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Global perspective Human stories

UN seeks $1 billion for ‘first-responder fund’ in emergencies

Countries rallied at UN Headquarters on Tuesday to shore up a key humanitarian fund that provides timely assistance for millions worldwide when conflict and climate-related disasters strike. 

9 December 2025

From bagpipes to salt-making, UNESCO honours endangered culture passed down through generations

From salt made by hand on a Philippine island, to ceremonial dances in Kenya and ancient textile traditions in Belarus, the UN cultural agency has added a diverse range of living traditions to its global lists of culture at risk, highlighting both the richness of expression and the urgent need to safeguard heritage.

9 December 2025

Ukraine faces freezing winter under fire as UN warns of rising civilian toll

With temperatures plunging below freezing and cities facing long, daily power cuts, Ukrainian civilians are again bracing for winter under fire, as UN officials warned the Security Council that intensified attacks on energy infrastructure and shrinking aid budgets are taking a major toll.

9 December 2025

First Person: Small acts, lasting impact, boost dignity for women in Lao PDR

Supporting colleagues facing potential sexual exploitation or abuse (PSEA) in the workplace, may start with small acts of recognition but can have lasting positive impacts, according to a UN member of staff working in the Southeast Asian country, Lao People's Democratic Republic.

9 December 2025

Hong Kong: UN rights chief voices concern over ‘draconian’ laws, in wake of deadly apartment fire

UN human rights chief Volker Türk has voiced concern over reports that “draconian security laws” in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China are being used to clampdown on people calling for a probe into the deadly fire at an apartment complex last month. 

9 December 2025

A sustainable future requires new thinking: UN environment report

Fresh approaches to facing complex environmental challenges are revealed in the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) new global outlook released on Tuesday.

9 December 2025

‘All we want for Sudan is peace’ say children fleeing violence

Nahed was visiting Sudan’s capital Khartoum with her family to celebrate Eid, a major Islamic holiday, when the war broke out between the rival armies vying for control of her homeland.

9 December 2025

Security Council LIVE: Ambassadors meet over rising civilian deaths in Ukraine

The Security Council is meeting in New York for a high-stakes briefing on Ukraine, called by six members amid rising civilian casualties and renewed strikes on energy infrastructure as winter sets in. It comes as Washington’s 28-point peace proposal is being revised following pushback from Kyiv and European allies, and after talks in Moscow and Florida failed to deliver concrete progress. Today’s meeting will gauge where diplomacy stands. Follow live below and UN News app users can click here. For in-depth meetings coverage, go here.

9 December 2025

What do singing and sport have to do with human rights?

From a walk in the woods, to spending time with family in the comfort of home, human rights are a lot more than sentences on paper.

9 December 2025

Ukraine civilians face escalating attacks and mounting hardship, UN warns

Civilians in Ukraine are facing almost daily attacks and growing hardship as Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches the four-year mark, UN human rights investigators said in a new report issued on Tuesday. 

9 December 2025