(Peace and Security – Russia/Ukraine) The UN General Assembly on Wednesday demanded by a wide margin that Russia immediately and unconditionally return all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported since the start of the war. The draft resolution during the emergency special session was approved by 91 votes in favour, 12 against and 57 abstentions, surpassing the required two-thirds majority of members present and voting. The resolution expresses deep concern about the fate of Ukrainian children separated from their families since 2014 – when Moscow annexed Crimea – including those transferred within occupied Ukrainian territory and those deported to Russia. It describes these acts as violations of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the forcible transfer or deportation of protected persons from occupied territory. – General Assembly demands return of Ukrainian children by Russia | UN News
(Peace and Security – Sudan) Civilians across Sudan’s Kordofan region are facing extreme hardship as conflict intensifies, warned the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) on Wednesday. Communities in Dilling and Kadugli in the south are trapped in “siege conditions,” according to children’s agency UNICEF. Additionally, there have been reports of sustained attacks in recent days in West Kordofan. Meanwhile, the situation in and around El Fasher – which UN relief chief Tom Fletcher called a “potential crime scene” following its capture by militia fighters, during his visit last month — remains dire. Civilians attempting to escape continue to face grave risks along unsafe routes. “We cannot stress enough that civilians wishing to flee must be afforded safe passage, and they must be able to access humanitarian assistance,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric at the daily briefing. – Sudan’s crisis deepens with communities trapped in ‘siege conditions’ | UN News
(Humanitarian Aid) World News in Brief: Food insecurity triples, Mozambique aid boost, Uganda elections alert – World News in Brief: Food insecurity triples, Mozambique aid boost, Uganda elections alert | UN News
(Human Rights – Syria) For the first time in the country’s history, Syrians are preparing to publicly mark Human Rights Day next week — a small but meaningful step that UN human rights officials say signals a “new chapter” in their engagement with the authorities, and a cautiously optimistic moment for millions seeking change. Coinciding with the anniversary of the collapse of the former regime, “things are improving,” Mohammad Al Nsour, Chief of the Middle East and North Africa Section at OHCHR told UN News. “Every time we go to Damascus, we can see the change.” – Syria: Hope emerges amid ongoing human rights challenges | UN News
(Humanitarian Aid – Gaza) The UN has called for an investigation into the recent “horrific” killing by Israeli forces of two young brothers in Gaza who were reportedly targeted by a drone while collecting firewood. This comes as humanitarians continue to receive reports that air strikes, shelling, gunfire and other continuing Israeli military operations in the enclave are causing more civilian casualties, displacement and destruction. In recent days, hundreds of families were reportedly displaced in two neighbourhoods in eastern Gaza City following strikes and movement of military equipment, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York on Wednesday. – Air strikes and shelling continue in Gaza | UN News
(Human Rights – Israel/Palestine) The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has condemned an Israeli raid on the Union of Agricultural Work Committees in the occupied West Bank, warning that pressure on Palestinian civil society has reached alarming levels. Israeli security forces raided the organisation’s offices in Ramallah and Hebron on 1 December, vandalising property and detaining staff. According to OHCHR, people present in the buildings were blindfolded, handcuffed and made to kneel or lie on the floor for several hours. Eight men were detained. – Crackdown on Palestinian civil society is reaching alarming levels, warns UN human rights office | UN News
(Law and Crime Prevention – Myanmar) Opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar has surged to a ten-year high, the United Nations reported on Wednesday, underscoring how prolonged conflict and economic collapse are driving farmers deeper into the illicit economy. According to the Myanmar Opium Survey 2025, poppy cultivation rose by 17 per cent over the past year, from 45,200 hectares in 2024 to 53,100 hectares in 2025 – reversing a brief dip and confirming a steady upward trend since 2020. – Myanmar: Opium crop hits 10-year high amid conflict and economic collapse | UN News
(Human Rights – People with Disabilities) Discussions around promoting greater inclusion of people with disabilities in society topped the agenda at the United Nations on Wednesday. “When inclusion is real, everyone benefits,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. He stressed that people with disabilities drive progress that benefits everyone, highlighting how their leadership has improved disaster preparedness, expanded inclusive education and employment, and ensured that humanitarian responses reach those most at risk. – Genuine inclusion of persons with disabilities is a win for us all: Guterres | UN News
