May 1, 2026

Every year on May 1, the world comes together to celebrate International Workers’ Day — a day dedicated to recognizing the contributions, dedication, and achievements of workers across all industries.

From early morning shifts to late-night efforts, from skilled craftsmanship to innovative problem-solving, workers are the driving force behind every thriving society. Labour Day is a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the countless contributions that often go unnoticed in our daily lives.

Honoring Work in All Its Forms

Work takes many forms, and each role plays a vital part in shaping our communities.

• Builders and engineers who create our cities
• Teachers who inspire future generations
• Healthcare workers who care for lives every day
• Entrepreneurs and innovators who push boundaries

Each contribution, no matter how big or small, helps move the world forward.

A Day Rooted in History

The origins of International Workers’ Day go back to the late 19th century, when the value of fair working conditions began gaining global recognition.

Over time, the day has grown into an international celebration observed in many countries, symbolizing respect, gratitude, and unity among workers everywhere.

The Modern Workplace

Today, the nature of work continues to evolve.

Technology, creativity, and collaboration are shaping new opportunities across industries. Whether working remotely, in offices, or on-site, people are redefining what it means to contribute and succeed.

Labour Day is also a chance to appreciate this evolution — recognizing how adaptability and continuous learning are becoming essential parts of modern work life.

Building a Better Future Together

At its heart, Labour Day is about more than work — it’s about people.

It’s about:

• Dedication and perseverance
• Growth and learning
• Community and shared progress

By valuing these principles, societies can continue to grow stronger and more connected.

A Simple Reminder

As we celebrate International Workers’ Day, it’s worth taking a moment to say:

Thank you to everyone who contributes, creates, and builds — every single day.

Your work matters. Your effort counts. And together, it shapes the world we live in.

Final Thought

Labour Day 2026 is a celebration of human effort, resilience, and creativity. It reminds us that behind every achievement, there are people whose dedication makes it possible.

Today, we celebrate them all.

Women and girls across Sudan are facing widespread insecurity as the conflict enters its fourth year, according to the United Nations Population Fund.

A recent assessment based on discussions with nearly 1,000 women and girls across 16 states found that 76% of women aged 25 to 49 feel unsafe both inside displacement camps and in surrounding areas such as markets, roads, and water points.

Speaking from Khartoum, UNFPA representative Fabrizia Falcione said insecurity is not limited to specific locations, noting that “no matter where, they feel unsafe.” Conditions worsen at night, when women often walk in complete darkness to access basic facilities like latrines.

Ongoing Conflict and Displacement

The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces continues to drive displacement and violence across the country.

Many women have fled multiple times, often under shelling and active fighting. The journey to safety remains dangerous, with reports of harassment, sexual violence, and severe shortages of food and water.

Displacement camps, where women and children form the majority, continue to lack adequate protection and essential services.

Reporting Challenges

Efforts to report gender-based violence remain limited due to stigma, fear of retaliation, financial barriers, and lack of access to support services. Officials warn that many cases likely go unreported.

Women Call for Opportunities

According to the UNFPA findings, Sudanese women are prioritizing long-term solutions over short-term aid. Their main demands include access to healthcare, education for their children, and income-generating opportunities.

“They don’t want to be fed—they want opportunities to provide for their families,” the UN official said.

Funding Gaps Threaten Support Services

UNFPA currently operates 88 safe spaces for women and girls across Sudan, offering protection and support services.

However, funding shortages are putting these programs at risk. The protection sector is only 14% funded, while health services have received just 11% of required funding.

Situation Overview

• 76% of women report feeling unsafe
• Conflict ongoing for four years
• Repeated displacement and exposure to violence
• Critical shortages in funding and services

Yemen is facing an increasingly fragile situation as conflict pressures mount across the Middle East, with millions of civilians at risk, the United Nations Security Council was told this week.

Senior UN officials warned that Yemen must not be drawn deeper into regional tensions, calling for de-escalation, renewed political efforts, and urgent humanitarian funding.

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Rising Regional Tensions

Despite a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, recent escalations continue to impact the region. The Houthi movement has reportedly launched attacks toward Israel, raising concerns about further instability.

Maritime security also remains a key issue, particularly in the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait—critical global shipping routes near Yemen.

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Economic Pressure Worsens Crisis

Hans Grundberg warned that Yemen, after nearly a decade of conflict, has little capacity to withstand additional shocks.

