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World: We can adapt to anything, but not to war - Delivering for people in conflict settings: Reflections on an evolving humanitarian landscape

Countries: World, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Ukraine Sources: International Committee of the Red Cross, South Sudan Red Cross, Ukrainian Red Cross Society Please refer to the attached file. From the DRC to South Sudan to Ukraine, communities share stories of living through crisis: losing loved ones, fleeing to find refuge, suffering under daily bombardments, surviving without even the most basic services and struggling to rebuild in the face of the combined impacts of climate and conflict. They also tell stories of mutual solidarity, demand respect for their right to live in safety and dignity, and clearly say how they want humanitarians to support them. Today, however, humanitarian action faces deep uncertainty. It has always had to navigate complex local and global politics, but the combination of deliberate and mounting obstacles to assisting and protecting people and precipitous drops in funding makes this moment different. Humanitarian responses are being reconfigured to this new reality. Any refashioning of humanitarian action that does not fully take into account the perspectives of conflict-affected communities and humanitarian early responders will, however, remain incomplete. This report is one attempt to hear these perspectives. It draws on the views shared by communities, a range of National Societies working in conflict, local authorities, service providers, national and international NGOs, UN agencies, development and climate actors, faith-based organizations and think tanks. Understanding how these actors see the key trends shaping needs and the environment for humanitarian action, and the dilemmas they grapple with every day, is essential to understanding how to respond to these challenges. So, too, is understanding the impacts of deep cuts in specific contexts; how these have affected the trust and acceptance of humanitarian actors by communities and local authorities; the impossible choices this is forcing humanitarians to make in how they deliver protection and assistance, and on whom they focus their remaining efforts; and the adaptive approaches and partnerships that are needed to meet this moment of profound change. The report contains key findings and recommendations for key stakeholders – states, humanitarians, development actors – to take real action on our collective responsibilities to communities affected by conflict.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•Ukrainian Red Cross Society12h ago

IOM Nepal Flood Response - Situation Report #5 | 15 September 2026

Country: Nepal Source: International Organization for Migration Please refer to the attached file. SITUATION OVERVIEW The 26 August flash floods in central Nepal have caused significant loss of life, displacement and widespread damage to homes, infrastructure and essential services. Government-led search and rescue operations are on their twelfth day, while access constraints and ongoing verification of displacement and housing impacts remain key challenges. As of 14 September, the Government of Nepal reports 1,395 bodies recovered, 5,130 people missing and 13,737 people rescued following the 26 August floods, with figures expected to change as access improves. Preliminary humanitarian analysis estimates 84,270 people affected across 17 municipalities in six districts. The Government-led Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) indicates approximately 7,570 houses affected, impacting around 32,963 people, alongside damage to roads, bridges, agricultural land and critical infrastructure. Priority needs include shelter and essential household items, WASH, food, health and MHPSS services, protection and access to affected communities. Longer-term support requirements include private housing and settlement, economic activities and livelihood rebuilding, repair and replacement of damaged household energy systems, telecommunications, debris and sediment management, and disaster and climate risk management as the damage to infrastructure continues to constrain humanitarian access and delivery. A Rapid Damage Needs Assessment (RDNA) has also been published by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), which further elaborates on the post-disaster needs. 73% of sites reported inadequate sanitation facilities 46% of sites have inadequate water-storage capacity 51% reported no child protection services or referral pathways 54% reported no safe and private spaces for women and girls IOM is supporting the Government-led response through site assessments, coordination, health, protection, non-food items (NFI), recovery and Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM).

ReliefWebReliefWeb•International Organization for Migration13h ago

A Route-Based Snapshot: Data & Trends for Refugees from Myanmar, as of end-August 2026

Countries: Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached Infographic. The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar remains one of the world’s most complex and protracted, marked by repeated waves of displacement and limited prospects for durable solutions. Escalating conflict and human rights violations have forced millions to flee within Myanmar and across borders. As of August 2026, 4 million people are internally displaced, and 1.63 million are refugees and asylum-seekers. The crisis has been worsened by disasters and extreme weather in recent years, including Cyclone Mocha (May 2023), Typhoon Yagi (September 2024), and a 7.7 magnitude earthquake (March 2025). With no sign of improvement, prospects for safe and voluntary returns, especially for 1.33 million Rohingya remain bleak. As humanitarian resources in host countries grow increasingly strained, thousands of Myanmar refugees are undertaking dangerous journeys in search of protection, safety, family reunification, and livelihoods. UNHCR is adopting a Route-Based Approach to improve early access to protection and solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers - ultimately reducing the need for risky onward movement. UNHCR continues to urge States across the region to strengthen coordination to save lives at sea, fully deploy rescue capacities, and ensure safe, timely disembarkation—upholding the principles of humanity, solidarity, and shared responsibility.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees13h ago

