presents 14-year-old Djeneba's poem which reveals a vivid picture of a young boy struggling to survive because of conflict in Burkina Faso
“How can I not have sleepless nights when you have to choose between whether you fund the services for gender-based violence, or whether you fund the services for food, because for some children, it's only that one meal in school that they have all day.”
Growing up in Liberia, Sara Beysolow Nyanti is no stranger to the lasting pain of a country ravaged by recurring violence. As Former Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, she often encountered the anguish of those bearing the psychological scars of war. “This woman [told me] we have nightmares … And she talked about losing her four children and she said it without crying. My heart was crying while she was speaking … I couldn't bear it.”
Reeling from decades of conflict, South Sudan is now suffering the devastating impacts of climate change. Floods have hit many areas, forcing locals to share dry land with deadly snakes. In this episode, Sara Beysolow Nyanti reflects on the mounting climate threat, prospects for peace, and retaining hope in one of the world’s most dangerous places.
Photo credit: ©UNMISS/Linda Tom
and the government of Japan's new learning programme is aimed at equipping the leaders of the future with the knowledge, skills, and network to join global efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons – the most dangerous weapons on earth.
Haiti’s hunger crisis is unseen, unheard, and unaddressed leaving more than 4.9 million Haitians struggling to eat day-to-day. Pervasive insecurity and extreme weather conditions are inhibiting access to the rich food productive areas in the region. is optimistic that despite these challenges, empowering the local community will build long-term capacities in bridging the food crisis. There needs to be a multi-sector response and investments in the local grassroot organizations to stabilize in Haiti.
Albinism is a genetically inherited difference present at birth. It results in a lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun and resulting in visual impairment and proneness to skin cancer. This year’s International Albinism Awareness Day aims to ensure the inclusion of the voices of persons with albinism in all sectors of life. It emphasises the importance and benefits of including a broad spectrum of persons with albinism in albinism-related discussions; embracing albinism within the disability movement; and seeking synergies with human rights groups.
Heavy fighting continues as the prospect of acute hunger is becoming more likely by the day. In almost one month, hundreds of people have been killed in the fighting, over 150,000 have fled Sudan, and hundreds of thousands have become internally displaced, adding to those already displaced by previous conflicts.
All 7 countries, where famine-like conditions are expected in 2023, are experiencing high levels of armed violence. 24 May marks the fifth anniversary of the UN Security Council adopting , acknowledging the link between conflict and hunger. This document recognizes the need to establish accountability for those who exploit starvation for their own end. Zero hunger cannot be achieved without stability – this is why .
The UN marks the 37th anniversary of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (26 April 1986) – one of the most serious nuclear accidents in history. Hundreds of thousands of people were affected by radiation. Some 350,000 people were forced to leave their homes in severely contaminated areas, with a deeply traumatic and lasting impact on their lives. The International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day aims to continue raising awareness for the need of environmental and health monitoring of the Chernobyl-affected regions and communities – towards the common good.
Ukraine is now one of the world’s most heavily mine-contaminated countries. It’s estimated that about one third of the country has been exposed to war. “People suffer because of mines and unexploded ordnance. A lot of people have died, adults and children,” says a Mine Action Analyst. “It’s the highest casualty rate in the world. And we don’t know what level of contamination there will be in a few months.” The task of making Ukraine safe will be time-consuming, complex, and very expensive—the World Bank estimates that a complete clearance of explosive ordnance will exceed US$37 billion.
Explosive ordnance contamination threatens lives, curtails freedom of movement, limits access to arable land, disenfranchises communities and above all instills fear and insecurity. In 2023, the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (4 April) highlights decades of contamination in Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam and draws attention to recent explosive ordinance contamination. The eradication of all landmines cannot wait. Whether it is new or old contamination, clearance must be completed in accordance with the .
The evolving threat posed by terrorist and violent extremist groups require multi-faceted, agile, collaborative and innovative approaches by stakeholders at the international, national and community levels. Engaging with diverse partners and embracing openness to a multitude of perspectives is fundamental to responding to the complex challenges posed by terrorism and violent extremism. On Tuesday the Security Council will hold an open debate on cooperation between UN and regional organizations in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism.
Children need peace. Now.
One year into the Ukraine war, an estimated 1.5 million children are at risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental conditions. Not many are lucky as Kateryna who left Kyiv with her children at the beginning of the war. Once again, children are paying the price of a war not of their own making. has been working with national and local authorities, as well as civil society organizations in Ukraine and neighboring countries to deliver emergency assistance, access to education, health and mental health support, and life-saving information to children and their families.
The war was just a few weeks old when Maria and Viktor’s lives changed forever. The retired couple live in the village of Moshchun, just outside Kyiv. In mid-March, the village was attacked by Russian soldiers. The home that Maria and Viktor had poured so much love into was destroyed. The war in Ukraine continues to cause widespread death, destruction and suffering. It has left nearly 18 million people in need of assistance and protection. Ukrainians are resourceful and resilient, but they will need support for decades.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine crosses the one-year mark, on 24 February the on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine. According to the Secretary-General, the Russian invasion is inflicting untold suffering on the Ukrainian people, with profound global implications. Recently, the United Nations to help millions of people affected inside the country and beyond. Joint efforts and continued support will enable partners inside Ukraine and refugee host countries to reach millions of people with protection services. Watch a .
Violent extremism knows no borders and evidence shows that security-driven responses produce limited results for countering violent extremism, and can even make things worse. For instance, youth are often the victims of extremist violence, yet they are also subject to excessive security measures to counter these groups. Such responses can have the opposite effect, by making young people feel further marginalized and thus more susceptible to radicalization. UNDP , one that embraces youth aspirations for a productive life in a healthy society and builds their capacity to create that society.
UNDP’s work on focuses on addressing the grievances that can set people on a course to radicalization or interrupting that journey before it reaches its dangerous end, while also supporting those who want to leave such groups.