Rising fuel and food prices—driven by regional instability—are compounding existing challenges such as delayed salaries, weak public services, and economic fragmentation.

Although relative calm has held since the 2022 truce, officials stressed that stability remains fragile and cannot be guaranteed.

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Humanitarian Needs Reach Critical Levels

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the crisis is worsening rapidly:

• Over 22 million people need humanitarian assistance
• More than 18 million face severe hunger
• Two-thirds of families are skipping meals daily
• Over 2 million children under five are acutely malnourished
• Around 19 million people lack access to healthcare

Women and children are among the most affected, with over one million pregnant and breastfeeding women facing serious health risks due to malnutrition.

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Aid Efforts Under Strain

Humanitarian operations are facing major obstacles. Dozens of UN staff remain detained, aid supplies have been disrupted, and access to affected areas is increasingly restricted.

Edem Wosornu warned that the gap between available resources and growing needs is widening rapidly.

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Situation Overview

• Ongoing regional tensions threatening stability
• Severe hunger and malnutrition across the country
• Healthcare system under extreme pressure
• Humanitarian response facing major constraints

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UN officials cautioned that after years of conflict, Yemen’s population is “hanging by a thread,” urging immediate international action to prevent further deterioration.

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, global leaders and athletes are highlighting the power of sport to unite communities and drive social change.

Speaking at an event near UN Headquarters, officials and athletes emphasized that football and other sports go beyond competition, helping to build connections across cultures and generations while promoting dialogue and inclusion.

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🌍 World Cup 2026 Set to Reach Billions

The tournament, set to run from 11 June to 19 July 2026, will feature 48 national teams competing across 104 matches in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

The final will take place at MetLife Stadium, close to the United Nations headquarters.

With billions expected to watch worldwide, the event is being seen as a major opportunity to promote unity and shared values through sport.

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🤝 Community Programs Aim to Create Lasting Impact

Alongside the tournament, initiatives like the Play Collective will support grassroots sports organizations across host cities.

The programme—backed by groups such as Adidas Foundation, Beyond Sport Foundation, and Common Goal—aims to create safe and inclusive spaces for young people, reaching millions worldwide.

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🕊️ Sport as a Tool for Peace and Inclusion

At the event marking the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, speakers stressed that sport can break barriers and promote mutual respect.

Mary Connor highlighted similarities between teamwork in football and global cooperation, noting the importance of “making space for one another” despite differences.

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🥇 Inspiring Stories from Global Athletes

Among the speakers was Nawal El Moutawakel, who made history at the 1984 Olympics as the first Arab and African woman to win gold.

She described sport as a pathway to resilience and empowerment, particularly for women, and pointed to growing gender equality in global sports leadership as a sign of progress.

Young athletes also shared personal stories of overcoming challenges such as poverty and mental health struggles through sport.

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📊 Situation Overview

• 2026 World Cup to feature 48 teams and 104 matches
• Tournament hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the US
• Community programmes supporting millions of young people
• Sport highlighted as a tool for peace, inclusion, and development

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As the world prepares for one of the biggest sporting events, officials say the true legacy of the World Cup will not only be measured in goals and trophies—but in its ability to bring people together and create lasting social impact.

18 February 2026 | Culture and Education

A new report from UNESCO warns that rapid advances in generative artificial intelligence are reshaping cultural markets — and putting artists’ livelihoods at significant risk.

The findings come from the latest edition of Re|Shaping Policies for Creativity, UNESCO’s flagship global monitoring report covering more than 120 countries.

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📉 Projected Income Losses by 2028

According to UNESCO’s projections:

• 🎵 Music creators could see revenues fall by 24%
• 🎬 Audiovisual workers may lose 21% of income
• AI-generated content is expanding rapidly in global markets
• Policy responses are not keeping pace with technological change

The report stresses that these disruptions are unfolding faster than governments can regulate them, increasing economic vulnerability across the creative sector.

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🎭 Why Artists Are Under Pressure

While digital platforms have opened new distribution channels, they have also introduced new risks:

• Increased exposure to intellectual property violations
• Reduced compensation per stream or digital use
• Competition from AI-generated outputs
• Opaque algorithms limiting content visibility

UNESCO warns that AI tools are flooding markets with synthetic music, images, scripts and video content, competing directly with human creators.

