The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of MONUSCO, Mr. James Swan, arrived in Goma on Friday, April 24, 2026, as part of his first field visit to the eastern part of the country since taking office and which started on 20 April with Beni. This visit comes amid persistent security challenges and ceasefire monitoring responsibilities for MONUSCO. Upon his arrival at Goma…
United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert held a round of meetings this week with Lebanese political, security and religious representatives. In exercising her good offices role, the Special Coordinator discussed with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ongoing efforts to consolidate the cessation of hostilities and advance stability in Lebanon. Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert also met with the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces…
New analysis underscores urgent need for coordinated responses to protect civilians. Bogotá, Colombia – 15 April 2026. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Colombia has launched a new technical paper titled “Uncrewed Aircraft Systems with Explosive Payloads: Emerging Threats and Challenges for Colombia”, highlighting the growing humanitarian risks associated with the use of weaponized drones by non-state armed groups. Presented…
WAU – In 2016, clashes between armed forces caused almost 40,000 people to flee Wau town in search of a safe haven. By 2020, many had resettled in other parts of the country while about 10,000 former residents remained in the Naivasha protection site, established by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and partners. Since then, the site has undergone various changes regarding protection mandates and different partner organizations providing…
YAMBIO – Victoria* gazes lovingly at the upturned face of the four-month-old infant lying on her lap. She brushes her palm gently across his forehead and giggles as the baby coos and gurgles and kicks his tiny legs in the air. She leans back and smiles, her eyes glinting with pride, revelling in the newfound joy of motherhood. Just shy of 19, her smile and calm demeanour conceal the many horrors that she’s battled. And survived. Abducted by an…
À Obo, dans le Haut-Mbomou, 80 représentants de partis politiques ont bénéficié, le 21 avril, d’une formation organisée par la Délégation sous-préfectorale des élections (DSPE) avec l’appui de la MINUSCA, afin de renforcer leurs compétences dans les bureaux de vote le jour des scrutins. Les modules développés ont porté notamment sur les droits et devoirs des représentants des partis politiques dans les bureaux de vote, ainsi que sur le code de…
As Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory prepare to go to the polls on 25 April, the United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, welcomes the efforts of the Central Elections Commission to organize local elections in the West Bank and the municipality of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip. “Saturday’s elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their…
The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) on 22 April, officially handed over the newly rehabilitated 37‑kilometre stretch Abyei–Agok road, a key supply route constructed by its Vietnamese Military Construction Engineering Contingent 4. The re-opening of the road, which serves as a lifeline for communities across Abyei, will support the delivery of humanitarian aid, economic recovery and peacekeeping efforts. The rehabilitation…
New York / Brussels, 23 April 2026 – The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Sudan has received new funding from the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) to support mine action activities aimed at improving civilian safety, humanitarian access, and early recovery in conflict-affected areas of Sudan. The €3 million contribution will support the implementation of the 18-month project “Rebuilding Sudan: Mine…
Mogadishu – Wrapping up her third visit to the Horn of Africa country, the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia today highlighted some of the findings from her visit and called on the international…
An UNMISS cultural festival in Jonglei, South Sudan, ends with spirited calls for women's full and equal participation in politics, governance and decision-making. Photo by Angellah Mandoreba/UNMISS JONGLEI - Women in South…
Dear members of the press, Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning and thank you for coming. I am happy to be back here, and I wish to thank the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia for accepting my request to visit and…
EASTERN EQUATORIA - Peace begins when there are limited crimes in every community. In Kapoeta East county, crime investigators from the South Sudan National Police Services have been equipped with special skills to control…
JONGLEI - Women in South Sudan have been disproportionately affected by conflict and as this young nation gears up for its first post-independence elections, addressing the social, economic, and political needs of women is a…
Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving for peace with UNMISS in Wau hand over books, stationery and sports equipment to students from local schools in Western Bahr El Ghazal. Photo by Jimmy Lundanga/UNMISS. WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL -…
A fresh upsurge of violence in troubled greater Tambura, South Sudan, has led to hundreds being newly displaced. UNMISS peacekeepers are patrolling day and night to deescalate tensions and restore calm, though the situation…
Former foes in greater Tindilo vow to peacefully coexist, thanks to a peace dialogue facilitated by UNMISS and partners. Photo by James Sokiri/UNMISS CENTRAL EQUATORIA - Located some 60 miles from Terekeka town, Tindilo is…
WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL - For many children across South Sudan, going to school is just a dream. Years of conflict has devastated infrastructure, including educational facilities, as well as caused severe economic hardship…
WESTERN EQUATORIA – “It’s like a repeated nightmare fleeing armed groups who come into our towns, our villages, our homes and our farms, opening fire and slaughtering women, children, men,” said Lucia Alfred, a mother of…
After being deployed to South Sudan's shared border with Kenya for 16 years, 50 SSPDF personnel receive their first-ever training on protecting children in armed conflict, thanks to UNMISS and state authorities. Photo by…
CENTRAL EQUATORIA - Located some 60 miles from Terekeka town, Tindilo is awash with challenges. These range from poor roads, dilapidated medical facilities, absence of telephone networks, intercommunal feuds, and food and…