Category: United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:

– Secretary-General Travels
– Afghanistan-Pakistan
– Afghanistan/Humanitarian
– UNIFIL
– Lebanon
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Syria/Security Council
– Yemen
– Somalia
– Colombia
– Child Mortality
– International Maritime Organization
– Financial Contribution
– Guest Tomorrow

AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the airstrike in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 16 March, which reportedly resulted in the death and injury of civilians at a hospital.

The Secretary-General recalls that under international humanitarian law, patients, medical personnel and medical facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected at all times. He calls for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident.  

The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wishes a swift recovery to those injured. He reiterates his call for de-escalation and the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, including the protection of civilians.  

The Secretary-General urges the parties to resolve their differences through peaceful means and dialogue, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.

AFGHANISTAN/HUMANITARIAN

Also on Afghanistan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs note that the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan has entered its third week, with no sign of abating. Between March 6th and yesterday, airstrikes and cross-border attacks have impacted at least ten of Afghanistan’s provinces, including Kabul.

Across Afghanistan, displacement is on the rise. Our partners tell us that 115,000 people have been forced to flee and more than 300 shelters have been destroyed or damaged. People who’ve been displaced need shelter, water, health services and food.

According to our partners, around 160,000 people are facing deteriorating food security. The World Food Programme has distributed high-energy biscuits to more than 3,300 households, with plans to provide two months of food assistance, largely through cash-based transfers.

Health services are under severe strain. According to the World Health Organization, 25 health facilities have closed or suspended operations, including ten damaged by airstrikes. WHO has deployed 4.5 metric tons of medical supplies and trauma kits, while UNICEF say they have supplies sufficient to treat more than 50,000 emergency cases. Still, shortages persist, with more than 70 containers of health supplies delayed due to border closures.

Our humanitarian colleagues also note that the escalating conflict in Iran and the wider region has increased uncertainty for humanitarian logistics, effectively pausing the Iran transit route that our partners had explored as an alternative supply corridor. Border crossings with Pakistan remain largely closed, disrupting supply chains and leaving humanitarian cargo stranded.

OCHA calls for safe and sustained humanitarian access, protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law. Additional humanitarian funding is also urgently required to sustain the response.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY70iGm2YbM

Source: United Nations (video statements)

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih speaks about his first months in office and advancing solutions for forcibly displaced people at a time when more than 117 million people have been forced to flee, his own story as a refugee and his message to refugee youth around the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd7I9mCHLi0

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Sudanese refugees who escaped conflict now face growing insecurity inside Makpandu camp in South Sudan—where safety is no longer guaranteed.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VMKRWGdyHgk

Source: United Nations (video statements)

UN Women’s Special Representative in Afghanistan, Susan Ferguson, today (17 Mar) told journalists in New York that for women and girls in Afghanistan, “2026 was already proving to be an extremely difficult year,” and with the conflict in the Middle East and ongoing hostilities with Pakistan, “many are facing even more trauma and hardship.”

Briefing virtually from Kabul, Ferguson said, “at least 64,000 people have been affected by the military escalation, just over half of them women and girls. This includes thousands of families who’ve been displaced yet again after living for six months in temporary camps following the August 2025 earthquake. And among them are women and girls who’ve already returned from, Iran or Pakistan.”

She said in Afghanistan, “women’s most urgent needs are shelter, health care and clean water,” and noted that UN Women “is working with partners to ensure women are included in assessment teams, so their needs are understood, and to support access to services for women.”

Ferguson reiterated the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan’s (UNAMA) calls for “immediate cessation in hostilities to prevent further loss of civilian life, and for all parties to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law.”

In western Afghanistan, she said, “we anticipate a sharp increase in Afghans returning from Iran in the coming weeks, including women traveling alone or with children,” and stressed that UN Women and partners are “prepared to deploy more women humanitarians at the border to help Afghan women returnees with registration and support services.”

UN Women, Ferguson continued, “is mobilizing resources to expand cash support for women headed households, provide well-being or dignity kits, and help them start small livelihood businesses,” while also continuing to support women-only safe spaces.

She said, “we urgently need more funding to meet these needs at this critical” and stressed that “women and girls in Afghanistan simply can’t afford yet another economic shock.”