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🌍 A Growing Creative Digital Divide

Global inequalities compound the problem:

• 67% of people in developed countries possess essential digital skills
• Only 28% in developing countries do

This imbalance limits creators in the Global South from fully benefiting from digital opportunities.

In addition:

• Major streaming platforms dominate global distribution
• Algorithmic visibility favors already-established creators
• Smaller or independent artists struggle for exposure

This widens disparities within the creative economy.

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🏛️ Policy Gaps and Needed Action

UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany described the current moment as a turning point for the global creative economy.

The report reviews over 8,100 cultural policy measures and calls for:

• Stronger copyright protections
• Fair remuneration systems
• Transparent AI training datasets
• Regulation of generative AI markets
• Increased public investment in cultural sectors
• International cooperation on digital governance

Without intervention, UNESCO warns that artists risk further marginalization as technology evolves.

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🔎 Broader Implications

This is not only an economic issue.

Creative industries contribute to:

• Cultural diversity
• Social cohesion
• Democratic discourse
• Economic growth
• Sustainable Development Goals

If creators’ incomes decline sharply, long-term cultural sustainability may weaken.

17 February 2026 | Peace and Security

As Ramadan begins in Gaza, families are trying to preserve traditions of joy and togetherness despite two years of war, displacement and economic collapse.

For many, the holy month now unfolds under tents pitched beside the rubble of destroyed homes.

Life beside the ruins

Walid Al-Assi once celebrated Ramadan with family meals and sweets such as qatayef. Today, he lives in a makeshift tent in Gaza City’s Al-Zarqa neighbourhood, beside what remains of his home.

He told UN News that while goods are visible in shops, he cannot afford them.

“Everything has changed now… I turn my face away from goods because I do not have the money to buy them.”

Suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure, and unable to walk easily, he says those living in tents urgently need assistance.

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“We are living in a tragedy”

Nearby, Amal Al-Samri and her family try to create a symbolic Ramadan atmosphere. She smiles for her children as they sit outside their tent, but says life before the war was entirely different.

“Our life was beautiful… Today, there is nothing.”

The family has faced repeated displacement, flooding from seawater, and severe shortages of electricity and clean water.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA):

• Around 1.4 million people — nearly two thirds of Gaza’s population — are displaced
• Approximately 1,000 displacement sites are operating
• Most consist of overcrowded tents with little privacy or protection

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High prices and limited purchasing power

Despite hardship, Ramadan decorations have appeared in Gaza City’s historic Zawiya market.

However, shop owners report severe price increases due to restricted supply flows.

Luay Al-Jamasi, who sells Ramadan lanterns, explained:

• A lantern that once cost 30 shekels now costs 60
• Limited goods entering Gaza have driven prices sharply upward

Many families walk through the market without buying anything, unable to afford even small decorations.

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Holding onto hope

Even amid hardship, residents express determination to celebrate in their own way.

Maher Tarzi, a member of Gaza’s Christian community, visited the market singing traditional Ramadan songs in solidarity.

“People want to be happy… We’ve been through some difficult times, and it’s good that we’re still alive.”

He noted that while people try to resume daily life, purchasing power has dramatically declined.

At night, some areas glow faintly with lantern light — small symbols of resilience in a landscape marked by destruction.

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Humanitarian Context

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains severe:

• Massive housing destruction
• Limited electricity and water access
• Continued displacement
• Economic collapse
• Strained humanitarian response

Ramadan, a month traditionally centred on community, generosity and shared meals, now highlights both deprivation and resilience.

13 February 2026 | Peace and Security

Syria’s fragile political transition has taken an important step forward following a landmark agreement between Damascus and Kurdish authorities in the northeast. However, renewed violence in other regions, Israeli military activity, and deep humanitarian needs continue to threaten stability.

Breakthrough in the Northeast

Briefing the Security Council, Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordone described the 30 January ceasefire and integration agreement between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as potentially transformative.

The agreement includes:

• Phased military and administrative integration of northeast Syria
• Provisions for the return of displaced persons
• Protection of Kurdish civil and educational rights
• Implementation measures linked to Presidential Decree 13

Cordone reported that hostilities have ceased in the northeast and implementation planning is progressing, including deployments of Ministry of Interior forces in Al-Hasakeh and Qamishli.

The United Nations Security Council welcomed the deal in a presidential statement, urging adherence to prevent civilian suffering and avoid security gaps around ISIL (Da’esh) detention facilities.

