Source: United Nations (video statements)
Joint Press Briefing by Professor Ben Saul, UN Special Rapporteur counter terrorism and human rights, and Margaret Satterthwaite, UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, following the presentation of their reports to the General Assembly’s Third Committee on human rights.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Ramesh Rajasingham, Director, Coordination Division, Head and Representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva (OCHA), on the humanitarian situation in Syria.
Briefing from Geneva, the Director of Coordination Division at OCHA, Ramesh Rajasingham said, “Syria’s humanitarian crisis is longstanding, but it is not static,” and added that “developments on the ground continue to add to or exacerbate people’s needs.”
Rajasingham said, “clashes in parts of Aleppo earlier this month caused civilian casualties and temporarily displaced some families,” and while the ceasefire in As-Sweida has largely held, “the fragile and unpredictable security environment continues to affect the movement of people and goods,” which “has led to shortages and high prices for critical items like fuel and bread; hampered the restoration of critical services including healthcare and water; and prevented displaced people from returning to their homes.”
The humanitarian official said, “we need more funding for critical humanitarian aid. Our response plan for Syria remains only 19 percent funded, one of the lowest levels among our biggest appeals.”
He said, “this month, water trucking services for IDPs in parts of Ar-Raqqa were suspended, and trucking in Al-Hasakeh will be curtailed next month without more resources. The World Food Programme warns that without additional funding they will have to scale back their assistance by January. Over 340 health facilities have suspended services, reducing access to healthcare and medicine for more than 7 million people.”
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Press conference by Andrew Saberton, Deputy Executive Director for Management, on his recent visit to Gaza and the West Bank.
“In Gaza I was not fully prepared for what I saw, one can’t be,” a UN top official for population said, describing the destruction across the enclave as “the set of a dystopian film.”
Speaking to reporters at UN Headquarters in New York, Andrew Saberton, Deputy Executive Director for Management at UNFPA said, “There is no other way to put it, Gaza has been flattened mile upon mile with rubble and dust, with few buildings left intact. This is not collateral damage. And I cannot unsee what I have seen.”
He said many women in Gaza “lost everything, their family members, their homes, their colleges and their jobs,” adding that “women cannot even access the most basic personal hygiene supplies when they are menstruating.”
The UN official also said, “Across Gaza, as you well know, one in four people is starving. That includes 11,500 pregnant women for whom starvation is particularly catastrophic for both mother and the newborn. Premature and low birth weight babies now make up around 70 per cent of newborns, and one in three pregnancies is regarded as high risk.”
Maternal health services have collapsed under the strain of conflict. “Ninety-four per cent of hospitals in Gaza are damaged or destroyed,” Saberton said. “Maternal deaths are on the rise because the drugs that could save mothers are no longer available, and multiple newborns are often crammed into one incubator due to a lack of fuel and equipment.”
He noted that UNFPA recently managed to deliver some medical supplies into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing. “We have been distributing medical supplies and equipment, including incubators, delivery beds and fetal-monitoring machines,” he said, “now that we have more freedom of movement.”
However, Saberton cautioned that “the trickle of aid being allowed to enter Gaza after the ceasefire is nowhere near enough.” He said UNFPA has “much more assistance on all the crossings ready to enter, including more incubators, more heart monitors, beds and other supplies for safe births, as well as much needed hygiene items.”
He urged the full opening of all crossings to ensure “safe and sustained humanitarian access to bring aid to all women and girls in Gaza, from the north to the south.”
Saberton also warned of the long-term psychological toll. “There will be this period of elation when you know, ‘the ceasefire, the ceasefire holds,’ and then it may come this overwhelming downside when people take a look at their lives and realize they’ve lost everything,” he said. “That may actually lead to a kind of a bigger issue psychologically that we’ll need to address.”
Saberton concluded with a call for action: “For the last two years many countries, nations, people have been saying, ‘what can I do? I want to do something.’ Now is the time.”
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Najat Rochdi, Deputy Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, on the situation in Syria.
The Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Najat Rochdi, told the Security Council that “Syrian women have the right to participate fully and meaningfully in determining the future of the country,” but said “the processes and initial outcomes of transition have not matched their expectations and the commitments made.”
Briefing virtually from Damascus on the situation in Syria, Rochdi said, “this month, six women were elected to the People’s Assembly out of 119 seats contested, reflecting a voting process where women were consistently underrepresented from the outset, which could have been avoided.”
