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Global perspective Human stories

Gaza flotilla: Aid delivery ‘not a crime’, UN rights office tells Israel

The UN human rights office on Wednesday called on Israel to immediately release two members of the Global Sumud Flotilla detained in international waters, warning that solidarity with Palestinians and attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza “is not a crime.”

6 May 2026

Hantavirus outbreak: Another passenger contracts disease

It’s been confirmed that another passenger from the cruise liner linked to the outbreak of hantavirus has contracted the disease, which has claimed the lives of three people on board and sparked an international alert coordinated by the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

6 May 2026

As housing insecurity grows, global leaders push for action

“Housing is the gateway to all other rights” said actor and humanitarian Richard Gere, who has joined UN efforts to combat homelessness. 

6 May 2026

Human spread of hantavirus not ruled out on cruise ship

Hantavirus victims on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean may have been infected prior to joining the cruise and human-to-human transmission on board cannot be ruled out – although it is rare - the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.

5 May 2026

UN warns of worsening human rights crisis in Mali after deadly attacks

The human rights situation in Mali is rapidly deteriorating following coordinated attacks by armed groups across the country, with civilians killed, displaced and cut off from food and aid, UN rights office OHCHR said on Tuesday.

5 May 2026

In Lebanon, the same fears and dangers persist despite ceasefire: UNHCR

Death and destruction have continued unabated in Lebanon while communities are still unable to return to their homes despite a ceasefire that began on 17 April, humanitarians said on Tuesday.

5 May 2026

Education or food? Funding shortfalls force Sudanese refugees in Egypt to ‘make very difficult decisions’

Civilians who have fled the war in Sudan and sought shelter in neighbouring Egypt could potentially face a new battle – the loss of critical services that ensure their survival, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has warned. 

5 May 2026

UN leads call to prepare ‘for when digital systems fail’

It can be annoying when the wifi signal is cut, but what about if everything digital we rely on were to crash suddenly – from satellites to life-support systems in hospitals?

5 May 2026

Safe pathways key to reducing risk for migrants

Restricting migration does not stop people from moving. It often pushes them into more dangerous routes.

5 May 2026

World News in Brief: Gulf tensions rise, Gaza health needs ‘staggering’, skills gap threat

The UN has expressed deep concern over escalating security incidents in the Gulf, warning that recent attacks risk undermining efforts to maintain regional stability.

5 May 2026