For thousands of women, the cycle of gender-based violence ended with one final and brutal act—their murder by partners and family members. There is #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls. The crisis of gender-based violence is urgent. 

The 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to revitalize commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers, as the world approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025 – a visionary blueprint for achieving gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights everywhere.

Amid ongoing violence and displacement in Port-au-Prince, communities in sites like Virginie sans Peur and Parc 10 demonstrate remarkable resilience, rebuilding their lives through mutual support and solidarity.

The Sustainable Development Goals commit the global community to end all forms of violence against children. The futures of one billion boys and girls hang in the balance. 

There is opportunity, and necessity, to accelerate; to deliver a transformative shift on child protection. The first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children represents an historic moment; to re-imagine a world where all children are safe in their homes, schools, communities and online and make commitments commensurate with the global child protection challenge.

At UN Headquarters in New York, Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix discusses issues related to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and continued attacks against UN troops stationed along the so-called 'Blue Line.' The interview is conducted by the UN's Director of News & Media, Ian Phillips.

Ahlam Salha has been displaced 5 times in #gaza, but her one year old daughter gives her strength. Hear the story of our colleague, an IT specialist from UNDP Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People.

To effectively address the rising violence against women and girls in conflict zones, the international community must prioritize their representation, rights, and support in peace and security initiatives.

Sahar, a 19-year-old Afghan woman, overcame abuse and homelessness after returning from Iran, determined to support her brothers and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.

In 2024, the United Nations celebrates the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Today’s commemoration at UN Headquarters in New York is an opportunity to review progress, challenges, and mobilize support for efforts to end conflict-related sexual violence and to build consensus for an ambitious way forward. The event serves as a platform for survivors and activists working on the frontlines to speak out, and for the international community to respond to their plight.

Over the past year, UN officials have condemned Hamas's attacks, called for the immediate release of all hostages, and urged ceasefires, as Gaza remains sealed off with no safe areas for civilians; the UN is committed to delivering aid to the people of Gaza.

Thuraya (85), Kholoud (28), and Leen (14) reflect the profound pain and resilience of women in Gaza, shaped by displacement and conflict across generations, highlighting their strength amid ongoing suffering.

The ongoing airstrikes in Lebanon have forced tens of thousands of individuals to flee from the southern regions, including the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Bekaa Valley, seeking safety in areas like Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and the North. 

As many continue to search for housing and shelter, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is actively responding to the crisis, focusing on the needs of both affected Lebanese communities and refugees. Key priorities include providing safe shelter, core relief items, healthcare, cash assistance, and protection services to ensure the well-being of those impacted by the violence.

Amid global challenges such as conflict, inequality, climate turmoil, and growing hate, the recent UN Summit of the Future laid the groundwork for renewed multilateralism to promote peace in a changing world. On this International Day of Non-Violence (2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi), Secretary-General António Guterres calls upon member states to act on their commitments and tackle the root causes of conflict.

Many have heard of Cartagena, Colombia, renowned for its vibrant walled city, festive environment and its Palenqueras, colourfully dressed female fruit vendors carrying a bucket of produce on their heads. But Cartagena is only the tip of the much bigger Colombian state, or “department”, of Bolívar. Scattered throughout the territory about two hours south of Cartagena are small towns that border a network of marshlands. This intricate ecosystem of waterways and wetlands plays a vital role in the environment but has also served as a treacherous battleground during Colombia’s long-standing armed conflict.

WFP leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Palestine and Sudan – three of our biggest emergencies – call for the guns to fall silent.

Achieving global nuclear disarmament is the highest disarmament priority of the United Nations. The General Assembly declared the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons in 2013, in its resolution 68/32 as a follow-up to the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on nuclear disarmament. The Day provides an occasion for the world community to reaffirm its commitment to global nuclear disarmament. On 26 September, the General Assembly will hold a high-level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.