Moreover, she said, “with one Christian, three Ismailis, three Alawites, four Kurds and no Druze among the 119 elected so far, the Supreme Electoral Commission has publicly acknowledged the need to improve representation of communities.”
In meetings with Syrian interlocutors, Rochdi said, some “have also criticized this and other aspects of what they see as underrepresentation.”
She emphasized that solutions must uphold Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity, and address the Druze and Bedouin communities’ safety and rights. The UN, she underscored, stands ready to support authorities and civil society.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The photo exhibit “Shared Lives, Shared Future” showcases over 200 powerful human stories from all 193 Member States, reflecting 80 years of global work of the United Nations. Organized by the UN’s Department of Global Communications together with Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland, this exhibit is on view at the UN Headquarters until January 2026 and also can be seen online at: https://www.un.org/en/exhibits/exhibit/un80
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
-Secretary-General/Travel
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Yemen
-Passing of the Former Prime Minister of Portugal
-Security Council/Syria
-Ukraine
-Tropical Storm Melissa/Haiti
-Central African Republic
-Senior Personnel Appointment – Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs
-Methane Report
-Guests Today/Tomorrow
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In Geneva today, the Secretary-General attended the annual conference of the World Meteorological Organization, which is marking its 75th anniversary. In his remarks, the Secretary-General saluted the work of the WMO, especially its rigorous modelling and forecasting. Without it, he said, we would not know what lies ahead or how to prepare for it.
The Secretary-General underscored the need to accelerate solutions for how communities can adapt to the rapidly evolving climate crisis. He focused on the Early Warning for All Initiative that he launched in 2022 and outlined three areas for urgent action.
First, he said that governments must embed early-warning systems across their policies, institutions and budgets. Second, Mr. Guterres said, reaching every community with an early warning system requires a surge of financing. Last, we need to address the problem of climate disasters at their source: a rapidly heating planet.
The Secretary-General said that countries must deliver bold new national climate action plans that align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
In taking the floor after remarks by regional representatives, the Secretary-General said that it is clear that we will not be able to contain the rise in global warming below 1.5 degrees in the next few years. An overshoot is now inevitable, although he added that that doesn’t mean that we are condemned to live with 1.5 degrees rise. With the right policies, backed by science, it will be possible for temperatures to go down again, he said.
The Secretary-General later addressed the 16th conference of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). He said that in the new world in which we live, some things remain the same, as developing countries continue to be short-changed.
Notably, he added, trade barriers are rising, with some least developed countries facing extortionate tariffs of 40 per cent, despite representing barely one per cent of global trade flows. Protectionism might be inevitable in some situations but at least it should be rational, Mr. Guterres added.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
The Secretary-General was asked in Geneva today about the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice concerning Israel’s responsibilities in the occupied Palestinian territory. He said that this is a very important decision and that he hopes that Israel will abide by it. He added that the decision comes at a moment in which we are doing everything we can to boost our humanitarian aid in Gaza, and so the advisory opinion is decisive in order for us to deal with the tragic situation in which the people of Gaza still live.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that, since the ceasefire entered into effect more than 10 days ago, the UN and its partners have made progress in scaling up our response efforts, especially in central and southern areas of the Strip. The continued closure of the Zikim and Erez crossings, which provide direct access to the north, makes it extremely challenging for the UN and partners to reach people there with vital support at the scale needed.
UN partners monitoring population flows across Gaza report that people continue to move towards areas that were off-limits before the ceasefire. More than 425,000 movements have been reported from southern to northern parts of the Strip since 10 October.
Yesterday, in North Gaza, UN partners visited a displacement site in Jabaliya and two schools where displaced people are sheltering in Beit Lahiya. Humanitarian workers had been unable to reach these areas prior to the ceasefire due to military operations. The more than 200 families sheltering at these sites urgently need food, water, latrines, bedding kits and hygiene items – and we and our partners are doing everything possible to scale up assistance.
Yesterday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that although the needs are immense, we will not be overwhelmed by the task ahead to rebuild and rehabilitate Gaza’s health system.
Yesterday, the UN teams were able to monitor goods coming through Kissufim crossing under the UN 2720 Mechanism. This was made possible after the Israeli authorities facilitated access to our teams, as we mentioned earlier this week.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2025-10-22
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Milbert Dongjoon Shin, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), on Kosovo.