World: Quarterly Overview of Asylum Case Law

Country: World Source: European Union Agency for Asylum Please refer to the attached file. 1. Court of Justice of the European Union Four judgments which are relevant to international protection were pronounced by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) in the last quarter. In addition, six referrals to the CJEU for a preliminary ruling were made by courts in Belgium, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands. Non-refoulement assessment in the judicial review of detention pending a return In DL v Minister van Asiel en Migratie [Hardeker] (C-182/26 PPU, 25 June 2026), the CJEU clarified that, in order to ensure the implementation of an effective removal policy, a return decision may identify several potential countries of destination, provided that it gives reasons of fact and law for considering each of them. The CJEU held that the detention of third-country nationals who do not cooperate with proceedings, including by hampering the determination of the country of destination, is permitted under Article 15(1)(b) of the Return Directive. Nonetheless, compliance with the principle of non-refoulement must be assessed in respect of all countries mentioned in the return decision. If the return decision does not contain such an assessment, the court reviewing the lawfulness of detention must examine ex nunc the risk of refoulement in all the countries mentioned in the return decision. That assessment concerns the lawfulness of the detention and is autonomous from that of the return decision, for which a separate appeal is available. For continued detention to be justified by a reasonable prospect of a removal, it is sufficient that a removal to at least one of the identified countries is possible, provided that the other conditions of Article 15(1) are met; otherwise, the court must order the immediate release of the individual. Notably, the CJEU held that, when the individual is uncooperative in determining the country of destination, it is sufficient to rely on general information available for the judicial assessment to comply with the principle of non-refoulement. The case is relevant because it provides guidance on the scope of the non-refoulement assessment by judicial authorities in situations where it is difficult to establish the applicant’s country of destination and several countries are identified as potential countries of return. In a context where countries are considering unprecedented methods to manage migration, 1 this decision also clarifies that the Return Directive allows for the imposition of an obligation to return not only to the country of origin, but also to a transit country in accordance with readmission agreements or arrangements. Since the return decision must consider Articles 4 and 19 of the EU Charter, it does not, in itself, infringe the fundamental rights of the person. In relation to this, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture recently reaffirmed the absolute and non-derogable character of the principle of non-refoulement, highlighting that nonrefoulement assessments must consider also chain refoulement. 2

ReliefWebReliefWeb•European Union Agency for Asylum13h ago
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First Public Report on the political dialogue series held in Amman from 2 to 23 October 2024 to advance Yemen’s peace process

Country: Yemen Source: UN Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Amman, 23 October 2024 - On 2 October, the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen (OSESGY) initiated a series of political dialogues with Yemeni actors as part of its ongoing efforts to build momentum towards a peaceful and inclusive resolution to the conflict in Yemen. These meetings, held in Amman, Jordan, have so far included discussions with representatives of the Rashad Party, the Nasserite Party, and the Yemeni Socialist Party as well as civil society groups. During these meetings, there emerged a broad consensus on the need for transparency and inclusive discussions towards a roadmap. The political and civil society actors amplified the urgency of economic recovery and immediate humanitarian relief, highlighting that these critical issues—such as the payment of salaries and the reopening of vital roads—cannot be delayed until a political settlement is reached. They stressed that addressing these pressing concerns is essential to gaining public support and alleviating the suffering of ordinary Yemenis. During the dialogues, each actor presented unique perspectives on the ongoing peace efforts. Among the issues were the importance of political inclusivity, with a strong emphasis on the notion that "Yemen’s political future must be owned by Yemenis, without exclusion," and the need for clearer communication regarding the roadmap process. Regarding the political process, there was a strong call to address the root causes of Yemen’s conflict through a phased approach to the transition process, focusing on restoring state institutions and ensuring the withdrawal of armed groups. The participants also emphasized the need for a clear framework for the roadmap, highlighting the importance of building on the past progress like the talks in Kuwait in 2016. During the discussions, OSESGY briefed the participants on the commitments reached between the Parties in December 2023, with the support of Saudi Arabia and Oman, including among others; a nationwide ceasefire, salary payments, resumption of oil exports, opening of roads, the withdrawal of non-Yemeni forces and the initiation of a Yemeni- led political process under UN auspices, aimed at achieving a lasting solution. The Office briefed on efforts to operationalize these commitments in the Roadmap and noted how developments—particularly the attacks in the Red Sea and growing regional tensions—have narrowed its mediation space, delaying progress. While recognizing the regional challenges, OSESGY stressed the importance of continued dialogue on moving forward and critical confidence building steps. Yemeni people’s vision and contributions remain key to shaping the next steps. In addition, economic recovery and humanitarian relief were stressed as immediate priorities for Yemenis, suggesting that the peace process must address economic needs as a priority to gain public support. It was argued that the economic file should not be secondary to political and security discussions. OSESGY briefed the parties on the progress made in addressing key economic issues raised during recent discussions with interlocutors. Building on the July 23 understanding, these efforts have focused on de-politicizing the economy and fostering collaboration over competition. OSESGY emphasized the importance of shifting away from a zero-sum mind-set notion to protect the economy from further escalation. While acknowledging each side’s constructive engagement, OSESGY stressed that positive signals must translate into concrete actions that benefit the Yemeni people. On the security front, the political parties raised concerns about the growing involvement of regional and external actors, stressing the need for strong international and regional guarantees to ensure that agreements are respected. Without such guarantees, they warned of the potential for further destabilization, particularly given regional escalations in the Red Sea and beyond. In turn, OSESGY briefed on its engagement with the Military Coordination Committee and local actors on the basis of the OSESGY-led Ceasefire Concept that focuses on de-escalation and planning. The exchange also covered a range of security-related topics that need to be discussed in the security track. In addition to the messages voiced by the political parties, civil society actors raised the issue of detainees, including those from the UN, international NGOs, local civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions, as a matter of significant concern. Civil society representatives underscored the deep human impact of the detainee issue beyond politics. Families continue to suffer as their loved ones remain in captivity, and there is an urgent need for immediate action, accompanied by sustained international pressure, to secure their release. Addressing this issue is seen as essential for building trust and advancing efforts toward a meaningful peace process. More discussions will follow in the coming weeks and into 2025 with Yemeni political parties and entities, and Yemeni civil society groups, including youth, women, and marginalized people. OSESGY will continue to focus on incorporating the insights gained into its discussions with the Parties and advocating for solutions shaped by Yemeni perspectives and needs. OSESGY extends its appreciation to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for hosting and facilitating these important meetings, contributing significantly to advancing the dialogue for peace in Yemen.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen14h ago

