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  • Finally, UN shuts down air service in Nigeria over lack of funds

    Finally, UN shuts down air service in Nigeria over lack of funds

    The United Nations has shut down a critical air service in Nigeria’s northeast over severe funding shortages.

    The U.N. Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), run by the WFP, ended its fixed-wing operations in the country last week after nearly a decade of flying aid workers and supplies into conflict zones.

    “In 2024, UNHAS fixed-wing flights carried more than 9,000 passengers. Already this year, 4,500 humanitarian staff have relied on the service to reach affected areas.

    “UNHAS cannot continue without funding: $5.4 million is needed to remain operational for the next six months. Without this funding, the humanitarian response in north-east Nigeria risks being cut off from the very people it is meant to serve.

    “For nine years, the service has transported humanitarian staff, medical supplies, and critical cargo to and from the epicentre of the crisis in Borno and Yobe states,” Dujarric told reporters. “In a country that has experienced 16 years of conflict, where road transport remains extremely dangerous, air transport is essential.”

    The shutdown comes as the World Food Programme faces dire financial shortfalls.

    In July, the agency warned it might be forced to suspend emergency food and nutrition aid for 1.3 million people in northeastern Nigeria.

    The closure, announced by U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in New York on Wednesday, showed the growing strain on relief efforts as donor funding declines.

    It noted that the shutdown threatens to deepen the country’s most protracted humanitarian emergencies.

    Margot van der Velden, WFP’s regional director for West and Central Africa, told reporters in New York that the agency urgently requires $5.4million to sustain food and nutrition operations in the region for just six months.

    Although the Nigerian government has provided significant support to relief efforts in the northeast, and is now the largest financier of the emergency response, the UN said international contributions remain crucial to sustaining operations at scale.

    “The humanitarian response in northeast Nigeria risks being cut off from the very people it is meant to serve,” Dujarric said, stressing that unless donors step in, critical aid pipelines will collapse.

    The UN warned that consequences could be devastating.

    “Without air links, humanitarian workers lose safe access to remote conflict-affected communities, where millions are already grappling with hunger, displacement, and violence.”

    It added that families may be forced into desperate choices such as enduring worsening hunger, migrating in unsafe conditions, or falling prey to extremist groups that continue to exploit vulnerabilities in the region.

    The U.N. appeal comes as humanitarian agencies worldwide confront shrinking donor budgets, driven by global economic pressures and competing crises from Gaza to Sudan to Ukraine.

    “For Nigeria’s northeast, where insurgency and instability have already displaced millions, the loss of a vital air bridge may further isolate vulnerable populations at a time when they can least afford it,” the statement added.

  • Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, UN sign joint communiqué towards locally led humanitarian response

    Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, UN sign joint communiqué towards locally led humanitarian response

    Abuja, 19 August 2025 – to mark World Humanitarian Day, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Honourable Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Malick Fall, today issued a joint communiqué calling for better protection of humanitarian workers and the civilians they serve as well as respect for international humanitarian law. The communiqué also advocated for additional resources to address alarming levels of food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria. Additionally, it highlighted the collective commitment by the Government of Nigeria and humanitarian partners to transition the aid operation to become more locally led using local resources, to the extent possible.

    Globally humanitarianism is under attack, said Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall. “Violations of international humanitarian law are widespread, and aid workers are increasingly targeted. Last year and this year have seen the highest number of aid worker casualties in decades. Attacks on health care and civilian facilities are now commonplace. This must stop.”

    Global solidarity is also at its lowest and humanitarian financing is collapsing. “We must therefore transform humanitarian operations to be more efficient, transparent, and accountable. In Nigeria, this means redefining our relationship with local actors, Government, and civil society to ensure they lead humanitarian efforts,” said Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall.

    In the joint communiqué, the Government of Nigeria committed to increase funding for humanitarian interventions. It will also promote linkages between humanitarian, development and peace efforts to ensure more durable, efficient and effective interventions.

    The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Sununu said that the Government had approved funds for emergency food and nutrition assistance to support vulnerable people. “We [also] recognise the critical role of partnerships in humanitarian response, and we call on stakeholders, including international partners, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and the private sector, to collaborate in the fight against poverty and humanitarian crises,” he said.

    On its part, the humanitarian community in Nigeria committed to fully support humanitarian response and action under the leadership of the Government and to ensure a transition from the direct delivery of humanitarian aid to an enabling role for local actors, preserving core functions such as humanitarian diplomacy, coordination, protection, and the upholding of humanitarian principles.

    Together, the Government and humanitarian partners committed to ensure a smooth transition to a locally led, implemented and resourced operation, with the Government of Nigeria ensuring that humanitarian partners are able to work in accordance with humanitarian principles in conflict affected areas.

