EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial: press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas upon arrival
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Sudan: Humanitarian needs deepen amid rising hostilities and heavy rains
Nearly 27 months have passed since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and a former ally, the paramilitary Rapid Security Forces (RSF), creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
The UN voiced grave alarm over escalating hostilities in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur state.
Serious risk of renewed violence
Large numbers of RSF fighters reportedly entered the city on Friday for the first time since the siege began over a year ago.
Local sources report that recent fierce fighting, particularly in the southwest and east of El Fasher, has led to civilian casualties.
“The situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable, with a serious risk of renewed violence, as well as further displacement and disruption of humanitarian operations – which are already under severe strain,” OCHA said.
Insecurity in North Kordofan state
Meanwhile, in North Kordofan State, growing insecurity forced 3,400 people to flee their homes over the weekend, according to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Local reports indicate that at least 18 civilians were killed, and homes were burned in several villages.
OCHA reminded all parties that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and that civilians must be protected at all times.
Rainy season constraints
Meanwhile, heavy rains have been reported in West and Central Darfur states, which may affect road conditions in some locations and worsen the challenges humanitarians are already facing in accessing people in need.
“With the rainy season continuing through October, the risk of floods, access constraints and disease outbreaks is growing – especially during this critical lean season, a time between harvests when food stocks traditionally run low,” OCHA warned.
Families return to West Darfur
The agency said that despite the crisis, signs of small-scale returns are visible in West Darfur state, where displaced families have been returning from Chad to three localities – Sirba, Jebel Moon and Kulbus – to cultivate their farms.
Furthermore, local authorities report about 40 people returning daily to Kulbus, with 300 arriving over the past week.
OCHA urged all parties to enable safe and unimpeded access to all people in need across Sudan, and for donors to step up their support.
Some 30 million people nationwide – more than half the population – need vital aid and protection this year.
World News in Brief: Inter-ethnic violence in Syria, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, global information security
The violence erupted two days after a Druze merchant was abducted on the highway to Damascus.
The incident marks the latest episode of sectarian bloodshed in Syria, where fears among minority groups have surged since Islamist rebels toppled former dictator Bashar al-Assad in December and installed a new caretaker Government, which is gaining increasing international recognition.
Those targeted include the Druze sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam.
UN voices ‘deep concern’
On Monday, UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Najat Rochdi, expressed “deep concern” over these reports and urged authorities and stakeholders to “take immediate steps to protect civilians, restore calm and prevent incitement.”
She also underscored the need for inclusion, trust-building and meaningful dialogue to advance a credible and inclusive political transition in Syria.
UN human rights chief says ‘wisdom’ of Indigenous Peoples needed in climate change, digital policy upgrades
The UN human rights chief spoke at a high-level political forum on the rights of Indigenous Peoples on Monday.
Underscoring how crucial such forums are to advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Volker Türk highlighted developments in Colombia, Finland and Guatemala that have given them more self-determination.
But despite these advances, violations against Indigenous Peoples’ rights continue.
Many still lack formal land recognition, while mining activity, deforestation and large-scale agricultural development often cause environmental destruction.
Indigenous Peoples also experience immense discrimination and face the brunt of climate chaos, Mr. Türk stressed.
Toll on activists
Furthermore, data from the human rights office reveals that 26 per cent of rights activists killed in 2023 and 2024 were Indigenous, largely in the Americas.
Additionally, states are using AI in ways that harm Indigenous Peoples through surveillance, data exploitation and exclusion from decision-making. Türk thus called for human rights-based approaches that uphold Indigenous data sovereignty and self-determination.
The High Commissioner also called for future policies on climate, digital technologies and other areas to “reflect the wisdom and experience of Indigenous Peoples.”
“This is not only essential to respect and fulfil the human rights of Indigenous Peoples,” he concluded. “There is growing recognition that the ideas and approaches of Indigenous Peoples hold important lessons for all of us.”
Guterres welcomes step forward in securing digital technology worldwide
The UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday, welcomed the adoption by consensus of the UN Open Ended Working Group on Information and Communication Technologies.
It was established in 2020 with a five-year mandate to promote regular institutional dialogue and initiatives focused on keeping digital technologies safe and secure.