Briefing Council members, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of the Mission, Milbert Dongjoon Shin, commended and congratulated the people of Kosovo on the peaceful and inclusive atmosphere of the local elections held on 12 October.
He called on all parties to maintain the same calm and inclusive environment in the run-off elections set for 9 November.
He also noted, “Since the legislative elections in February, divisions between political parties had prevented the constitution of the Assembly of Kosovo and the formation of a government. This stalemate had constrained the functioning of central institutions. On October 10th, with the election of a Kosovo Serb Deputy President, the Assembly was declared to be constituted by its President. Subsequently, ten Assembly members, including the nine members from the Srpska Lista party, contested this election before the Constitutional Court.”
He continued, “Pending the Court’s decision, we reiterate that respect for the independence of the judiciary remains a cornerstone of democratic society. And we express hope that, in line with the Court’s ultimate decision, political divisions can soon be overcome, so that the people of Kosovo will be represented and served by their institutions.”
Shin reiterated the concerns regarding the potential impact of the closures of Serbia-run institutions, on access to health, education and culture.
He said, “Authorities in Kosovo recently announced that the full enforcement of the Law on Foreigners, and the Law on Vehicles, would begin on November 1st. This could introduce administrative challenges affecting access to essential rights and services, including healthcare, education and employment. This is concerning, for those habitual residents of Kosovo from non-majority communities, who continue to face difficulties in obtaining the necessary documentation.”
He stressed that it is important that Pristina authorities genuinely engage all concerned communities, prior to enforcing decisions that affect everyday lives, and that they seek viable alternatives in order to avoid or minimize negative impacts.
He said, “We are concerned by arrests relating to the display of cultural, national, or religious symbols. We underscore the need to respect the legal framework that exists in Kosovo and strike a proper balance between protecting the freedom of expression and preventing the incitement of hatred or violence.”
He reiterated UNMIK’s calls for the return of Kosovo Serbs to public institutions, “Kosovo’s vibrant multi-ethnic society should be reflected across its institutions, which can only strengthen democratic governance.”
“Recent pressures on civil society warrant close attention. Media freedom and the freedom of expression also remain under pressure. The Association of Journalists of Kosovo has reported personal attacks against journalists, and the public TV broadcaster has faced challenges to its independence.”
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Press Conference by Mr. Luke David Irving, Chief of the UN Mine Action Programme in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, on the situation with unexploded ordnance in Gaza.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Security Council
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Deputy Secretary-General
– UNIFIL
– Sudan
– Ukraine
– Forest/Report
– Briefing Today and Tomorrow
This morning, the Security Council held a briefing on the UN Mission in Kosovo. Briefing Council members, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of the Mission, Milbert Dongjoon Shin, commended and congratulated the people of Kosovo on the peaceful and inclusive atmosphere of the local elections held on 12 October. He called on all parties to maintain the same calm and inclusive environment in the run-off elections set for 9 November.
Mr. Shin reiterated the concerns regarding the potential impact of the closures of Serbia-run institutions, on access to health, education and culture. He stressed that it is important that Pristina authorities genuinely engage all concerned communities, prior to enforcing decisions that affect everyday lives, and that they seek viable alternatives in order to avoid or minimize negative impacts.
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The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that families in the Gaza Strip continue to move towards areas that are newly accessible since the ceasefire, with some seeking shelter in displacement sites that are already overcrowded.
Our partners monitoring the flow of people across the Strip report that on Sunday, they recorded nearly 13,800 displacements towards Gaza City and North Gaza, and about 4,100 movements towards the east.
OCHA reports that humanitarian partners on the ground continue to scale up their operations as outlined in the 60-day plan, expanding their presence in areas that were previously inaccessible and increasing assistance to meet growing needs.
Our partners working on food security report that, as of Sunday, food parcels were being distributed at over two dozen locations in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis, reaching more than 15,000 households there. These food parcels include rice, lentils, beans, chickpea paste, tomato paste and fortified sunflower oil. Partners are working to expand the number of distribution points to ensure that people can obtain food closer to where they live.
Additionally, on Sunday, 21 partners prepared and delivered some 944,000 meals through 178 community kitchens. This is an increase of some 286,000 daily meals in about three weeks. Sunday’s total included 69,000 meals from 13 kitchens in the north, and 875,000 meals from 165 kitchens in the south and central areas.
