Week in Review

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Week in Review 27 December 2025

Catch up on this week's must-read stories As the Sudan war approaches the 1,000-day mark, the United Nations warned this week that the conflict is entering a deadlier phase as fighting intensifies in the Kordofan region, with risk of regional spillover. Separately, the World Health Organization (WHO) told UN News that the war has left Sudan's healthcare system 'on the verge of collapse'. In Ukraine, more than a dozen people were killed in attacks across several regions which also caused power outages and other damage amid the harsh winter conditions, the UN aid coordination office OCHA reported. Meanwhile, efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance in Gaza continue despite "significant restrictions and impediments". The week showed that terrorism remains a threat, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemning the bombing at a mosque in Homs, Syria, on Friday that reportedly killed eight people. It came just days after another deadly blast at a mosque in Borno state, Nigeria. Three countries go to the polls this weekend, including the Central African Republic (CAR) where UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA has been supporting the holding of presidential, legislative, regional and municipal elections. The Secretary-General called on the CAR's people to participate peacefully in the vote and for the authorities to ensure the process is conducted in a "peaceful, orderly, inclusive and credible manner".  Separately, UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned that elections in Myanmar "are clearly taking place in an environment of violence and repression". Stay informed with UN News online, on our app and across social media.

UN warns Sudan war entering deadlier phase as fighting spreads in Kordofan The war in Sudan is entering a deadlier phase, the United Nations has warned, as intensified fighting in the Kordofan region, mounting civilian casualties from drone strikes and growing risks of regional spillover push the conflict toward the 1,000-day mark. Read more Peace and Security Syria: Guterres deplores deadly mosque blast in Homs UN Secretary-General António Guterres "unequivocally condemns" the deadly terrorist attack on a mosque in Homs, Syria during Friday prayers, his spokesperson said in a statement  Read more Peace and Security Overnight strikes leave death, destruction and power outages in Ukraine A new wave of overnight strikes and front-line hostilities in Ukraine have caused further civilian casualties and damage to critical energy infrastructure, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday. Read more Humanitarian Aid Sri Lanka cyclone: More than a million still need aid weeks after Ditwah floods Nearly a month after Cyclone Ditwah tore across Sri Lanka, more than a million people – including over half a million children – remain in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, as floods, landslides and renewed rainfall continue to compound one of the country's worst disasters in decades. Read more Humanitarian Aid UN Security Council hears warnings over escalating US-Venezuela standoff Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have sharply escalated amid increased US military operations in the Southern Caribbean, prompting accusations of sovereignty violations, concerns over civilian harm and growing calls at the UN Security Council for restraint and de-escalation. Read more Peace and Security Development cooperation agreement marks new phase in UN-Iraq partnership Better access to education, the protection of the environment and good governance are some of the areas in which the United Nations helps countries improve.   Read more SDGs Myanmar elections marked by fear as UN warns civilians are coerced from all sides As Myanmar approaches elections scheduled for 28 December, the UN's top human rights official has said that civilians are being coerced from all sides – forced by the military to vote and threatened by armed opposition groups to boycott – in a climate of fear, violence and mass repression. Read more Peace and Security Sudan civil war: Health system 'on the verge of collapse' The war in Sudan has been tearing the country apart for almost 1,000 days, putting the country's health system under intolerable pressure. The World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting widespread disease outbreaks, severe shortages, malnutrition and rising deaths. Read more Health Gaza: Humanitarian response ongoing despite restrictions  Although "significant restrictions and impediments" continue to hamper humanitarian operations in Gaza, teams are still responding to the population's needs, the UN aid coordination office OCHA said on Wednesday.  Read more Humanitarian Aid DR Congo: Displaced people in South Kivu close to 'utter desperation', WFP says An estimated 500,000 people have been forced from their homes since fighting erupted in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), at the beginning of December.  Read more Humanitarian Aid Historic vote looms in Central African Republic as UN urges peaceful participation With Central Africans set to vote in presidential, legislative, regional and long-delayed municipal elections this weekend, the United Nations has appealed for calm and restraint, warning that the credibility of the process will be critical to consolidating peace after years of conflict and instability. Read more Peace and Security First Person: Felipe Paullier, the youngest ever senior UN official, charged with giving a voice to young people around the world A paediatrician by training, Felipe Paullier has long been an advocate for youth. Formerly Director of the Uruguayan Government's Youth Institute, a role which involved several joint actions with various UN agencies, he was appointed to run the UN Youth Office in 2023, the youngest senior appointment in United Nations history. Read more SDGs Security Council remains divided over Iran nuclear programme, sanctions stay in place At a meeting to discuss nuclear non-proliferation on Tuesday, the Security Council's stance on Iran's nuclear activities remained divided on the issue, split between those who support the reinstatement of sanctions, and the members who believe the sanctions should be permanently lifted, whilst questioning the legality of the meeting itself. Read more Peace and Security Industrialisation without destruction: A UN blueprint for the future Since the 19th century, industrialisation has had a transformative effect on the world, both positive and negative. It has created jobs and lifted millions out of poverty. But it has also had devastating consequences; destroying ecosystems, polluting the air, and driving the climate crisis that threatens to make large parts of the planet uninhabitable.  Read more Economic Development UN celebrates 10 years of progress in youth, peace and security agenda The UN has long been at the forefront of efforts to involve young people in decision-making, and the last decade has seen significant progress, thanks to the adoption of a Security Council resolution on youth, peace and security which led to widespread changes in the ways that the voices of young people are not just heard, but also incorporated in peace plans and policies. Read more Peace and Security

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