    This year’s World Humanitarian Day theme, ‘Act for Humanity’, builds on the global campaign launched in 2024. Its core message is a reminder to protect those who save lives, uphold international humanitarian law, and secure funding for lifelines. In Nigeria, this message resonates with particular urgency due to declining international funding for humanitarian assistance amid increased insecurity for civilians and aid workers.

  • UN condemns deadly attack on worshippers

    UN condemns deadly attack on worshippers

    The UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, MONUSCO, has strongly condemned an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on civilians.

    MONUSCO, in a statement on Monday, said the attack occurred on Saturday and Sunday night.

    Elements of the ADF, an Islamic State-affiliated insurgent group that originated in neighbouring Uganda, carried out the attack in Komanda town, Irumu territory, Ituri province.

    At least 49 civilians were killed, including nine children. Several other people were injured and abducted, and shops and homes were set on fire.

    Most of the victims were reportedly worshippers killed with bladed weapons during a night vigil at a church.

    The incident comes after ADF attacks earlier in the month killed 82 civilians in Ituri and North Kivu provinces, which MONUSCO condemned on July 23.

    The group had committed grave human rights violations against civilians since its founding in 1995 and had been under UN sanctions since June 2014.

    MONUSCO expressed “deep outrage at these heinous acts of violence, which constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and infringements on human rights.”

    The peacekeeping mission also extended condolences to the bereaved families.

    It urged Congolese authorities to investigate the killings, and reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s call for all foreign armed groups to lay down their weapons unconditionally and return to their countries of origin.

    “These targeted attacks against defenceless civilians, particularly in places of worship, are not only appalling but also in violation of all human rights standards and international humanitarian law,” Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Protection and Operations and Acting Head of MONUSCO, said.

    She added that the Mission “will continue to work tirelessly alongside the Congolese authorities to protect the population in line with its mandate.”

    MONUSCO is supporting local authorities in their response by organising burials and providing medical care to the wounded.

    The peacekeeping mission is also intensifying security efforts in and around the city of Komanda.

    The Mission is committed to working with Congolese authorities and communities “to help prevent future attacks, protect civilians, reduce tensions, and contribute to the stabilisation of areas affected by armed violence.”

  • Clubs, nations underpaying women in sports, says UN rights chief

    Clubs, nations underpaying women in sports, says UN rights chief

    UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, has berated nations and clubs around the world for underpaying women in sports.

    Türk called on Member States and sports clubs to address the vast gender and stark pay gap which still exists in women’s sport.

    “The playing field is still far from level,” Türk said.

    “We need to build up a world of sports in which women and girls, in all their diversity, are equally valuable, visible and paid.”

    While professional male footballers earn, on average, 1.8 million dollars annually at the top clubs, women athletes at top clubs have an average income of 24,000 dollars.

    Similarly, the average woman athlete, not at top clubs, earns even less than that, rounding out to approximately 10,900 dollars per year.

    “Without a stable income, women are forced to take other jobs, leaving them with less time and energy to focus on training and improving,” Türk said.

    He stressed that the wage gap is made even more unsustainable by a lack of sufficient protection in the workplace.

    For instance, he said, there is minimal, if any, maternity leave.

    There are also few few places to​​ turn to for redress when harassment occurs.

    Women are also very underrepresented in leadership of professional clubs and federations.Of the 31 federations, women chaired only three.

    In spite of such sobering statistics, some federations have begun to institute changes, enshrining maternity and adoption leave and establishing pay equity agreements.

    Türk called on Member States to institute comprehensive anti-discrimination systems which promote pay equality and ensure that violence and harassment in sports is brought to justice.

    He also said that the media can and should be a “force for good” in portraying women’s success stories in sports and by ensuring that their coverage is accurate and ethical.

    “Sports can drive social change, and inspire and promote fairness, respect and equal opportunities for all.

    “Today let’s champion a sporting world where women and girls can thrive.”

  • Financial crisis: UN cuts spending, freezes hiring

    Financial crisis: UN cuts spending, freezes hiring

    The UN says it has been forced to cut spending, freeze hiring and scale back some services as the global organisation faces a worsening cash crisis.

    Member States on Monday, urged members to pay up, warning that the deepening financial crisis threatened the world body’s ability to carry out vital work.

    The General Assembly’s Fifth Committee met throughout Monday to discuss the multilateral organisation’s financial health.

    With a growing shortfall in contributions, member states owed $2.4 billion in unpaid regular budget dues and $2.7 billion in peacekeeping.

