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World News in Brief: Casualties in Ukraine, Burkina Faso aid helicopter blast, Uganda urged to release opposition leaders

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United Nations News
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World News in Brief: Casualties in Ukraine, Burkina Faso aid helicopter blast, Uganda urged to release opposition leaders

The monthly total also marked a three-year high, topping June’s figure, with HRMMU verifying civilian deaths and injuries in 18 of Ukraine’s 24 regions.  

“For the second month in a row, the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine hits a new three-year high,” said Danielle Bell, Head of HRMMU.

“Only the first three months after the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine saw more killed and injured than in this past month,” she added.  

Rising toll 

Numbers for the first seven months of 2025 were 48 per cent higher than in the same period last year.

Long-range weapons, including missiles and suicide drones, accounted for nearly 40 per cent of casualties. On 31 July, Kyiv saw its deadliest attack since the start of the full-scale invasion, with 31 people killed, including five children, when a missile struck a residential building.

Short-range drones alone caused 24 per cent of casualties, reflecting a sharp rise since mid-2024, as documented in a bulletin published by HRMMU in June 2025.  

The steepest monthly increase came from aerial bombs, which killed 67 and injured 209 in July, compared with 114 casualties in June. Strikes hit a penal colony in Zaporizhzhia and an apartment building in Donetsk, killing at least 21 people in total.

“Whether you are in a hospital or a prison, at home or at work, close to or far away from the frontline, if you are in Ukraine today, you are at risk of getting killed or injured by the war,” Ms. Bell said. 

Burkina Faso: Blast hits near UN aid helicopter in Solle

A UN chartered helicopter delivering food aid to the town of Solle in northwest Burkina Faso was caught in an explosion shortly after landing on Tuesday, injuring two people.

The aircraft, chartered by the World Food Programme (WFP), had just unloaded humanitarian supplies when the blast occurred nearby. One crew member and a Government partner were hurt and are now receiving medical treatment.

The helicopter sustained only minor damage and was moved to safety, WFP said. Flights to Solle have been temporarily halted while authorities investigate the incident.

Critical operation

In conflict-affected areas of Burkina Faso, WFP’s humanitarian air operations are critical for delivering life-saving assistance to hard-to-reach communities most in need.  

WFP aims to assist 315,000 of the most vulnerable people during the lean season from June to August, when families have exhausted their food stocks.

In a statement, WFP reaffirmed the agency’s “unwavering commitment to support populations in need and to reach the most remote communities with humanitarian assistance.”

Rights office urges Uganda to release opposition leaders on bail

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Wednesday expressed serious concern at repeated denials of bail in Uganda for opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his associate Obeid Lutale.

Both individuals have been denied bail three times since they were abducted in neighbouring Kenya and returned to Uganda last November. 

In dismissing their latest request, the High Court found them ineligible for mandatory bail merely because they had been detained in civil prison for less than the 180 days required to qualify for release, a duration that did not account for their prior deprivation of liberty following their abduction and forced return.

“We urge the authorities to reconsider the decision and grant them bail, and to ensure that any legal proceedings against them are fully in line with international human rights law,” said OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell.

Human rights concerns  

The UN human rights office in Uganda closed its operations there in 2023 after the Government decided to end cooperation with OHCHR.  

At the time, High Commission Volker Türk expressed concern about the run-up to the 2026 elections, amid an increasingly hostile environment impacting human rights defenders, civil society actors and journalists.

Other UN human rights mechanisms also condemned laws criminalizing same sex relations and the call for the use of the death penalty for convicted offenders. 

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Malnutrition deaths mark ‘latest in the war on children’ in Gaza: UNRWA chief

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United Nations News
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Malnutrition deaths mark ‘latest in the war on children’ in Gaza: UNRWA chief

These young deaths are “the latest in the war on children and childhood in Gaza,” Philippe Lazzarini, head of UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA, said in a tweet on Wednesday.

The toll also includes some 40,000 boys and girls reported killed or injured due to bombardment and airstrikes, at least 17,000 unaccompanied and separated children, and one million deeply traumatised youngsters who are not getting an education. 

“Children are children,” he said.

 “No one should stay silent when children die, or are brutally deprived of a future, wherever these children are, including in Gaza.”

A sombre reunion

Thousands of sick children in Gaza need urgent medical evacuation, according to UN aid coordination office OCHA.

Olga Cherevko, a spokesperson for the agency, recalled the moment she recognized a young girl requiring treatment in a Gaza hospital after a year’s interval, once again suffering from malnourishment.

“I remembered her long eyelashes,” the veteran humanitarian told UN News, describing seven-year-old Janah, who she came across at Gaza City’s Patient Friendly Hospital on Tuesday.