Patient killed inside MAP-supported health centre after Israeli military quadcopter attack

Country: occupied Palestinian territory Source: Medical Aid for Palestinians Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) is horrified that a patient was killed today while seeking treatment at a MAP-supported primary healthcare centre in Jabalia, northern Gaza, after Israeli military quadcopter gunfire targeted the facility. MAP’s medical partner organisation, Al-Awda Health and Community Association, has confirmed that the patient, a 65-year-old man, was attending the centre to receive treatment when an Israeli military quadcopter shot him. Despite efforts by medical staff to treat him, he later died from his injuries. The centre is located in the Halawa area of Jabalia, close to the “Yellow Line” established under the October 2025 “ceasefire” to mark the boundary for Israeli military control. Israeli forces have since advanced beyond it and now control around 70% of Gaza. The attack comes just two weeks after Israeli forces advanced towards Kamal Adwan Hospital , around 150 metres from the “Yellow Line”. The hospital provides primary and emergency healthcare to children, women and the elderly. At the time of the incident, Al-Awda staff were providing medical care, and a UN delegation was visiting the facility to observe health services being delivered to the community. Huda Diab, Project Manager at Al-Awda Health and Community Association, said: "This is not the first time our centre has come under fire from quadcopters or aerial gunfire in the area. This centre serves displaced people in Jabalia and has repeatedly been exposed to gunfire from the Israeli army. "Most previous incidents involved gunfire directed towards tents or the areas surrounding the centre. This time, however, the centre itself was directly targeted, resulting in a patient who had come to receive treatment being shot and seriously injured. We did everything we could to treat him, but unfortunately he later died from his injuries." Aseel Baidoun, Deputy Director of Advocacy and Communications at MAP, said: “When a patient is killed inside a health centre by Israeli forces, the damage does not end with one life. It can leave an entire community, already living on the brink, afraid to seek treatment. People who are sick, injured, or dying may now decide that going to a health centre is a gamble not worth taking. In Gaza, over two million of people are already struggling to reach the healthcare they need, while Israel's advancing Yellow Line swallows up the few remaining, functional health services still providing lifesaving care. The killing of patients, the destruction of health facilities and the denial of medical care cannot be separated from the wider pattern of Israel's ongoing genocide across Gaza. There must be a full, independent investigation, and those responsible must be held to account." [ENDS] Our spokespeople are available to interview on request. Please contact the press office to arrange at: press@map.org.uk or +44 (0) 203 869 1310 Notes to editors MAP supports Al Awda to run four medical points in northern Gaza and Gaza City, providing primary healthcare services primarily to displaced Palestinians. We will continue with Al Awda to provide these services despite the attack.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•Medical Aid for Palestinians15h ago

Colombia: Análisis de Situación y Respuesta al terremoto - 10 de septiembre 2026

Country: Colombia Source: Action Against Hunger Please refer to the attached file. A la fecha, la emergencia registra 466.606 personas afectadas en 399 municipios de 14 departamentos. Se reportan 159.924 familias afectadas, con impactos significativos en vivienda e infraestructura a nivel nacional. También se registran afectaciones en 400 centros de salud y 4.290 centros educativos. Asimismo, 5.698 centros comunitarios presentan algún nivel de afectación. Chocó se mantiene entre los departamentos más afectados por la magnitud de los impactos. Las zonas rurales y de difícil acceso continúan enfrentando mayores desafíos para la respuesta y recuperación. RESPUESTA DE ACCIÓN CONTRA EL HAMBRE Acción contra el Hambre, a través de su presencia directa en el territorio, con un equipo de 25 personas, ha venido adelantando acciones de respuesta inmediata y estabilización desde el inicio de la emergencia, orientadas a atender necesidades prioritarias de la población afectada.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•Action Against Hunger15h ago

Lebanon Cash Working Group: Situation Report #5 (Reporting period: as of August 2026)