The Secretary-General welcomed the Final Report of 10 July, which summed up the past five years of negotiations, said a statement issued by his Spokesperson.
It reflects shared views on current and emerging threats, responsible government policies, international law, norms and efforts such as confidence-building and capacity development.
Call for cooperation
It also establishes a permanent mechanism to continue discussions about responsible State behaviour in the use of information and communications technologies, which the Secretary General particularly appreciated.
“The Secretary-General now calls upon all States to work together through the Global Mechanism to tackle digital risks and ensure these technologies are leveraged for good,” the statement said.
The Secretary General congratulated the group on its accomplishments, saying the consensus adoption “demonstrates that even in the most challenging international security environment, collective action is still possible.”
EU – Central America Association Council, 14 July 2025 – Joint Communiqué
The European Union and the six Central American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama met in Brussels on 14 July 2025 for an historical first EU-Central America Association Council in the framework of the Association Agreement between Central America and the EU.
The Security Council renews the mission in Nations in Haiti
By adopting resolution 2785, the Council renewed the authorization of the UN integrated office in Haiti (Binuh), reaffirming support for a solution led by Haitian with crises overlapping from the island nation.
The decision comes as the armed gangs maintain their grip over most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, with more than 1.3 million people displaced and more than 4,000 killed in the first half of 2025 only, according to UN figures.
The conditions have deteriorated considerably in the context of the growth of food insecurity and the erosion of public institutions. The security of women and girls is particularly worrying, with a strong increase in relations of sexual violence since the beginning of the year – including rape, rape of gangs and sexual slavery.
Time runs out
THE Security advice also “expressed his intention to consider, without delay” recommendations By the secretary general on possible future roles for the UN in maintaining security and stability in Haiti.
In February, António Guterres presented a range of options to the council.
“” Each new wave of criminal attacks against communities and institutions in Haiti is a painful sign that time is exhausted“Said the UN chief in a letter.
He urged Member States to support the mission of the multinational security support (MSS), which The Council authorized in October 2023 To help the national police of Haiti to fight against the violence of the gangs and the restoration of the order. He also pointed out that international efforts to improve security must be equaled by national progress towards the resolution of the political crisis.
Several members of the council expressed their desire to engage in the proposals of the secretary general. The Chinese representative, for example, said that Beijing was open to work with others to trace a constructive path to follow.
“Regarding how to improve the situation in Haiti, including the way of responding to the secretary general’s recommendations, we are ready to have frank communication with all parties, to explore viable solutions and to seek the widest possible consensus,” said Geng Shuang, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the UN.
The Security Council adopts the resolution extending the mandate of the integrated UN Office in Haiti (Binuh) during the meeting on the issue concerning Haiti.
Critical mission
The action of the council was greeted by the Haiti ambassador, who underlined the political and security issues before a critical transition calendar in 2026.
“” This extension should help the Haitian authorities to undertake real real political dialogue, to strengthen good governance, to strengthen security and to make justice and to promote human rights“Said Pierre Ericq Pierre, permanent representative of the UN.
He also expressed the expectation of his government that the United Nations mission supports the implementation of the national roadmap, including reforms and constitutional elections.
Stressing national property, he added: “Binuh must work within the framework of a holistic plan to support the Haitian authorities to face the serious crisis that shakes the country.”
The United States, which has led to resolution negotiations alongside Panama, stressed the urgency of political progress and called international partners to increase support.
“Less than a year remains on the planned roadmap of the Presidential Council for the Transition for the Restoration of Democratic Institutions,” said Ambassador Dorothy Shea, acting representative.
“” Supporting election security and the participation of all sectors of society are essential for sustainable political progress in Haiti. Without Binuh, realizing that the vision of a stronger and more resilient society would be less likely.“”
New leadership of the mission
The members of the Council also welcomed Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu, appointed new special representative of the secretary general and head of Binuh, succeeding María Isabel Salvador.
Mr. Ruiz Massieu, who currently directs the United Nations verification mission in Colombia, brings decades of diplomatic and political experience, including in peace negotiations and the construction of institutions.
The UN Integrated Office in Haiti (Binuh) – a special political mission – was created in 2019 to advise and support the Haitian authorities on political dialogue, justice, human rights and governance.
