The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, has expressed alarm over the sharp increase in executions in Iran, calling on the country to halt all further executions of people facing the death penalty for various crimes. According to the U.N.'s high commissioner's office, at least 901 people were executed in 2024, with most being for drug-related offenses and some for their involvement in the 2022 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. The number of executions has risen sharply since 2022, after a decline in previous years, with 853 people executed in 2023. The U.N. reports that at least 31 women were reportedly executed in 2024, and notes that dissidents and those connected to the protests were also targeted.
https://www.voanews.com/a/un-calls-for-halt-to-all-executions-in-iran-as-numbers-surge/7927391.htmlRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will chair a debate at the United Nations (UN) Security Council on April 24 to discuss effective multilateralism and the new world order, as part of Russia's chairmanship of the UN Security Council. The discussion is aimed at upholding the principles outlined in the UN Charter.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-to-chair-un-security-council-debate-on-effective-multilateralism/The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed strong opposition to actions that aim to alter the status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, citing concerns over escalating tensions and undermining peace efforts in the region. The ministry emphasized the need for international support to advance the Middle East peace process and end practices that hinder a two-state solution. It also urged the United Nations and Security Council to address long-standing issues and conflicts in the region, highlighting the importance of regional peace for sustainable stability and development.
https://www.emirates247.com/world/uae-strongly-condemns-israeli-accounts-publishing-of-alleged-maps-including-parts-of-occupied-palestinian-territory-jordan-syria-lebanon-2025-01-08-1.736090The United Nations is seeking additional funding to support humanitarian efforts in Lebanon, where over 125,000 people remain displaced after a ceasefire was established on November 27. The appeal aims to assist an estimated one million refugees, including Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian individuals, who are facing immense challenges rebuilding their lives. The funds will be used for emergency efforts over a three-month period until March 2025, with the goal of preventing further deterioration in the situation.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/01/08/un-calls-for-370m-in-new-humanitarian-aid-for-lebanonThe United States froze billions of dollars of central bank assets after the Taliban regained power in August 2021, but humanitarian aid to Afghanistan has continued under the supervision of the United Nations' UNAMA mission. The UNAMA mission refutes allegations that it is diverting funds to the Taliban, instead transporting cash into the country for use by vetted partners and U.N. agencies to assist millions of Afghans in need. This aid is deposited in designated U.N. accounts at a private bank before being distributed directly to approved entities, not the Central Bank of Afghanistan or the Taliban authorities.
https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-refute-trump-s-claims-on-us-financial-aid-to-afghanistan/7929790.htmlThe United Nations has warned that aid efforts in Gaza are at a breaking point due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants. The situation is further complicated by the Israeli military's destruction of a UN convoy carrying food supplies, which was slammed as an attack on humanitarian workers. Meanwhile, international flights have resumed at Damascus airport, and Jordan has secured the release of a doctor who was detained by Israel while on a relief mission in Gaza. Technical meetings to negotiate a ceasefire are ongoing, facilitated by Qatar.
https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/palestine-slams-settler-violence-israeli-threats-against-west-bank-cities-18251239A former US government employee has accused the Trump administration of covering up war crimes committed during airstrikes in Nimruz province, Afghanistan in 2019. The alleged war crimes were investigated by the United Nations, which reportedly confirmed their occurrence. However, according to the whistleblower, the Department of Defense and CIA intervened to conceal the evidence.
https://reason.com/2025/01/06/was-the-las-vegas-bombing-a-case-of-the-afghan-war-coming-home/United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a critical examination of the path forward on the Cyprus issue. In his report on the mission of Good Offices in Cyprus, he noted that despite efforts by Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, no common ground was found between Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides. However, a positive development occurred when Guterres hosted an informal dinner with the two leaders in New York on October 15, where they agreed to take constructive next steps. The report also mentions that the leaders plan to hold an informal meeting under the auspices of the Secretary-General in the near future to discuss the way forward.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/un-chief-calls-for-critical-look-at-path-forward-on-cyprus-issue-204344The Kashmiri people on both sides of the Line of Control are observing Right to Self-Determination Day, a day that marks their internationally recognised right to self-determination and freedom. The All Parties Hurriyat Conference has called for rallies, seminars, and conferences worldwide to remind the United Nations of its obligation to implement relevant resolutions and resolve the Kashmir dispute. In Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), posters have appeared in Srinagar and other areas urging the UN to resolve the dispute in harmony with its resolution passed on January 5, 1949. The posters feature Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir, and highlight the importance of self-determination as a vital component of human dignity and freedom. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, a special session of the AJK Legislative Assembly will be held to draw attention to the international community's obligations on Kashmir and gross human rights violations by Indian troops.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1268844-kashmiris-worldwide-commemorating-right-to-self-determination-day