Country: Lebanon Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Situation Overview During August, humanitarian needs in Lebanon remained substantial despite a continued decline in overall displacement and further population returns. As of 26 August, IOM DTM recorded 334,353 internally displaced people, a 4% decrease compared with 19 August, while 823,337 people had begun returning to their communities, representing a 1% increase over the same period. A further 19,543 people remained registered across 196 collective sites, down 10% from the previous round. Displacement nevertheless remains highly concentrated, with Beirut, Saida, Sour, Chouf and Aley hosting 77% of all IDPs, while 94% of displaced people originate from just five districts, primarily Bent Jbeil, El Nabatieh and Sour. Population movements also remain geographically complex: 79% of IDPs are displaced outside their governorate of origin, reflecting continued di erences in security, accessibility and conditions for return across a ected areas. While the overall trajectory remains towards return, the reduction in displacement should not be interpreted as a corresponding reduction in humanitarian needs. Returns are concentrated in a limited number of areas, with 87% of returned IDPs arriving in Sour, El Nabatieh, Baabda, Saida and Baalbek. At the same time, the majority of remaining displaced households continue to carry substantial accommodation and living costs: 74% of IDPs are living in rental housing, 11% in host settings, 9% in second homes, around 5% in collective sites and 1% in at-risk shelter conditions. These patterns reinforce the increasingly fluid nature of displacement and return, with households navigating insecurity, damaged or inaccessible housing, disrupted services, livelihood constraints and the costs associated with prolonged displacement. Humanitarian priorities therefore continue to span both displaced and returning populations, including cash assistance, shelter rehabilitation, restoration of basic services, health care, protection and livelihoods support. Against this backdrop, the Cash Working Group (LCWG) continued to support the transition from broad emergency assistance towards more targeted interventions under the Shock Responsive Safety Net (SRSN), while advancing planning for assistance beyond the Flash Appeal through the 2026 LRP Addendum. The latest mobility trends reinforce the need for targeting approaches that consider vulnerability and household circumstances rather than displacement status alone, particularly as return does not necessarily signal recovery or reduced need.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees18h ago

oPt: UNRWA Situation Report #234 on the Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem [EN/AR]

Country: occupied Palestinian territory Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Please refer to the attached files. Highlights The Gaza Strip Humanitarian partners warned of major gaps ahead of the 2026-2027 winter preparation phase, driven by severe funding shortfalls and continued restrictions on the entry of critical supplies and equipment into the Gaza Strip. UNRWA continues to play a central role in the response, co-leading the Site Management Cluster and running the largest network of collective displacement sites – currently hosting approximately 65,000 internally displaced persons across 114 emergency shelters. As part of efforts to streamline and strengthen primary healthcare delivery, UNRWA integrated services previously provided through four medical points located within emergency shelters into nearby health centres. The Agency also continues piloting the Family Health Team model in three health centres across the Gaza Strip, whereby the same medical specialists are assigned to a family throughout its medical history, to improve service quality, efficiency, continuity, and patient-centred care. UNRWA’s Summer Activities Programme concluded on 3 September 2026. Over 47,700 children participated in recreational and psychosocial support activities, as well as in remedial classes in literacy, numeracy, and foundational English and science skills. The summer learning activities were delivered in-person across 686 classrooms in 83 UNRWA collective emergency shelters, with support from over 3,000 UNRWA education staff. The occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem Following the forced entry into Kalandia Training Centre on 25 August 2026, Israeli authorities have remained on site inside the compound. The centre was due to start classes this week for more than 340 Palestine Refugee students from across the occupied West Bank. Approximately 48,000 Palestine Refugee students started the new academic year at 90 UNRWA schools across the occupied West Bank on 7 September, amid challenges to their right to education, including movement and access restrictions, security operations in and around schools, and high levels of occupation-related violence. Three Palestinians were killed in incidents linked to Israeli settler violence, as the occupied West Bank continues to experience heightened levels of violence and harassment perpetrated by Israeli settlers. Settlement expansion – contrary to international law – also continued, with a new settlement established near Qabatiya on 31 August.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East18h ago

Myanmar: Mergui-Tavoy District Short Update: Burma Army air strike killed a villager in Ler Muh Lah Township (August 2026)