He succeeded a series of peacekeeping and political missions of the UN on the island, Dating from 1993Including the large scale Minustah Operation, which ended in 2017 after 13 years.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
World News in Brief: Interethnic violence in Syria, Rights of Aboriginal Peoples, World Safety of Information
Violence broke out two days after a Druze merchant was removed on the highway to Damascus.
The incident marks the latest episode of sectarian blood effusion in Syria, where fears among minority groups have increased since the Islamist rebels overthrew the former Bashar al-Assad dictator in December and installed a new goalkeeper government, which has gained increasing international recognition.
These targeted include the Druze sect, a branching of Shiite Islam.
The UN expresses the “deep concern”
On Monday, Special Deputy Envoy of the UN for Syria, Najat Rochdiexpressed a “deep concern” concerning these reports and urged the authorities and the stakeholders to “take immediate measures to protect civilians, restore calm and prevent incentive”.
It also underlined the need for inclusion, strengthening of confidence and significant dialogue to advance a credible and inclusive political transition in Syria.
The Head of Human Rights of the United Nations says that the “wisdom” of the indigenous peoples necessary in climate change, the upgrades of digital policy
The UN Human Rights Head spoken at A high -level political forum on the rights of indigenous peoples on Monday.
Underline how crucial these forums are to advance the rights of indigenous peoples, Volker Türk highlighted developments in Colombia, Finland and Guatemala which gave them more self -determination.
But despite these advances, violations against the rights of indigenous peoples continue.
Many are still lacking in recognition of formal land, while mining, deforestation and large -scale agricultural development often cause environmental destruction.
Indigenous peoples also experience immense discrimination and face the weight of climate chaos, said Türk.
Toll on activists
In addition, data from the Human Rights Office reveal that 26% of rights activists killed in 2023 and 2024 were indigenous, largely in the Americas.
In addition, states use AI so as to harm the indigenous peoples by monitoring, exploitation of data and exclusion of decision -making. Türk has thus called for human rights approaches which support sovereignty of indigenous data and self -determination.
The High Commissioner also called for future climate policies, digital technologies and other areas to “reflect the wisdom and experience of indigenous peoples”.
“It is not only essential to respect and realize the human rights of indigenous peoples,” he concluded. “It is more and more recognized that the ideas and approaches of Aboriginal peoples have important lessons for all of us.”
Guterres hosts an advance in securing digital technology worldwide
United Nations Antonio Guterres on Monday, welcomed The adoption by UN consensus Open working group on information and communication technologies.
It was created in 2020 with a five -year term to promote a regular institutional dialogue and initiatives focused on the security and security of digital technologies.
The secretary general welcomed the Final report From July 10, which has summarized the last five years of negotiations, said a statement published by its spokesperson.
It reflects shared opinions on current and emerging threats, responsible government policies, international law, standards and efforts such as strengthening confidence and capacity development.
Call for cooperation
He also establishes a permanent mechanism to continue discussions on the responsible behavior of the State in the use of information and communications technologies, which the Secretary General was particularly appreciated.
“The secretary general now calls on all states to work together through the global mechanism to combat digital risks and ensure that these technologies are exploited for good,” the statement said.
The secretary general congratulated the group for its achievements, claiming that the adoption of consensus “demonstrates that even in the most difficult international security environment, collective action is still possible.”
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
EU – Central America Association Council, 14 July 2025 – Joint Communiqué
The European Union and the six Central American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama met in Brussels on 14 July 2025 for an historical first EU-Central America Association Council in the framework of the Association Agreement between Central America and the EU. Source link
“ A compass towards progress ” – but the main development objectives remain off -piste
The UN key Sustainable development objectives Report launched Monday by Secretary General António Guterrestell the two Progress and reverse – showing that the world has made significant progress but is still radically off -piste to achieve its development objectives by 2030.
Enter the day
“” This report is more than an instantaneous today. It is also a compass indicating how to progress. This report shows that sustainable development objectives (SDGs) are always at hand, but Only if we act – with urgency, unit and an unshakable resolution“Said Mr. Guterres.
The publication of the report coincides with the first day of the high -level political level Forum On the sustainable development which will meet over the next ten days in New York in the hope of responding to the call to the action of the UN chief.