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Sensitive ISIL detention issue

The UN continues monitoring transfers of Syrian and foreign ISIL suspects to Iraq. Cordone stressed that judicial proceedings must meet fair trial standards and called on Member States to repatriate their nationals swiftly.

The management of detention facilities remains a key security concern.

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Ongoing tensions elsewhere

Despite relative calm in the northeast, instability persists:

🔹 Sweida (South)

• Renewed clashes between Government forces and local armed groups
• Damage to infrastructure and electricity outages
• Protests calling for self-determination

🔹 Southern Syria

The UN envoy raised concern over Israeli incursions and operations in southern Syria, urging:

• Respect for international law
• Compliance with the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement
• Withdrawal from occupied areas
• Pursuit of mutually acceptable security arrangements

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Humanitarian situation remains severe

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA):

• Around 130,000 people remain displaced across Al-Hasakeh, Ar-Raqqa, and Aleppo
• Over 90% of the displaced are women and girls
• Flooding in Idleb and northern Latakia recently killed two children and damaged around 2,000 tents

However, modest improvements are reported:

• 200,000 people reached with assistance
• 170 humanitarian truck movements organized
• Electricity restored in Ain al-Arab (Kobane)

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Political transition milestones

The next key development is the formation of Syria’s new People’s Assembly. Most elected seats were voted in October 2025, with further appointments pending.

Cordone emphasized that:

• All regions and communities must be meaningfully represented
• Human rights protections are essential
• Transitional justice and accountability for missing persons are critical

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Role of Syrian women

The Deputy Envoy highlighted the “extraordinary role” of Syrian women and civil society throughout the conflict, stressing that women’s participation is essential for inclusive governance and sustainable peace.

February 2026 | Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Amid widening inequality and growing strain on public trust, the United Nations’ main intergovernmental forum on social policy concluded its annual session with renewed calls to transform global commitments into concrete national action.

The Commission for Social Development, meeting at UN Headquarters in New York from 2 to 10 February, marked its first session since the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha in 2025.

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A post-Doha moment

The session focused on advancing social justice through coordinated, equitable and inclusive policies, reflecting concerns that fragmented policymaking is slowing progress on poverty eradication and decent work.

Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), warned that:

• Widening inequality
• Demographic shifts
• Rapid digital and green transitions

are testing social cohesion worldwide.

Responding with integrated, people-centred policies, he said, is not just a policy choice but a moral imperative.

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What is the Commission for Social Development?

Established in 1946 under United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Commission is the UN’s primary body dedicated to social development.

Over decades, it has shaped global frameworks on:

• Poverty eradication
• Employment and decent work
• Universal social protection
• Inclusion of vulnerable groups

Its work builds on landmark agreements such as:

• The 1995 Copenhagen Declaration
• The 2025 Doha Political Declaration

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From commitments to delivery

In a message to delegates, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized that Doha signalled a shift toward more ambitious, coordinated action.

More than 700 NGOs participated in the session, underscoring strong civil society engagement.

“If Copenhagen, Doha and the 2030 Agenda are where we drew the map, then the Commission sets us on the road,” she said.

General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock stressed that social development is the foundation of peace and long-term stability.

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Coordinating policy in a changing world

Delegates repeatedly highlighted the need for policy coherence by aligning:

• Employment strategies
• Universal social protection floors
• Inclusive health and education systems
• Just-transition measures

Emerging issues discussed included:

• Labour market disruption
• Artificial intelligence and digital transformation
• Demographic change
• Climate-related stress

While new technologies pose risks, delegates agreed they can accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development if governed inclusively.

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Youth mental health in focus

A key moment of the session was the launch of the World Youth Report on Youth Mental Health and Well-being.

Youth representatives highlighted:

• Rising anxiety linked to economic uncertainty
• Climate stress
• Conflict exposure
• Digital harms

They called for preventive, community-based, and youth-responsive mental health strategies.

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Resolutions adopted

At the close of the session, Member States endorsed two draft resolutions:

1. Advancing social development and social justice through coordinated and inclusive policies
2. Addressing social dimensions of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development

The outcomes will inform:

• The High-Level Political Forum in July
• ECOSOC’s broader policy work
• Preparations for a high-level review of social development commitments in 2031

10 February 2026 | Peace and Security

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned that renewed fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray region could trigger another humanitarian and human rights crisis, urging all parties to de-escalate immediately.