Country: Myanmar Source: Karen Human Rights Group Please refer to the attached file. This Short Update describes events occurring in Ler Muh Lah Township, Mergui-Tavoy District, in August 2026. On 4 August 2026, at 4:07 pm, the Burma Army from Bleik (Myeik) Town conducted an air strike, dropping six bombs from three aircraft into Aa--- village, T’Hpoh village tract, killing a 63-year-old woman, burning two villagers’ houses and damaging three others, and damaging villagers’ plantations. The air strike intensified villagers’ fear. Thus, following the incident, villagers who did not have bunkers dug bunkers for their safety and security. [1] On 4 August 2026, in the afternoon, at 4:07 pm, three helicopters [of the Burma Army [2] ] from Bleik (Myeik) Town came and dropped six bombs into Aa--- village, T’Hpoh village tract, [3] Ler Muh Lah Township, Mergui-Tavoy District. [Villagers believed the aircraft came from Myeik Town because there is a Burma Army airbase there. The researcher assumed the aircraft were helicopters because they had rotors above their fuselage and not at the back, and they had tails.] Bombs were dropped in three rounds. Two bombs were dropped each round. The first round of bombs exploded on a villager’s rubber plantation, located at the edge of the village. The second round of bombs exploded near a clinic, in front of a villager’s house that had containers of petrol stored inside. Fragments of the bombs hit the petrol containers and set the house on fire. Then, the fire spread to another house. Thus, in total two houses were burned, and three houses sustained damages. The third round of bombs exploded beside a river, located a bit far from the village. The second round of bombs fatally injured a villager, damaged [three] villagers’ houses, burned two villagers’ houses, and damaged villagers’ plantations, [including] betel nut, rubber, and other types of plantations. The first and third rounds of bombs did not injure any villagers. The villager who died was named Daw [4] A---, 63 years old. Her ethnicity was Bamar and her religion was Buddhist. [Before the air strike happened,] the villager went to a clinic for a medical checkup. When the villager was doing her checkup, [three] aircraft came and dropped bombs. So, she ran into a bunker [to hide]. After the first bombs were dropped, the villager thought that no more bombs would be dropped. She left, worried for her husband, who was paralysed and left at home. Thus, she came out of the bunker to check on her husband. Soon [when she arrived near the house that had stored petrol], the [second round of] air strikes happened and she sustained an injury to her left shoulder and left thigh. Then the three aircrafts dropped two more bombs nearby a river, located near the village. After the air strikes, when villagers extinguished the fire, they found that Daw A--- was dead, near the house that stored petrol [and caught fire]. Villagers brought back [the corpse of] Daw A--- to her house, and on 5 August 2026, villagers cremated the corpse. One of Daw A---’s children took over the care of their father after Daw A---’s death. A local authority, the village head of Aa--- village, said: “[We] don’t know why the aircraft came and dropped bombs near the clinic. When the bombs exploded, wind blew and burned villagers’ houses instead of the clinic. Before the air strikes, wounded PDF [People’s Defence Force] [5] soldiers from the battlefield were brought back to this clinic to receive treatment. After the soldiers had returned to their place [left the village], the air strike happened.” The villagers were terrified by the incident because it was the first time that air strikes happened in Aa--- village. Some villagers’ houses have bunkers, and some didn’t. So, villagers who didn’t have bunkers started to dug bunkers. Schools were forced to shut down [for three days] due to the air strikes [before beginning classes again in a different location for safety], and it intensified fear and wariness of parents to send their children to school. Further background reading on the situation of air strikes in Southeast Burma/Myanmar can be found in the following KHRG reports: ကဘီယူၤဟဲလံ Aircraft coming! : Impacts of air strikes on local communities and villagers’ protection strategies in Southeast Burma since the 2021 coup , November 2024. “ Mu Traw District Incident Report: Burma Army air strikes killed a four-year-old, injured 12 villagers, including two children, and caused displacement in Bu Tho Township (December 2025) ”, September 2026. “ Taw Oo District Short Update: Burma Army air strikes injured a 16-year-old girl and damaged six houses in Daw Hpah Hkoh Township (February to March 2026) ”, May 2026.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•Karen Human Rights Group18h ago
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World: WMO bulletin shows successes and challenges in ozone layer recovery

Country: World Source: World Meteorological Organization The Antarctic ozone hole in 2025 was one of the smallest in decades – testimony to the continuing success of international action to protect the Earth’s ozone layer which shields us against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). 2025 Antarctic ozone hole was one of smallest in recent decades Annual fluctuations occur despite long-term recovery trend World Ozone Day celebrates Montreal Protocol success UV radiation remains a threat to health Atmospheric monitoring is essential to inform policy In welcome news, the WMO Ozone Bulletin said that last year’s ozone hole ranked as the fourth to fifth smallest since severe depletion patterns were observed in 1992. This is the second consecutive year that both the depth and extent of the ozone hole were significantly below the 1990–2010 average. ear-to-year fluctuations are influenced by large-scale meteorological transport conditions which drive springtime ozone depletion, an event that occurs after almost every austral winter above Antarctica, and every 5 to 10 years in the northern hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, total column ozone in 2025 was below average (negative anomalies) in a large region extending from Greenland and Europe to Central Asia, northern Japan and the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Federation. These variations occur within the long-term trend towards the healing of the ozone layer, reflecting the success of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer , which phased out chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons once found in refrigeration, fire-fighting foam and other common uses. “This is an environmental success story. Since 2000, the ozone layer has been recovering, and we can expect full recovery within several decades,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. The WMO Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) network provides the critical, high-quality ground-based total column ozone observations required to accurately monitor ozone and ensure that long-term changes can be understood. About 90% of atmospheric ozone resides in the upper-level stratosphere. If all this ozone were brought down to the Earth’s surface, the resulting layer of pure ozone would be only approximately 3 millimetres thick. Yet, this thin layer blocks nearly all dangerous short-wave ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun and protects life on Earth. While substantial progress has been made in addressing ozone depletion, measurements over the past decades show a significant increase in the number of days with high UV index values. The UV index was developed to track the depletion of the ozone layer and now serves as an international health standard for UV protection. Since the mid-1990s, UV radiation has increased by as much as 20% in some parts of Europe. Ground-based measurements show that this has been driven primarily by a reduction in cloud cover and an accompanying increase in annual sunshine duration. Higher UV exposure means a greater risk of skin cancer and other UV-related diseases among exposed populations. “In light of this trend, targeted and effective UV protection measures are of paramount importance,” says the Bulletin. World Ozone Day The WMO Ozone Bulletin was released for World Ozone Day on 16 September , which celebrates the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which successfully phased out ozone-depleting substances. This year’s theme is Global Action for a Cooler Planet, marking the tenth anniversary of the Kigali Amendment, which expanded the scope of the Montreal Protocol. The 2016 Kigali Amendment provides for a phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases that are used to replace ozone depleting substances. These chemicals are widely used in everyday cooling technologies such as refrigerators, air conditioners, insulating foams, and some medical and industrial equipment. Whilst they do not deplete the ozone layer, some HFCs trap thousands of times more heat than carbon dioxide, even though they remain in the atmosphere for a much shorter time. Over the past four decades, atmospheric measurements have demonstrated significant reductions in the concentrations of controlled ozone depleting substances. But there have been unexpected emissions, for instance of CFC-11 (until 2018) and HFC-23. This is why atmospheric monitoring remains essential to support targeted regulatory actions by national authorities. The Ozone Bulletin draws attention to the state of the observing system, which traditionally relied primarily on Dobson and Brewer spectrophotometers. The number of active stations has gradually decreased from around 130 in the early 2000s to 110 today – with stations often closing in areas where observations are most sparse. Next-generation array spectrometers have grown rapidly, but these focus on air quality measurements rather than stratospheric ozone monitoring. Long-term evolution of annual mean total column ozone, averaged from 60°S to 60°N. The median of available satellite and ground-based datasets is shown. The ODS-related ozone decline from the 1960s to the 1990s can be clearly seen, as can the beginning of the recovery of ozone starting in 2000. Source: Adapted from Weber et al. (2022) The World Meteorological Organization is the United Nations System’s authoritative voice on Weather, Climate and Water. Clare Nullis WMO media officer cnullis@wmo.int +41 79 709 13 97 Global Communication and Engagement Media Contact media@wmo.int

