Humanitarian response plans were presented in Kyiv jointly with the Ukrainian government. Top stories of the day | Thursday: Ukraine, Middle East, global economy UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: $3.32 billion needed to help Ukrainians in 2025, the UN’s chief human rights defender in Beirut, fighting continues in the Gaza Strip, and the global economic recovery slows.
Humanitarian plans for Ukraine
The United Nations and its partners have launched humanitarian response plans for Ukraine for 2025, calling on donors to commit $3.32 billion to support the country’s 8.2 million people and Ukrainian refugees. The plans were presented in Kyiv jointly with the Ukrainian government. Particular attention this year will be paid to the country’s most vulnerable groups, including children, older people and people with disabilities, many of whom face barriers to accessing aid. Outside Ukraine, humanitarian organizations will support 11 host countries in protecting more than 2 million Ukrainians.
The situation in Gaza
Israeli forces continue to strike the Gaza Strip from the air, land and sea, causing civilian casualties and the destruction of homes and public infrastructure. Palestinian armed groups, in turn, are firing rockets into Israel. According to media reports, the Israeli cabinet on Thursday postponed a vote on a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, as the Palestinian group backed out of a number of agreements at the last minute.
Volker Türk in Beirut
Speaking in Beirut following his visit to Syria and Lebanon, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed solidarity with the people of those countries. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges but also spoke of signs of hope. In Lebanon, for example, the election of a president and prime minister is giving impetus to reform. Türk stressed the need to take decisive measures to overcome socio-economic crises, strengthen the rule of law and ensure justice. He noted that human rights should guide policies, and priority should be given to education, health and social protection.
Labour Market
Geopolitical tensions, the cost of combating climate change and debt are putting pressure on markets, according to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The report highlights the slowdown in global economic growth, which is negatively affecting labour markets and holding back recovery from downturns. The unemployment rate in 2024 remained stable, the same as the previous year, while young people continued to face higher unemployment rates, with no signs of improvement.