Situation “highly volatile”

Volker Türk said the region remains deeply fragile after the devastating 2020–2022 war, and that recent clashes risk undoing hard-won but fragile gains.

“The situation remains highly volatile and we fear it will further deteriorate,” he said, warning of worsening human rights and humanitarian conditions.

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Background: A war that uprooted millions

Between 2020 and 2022, fighting between Ethiopia’s federal government and Tigray forces—reportedly involving Eritrean troops—killed tens of thousands and displaced over two million people.

Today, approximately one million people remain internally displaced, still struggling to rebuild their lives.

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Renewed clashes

According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), fighting intensified on 26 January near the Amhara border between:

• The Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF)
• The regional Tigray Security Forces (TSF)

The TSF reportedly withdrew from the Tselemti area on 1 February.

Heavy weaponry, including drones and artillery, has been used by both sides.

Reports also indicate:

• Arrests of civilians perceived as affiliated with opposing forces
• Ongoing clashes in southern and southeastern Tigray
• Fighting between TSF and the rival “Tigray Peace Forces” faction

Türk stressed that civilians are once again caught between rival forces.

“This must stop,” he said, calling for independent investigations into alleged abuses.

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Pretoria Agreement under strain

UN officials are urging parties to recommit to the Pretoria Agreement, the 2022 peace deal that formally ended the previous war.

Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani warned that:

• Confidence-building measures have stalled
• The return of internally displaced persons has not progressed as expected
• New clashes could erupt “at any point”

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Regional tensions with Eritrea

The High Commissioner also raised alarm over rising tensions between Ethiopia and neighbouring Eritrea, warning that disputes linked to Tigray could destabilize the wider Horn of Africa.

Reports of Eritrean troop presence and growing diplomatic friction heighten fears of renewed cross-border escalation.

“We cannot afford a return to what happened in 2020 and 2021,” Shamdasani said.

6 February 2026 | Peace and Security

The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to pose serious risks to nuclear safety, as repeated attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure disrupt power supplies to nuclear facilities, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog has warned.

Grid strikes threaten nuclear operations

According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi, recent military activity targeting Ukraine’s electrical grid has once again impacted nuclear power plant operations.

Over the weekend:

• Power lines connecting Ukraine to neighbouring countries were disconnected
• Electricity supply disruptions occurred across multiple regions
• One nuclear reactor unit automatically shut down due to grid fluctuations
• Other units reduced power output to maintain safety

At the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the site of the 1986 disaster, offsite power was completely lost, forcing reliance on emergency diesel generators for roughly one hour.

Grossi described the situation as a reminder of the “ever-present risks to nuclear safety and security” caused by deteriorating grid conditions.

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The Seven Indispensable Pillars

In March 2022, shortly after the invasion began, the IAEA established seven core safety principles to protect Ukraine’s nuclear facilities during armed conflict.

These include:

1. Maintaining the physical integrity of nuclear facilities
2. Ensuring reliable offsite power supply
3. Protecting radiation monitoring systems
4. Guaranteeing operational staff can perform duties without pressure
5. Securing communication systems
6. Protecting supply chains
7. Ensuring emergency preparedness measures remain intact

Grossi called for maximum military restraint to allow essential repairs and to uphold these pillars.

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IAEA inspections continue

As damage to the energy grid accumulates, three IAEA technical teams are conducting a two-week mission to inspect 10 substations critical to nuclear safety.

Their objectives include:

• Assessing ongoing infrastructure damage
• Reviewing repair progress
• Identifying ways to strengthen resilience of offsite power supplies

This is the second such mission in two months. A December inspection already confirmed the cumulative strain on plant operations and staff.

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WHO Appeals to Protect Ukraine’s Health System

Alongside nuclear safety concerns, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a $42 million appeal for 2026 to support healthcare services for approximately 700,000 people.

Since early 2022:

• More than 2,800 attacks on healthcare facilities have been verified
• Repeated strikes on energy infrastructure have disrupted hospitals
• Nearly half the population reports mental health concerns

WHO aims to sustain:

• Emergency and trauma care
• Primary healthcare services
• Medical evacuations from frontline areas

Last year alone, WHO supported nearly two million people, including over 1,200 medical evacuations.

Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine, warned:

“Ukraine’s humanitarian health needs remain immense, and the pressure on the health system is not easing.”