    Officials warned that the non-payment of contributions risked eroding the UN’s credibility and its capacity to fulfil mandates entrusted to it by member states.

    Switzerland’s delegate, speaking also on behalf of Liechtenstein, said “Each delay in payment, each hiring freeze, each cancelled service chips away at trust in our ability to deliver”.

    One proposed solution was to allow the UN to temporarily keep unspent funds at year’s end, instead of returning them to member states as credits.

    Currently, this return is mandatory, even if the funds arrive late in the year, giving the UN little time to spend them.

    The suggested change would be expected to act as a buffer to keep operations running, particularly in January when payments tend to lag.

    Delegates also backed limited use of “special commitments”, which is emergency funding tools, early in the year to bridge gaps caused by delayed contributions.

    While these fixes might help, several speakers, including delegates from Kazakhstan, Norway and the United Kingdom, emphasised that the root cause was the continued late or non-payment of dues.

    Norway noted that such temporary measures would not solve the underlying problem and urged member states to support bold financial reforms.

    The European Union stressed that the crisis was not abstract,  adding they were real operational risks and the burden could not fall solely on countries that paid on time.

    Singapore, speaking for the Southeast Asian group of nations, ASEAN, echoed concerns that the UN’s liquidity problems had become routine.

    It cited the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (ESCAP) need to shut its offices for three months and suspend travel and hiring.

    Particularly troubling to many delegates was the fact that one country, unnamed in the meeting but widely known to be the U.S. was responsible for over half of all unpaid dues.

    The U.S. under President Donald Trump, is reportedly withholding the funds due to the UN for political reasons.

    Russia called for more transparency in how the UN managed cash-saving measures, cautioning against actions taken without member states’ input.

    Catherine Pollard, the UN’s top management official, noted that since May 9, a handful of countries had paid in full across several budget categories, while the number of nations who had paid in full for the regular budget stood at 106 for the year.

    As of May 19, the UN records showed only 61 countries had met all their UN’s obligations in full.

    The message from member states on Monday clearly states that without broad, timely financial support, the UN’s ability to serve the world, especially in times of crisis, is at serious risk.

  • UN cash-strapped as U.S. owes $1.5bn dues, others $900m

    UN cash-strapped as U.S. owes $1.5bn dues, others $900m

    The UN says it is undergoing some dire financial strain amid growing global challenges, Secretary-General António Guterres has said.

    Guterres, while briefing Member States in New York on Monday about the state of the multilateral body, pushed for wide-ranging structural reforms to cut costs and enhance the world body’s effectiveness.

    According to information provided by the UN Controller to the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), only $1.8 billion had been received against the $3.5 billion regular budget assessments for 2025.

    This amounted to a shortfall of around 50 per cent.

    As of 30 April, unpaid assessments stood at $2.4 billion, with the United States owing about $1.5 billion, China ($597 million), Russia ($72 million), Saudi Arabia ($42 million), Mexico ($38 million), and Venezuela ($38 million).

    An additional $137 million was yet to be paid by other Member States.

    For the peacekeeping budget, which runs on a July-June cycle, including prior-period arrears, the unpaid amount totals $2.7 billion.

    For the International Tribunals, total contribution outstanding was $79 million as of April 30.

    “These are times of peril,” Guterres lamented, adding, “but they are also times of profound opportunity and obligation.

    The mission of the United Nations is more urgent than ever.”

    Guterres outlined wide-ranging efforts to revamp how the UN system operates, which included cutting costs, streamlining operations, and modernizing its approach to peace and security, development and human rights.

    He said the conclusions would be reflected in revised estimates for the 2026 budget in September 2025, with additional changes that require more detailed analysis presented in 2027.

    Guterres said the changes were expected to yield “meaningful reductions” in the overall budget, in which the departments for political and peacekeeping affairs could see a 20 per cent reduction in staff by eliminating duplication.

    He said this level of reduction could serve as a benchmark across the UN system while also considering unique factors for each department.

    Gutterres said, “There might be immediate, one-off costs involved in relocating staff and providing potential termination packages.

    ““But by moving posts from high-cost locations, we can reduce our commercial footprint in those cities and reduce our post and non-post costs.”

    He said departments at the UN’s headquarters in New York and Geneva had been asked to review whether some teams could be relocated to lower-cost duty stations, reduced or abolished.

    A preliminary review identified more than 3,600 unique mandates for the Secretariat alone. A full and more detailed analysis is now underway.

    Guterres emphasised that the sheer number of mandates, and the bureaucracy needed to implement them, placed a particular burden on smaller Member States with limited resources.