The UN Women official said, “when we start to accept this as normal, we stop believing it can change and we stop seeing it. So, to the international community, including decision makers, gathered in New York this week for the Commission on the Status of Women, I would say, don’t call this normal. Despite all the obstacles and restrictions, Afghan women continue to show extraordinary courage and determination, and we need to as well. Change is still possible, but only if the world continues to stand with Afghan women.”

Asked about the role of UN Women in Afghanistan if UNAMA’s mandate is not renewed, she said, “we will continue on, no matter what happens with UNAMA, adding that “whether the mandate is rolled over or not, UN women will remain in the country, and it will be even more important that we’re here, because we will continue to focus on the needs and issues of women and girls.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xirrpzMuQkk

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
Iran
Middle East
Lebanon
Lebanon/Humanitarian
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Afghanistan/Pakistan
Cuba
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Afghanistan/Pakistan
Cuba
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
Global Advocate for Human-Centric Digital Governance
Financial Contribution 
————————————-
IRAN

The Secretary-General asserts once more that the war in the Middle East must stop. Diplomacy must prevail.

All Security Council resolutions must be implemented. The latest one, resolution 2817, must be respected, as we see that countries in the Gulf continue to be targeted.  

MIDDLE EAST

And the World Food Programme (WFP) is warning today that the total number of people around the world facing acute levels of hunger could reach record numbers in 2026 if the escalation in the Middle East continues to destabilize the world’s economy.

New analysis by WFP estimates that almost 45 million more people could fall into acute food insecurity or worse (known as IPC3+) if the conflict does not end by the middle of the year, and if oil prices remain above $100 a barrel. These would add to the 318 million people around the world who are already food insecure. 

LEBANON

Turning to Lebanon, our UNIFIL peacekeepers report continued exchanges of fire in both directions across the Blue Line, including rockets, missiles, artillery, mortars and direct fire, as well as interceptions of projectiles and airstrikes inside its area of operations in southern Lebanon.

The peacekeepers are observing reinforcement of Israeli Defense Forces forces in several areas north of the Blue Line, especially in Sector East. Near Khyam in Sector East, about five kilometers north of the Blue Line, peacekeepers yesterday monitored the concentration of dozens of military vehicles, including armored personnel carriers and tanks. In addition, peacekeepers continue to observe reinforcement of IDF forces near Kfar Kila in Sector East.

We continue to urge all sides to cease hostilities, avail themselves of diplomatic channels and recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.

And in line with this call, today and in closed consultations, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, are both briefing the Security Council via VTC on the implementation of the resolution.

LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN

On the humanitarian front in Lebanon, our colleagues at OCHA report that we and our partners continue to scale-up humanitarian assistance, providing food, shelter, water and medical support to families forced to flee their homes.

To date, UN agencies, including World Food Programme, UN Refugee Agency, and UNICEF, and our non-governmental partners have distributed more than 1.1 million hot meals and 38,000 ready-to-eat kits, as well as more than tens of thousands of mattresses, sleeping mats, blankets and hygiene and menstrual hygiene kits to collective shelters. Hundreds of thousands of litres of clean water have also been delivered.

Full Highlight: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-03-17

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6bVibynqpM

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Memorial Ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, organized by the Department of Global Communications and the Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the United Nations.

The Department of Global Communications in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the United Nations, will hold a ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EDT in the General Assembly Hall, United Nations Headquarters. Ms. Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications will host the proceedings. Speakers will include the Deputy Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly, the Representative of the African Union and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Republic of Rwanda. The commemoration will also feature remarks by the President of Ibuka, testimony of a genocide survivor, the lighting of memorial candles and musical elements.

More info: https://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide/rwanda/commemorations-2025.shtml

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhO6lYobKOI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The United Nations is pleased to welcome actor and filmmaker Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the UN’s first Global Advocate for Human-centric Digital Governance.

In this role, Mr. Gordon-Levitt will collaborate with the UN to help shape a digital future that is inclusive, innovative and human-centred. He will bring his creativity, perspective and influence to the UN Internet Governance Forum, amplifying the UN’s commitment to human rights and accountability in the digital age.

