News headlines
MIDDLE EAST LIVE 16 March: UN scales up aid as crisis deepens into third week
- UN News
The crisis in the Middle East has entered its third week, with fighting continuing across the region and humanitarian needs rising. Oil prices remain near $100 a barrel, while shipping disruptions and temporary flight suspensions are affecting travel and supply chains. Despite mounting logistical and security challenges, UN agencies are scaling up emergency aid, warning that displacement, food insecurity and pressure on health systems are growing as the conflict’s impact spreads. Stay with us for live updates from across the UN system. App users can follow coverage here.
War-driven energy price spikes highlight value of renewables: UN climate chief
- UN News
The disruption of global energy supplies is being felt worldwide, the UN’s top climate change official warned on Monday, as conflict in the Middle East drives oil and gas prices sharply higher – echoing the market turmoil triggered by the war in Ukraine.
Middle East crisis: UN health agency releases emergency funds for Lebanon, Iraq, Syria
- UN News
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) is releasing another $2 million in emergency funds to support health systems in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria as strikes against Iran by the US and Israeli continue amid counterstrikes across the Gulf and wider region by Tehran.
In Beirut, Guterres demands end to Middle East war: Civilians ‘deserve to live without fear’
- UN News

The UN Secretary-General on Saturday called on the international community to intensify support for the Government and people of Lebanon, warning that the south of the country “risks being turned into a wasteland.”
UN Launches 300 Million Dollar Humanitarian Appeal for Lebanon
- Inter Press Service

UNITED NATIONS, March 13 (IPS) - During a solidarity visit to Lebanon, the UN chief announced a flash appeal of USD 308.3 million to support humanitarian operations there in the wake of escalated fighting.
Syria’s Mobile Cultural Bus: Championing Cultural Justice, Delivering Art and Literature to Children of War
- Inter Press Service

AL-AZRAQ, SYRIA, March 13 (IPS) - In the Al-Azraq camp in northern Syria, 10-year-old Abeer Al-Qaddour sits, browsing a colourful book with intense focus and curiosity. Nearby stands a bus, elegantly inscribed with the words ‘The Cultural Bus’.
Why Does African Leadership Lack Coordination on Reparations?
- Inter Press Service

MOSCOW, March 13 (IPS) - Professor Jude Osakwe—a Nigerian scholar at the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) and Continental Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Africa (NIDOAF)—has reiterated the absolute truth over Reparations for Africa, noting that African governments have consistently expressed only ’emotional solidarity’ over Reparations instead of tackling and addressing, with seriousness, this pertinent issue within the context of diplomacy.
Only 1 in 7 Countries is Led by a Woman – as Global Political Power Remains Dominated by Men
- Inter Press Service

UNITED NATIONS, March 13 (IPS) - Across the world, women remain vastly under-represented in political leadership, with the most powerful decisions still overwhelmingly made by men. In 2026, only 28 countries are led by a woman Head of State or Government, while 101 countries have never had a woman leader, according to the latest data released by Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women.
World News in Brief: Attacks on synagogues, Syria’s continuing rights violations, shocking abuse of women during childbirth
- UN News

The first two weeks of March have seen a surge in violent attacks and acts of intimidation targeting synagogues and Jewish institutions across North America and Europe.
Myanmar at a ‘crossroads’: The world must not forsake civilians there, urges UN expert
- UN News

More than five years after Myanmar’s military coup, international resolve to hold the junta accountable must not weaken, an independent human rights expert warned on Friday, as escalating violence and growing humanitarian needs push millions of civilians deeper into crisis.