ReliefWebReliefWeb•World Meteorological Organization18h ago

Le Niger Points forts du projet - Réponse rapide pour la restauration des moyens de vie des ménages touchés par les inondations dans les régions de Diffa, Tahoua et Zinder - OSRO/NER/085/BEL

Country: Niger Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Please refer to the attached file. **Synopsis (short abstract)**Au Niger, les inondations constituent une préoccupation majeure, aussi bien pour les populations urbaines et rurales que pour les autorités, en raison des dégâts considérables et récurrents qu’elles causent chaque année. La Belgique, à travers le Fonds spécial pour les activités d’urgence et de renforcement de la résilience, a financé le projet de la FAO intitulé «Réponse rapide pour la restauration des moyens de vie des ménages touchés par les inondations dans les régions de Diffa, Tahoua et Zinder» pour un montant de 649 845 USD. Le projet a été mis en œuvre du 20 septembre 2024 au 20 mai 2025. L’objectif était de restaurer rapidement les moyens de subsistance des ménages les plus affectés par les inondations, en particulier ceux ayant perdu leurs productions agricoles ou leur bétail.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations20h ago

World: Education Strategy: Shaping the Future of Learning (September 2026)

Country: World Source: UN Children's Fund Please refer to the attached file. Highlights With fewer than five years remaining to achieve SDG 4, the global learning crisis has become one of the defining challenges of our time. Across the world, education systems are facing a profound challenge in ensuring that every child achieves meaningful learning outcomes, with millions still not gaining the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to thrive. At the same time, rapid technological, social and environmental change is raising a more fundamental question: can education systems designed for an earlier era prepare children for the future they will inherit? UNICEF's experience shows that improving education outcomes will require not only stronger systems, but also a reimagining of how, where and when children learn. Shaping the Future of Learning, UNICEF's Education Strategy 2026, responds to this urgent challenge. The strategy sets out UNICEF's vision for accelerating learning, equity and skills development for every child and adolescent, while supporting countries to transform education systems at scale. Building on the foundation of the Education Strategy 2019-2030, it clarifies the priorities, operating model and partnerships required to drive impact and serves as a roadmap for implementing UNICEF's Strategic Plan 2026-2029.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN Children's Fund20h ago

Un mes después del terremoto en Colombia: avanzar con la reconstrucción en medio de una compleja situación humanitaria

