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
Acute global food insecurity and malnutrition remain alarmingly high
24/4/2026: The 2026 edition of the Global Report on Food Crises has been released by an international alliance. Acute hunger has doubled over the past decade, with famines declared last year in Gaza and parts of Sudan. Ten countries accounted for two-thirds of all people facing high levels of acute hunger.
Source: World Food Programme
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
Frustration at UN stalemates inspires alternative talks on phasing out fossil fuels
24/4/2026: UN climate negotiations require consensus, enabling oil-producing countries to block the necessary action on fossil fuels. The world’s first Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels conference is under way in Colombia where a “coalition of the willing,” including 54 countries, will try to chart an alternative way forward.
Source: The Guardian
WHO prequalifies first-ever malaria treatment for newborns and infants
24/4/2026: The World Health Organization has announced a significant step forward in the fight against malaria with the prequalification of a treatment developed specifically for newborns and young infants. Until now, infants with malaria have been treated with formulations intended for older children, which increase the risk of dosing errors and side effects.
Source: World Health Organization
UN conference faces challenge of nuclear non-proliferation review
24/4/2026: At a time of deepening global mistrust, governments from nearly every country are about to convene at the UN to review the Treaty on the Non‑Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The Treaty’s last two review conferences, in 2015 and 2022, ended without agreement.
Source: UN News
WHO reports measurable global health improvements in 2025
23/4/2026: The World Health Organization has released its annual Results Report, highlighting measurable improvements in people’s health worldwide in 2025, despite funding cuts affecting the global health sector. An estimated 300 million people were living healthier lives in 2025 than the previous year.
Source: World Health Organization
EU budget support for Ethiopia ignores human rights reality
22/4/2026: Ahead of national elections to be held on June 1st, Ethiopian authorities have imposed heightened restrictions on independent media, harassed and detained journalists, threatened civil society groups, and severely curtailed peaceful assembly and free speech. Despite these abuses, the European Union has resumed direct budget support to the Ethiopian government.
Source: Human Rights Watch