“A global development urgency”
In 2015, the General Assembly adopted THE 2030 agendaWho described 17 sustainable development objectives – including the implementation of poverty and the guarantee that everyone had access to health care and quality education.
The ambitious SDGs had to be made by prioritizing future generations through sustainable and friendly initiatives.
“The 2030 agenda represents our collective recognition that our destinies are linked and that sustainable development is not a zero -sum game but a shared company It benefits us all, ”said Li Junhua, a Under-Secretary-Managerl for economic and social affairs.
Ten years after this commitment, the agenda is faced with increasingly strong, including a deficit in financing of 4 dollars for the world in development and increasing geopolitical tensions that undermine multilateralism.
“The problem is that sustainable development objectives do not include the instruments that would be necessary to achieve them,” said Mr. Guterres.
In light of these challenges, Only 18% of SDGs are on the right track To meet by 2030. About 17% are experiencing moderate progress. But more than half of the goals evolve too slowly – and 18% of the goals fell.
“We are in the event of an emergency of global development, an emergency measured in more than 800 billion people still living in extreme poverty, to intensify climatic impacts and in the implacable debt service,” said the secretary general.
Real lives have been transformed – and left behind
Between 2015 and 2023, maternal mortality rates and mortality rates for children under the age of five fell by around 15%. During this same period, 54 countries eliminated at least one tropical disease and 2.2 billion cases of malaria were avoided following prevention areas.
“These victories are not abstract statistics – they represent a real transformed life, families have been withdrawn from poverty and communities authorized to build better and more resilient future,” said Mr. Li.
However, just as some have transformed, many people around the world have been left behind.
One in 10 people still lively in abject poverty and one in 11 experiences food insecurity. More than 1.1 billion people live in slums or informal colonies without basic services, including access to drinking water and sanitation. And in 2024, a person lost their lives because of the conflict every 12 minutes.
In short, while many lives have been transformed over the past ten years, many lives were not – and some have been aggravated or lost.
“What we have learned since then is that sustainable development is not a destination but rather a journey of innovation, adaptation and commitment to human dignity,” said Mr. Li.
Data at the heart of development
Reliable data is what underlies sustainable development, according to the Secretary General’s report. This is what allows the UN, the governments of the states and the leaders of civil society to understand what progress has been made and how to target increased investments for the areas that require more work.
When the 2030 Agenda was adopted for the first time in 2015, only a third of SDGs had sufficient data and more than a third lacked international agreed methodologies. Today, 70% of SDGs are well monitored And all indicators have internationally established surveillance mechanisms.
However, the progress made in monitoring development progress is, like all parts of the development program, under a growing threat.
“This report tells the story of the SDGs in number, but it is, above all, a call for action,” said Mr. Guterres.
A young girl from Guatemala holds herbs from a kitchen garden.
Multilateralism is not negotiable
The secretary general said that the SDGs cannot be made without significant financial architecture reforms, which must start with an investment in multilateralism.
“” This year’s HLPF is a crucial moment that gives us hope and encourages us to think collectively off the beaten track“Said Lok Bahadur Thapa, vice-president of the Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc) During the meeting that opened the HLPF.
This forum is a recognition that work is not yet achieved – the objectives require more investments and more commitment over the next five years to ensure that the world leaves no more people behind.
“It is not a moment for despair, but for a determined action. We have knowledge, tools and partnerships to stimulate transformation. What we need now is urgent multilateralism – a record of shared responsibility and supported investments, “said Mr. Li.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Gaza: Unicef cries seven children killed in water queues
The incident occurred in the center of Gaza on Sunday, according to the media, which indicated that four other people also lost their lives due to the Israeli air strike.
The Israeli army said it was targeting a terrorist, but a “technical error” saw the ammunition moving away.
Maintain child protection
Unicef General manager Catherine Russell noted that the incident came only a few days after several women and children were killed while arguing nutritional supplies.
“” Israeli authorities must urgently review the rules of engagement and ensure full compliance with international humanitarian lawin particular the protection of civilians, including children ”, it wrote In a press release published on X.
The UN has repeatedly deplored the murder of Palestinians in search of food aid in the midst of the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza, where food security experts have warned that the whole population, some 2.1 million people, is not enough to eat.
