasize its lasting lessons for preventing and managing future catastrophes.

UN Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix called for calm in the Cyprus buffer zone following a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides, noting efforts by UNFICYP.

A United Nations official has expressed deep concern, stating that Sudan has been 'abandoned' by the international community after three years of ongoing conflict.

United Nations officials have described the conflict in Sudan as an "abandoned crisis" as it enters its fourth year, characterized by widespread famine and massacres.

A UN official has reported that approximately seven out of ten Sudanese citizens are now living in poverty due to the ongoing war between the regular army and paramilitary forces, a figure double the pre-war level.

A UN official has issued a stark warning that atrocities are "on repeat" in Sudan as the conflict there enters its fourth year.

Former UN officials and policymakers are urging stronger measures to protect vulnerable African economies from global crises by boosting intra-African trade.

A United Nations official has warned the Security Council about the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing ongoing violence in the region.

Francesca Albanese, a UN official, accused the United Nations of lacking 'courage' and 'integrity,' calling it 'shameful' that the organization partners with groups linked to genocide, comparing its situation to the Titanic.

Mika Tapio, a high-ranking UN official who grew up in Rovaniemi, has had a distinguished career serving the United Nations worldwide and also possesses an impressive football background.

Malala Yousafzai has spoken out on the education crisis in Gaza after talks with Palestinian UN officials, vowing continued support for girls’ learning and recovery efforts.

A UN official stated that no country in the world has achieved full legal equality for women, and progress in areas like protection from violence and family law equality is at risk.

A UN official has urged the Taliban to withdraw a decree signed by Hibatullah Akhundzada last month, which defines several crimes and punishments, raising concerns about human rights.

A high-ranking UN commissioner has urged international engagement to counter the power wielded by autocrats and technology billionaires.

Malta's top UN official, Vanessa Frazier, has drawn criticism for appearing in promotional videos for a private gym company in Malta, raising questions about the appropriateness of commercial endorsements for a senior diplomat.

Afghanistan is facing a deepening hunger crisis, with nearly half of all minors reportedly undernourished, according to the UN. A UN official described the dire situation, noting the 'weak cries of undernourished babies' in clinics, following cuts to aid funding.

The head of the United Nations Development Programme, Alexander De Croo, has warned that Europe will face a continuous cycle of crises if the EU reduces foreign aid, advocating for proactive development funding over reactive responses.

President John Dramani Mahama has held high-level talks with top global health leaders, including the Executive Director of UNAIDS and the Executive Secretary of ALMA, at Jubilee House in Accra. Discussions focused on strengthening public health systems across Africa and advancing the continent's health sovereignty.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for an immediate halt to the use of explosive weapons in Eastern DR Congo, citing their devastating impact.

A UNAIDS official, Christine Stegling, warned of an impending new HIV and AIDS epidemic, expressing concern that the world might not care, during a screening for The Independent's documentary 'Hunted: Kidnapped, blackmailed and tortured for being LGBTQ+'.

A United Nations official, Vanessa Frazier, is facing criticism and calls for investigation after sharing unverified claims from an anti-Israel activist on social media.

A United Nations official has reiterated the organization's full support for the ongoing dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, emphasizing the importance of continued negotiations.

Major General Mohammad Asadullah Minhazul Alam from Bangladesh has arrived at the UNIFIL headquarters in Cyprus to assume his duties as the new force commander, welcomed by top UN officials.

A Pakistani minister, Dar, is scheduled to visit New York to participate in an open debate at the United Nations Security Council and will also hold bilateral meetings with counterparts and UN officials.

The head envoy of the UN Peace Council for Gaza warned the UN Security Council that the current division of the enclave risks becoming permanent, potentially leaving more people in dire conditions.

A United Nations official has warned that the ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz is impeding the shipment of fertilizers, potentially leading to tens of millions facing hunger. The official urged for the strait to be kept open to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

A former UN official predicted that the economic gap between the US and China is likely to widen, but suggested that the situation with Iran could potentially draw the two superpowers closer. The statement offers a complex view on global economic and political dynamics.

Izumi Nakamitsu, a UN official, has urged for concessions at the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review meeting. Her call comes amidst growing sentiment, particularly in Europe, that possessing nuclear weapons is essential for national security.

UN officials informed the Security Council that hostilities in Ukraine have significantly escalated over the past month, leading to more civilian casualties and new strikes on critical infrastructure. Greece has called for a complete ceasefire.

A United Nations official has expressed strong concern, stating that Sudan has been 'abandoned' by the international community following three years of ongoing conflict.

A top UN humanitarian official in Sudan has warned that the country's war has fallen into a destructive cycle of violence and suffering as the conflict marks its third anniversary. The official highlighted increasing atrocities and a dire humanitarian situation.

A senior UN official has stated that 70% of Sudan's population now lives in poverty due to the ongoing war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, which has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 11 million people.

Denise Brown, the UN official for Sudan, expressed outrage over the country's 'abandoned crisis' and the vicious cycle of violence and displacement, just days before the third anniversary of the civil war.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is slated to leave the country next year, prompting discussions about the implications for regional stability. UN officials often refer to UNIFIL as the 'eyes and ears' of the international community.

A United Nations official has stated that Syria has the potential to transform into an 'exporter of stability' within the Middle East region.

Senior UN officials have warned that the escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel could plunge Lebanon into a new cycle of violence, with Lebanese authorities reporting over 100 casualties from recent attacks.

A United Nations official stated that no country in the world has achieved full legal equality between women and men, ahead of International Women's Day.

Francesca Albanese, an Italian lawyer, has denounced 'toxic' attacks against her, following calls from Germany, France, Italy, and others for her to step down over her criticism of Israel, which she claims was taken out of context.

Nevena Jovanović, State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, met with Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the sidelines of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva to discuss current issues.

“We serve humanity. We are delivering justice for the most vulnerable victims around the world, for millions and millions of women and children who have no voice," one judge told the Guardian.