Country: Colombia Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Un mes después del devastador terremoto ocurrido en Colombia el 10 de agosto, miles de personas y familias requieren aún insumos básicos de higiene y hábitat, alimentación, soluciones de alojamiento, apoyo en salud mental, educación en emergencias, materiales para la reparación de sus hogares y espacios comunitarios, así como la reactivación de sus medios de vida. ACNUR, la Agencia de la ONU para los Refugiados, mantiene su compromiso de apoyar al Gobierno de Colombia, a las autoridades y comunidades locales y a los socios humanitarios para recuperar la estabilidad, acceso a servicios y reconstruir las vidas de las personas afectadas por el terremoto, en particular a las personas desplazadas y otras poblaciones vulnerables. Desde el primer momento, ACNUR se ha movilizado junto con las autoridades nacionales y locales, el sistema de las Naciones Unidas y los socios humanitarios, aprovechando su larga trayectoria operativa en las zonas afectadas. Gracias a la presencia operativa en 51 de los 498 municipios afectados por el terremoto, ACNUR ha desplegado respuestas rápidas a las comunidades remotas y afectadas por el conflicto armado. La organización avanza en la entrega de más de 20,000 insumos de higiene y hábitat, lámparas solares, está desplegando Unidades de Vivienda para Refugiados (UVR) y está brindando apoyo en monitoreo de la protección, asistencia psicosocial, apoyo legal y documental, asesoría en traslados a atención especializada y mecanismos de protección basados en la comunidad. Los equipos de ACNUR han llevado a cabo misiones en algunos de los lugares más afectados y de difícil acceso, contribuyendo a garantizar que las comunidades afectadas por el conflicto, confinadas y desplazadas no queden desatendidas en la respuesta de emergencia. En Quibdó, Buenaventura, Cali, Risaralda, Caldas y Quindío ACNUR asesora a las autoridades en el traslado de personas desde los alojamientos temporales a hoteles, y acompaña los esfuerzos institucionales de respuesta. “Para ACNUR, acompañar esta etapa significa ir de la mano con las comunidades, trabajar junto a instituciones, organizaciones, empresas y donantes para que la respuesta llegue donde más se necesita. Cada aporte puede contribuir a que una familia cuente con condiciones más dignas para afrontar la emergencia, recuperar sus medios de vida y avanzar hacia una recuperación segura y sostenible”, señala Elisa Carlaccini, jefa de la Suboficina Sur de ACNUR. Las acciones en curso beneficiarán a unas 60.000 personas en las comunidades más gravemente afectadas que acogen a personas refugiadas, desplazadas internamente y otras personas afectadas por la violencia. El impacto desproporcionado sobre las personas refugiadas y desplazadas Los municipios afectados acogen a más de 1,1 millones de refugiados y otras personas que necesitan protección internacional, además de una importante población de personas desplazadas internamente. Muchas de las zonas más gravemente impactadas, en particular en Chocó y Valle del Cauca, ya enfrentaban desafíos humanitarios relacionados con la violencia, el desplazamiento, la pobreza, el confinamiento y el acceso limitado a los servicios. El desastre ha agravado las vulnerabilidades y los riesgos de protección preexistentes. Las comunidades indígenas, afrodescendientes, refugiadas, desplazadas y de acogida han reportado daños o destrucción en sus viviendas, pérdida de medios de subsistencia, interrupción de las comunicaciones y reducción del acceso a servicios esenciales. Según la Organización Nacional Indígena de Colombia (ONIC), más de 1.000 comunidades indígenas fueron afectadas. Solo en el Valle del Cauca, al menos 48 consejos comunitarios afrodescendientes fueron impactados. Las preocupaciones en materia de protección siguen siendo importantes, incluidos los riesgos asociados al desplazamiento, la separación familiar, la violencia de género, la pérdida de documentación y las barreras para acceder a la asistencia y a los servicios públicos. Si bien se está brindando asistencia para salvar vidas, las necesidades humanitarias siguen siendo considerables y se prevé que continúen mucho más allá de la fase de emergencia inmediata. Los esfuerzos de recuperación y reconstrucción requerirán apoyo y recursos sostenidos. ACNUR ha reiterado su apoyo en zonas donde es necesario seguir avanzando en procesos de legalización, como el barrio Lleras, ubicado en el centro urbano de Buenaventura, o comunidades indígenas en Valle del Cauca y Chocó. A través de su iniciativa Juntos Por la Inclusión, ACNUR y el sector privado buscan abrir oportunidades de empleabilidad para que las personas desplazadas y refugiadas puedan rehacer sus vidas. Según datos oficiales de la Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD), al 9 de septiembre al menos 466.709 personas y 296.738 familias han sido damnificadas en16 departamentos y 498 municipios del país. Más de 36.326 viviendas fueron destruidas y otras 202.002 resultaron averiadas. Además, 4.313 centros educativos, 400 centros de salud y 6.033 centros comunitarios fueron afectados.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees20h ago

Uganda: IPC Acute Food Insecurity and Malnutrition Snapshot | July 2026 - June 2027

Country: Uganda Source: Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Please refer to the attached file. Key results Across much of Uganda, El Niño-induced dry spells led to extreme crop and pasture losses, which, alongside rising food prices, has greatly reduced food affordability and access. This is driving high levels of acute food insecurity and malnutrition in the Karamoja region and among vulnerable populations, including refugees and host communities, in other parts of the country. Low crop and livestock production, limited income, and high prices are reducing purchasing power and increasing households’ reliance on markets and external food assistance. Limited income opportunities and localised conflicts, particularly in Karamoja, also restrict food access. At the same time, reduced humanitarian assistance levels are diminishing vulnerable households’ capacity to cope with these conditions. Two recent IPC analyses from August 2026 covered 60 areas across Uganda, including nine Karamoja districts,12 refugee-hosting districts, 13 refugee settlements, urban refugees in Kampala, and 25 additional districts. Acute food insecurity and high morbidity to diseases are driving acute malnutrition among vulnerable populations, with a notable deterioration in Karamoja. From April 2026–March 2027, approximately 465,900 children aged 6–59 months and 246,300 pregnant and breastfeeding women are suffering or expected to suffer from acute malnutrition and need treatment. This includes 58,200 children in refugee settlements, 97,100 in host communities and 156,300 in other vulnerable areas, as well as 154,200 children in Karamoja, which accounts for 33 percent of the overall malnourished children in the analysed population. During the current period from April to September 2026,* Kotido and Kaabong (Karamoja) are classified in IPC Acute Malnutrition (AMN) Phase 4 (Critical), while Amudat, Moroto, Nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit (Karamoja) and Adjumani refugee settlement are classified in IPC AMN Phase 3 (Serious). In the projection period from October 2026 to March 2027,** acute malnutrition is expected to deteriorate in the refugee settlements and Karamoja, as food insecurity worsens due to total crop failure in Karamoja and failed second season harvests in refugee-hosting districts. Flash floods and El Niño-induced above-average rains will heighten the risk of disease outbreaks. ***** For Karamoja, the current period is August–October 2026. ****** For Karamoja, the projected period is November 2026–February 2027.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•Integrated Food Security Phase Classification21h ago