From online safety to access and opportunity, his advocacy will help ensure that the human impact of technology on everyday life is never overlooked.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSyrVdNgKRo

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The United Nations is pleased to welcome actor and filmmaker Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the UN’s first Global Advocate for Human-centric Digital Governance.

In this role, Mr. Gordon-Levitt will collaborate with the UN to help shape a digital future that is inclusive, innovative and human-centred. He will bring his creativity, perspective and influence to the UN Internet Governance Forum, amplifying the UN’s commitment to human rights and accountability in the digital age.

From online safety to access and opportunity, his advocacy will help ensure that the human impact of technology on everyday life is never overlooked.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9VYsQZdv9Y0

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon told reporters in New York that the Lebanese government must “step up” and “step in” to “dismantle Hezbollah,” and said, “Lebanon must restrain Hezbollah now, or we will.”

Danon said Israel had expanded “the forward defence area” in southern Lebanon in order to “remove immediate terrorist threats near our border and create an additional layer of security for the residents of northern Israel.”

He said, “Israel did not choose this situation, Hezbollah did. For weeks, Hezbollah has been launching rockets at Israeli communities from southern Lebanon.”

Pointing at a map, the Israeli Ambassador said, “look at how many launch sites are south of the Litani River. Everywhere you see the red dots. It’s in one evening.”

He stressed that under Security Council Resolution 1701, “Hezbollah is not supposed even to be there. Yet rockets are being fired from dozens of locations in exactly that area.”

Turning to Iran, Danon said, “the regime in Tehran is showing signs of weakness,” and asked “where is the new Supreme Leader? Where is he?”

He said the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei “hasn’t appeared in public,” and “leaders and members of the security forces are defecting.”

Danon said, “while they hide, they continue to fire missiles from behind civilians, like the cowards that they are.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icZffHidgnE

Source: United Nations (video statements)

At an event commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Secretary-General urged a renewed commitment to “the equality, human rights, and dignity of every person, everywhere,” calling for actions to eradicate the rising tide of anti-Muslim hatred and bigotry.

The International Day to Combat Islamophobia is observed annually on March 15.

Speaking at the event in New York, Guterres cautioned a rising tide of anti-Muslim bigotry and hate. He said the bias can be overt: institutional discrimination, socio economic marginalization, sweeping immigration restrictions, and unwarranted surveillance and profiling. And the bias can also be subtle, in opportunities quietly denied, assumptions left unchallenged +, questions weighted down by suspicion.

The UN chief said, “these realities are driven – and dangerously amplified – by anti‑Muslim rhetoric, misinformation, and outright hate,” adding “when discriminatory narratives are echoed by those in positions of authority, prejudice becomes normalized. When stereotypes are left unchallenged, they harden into policy. And when fear is allowed to guide decision-making, injustice follows.”

“Online and offline, toxic narratives portray entire communities through the lens of hostility and blame,” Guterres highlighted, adding that the consequences are painfully real: “Harassment and intimidation. Vandalism and threats. Attacks on individuals and on mosques.”

He continued, “this is an assault on Muslims – and it is an assault on the values that underpin peaceful, inclusive societies everywhere.”

The Secretary-General reiterated, “governments have a clear responsibility. Laws and policies must safeguard equality, not entrench prejudice. Security measures must protect people and respect human rights, not stigmatize entire communities. Technology companies have a responsibility. Online spaces should bring people together, not drive them apart. They must do far more to identify, prevent, and address hate speech and harassment. “

“And all of us have a responsibility,” he added, “we must speak out – clearly and consistently – against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination wherever they appear.”

“Silence in the face of hatred only allows it to spread. Real change requires sustained political will, inclusive leadership, and a commitment to listen to all voices across diverse communities,” the UN chief said.

Guterres also said, “as Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world reaffirm values that also form the foundation of the UN Charter: empathy for the vulnerable, generosity toward neighbors, and responsibility toward the wider community.”

He continued, “these universal principles must guide our global response to hatred and division.”

On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Secretary-General said, “let us recommit to the equality, human rights, and dignity of every person, everywhere. Let us reject the narratives of fear and exclusion. And let us work together to eradicate the rising tide of anti-Muslim hatred and bigotry, and build a world rooted in respect, inclusion, justice, and peace.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3giSC_rT3g