U.N. rights chief decries reported spyware abuse
Michelle Bachelet said reports of spying with military-grade malware on activists, dissidents and journalists "seem to confirm some of the worst fears."
Middle East
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U.N. extends humanitarian aid border crossing to rebel-held Syria
The U.N. approved a compromise to keep open Syria's last non-government controlled border crossing for aid.
Berlin forum cites 'progress' in Libyan unity
Calling it "a new phase for peace in Libya," Germany and the U.N. ended a conference with diplomats expressing confidence in Libya's rebuilding.
Bachelet calls pandemic key test for leaders
The U.N. human rights chief opened the Human Rights Council's summer session urging leaders to correct the many inequalities laid bare by the pandemic.
Nearly 3 million more displaced people in 2020
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the global number of people fleeing wars, conflicts or human rights violations rose to almost 82.4 million last year.
OPCW points to 17 chemical attacks in Syria
Chemical weapons were used or likely used in at least 17 attacks in Syria, the international chemical weapons watchdog told the U.N. Security Council.
U.N. told of potential war crimes in Gaza
The U.N. human rights chief raised the possibility that Israel's military committed war crimes during its latest war with Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers.
U.S. blocking call for Israel-Hamas cease-fire
The U.S. prevented the U.N. Security Council from issuing a statement calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers.
Methane cuts urged as cheaper climate path
A new U.N. report recommended methane emissions cuts as the most efficient way of preventing another 0.3 degrees Celsius of global warming.
Diplomats see progress on Iran nuclear talks
Major powers completed a third round of talks in Vienna amid "cautious and growing optimism," seeking ways to resuscitate the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal.
Global COVID-19 infections top 150 million
Two of every five cases were in the United States, India and Brazil alone — with more than 3.1 million deaths and 87 million recoveries worldwide.
COVAX expands with World Bank backing
The World Bank approved US$2 billion in financing for COVID-19 vaccines in 17 developing countries as part of a two-year US$12 billion package.
China rejects call for U.N. probe in Xinjiang
China lashed out against Human Rights Watch's report calling for a U.N.-led probe of alleged crimes against humanity targeting Uyghurs in Xinjiang Province.
Iran trumpets nuclear progress amid U.S. talks
After a week of U.S.-Iran proximity talks on the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran's president announced Tehran is testing a centrifuge to speed uranium enrichment.
U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees reinstated as U.S. aid recipient
The United States pledged to restore aid to the Palestinians, almost two-thirds of it earmarked for UNRWA.
ICC hails reversal of Trump-era sanctions
The International Criminal Court hopes to 're-engage' with the United States after it revoked former Trump administration sanctions and visa restrictions.