Global Issues
News headlines
Cyclone Ditwah Leaves Millions Affected as Sri Lanka Faces Widespread Flooding, Displacement, and Rising Health Risks
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, December 9 (IPS) - In late November, Cyclone Ditwah made landfall in Sri Lanka and southern India, bringing heavy rainfall that triggered widespread flooding and devastating landslides. The storm caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and resulted in a significant loss of life. Communities have been severely impacted, with limited access to essential services, while humanitarian agencies face challenges in reaching the most vulnerable populations.
Sri Lanka & the Global Climate Emergency: The Lessons of Cyclone Ditwah
- Inter Press Service
WASHINGTON DC, December 9 (IPS) - Tropical Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall in Sri Lanka on 28 November 2025, is considered the country’s worst natural disaster since the deadly 2004 tsunami. It intensified the northeast monsoon, bringing torrential rainfall, massive flooding, and 215 severe landslides across seven districts.
What do singing and sport have to do with human rights?
- UN News
From a walk in the woods, to spending time with family in the comfort of home, human rights are a lot more than sentences on paper.
A sustainable future requires new thinking: UN environment report
- UN News
Fresh approaches to facing complex environmental challenges are revealed in the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) new global outlook released on Tuesday.
From bagpipes to salt-making, UNESCO honours endangered culture passed down through generations
- UN News
From salt made by hand on a Philippine island, to ceremonial dances in Kenya and ancient textile traditions in Belarus, the UN cultural agency has added a diverse range of living traditions to its global lists of culture at risk, highlighting both the richness of expression and the urgent need to safeguard heritage.
First Person: Small acts, lasting impact, boost dignity for women in Lao PDR
- UN News
Supporting colleagues facing potential sexual exploitation or abuse (PSEA) in the workplace, may start with small acts of recognition but can have lasting positive impacts, according to a UN member of staff working in the Southeast Asian country, Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Nansen Award winners show compassion for refugees is far from fading
- UN News
The UN refugee agency’s (UNHCR) prestigious Nansen Award is shining a light on the people proving that compassion and solidarity with displaced communities remain strong – even in some of the most difficult places on earth.
Hong Kong: UN rights chief voices concern over ‘draconian’ laws, in wake of deadly apartment fire
- UN News
UN human rights chief Volker Türk has voiced concern over reports that “draconian security laws” in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China are being used to clampdown on people calling for a probe into the deadly fire at an apartment complex last month.
Ukraine faces freezing winter under fire as UN warns of rising civilian toll
- UN News
With temperatures plunging below freezing and cities facing long, daily power cuts, Ukrainian civilians are again bracing for winter under fire, as UN officials warned the Security Council that intensified attacks on energy infrastructure and shrinking aid budgets are taking a major toll.
UN seeks $1 billion for ‘first-responder fund’ in emergencies
- UN News
Countries rallied at UN Headquarters on Tuesday to shore up a key humanitarian fund that provides timely assistance for millions worldwide when conflict and climate-related disasters strike.
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