Week in Review

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Week in Review 1 November 2025

Catch up on this week's must-read stories The world failed to listen to months of warnings from the UN and partners that El Fasher's fall after over 500 days of siege, would trigger mass atrocities – and now there must be a reckoning with the horrors that have been unleashed by the RSF militia there. For all the latest on Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, Hurricane Melissa and more, visit our in-depth stories below. We have exclusive insights and interviews with UN experts and aid workers – and at UN Headquarters this week, many of the world's key human rights crises have been under the spotlight, from Myanmar to Iran and South Sudan. You'll find a full recap of another eventful, troubling, and sometimes inspiring week of news and coverage from across the UN system. Stay informed – follow UN News online, on our app, and on social media for the latest updates in New York, Geneva, Nairobi and around the world.

Tens of thousands fleeing on foot amid atrocities in Sudan's El Fasher More details continued to emerge on Friday of atrocities committed during and after the fall of El Fasher to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan's Darfur region. Read more Peace and Security Reported atrocities in Sudan's El Fasher show 'total disregard' for human life Horrifying videos and reported atrocities allegedly carried out by RSF militia in and around the Sudanese city of El Fasher demonstrate a "total disregard" for both protection of civilians and the Security Council's resolution demanding an end to the civil war. That's according to the UN's head of humanitarian operations in the country, Denise Brown, who told UN News after recently visiting the Darfur region before the fall of the city this week, that it's proving hard to verify information from the stricken city due to a communications blackout. She told Ezzat El-Ferri she feels a "huge sense" of tragedy and responsibility to continue providing UN relief services, adding that the atrocities must be documented so that "justice can be served." Read more UN Interviews US strikes in Caribbean and Pacific breach international law, says UN rights chief Airstrikes carried out by the United States against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific drew sharp criticism from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday who said they "violate international human rights law" and must stop immediately. Read more Human Rights 'Global perspective' key to moving humanity forward in space Space exploration and the development of space technologies are "endeavours that require a global perspective," which forces nations to work collaboratively according to Professor Brian Cox, the world-renowned astrophysicist who has been appointed UN Champion for Space. Read more Economic Development Towards a fairer world: Leaders gather in Doha to renew social pact What does it mean to build a society where everyone truly belongs? In a world increasingly shaped by digital divides, demographic shifts and climate disruption, the promise of 'social development for all' feels urgent, if elusive. Read more SDGs High stakes and high flavour: Indigenous chef brings Amazonian soul to COP30 As world leaders gather in Belém for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), they'll find more than just food for thought on the menu.  Read more Climate and Environment Caribbean nations receive life-saving support following devastation of Hurricane Melissa As the Caribbean reels from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, UN humanitarian agencies are stepping up efforts to bring relief to thousands of affected people.  Read more Climate and Environment Ukraine: Russian attacks on energy could trigger major 'crisis within crisis' The UN's top aid official in Ukraine expressed concern on Friday about "continuous attacks" on energy production sites and distribution facilities. Read more Peace and Security UN aid push continues across Gaza despite Israeli airstrikes The UN and partners are pushing ahead with aid deliveries across Gaza despite new Israeli airstrikes and a faltering ceasefire, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Friday. Read more Peace and Security UN Envoy hails Colombia's peace process as global model, calls for more funding The newly appointed Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, Miroslav Jenča, has praised the country's peace process as "a global model," while urging greater financial support to strengthen the Mission's work. Read more Peace and Security 'Blood on the sand. Blood on the hands': UN decries world's failure as Sudan's El Fasher falls El Fasher has "descended into an even darker hell," senior UN officials warned on Thursday, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia seized control of the North Darfur capital after a 500-day siege, forcing tens of thousands to flee on foot amid reports of mass executions, rape and starvation. Read more Peace and Security Amid shifting alliances, General Assembly demands end to US embargo on Cuba The UN General Assembly on Wednesday has – for the 33rd consecutive year – adopted a resolution calling for an end to the decades-long United States embargo against Cuba. Read more Peace and Security 'Yawning gap' remains between climate adaptation funds and funding pledges Developing countries are receiving less than 10 per cent of the money they need to adapt to a world increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather – putting lives, livelihoods and entire economies at risk, the UN revealed on Wednesday. Read more Climate and Environment Heavy caseload reflects 'sign of trust' from governments, says World Court president The International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, is the U''s top international judicial body, making ruling involving disputes between countries that affect perceptions and legal definitions worldwide. Read more Law and Crime Prevention Israel responsible for four genocidal acts in Gaza, inquiry chair tells General Assembly The chair of an independent commission investigating alleged human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, told a General Assembly committee on Tuesday that Israel has committed "four genocidal acts" in Gaza, while leaders had "incited the commission of genocide." Read more Human Rights Pakistan's 'Iron Lady' leads the fight for a fairer future for all Muniba Mazari has developed a powerful voice as an artist, humanitarian and disability rights activist, earning her the nickname "The Iron Lady of Pakistan."  Earlier this year, UN chief António Guterres appointed Ms. Mazari as an SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Advocate, joining a small group of influential public figures using their platforms to dedicated to a fairer future for people and the planet. Read more SDGs

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