Nearly six million people in Haiti – more than half the country’s population – are undernourished. Top news of the day | Friday: International Court of Justice, Middle East, Myanmar, Haiti UN
The main news of the day in the UN and the world: the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice, the truce in the Middle East, the release of prisoners in Myanmar, the death of Rohingya refugees at sea, famine in Haiti.
The International Court of Justice is 80 years old
Speaking in The Hague on Friday at an event marking the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the world was facing a “moment of choice” and called on states to renew their commitment to international law. The UN chief recalled that the creation of the Court was a response to the consequences of the Second World War and a symbol of the international community’s desire to replace the “law of might” with the “force of law.” Guterres warned that international law is increasingly being violated and called on countries to choose to strengthen the legal system. Beirut time, a 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon came into force. At the same time, Iran announced on Friday the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. The UN Secretary-General welcomed Iran’s announcement, calling the decision “a step in the right direction.” António Guterres called for the full restoration of freedom of navigation in the region. The UN chief also welcomed the agreements reached between Israel and Lebanon and called on the parties to strictly observe them, expressing hope that the truce will pave the way for further negotiations.
Amnesty in Myanmar
The UN chief took note of reports of the release of former Myanmar President Win Myint. He was granted amnesty along with thousands of other prisoners. The authorities also announced reductions in sentences and the replacement of death sentences with life imprisonment. Antonio Guterres stressed the need to make efforts to quickly release all those arbitrarily detained, including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi. The UN also said on Friday that nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were killed at sea in 2025 while traveling from Myanmar and Bangladesh to Malaysia and Indonesia. This is the highest death rate on any shipping route used by refugees and migrants.
Famine in Haiti
A new report from the UN World Food Program (WFP) says nearly six million people in Haiti – more than half the country’s population – are undernourished. At the same time, about 1.8 million, as of 2026, have exhausted their last reserves and cannot meet even basic food needs. Last year, despite challenging operating conditions, WFP worked with government and partners to provide assistance to 2.7 million people. WFP requires $332 million to continue humanitarian operations over the next 12 months. The organization calls on donors to provide the necessary funds.