“The first time I met her was in the IMC Field Hospital in southern Gaza in April 2024. Back then, she was severely malnourished and was getting treatment. And she gradually became better and was released eventually and went home.”

Seven-year-old Janah is treated at Gaza City’s Patient Friendly Hospital.

Evacuation saves lives

However, Janah was now back in hospital “because the malnutrition became aggravated and the condition that she has also is not properly diagnosed and cannot be properly diagnosed.” 

The girl is on a list of people to be medically evacuated for treatment outside Gaza.  The most recent evacuations took place last week when the World Health Organization (WHO) supported the transfer of 15 critically ill children to Jordan, but more than 14,800 people are still waiting.

Ms. Cherevko stressed the importance of ensuring that evacuations continue to save as many lives as possible.

More aid needed

She also pointed out that for children and adults with pre-existing conditions, their situation becomes worse with malnutrition.

“It wouldn’t be this way if they had proper nutrition, because these conditions existed before the starvation crisis and they weren’t getting as sick as they are now,” she said.

“This is why it’s imperative to make sure that we have proper conditions on the ground for adequate volumes of supplies to be entering – everything from food to medicine to nutrition to shelter,” she continued. 

“And these lifelines have to be really enabled for us to be able to deliver this aid to the people in need.” 

Dying from hunger

Her appeal comes as the Gaza health authorities reported on Wednesday that eight people, including three children, died due to malnutrition and starvation over the past 24 hours. 

“Such reports have become a daily occurrence, reflecting the deepening humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for sustained assistance,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York.

He said WHO also conducted a refresher training at the Rantissi Children’s Hospital in Gaza City on Wednesday, focusing on the inpatient management of malnutrition.

Rantissi is one of the five nutrition stabilization centres in the enclave and the course aimed to help staff members stay current with new information. 

“The recent surge in malnutrition cases among children has necessitated the establishment and scaling-up of these centres,” he explained.

Since January, more than 340 children have been admitted for malnutrition treatment. As of 5 August, 49 validated child deaths from malnutrition have been reported, with 39 among children under the age of five.

“There may very well be others who have died from the same causes that were not recorded” either by the Organization or by local health authorities, Mr. Dujarric said in response to a reporter’s question.

Trauma and mental health issues

In other developments, data collected by the UN and partners from over 900 households across Gaza in July indicated continuous trauma leading to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. 

Care staff also are traumatised, and partners working in the protection sector have started providing mental health and psychosocial support for their personnel.     

Meanwhile, UN efforts to bring aid into the Gaza Strip continue.

Teams collected food and fuel from the Kerem Shalom and Zikim border crossings on Tuesday and other missions are still ongoing.

Goods enter but cash is low 

Mr. Dujarric said the entry of goods has improved the market situation in terms of both prices and availability.

For example, a bag of sugar now averages 40 shekels, roughly $12, per bag, after peaking at about 600 shekels, equivalent to about $175.

“However, severe cash shortages are preventing families from being able to buy food, being able to buy water and being able to buy medicine,” he said.

Humanitarians have repeatedly stressed that the amount of aid and goods that can be brought into Gaza does not meet the minimum requirements of the population. 

They continue to call for a ceasefire and for aid flows to be scaled up. 

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EIT Governing Board Sharpens Strategic Vision with New KIC Model and Proposals to Strengthen EU Innovation Ecosystem

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Newsdesk
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EIT Governing Board Sharpens Strategic Vision with New KIC Model and Proposals to Strengthen EU Innovation Ecosystem

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Governing Board has released its updated vision outlining concrete steps to boost Europe’s competitiveness through innovation in the next EU long-term budget (Multiannual Financial Framework) running from 2028 to 2034.

At the heart of the EIT model is a unique ecosystem approach that brings together business, education, and research to power collaborative innovation across Europe.  A key highlight of the updated vision is the proposed Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) Model, which sets out seven principles for high-performing KICs, including streamlined governance and operations, stronger industry leadership, and financial sustainability from the outset.

With this updated vision, we reaffirm the EIT’s unique role in fostering collaboration in innovation across Europe. The new KIC Model is built on 15 years of experience, showing that focused, agile, and industry-engaged partnerships are key to delivering impact. We are ready to work with all partners to ensure that innovation drives Europe’s competitiveness and reaches every region

Stefan Dobrev, Chair of the EIT Governing Board

The EIT is the EU’s key instrument for putting the knowledge triangle – higher education, research and innovation, and business – into practice to turn ideas into innovation. The Governing Board proposes a set of reforms to strengthen the EIT’s role as a pan-European ecosystem facilitator and better guide innovators to the right EU support. It also proposes ways to improve how different EU innovation tools work together:

  • a common innovation framework connecting EU instruments from idea to scale-up;  
  • simplified and harmonised processes to ease access for innovators;  
  • stronger synergies in talent development, policy implementation and investment.