Yesterday, the World Health Organization reported that it had dispatched four pallets of medical supplies from its southern warehouse to key health facilities and partners to help ensure the continuity of health services across the Gaza Strip. The supplies included medicines for diabetes and other chronic conditions, treatments for infections and malnutrition, and pain management medication.
Our partners providing shelter materials are also doing everything possible to scale up. On Sunday, they distributed 300 tents to vulnerable households in Khan Younis and 14,700 blankets to families in 16 displacement sites across the Al Mawasi area, also in Khan Younis.
Our partners stress that far greater volumes of shelter materials must be allowed into Gaza before the winter season begins. This will require Israeli authorities to authorize more humanitarian organizations to bring in those supplies. So far, only a limited number of UN agencies and partner organizations have such permissions.
Meanwhile, OCHA reports that we and our partners continue to collect humanitarian supplies brought in through the UN 2720 mechanism via the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem and Kissufim crossings.
Overall, since the ceasefire came into effect on 10 October – and as of this past Sunday, 19 October– our teams have been able to collect 10,638 metric tonnes of essential supplies from those crossings. This is based on UN 2720’s tracking, and those efforts are ongoing.
The UN and our partners also continue to offload supplies at the available crossings. Between 17 and 19 October, 303 UN and partner trucks with 6,455 pallets of aid were offloaded at the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem and Kissufim crossings, according to the UN 2720 Mechanism. More than two thirds of that cargo was food – and about a fifth was water, sanitation and hygiene supplies.
Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Office says that two weeks into the start of the 2025 harvest, it has already seen severe attacks by armed settlers in the West Bank against Palestinian men, women, children, and foreign solidarity activists. In the first half of 2025 alone, there were 757 settler attacks causing casualties or property damage – a 13% increase over the same period in 2024.
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Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2025-10-21
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Press conference by Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, UN Women Deputy Executive Director for Normative Support, UN System Coordination and Programme Results; and Sarah Hendriks, Director, Programme, Policy and Intergovernmental Division, UN Women, on the UN Secretary-General’s report on women, peace and security, and on the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325.
Presenting the Secretary-General’s report on women, peace, and security, UN Women’s Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, today (20 Oct) said, “gender equality and multilateralism are under growing attack,” and “twenty-five years after Resolution 1325, women are still shut out of decisions on war and peace.”
Last year, Gumbonzvanda said, “87 percent of peace talks took place without a single woman at the table.”
She said, “those working for peace on the ground are left without the support they need to continue,” adding that the marking of the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325, as well as the 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action, “must be a turning point.”
UN Women’s Director of the Programme, Policy and Intergovernmental Division, Sarah Hendriks, provided details about the report and said, “in just two years, civilian casualties among women and children in conflict have quadrupled. A statistic that is deeply sobering. Sexual violence in conflict rose by 87 percent in also just two years, a reflection – I think – of wars increasing and the ways that they are waged on the bodies of women and girls, in shocking disregard indeed for international law.”
Hendriks said, “funding cuts are weakening our collective capacity to deliver on gender equality, to deliver on peace.”
She said, as peacekeeping missions withdraw, what we see is that security vacuums grow, that violations actually go unmonitored, and women lose access. They lose access to justice, and they also lose access to protection.”
The 2025 UN Secretary-General’s report on Women, Peace and Security warns that 676 million women now live within 50 kilometres of deadly conflict, the highest level since the 1990s. Civilian casualties among women and children quadrupled compared to the previous two-year period, and conflict-related sexual violence increased by 87 percent in two years.
Issued on the 25th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325, which committed the international community to women’s full participation and protection in peace and security, the report warns that two decades of progress are unravelling.
Despite overwhelming evidence that women’s participation makes peace more durable, women remain largely excluded from decision-making. While an increasing number of countries have developed national action plans to implement resolution 1325, this has not always resulted in tangible change for women. In 2024, 9 out of 10 peace processes had no women negotiators, with women making up just 7 percent of negotiators and 14 percent of mediators globally.
The report also exposes a dangerous imbalance: while global military spending surpassed USD 2.7 trillion in 2024, women’s organizations in conflict zones received only 0.4 per cent of aid. Many frontline women’s groups are facing imminent closure due to financial constraints.
The report also underscores the urgent need for a gender data revolution. Without disaggregated data, women’s realities in war zones remain invisible and unaccounted for. Closing these gaps is vital for accountability and for placing women’s experiences at the centre of decision-making.
