3000 attacks on health care in Ukraine since Russian invasion
8/5/2026: During 1534 days of war, Ukraine’s health-care system has experienced more than 3000 attacks, of which approximately 20% have been on ambulances and other health vehicles. Every one of these attacks is a violation of international humanitarian law.
Source: World Health Organization
Stop the war before El Niño creates a crisis the world cannot absorb
7/5/2026: The chief economist of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization warns that El Niño will not wait for the Strait of Hormuz to open. On its own, the strong El Niño expected from mid-2026 would pose serious risks to global food security. Combined with conflict in the Middle-East, it becomes a systemic risk multiplier.
Source: Devex
US lawmakers push back as Trump administration blocks $600M for vaccines
7/5/2026: Despite Congress approving $600 million for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has imposed a condition that Gavi must abandon vaccines with a mercury-containing preservative. A bipartisan group of senators is urging the State Department to reinstate U.S. contributions.
Source: Devex
Postponement of rights conference in Zambia allegedly imposed by China
5/5/2026: Over 5000 people from 150 countries were expected to meet in Lusaka for RightsCon, a biennial platform for dialogue on emerging human rights issues in the digital space. Alleged pressure by Chinese diplomats was behind the last-minute postponement.
Source: Amnesty International
Calls for humanitarian corridor through strait of Hormuz
29/4/2026: The war on Iran is taking a toll on the world's most vulnerable people, by slowing or blocking food and medical aid from reaching them. Now aid organisations are calling for a “humanitarian corridor” to be opened through the strait of Hormuz.
Source: The Guardian
Mali’s armed groups fill a governance vacuum
29/4/2026: Coordinated attacks from separatists and jihadists have severely threatened what remains of central government in Mali. Research shows that non-state armed groups have capitalised on weak local institutions to provide essential services and gain legitimacy. Military solutions may not be the answer.
Source: The Conversation
US Court upholds right to seek asylum
29/4/2026: The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has overturned the government’s refusal to allow migrants who arrive at the southern border the right to seek asylum. The ruling stops summary deportations prompted by President Trump’s proclamation of an “invasion” at the US-Mexico border.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Hunger intensifies in South Sudan
28/4/2026: UN agencies have warned that a deepening hunger crisis in South Sudan is pushing 7.8 million people into high levels of acute food insecurity, over half of the population. The crisis is being driven by escalating conflict and lack of access to health services that have been damaged or closed. The agencies warn of a credible risk of famine in four counties.
Source: UN Food and Agriculture Organization
US threatens to halt UN funding unless conditions met
27/4/2026: Earlier this year, the UN Secretary-General warned that the UN faced “imminent financial collapse” unless its member nations pay their dues. The US owes $4 billion but now the Trump administration has threatened to withhold funding unless the UN agrees to a slate of nine “quick win” reforms.
Source: Devex
Hungary should halt withdrawal from International Criminal Court
24/4/2026: At his first international press conference, Hungary’s prime minister-elect Péter Magyar pledged to reverse his country’s move to leave the International Criminal Court. His predecessor had announced Hungary’s intention to withdraw from the Court, while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted for war crimes in Gaza.
Source: Human Rights Watch