    “Based on this work, Member States may wish to consider the opportunity to conduct themselves a review of the mandates,” he added.

    Nearly 50 initial submissions had already been received from senior UN officials, reflecting what Guterres described as “a high level of ambition and creativity.”

    Key work areas had been identified for review, including peace and security, development, human rights, humanitarian, training and research and specialised agencies.

    Guterres also touched on the UN dire cashflow situation, stating that the initiative was not an answer to the months-long liquidity crisis but by being more cost effective, it should help limit the impact.

    “The liquidity crisis is caused by one simple fact – the arrears,” he said, adding that structural reform was not the answer to a fundamental failure by some member states to pay what they owed on time to meet running costs.

    The secretary-general told member states he would be consulting with them closely and regularly on the cash crisis and needed reforms, seeking guidance  and presenting concrete proposals for countries to act on.

    He said UN staff members and their representatives were being consulted and listened to, adding, “Our concern is to be humane and professional in dealing with any aspect of the required restructuring.”

    He concluded by highlighting that the UN80 Initiative was a “significant opportunity” to strengthen the UN system and deliver for those who depended on the global multilateral organization.

    Launched in March, the UN80 Initiative centred on three priorities: enhancing operational efficiency, assessing how mandates, or key tasks, from Member States are implemented, and exploring structural reforms across the UN system.

    He urged,“Let us seize this momentum with urgency and determination, and work together to build the strongest and most effective United Nations for today and tomorrow.”

  • UN, EU convene strategic meeting to support Nigeria

    UN, EU convene strategic meeting to support Nigeria


    Building on the global partnership approach between the United Nations and the European Union, the UN and the EU in Nigeria have convened a strategic partnership meeting to strengthen collaboration and improve efficiency and coordination in delivering on shared priorities in support of Nigeria.

    Convened by the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Gautier Mignot, and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, the meeting was attended by Ambassadors of the EU Member States in Nigeria and Heads of UN Agencies in the country.“In a fast-evolving world, where multilateralism is challenged, the EU-UN partnership is more relevant than ever. For Nigeria and many other countries in the world, this partnership is a strong and reliable source of financial and technical support, respectful of national sovereignty and oriented towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals.” Ambassador Mignot said.He assured that “Together with its Member States, as “Team Europe”, and in particular through the Global Gateway strategy, the EU Delegation in Nigeria will continue to work hand in hand with UN agencies to help create socio-economic opportunities, especially for the most vulnerable.”The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, noted that advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) required robust partnerships and strong institutions. “In this context, the strategic UN-EU partnership—both globally and in-country—has become even more vital for delivering on our shared priorities. As both institutions undergo transformations—the EU through its Global Gateway Strategy and Team Europe initiative, and the UN Development System through enhanced efficiency, impact, and coherence—this meeting provides a timely opportunity to deepen our collaboration.” He said.Fall observed, “In this challenging funding and political environment, we believe there is an opportunity—a necessary wake-up call for multilateralism and international solidarity.”The Resident Coordinator, therefore, assured that the “UN is committed to working alongside the Nigerian government and the EU to manage this transition and deliver on the promise of the UN reform agenda.”

  • UN rights commissioner condemns mosque attack in Niger

    UN rights commissioner condemns mosque attack in Niger

    UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Tuesday condemned the recent attack on a mosque in Kokorou village, western Niger.

    No fewer than 44 worshippers were killed and 20 injured in the attack on Friday.

    Assailants from the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) – an ISIL affiliate – had surrounded Fambita Mosque and randomly shot at worshippers, according to a statement from Niger’s defence ministry.

    They then reportedly set a market and several homes on fire.

    “The egregious attack on the Fambita Mosque – during Friday prayers in the last 10 days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan – was clearly intended to cause as many civilian casualties as possible,” Turk said.

    This is “in stark violation of international human rights law and humanitarian law,” he said.

    He said an impartial investigation should be instituted to bring those responsible to justice.

    The attack came in the context of a general deterioration in the security situation in the wider Sahel region.

    In recent years, the Sahel had seen a major uptick in violence.

    This followrd the expansion of armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL terrorist groups which took over territory in north Mali following the 2012 Tuareg rebellion there.

    Since then, the violence had spread into neighbouring countries, Niger and Burkina Faso, and more recently into some other coastal West African nations.

    UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed had characterised the Sahel as “ground zero” for one of the most brutal security crises in the world.

    Inspite of efforts by member states, terrorism-related deaths in the region had reportedly soared past 6,000 for three consecutive years, making up more than half of all global fatalities.

    Turk said the “calculated assault” on Fambita Mosque should be a wake-up call to all – including the international community – “as to the seriousness of the situation and the widening risks faced by civilians in Niger.”