UNICEF Myanmar Humanitarian Situation Report No. 1 (Mid-Year), January-June 2026

Country: Myanmar Source: UN Children's Fund Please refer to the attached file. Highlights Myanmar’s humanitarian situation continued to deteriorate over the reporting period. Ongoing conflict and displacement, compounded by the fuel crisis and economic decline, continued to drive acute needs, with 16.2 million people, including 4.9 million children, requiring humanitarian assistance. Nearly 3.8 million people were internally displaced, as of June 2026. Landmine incidents, displacement and protection risks continued to escalate, while seasonal flooding and disease risks further increased vulnerabilities among affected populations. Despite escalating humanitarian needs and access constraints, UNICEF and partners reached 326,503 people with primary health care, 472,742 children with education support, 487,036 people with MHPSS services, and 315,169 people with critical WASH supplies during the first half of 2026. UNICEF appealed for US$267.2 million to address the needs of 3.3 million people in 2026. By mid-2026, the funding level stood at US$95.4 million, with a gap of US$171.7 million (64 per cent). Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs The humanitarian situation in Myanmar continued to deteriorate with ongoing conflict, recurrent natural hazards, and economic decline in 2026. Ongoing hostilities, including airstrikes, resulted in widespread displacement and civilian casualties.1 The humanitarian situation remained acute, with 16.2 million people, including 4.9 million children, in need of humanitarian assistance.2 By the end of June 2026, nearly 3.8 million people were internally displaced3 - an increase of 154,400 newly displaced since the end of 2025 - while an additional 1.6 million people were refugees and asylum seekers in neighbouring countries. The humanitarian situation was aggravated by recurrent natural hazards and seasonal climatic shocks. Communities already affected by conflict and displacement faced acute water shortages during the dry season, while the monsoon season heightened the risk of flooding, landslides, and outbreaks of water-borne diseases. These hazards further strained limited coping capacities and exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. In the last week of June 2026, heavy rains caused flooding in five townships in Kachin State, disrupting livelihoods and access to essential services in affected communities. The spillover effects of the ongoing Middle East conflict and associated disruptions to global energy markets contributed to rising fuel prices, fuel shortages, and increased transportation costs. According to WFP market monitoring, the average food basket cost in June was estimated to be 20 per cent higher than in February 2026, with significant price increases reported in Rakhine and Magway due to transport disruption and reduced market availability.5 If these conditions persist, an estimated 3.5–5 million additional people could become food insecure, adding to the 12.4 million people already facing food insecurity nationwide. Rising poverty is compounding these pressures, with growing numbers of families adopting negative coping strategies, including reduced food consumption, child labour and early marriage. These overlapping shocks are compounding humanitarian needs and increasing vulnerabilities among vulnerable communities with limited access to markets, livelihoods, and basic services. During the first half of 2026, a total of 327 landmine and explosive ordnance (EO) incidents resulting in 487 civilian casualties were reported. Of these casualties, 113 were children (23 per cent).7 This was an increase over the second quarter of 2025, when there were 229 incidents with 357 casualties reported, of whom 33 were children (27 per cent). Access to basic health services was still critically constrained, particularly in Rakhine, Kayah, and Sagaing, where close to half of the population faces serious access challenges. Overcrowded living conditions, inadequate WASH services, and limited access to basic health care continued to elevate the risk of water‑borne and water‑related diseases. Cases of acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) and skin infections were reported in Kachin, Sagaing, Mandalay, Chin and Rakhine. Vaccination coverage remained low, with 1.5 million children under five missing basic vaccinations since 2018, resulting in increased risk of vaccine-preventable disease. Increasing displacement continued to disrupt children’s access to education, with an estimated 3.4 million children in urgent need of educational support. Conflict-affected areas, including Sagaing, Magway, Chin, Kachin, Shan, Kayah, Kayin, Tanintharyi, and Rakhine faced increasing demand for safe and continuous learning opportunities for displaced and out-of-school children. Damage to education infrastructure, inadequate WASH facilities, shortages of learning materials, and limited availability of qualified educators persisted in displacement‑affected and hard‑to‑reach areas. Funding gaps, economic pressures, and rising costs increased drop-out risks, particularly among adolescents, while over‑age and conflict‑affected children faced continued barriers to structured learning pathways and transition to formal education, due to the lack of recognized accreditation. This highlights the urgent need for expanded learning pathways, safe learning spaces, individual learning materials, and mental health and psychological support (MHPSS). Kachin state continued to face a worsening humanitarian crisis with prolonged armed conflict, widespread displacement, economic collapse, deteriorating livelihoods, and climate shocks. The intensified conflict around Bhamo and Hpakant area in early 2026 and renewed clashes in Shwegu township caused sustained displacement, with over 228,000 people displaced internally during the reporting period, including the newly displaced population from the Sagaing region. Ongoing armed clashes, intensified military operations and airstrikes severely impacted civilians in the northwest, leading to large-scale displacement and exposing children and women to heightened protection risks. Magway region was among the hardest-hit areas, with more than 100,000 people displaced across Myaing, Pakokku, Pauk and Saw townships since mid-May. Many families in the northwest region had been displaced multiple times and were sheltering in monasteries or makeshift structures, with an urgent need for shelter, non-food items, hygiene kits, lighting, and educational supplies. During the reporting period, over 1.8 million people remained internally displaced in the northwest region.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN Children's Fund21h ago