The risk of famine remains, according to Unicef. In June, more than 5,800 children received a diagnosis of malnutrition, including more than 1,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, representing an increase in the fourth consecutive month.
Food stocks available
Meanwhile, “food and medical supplies are waiting in warehouses” just outside the enclave, the UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA said in A tweet.
He included a quote from one of his health workers who said that “in the past, I have only seen such cases of malnutrition in textbooks and documentaries. Today, I treat them face to face in the health center. ”
UNRWA called for civilians to end and the seat is lifted.
“” Leave the UN, including a UNRWA, do its rescue work“Said the tweet.
The small quantities of aid and critical supplies that have entered Gaza so far are far from sufficient to meet the immense needs, the United Nations Humanitarian Affairs Bureau, Ochhasaid on Monday later.
He asked Israel to enable the urgent entry to aid at scale via all possible routes and corridors.
Health care under attack
OCHA said the health teams continue to undergo some of the worst hostilities, the Ministry of Health Reports that another doctor had been killed in the previous 24 hours.
Although the health system has been decimated and is on the verge of collapse, hospitals continue to respond to the incidents of mass victims as much as they can.
The Israeli authorities have continued to issue travel orders in the midst of hostilities and current destruction, the agency added.
Friday, a travel prescription was given for the Rimal region of Gaza City where some 70,000 people stayed in a dozen travel sites.
Today, more than 86% of the Gaza territory is either under travel orders or located in the Israeli-militarized area.
Annexation of the “well in progress” West Bank
Separately, UNRWA too highlighted The situation of the Palestinians in the occupied West Bank in the context of the war in Gaza.
The head of the agency, Philippe Lazzarini, said on Monday at an international conference in Switzerland that “the annexation was well advanced”.
UNRWA said: “It is not only destruction: it is part of a systematic forced displacement, a violation of international law and a form of collective punishment.”
In January, Israeli forces launched operations in Tulkarm and Jenin in the West Bank, which, according to UNRWA, said before being the most extensive in two decades.
Humanitarian reported last week that operations cause massive destruction and displacement while attacks by Israeli settlers have intensified.
The high levels of violence continue, OCHA signaling that two Palestinian men, including an American national, had been killed near Ramallah on Friday during a settlers’ attack.
Overall, more than 700 settlers’ attacks were recorded in the West Bank in the first half of this year. More than 200 communities were affected, mainly in the governors of Ramallah, Nablus and Hebron
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Gaza: UNICEF mourns seven children killed queuing for water
The incident occurred in central Gaza on Sunday, according to media reports, which said that four other people also lost their lives due to the Israeli airstrike.
The Israeli military said it had been targeting a terrorist but a “technical error” saw the munition stray off course.
Uphold protection of children
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell noted that the incident came just days after several women and children were killed while lining up for nutritional supplies.
“The Israeli authorities must urgently review the rules of engagement and ensure full compliance with international humanitarian law, notably the protection of civilians, including children,” she wrote in a statement posted on X.
The UN has repeatedly deplored the killing of Palestinians seeking food aid amid the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where food security experts have warned that the entire population is not getting enough to eat.
Stockpiles of food available
Meanwhile, “truckloads of food and medical supplies are waiting in warehouses” just outside the enclave, UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA said in a tweet.
It included a quote from one of its health workers who said that “in the past, I only saw such cases of malnutrition in textbooks and documentaries. Today, I am treating them face to face in the health centre.”
UNRWA appealed for starvation of civilians to stop and for the siege to be lifted.
“Let the UN, including UNRWA, do its lifesaving work,” the tweet said.
West Bank annexation ‘well underway’
Separately, UNRWA also highlighted the situation of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank against the backdrop of the war in Gaza.
Agency chief Philippe Lazzarini told an international conference in Switzerland on Monday that “annexation is well underway.”
UNRWA said “this is not just destruction: it is part of systematic forced displacement, a violation of international law, and a form of collective punishment.”
In January, Israeli forces launched operations in Tulkarm and Jenin in the West Bank, which UNRWA has previously said are the most extensive in two decades.
Humanitarians reported last week that the operations are causing massive destruction and displacement while attacks by Israeli settlers have intensified.