    Governments in the region had continued to struggle with restoring security.

    This contributed to two military coups in Mali, two in Burkina Faso and one in Niger between 2020 and 2023.

    They all remain under military rule inspite of regional and international pressure to hold elections.

    The High Commissioner called on the Nigerien authorities to take meaningful steps to improve security for civilians.

    He also called on them to take effective measures to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

    Turk said it was essential that authorities involve the affected communities in efforts toward finding a durable solution to the ongoing human rights crisis in the country.

  • SAD! One woman, girl k!lled every 10 minutes worldwide – UN Women

    SAD! One woman, girl k!lled every 10 minutes worldwide – UN Women

    On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 25, the report Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate Partner/Family Member Femicides by UN Women and UNODC reveals that femicide—the most extreme form of violence against women and girls—remains pervasive in the world.

    Globally, 85,000 women and girls were killed intentionally in 2023. 60 per cent of these homicides -51,000- were committed by an intimate partner or other family member. 140 women and girls die every day at the hands of their partner or a close relative, which means one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes.

    In 2023, Africa recorded the highest rates of intimate partner and family-related femicide, followed by the Americas and then by Oceania. In Europe and the Americas, most women killed in the domestic sphere (64 per cent and 58 per cent, respectively) were victims of intimate partners, while elsewhere, family members were the primary perpetrators.

    “Violence against women and girls is not inevitable—it is preventable. We need robust legislation, improved data collection, greater government accountability, a zero-tolerance culture, and increased funding for women’s rights organizations and institutional bodies. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, it is time for world leaders to UNiTE and act with urgency, recommit, and channel the resources needed to end this crisis once and for all”, highlighted UN Women Executive Director, Sima Bahous.

    “The new femicide report highlights the urgent need for strong criminal justice systems that hold perpetrators accountable, while ensuring adequate support for survivors, including access to safe and transparent reporting mechanisms,” said Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC. “At the same time, we must confront and dismantle the gender biases, power imbalances, and harmful norms that perpetuate violence against women. As this year’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign begins, we must act now to protect women’s lives.”

    The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action in 2025, coupled with the fast-approaching five-year deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, presents a critical opportunity to rally all stakeholders to take decisive and urgent action for women’s rights and gender equality. This includes ending impunity and preventing all forms of violence against women and girls.

  • United Nations’SDGs requires a fundamental review- Ajero

    United Nations’SDGs requires a fundamental review- Ajero

    As the United Nations (UN) approaches the critical 2030 deadline for its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a renewed focus is emerging around the need to fine-tune the ambitious objectives to include the often-overlooked human dimension.

    In paper presented by Anthony Abanobi Ajero, titled: finetuning the sustainable development goals (SDGS) for holistic impact” argued that integrating human spiritual development and values is essential for the SDGs to achieve their intended impact.

    Launched in 2015, the 17 SDGs were designed to address a wide range of global challenges, from poverty and inequality to climate action and sustainable economic growth. While these goals emphasize various aspects of human and environmental health, Ajero pointed out that the framework lacks a core emphasis on human transformation—a critical factor for ensuring long-term sustainability.

    According to paper, “Humanity is the top disruptor of our planetary ecosystem. The SDGs must place humanity at the center of our quest for the ‘Future We Want,’ recognizing that our moral and spiritual development is vital for addressing ecological imbalances.” He emphasizes that without a focus on cultivating redemptive values, the SDGs risk remaining merely aspirational ideals.

    The current SDGs cover vital areas such as agriculture, gender equality, and clean water. However, the absence of a targeted approach to human values and ethics leaves a gap in the framework. Ajeron also argues that discussions around values are often sidelined in a secularizing world, leading to missed opportunities for transformative change. “Values drive action,” he asserts, highlighting the necessity of incorporating moral considerations into global development agendas.

    Religious organizations and community groups, which have historically played a role in promoting human values, are being called upon to collaborate with the UN. The paper suggests that these entities could help infuse moral energy into the SDG implementation process, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between human actions and planetary health.

    He recommended that the SDGs should explicitly include the cultivation of human moral ecology as a strategic focus, encouraging individuals to embody the values necessary for sustainable development.

    “The UN should partner with religious and non-religious organizations experienced in human formation to promote the values aligned with the SDGs, using their established trust within communities.

    “National governments should incorporate SDG-related curriculums in educational systems, empowering future generations to take ownership of their sustainable development.”

    “The four core values of the UN—Inclusion, Integrity, Humility, and Humanity—can serve as guiding principles for fostering global conversations on value-driven approaches to development”.