UN - Top Stories

1. Security Council weighs future of UN war crimes mechanism as closure nears

   The Security Council on Friday weighed the future of the UN mechanism responsible for completing the remaining work of the international tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, as members debated how to preserve its legacy while bringing its mandate to an orderly close.

2. Women and girls caught up in Yemen’s ‘forgotten crisis’ bear the heaviest toll as funding falls

   Yemen remains gripped by one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with 22 million – out of a population of 35 million – requiring assistance. Women and girls account for half of those in need, and two-thirds of them are of childbearing age, placing reproductive health at the heart of the emergency.

3. More strikes impact Lebanon hospitals as humanitarian situation deteriorates

   The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is being pushed further into crisis as hostilities continue between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants – and essential services and healthcare are targeted.

4. UN ‘encouraged’ by talk of possible US-Iran ceasefire deal

   The United Nations continues to monitor developments amid conflicting reports on Friday of a possible ceasefire deal between the United States and Iran, the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General said in New York.

5. World News in Brief: State-supported safe houses in Haiti, EU pact strengthens refugee protection, demand for ‘critical minerals’ intensifies

   Haiti has opened its first State-supported safe house for survivors of sexual violence with support from the UN, marking a significant step in responding to the growing crisis affecting women and girls.