The updated Vision reaffirms the two strategic objectives at the core of the EIT’s future role: (1) closing the innovation gap across Europe – particularly in widening countries through initiatives like the EIT Regional Innovation Booster – and (2) closing the skills gap to deliver the talent needed for Europe’s competitiveness. 

The vision proposes to position the EIT AS a key enabler for key priorities of the European Commission such as the recently adopted Union of Skills and the Startup and Scaleup Strategy, and supports the Clean Industrial Deal through enhanced innovation and skills development.   

In response to areas with high future innovation potential, the EIT proposes security and resilience as well as AI and Robotics as two potential themes for future KICs, among others. This reflects the EU’s strategic priorities for security and technological leadership as described in the Competitiveness Compass.   

The vision reaffirms the EIT as a strategic partner to the European Innovation Council (EIC), leveraging its broad network to channel early-stage ventures into the innovation pipeline, extending the reach of EU tools into underrepresented regions, and equipping innovators with the skills and industrial connections needed for scaling.  

These proposals position the EIT – thanks to its unique mix of partnerships, expertise, and shared funding – as a key driver of EU competitiveness and a force for a more connected, inclusive, and results-focused European innovation landscape. Since 2008, the EIT has supported over 9,900 companies, powered the launch of more than 2,400 new products and services, and helped raise nearly €10 billion in external funding. Its education initiatives have trained over 1.3 million learners in innovation, entrepreneurship, and deep tech across Europe.   

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Voices for Humanity Sees Hope Spring from the Middle of the World with Catalina Maldonado

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Newsdesk
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KINGNEWSWIRE – Quito, Ecuador – 14 August 30, 2025 — Scientology Network’s Voices for Humanity continues its mission of spotlighting those who bring hope and change to their communities. This week’s episode shines a light on Catalina Maldonado of Quito, Ecuador, whose dedication to restoring integrity, virtue, and honesty is producing results that are impossible to ignore.

With Ecuador facing years of rising gang influence—once estimated at over 40,000 members—many feared that the country’s quality of life would continue to decline. Yet signs of progress are emerging. National homicide rates dropped by 16 percent in 2024 from their previous peak, and local leaders report even greater improvements where community-based initiatives take hold.

Catalina’s work is one of those initiatives. As president of The Way to Happiness Foundation Ecuador, she has led projects that have resulted in an 80 percent reduction in crime in the areas she serves. Her approach, inspired by the common-sense moral guide written by L. Ron Hubbard, has reached tens of thousands of Ecuadorians from all walks of life—students, civic leaders, and community members—empowering them with practical tools for better living.

“We are bringing about a new civilization for Ecuador,” Catalina says, her words echoing the determination seen in her nationwide campaigns.

Ecuador’s position as the “Middle of the World” is more than just a geographic fact—it reflects a country increasingly connected to the wider globe. Strong trade ties with Europe are helping to create jobs and strengthen the economy, while cultural and educational exchanges, such as direct university collaborations, are enriching the nation’s future. These international connections add momentum to the positive changes happening on the ground.

Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018, launched by David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. Since then, Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization and presenting its Social Betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by Independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network’s innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church’s global media center in Los Angeles, Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM and AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at http://www.scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

World News in Brief: Casualties in Ukraine, Burkina Faso Aid Helicopter Blast, Uganda invited to release the opposition leaders

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NewsdeskTET
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The monthly total also marked a three -year summit, exceeding the June figure, HRMMU verifying civil deaths and injuries in 18 of the 24 regions of Ukraine.

“For the second consecutive month, the number of civilian victims in Ukraine reached a new three -year summit,” said Danielle Bell, HRMMU head.

“Only the first three months after the Russian Federation launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine saw more killed and injured than last month,” she added.

Growing toll

The figures for the first seven months of 2025 were 48% higher than in the same period last year.

Long -range weapons, including missiles and suicide drones, represented almost 40% of victims. On July 31, Kyiv saw his deadliest attack since the start of the large -scale invasion, with 31 people killed, including five children, when a missile struck a residential building.

Short-range drones alone have made 24% of victims, reflecting a sharp increase since mid-201024, as documents in a bulletin Posted by HRMMU in June 2025.

The most steep monthly increase came from air bombs, which killed 67 and injured 209 in July, against 114 victims in June. The strikes struck a criminal colony in Zaporizhzhia and a building in Donetsk, killing at least 21 people in total.

“Whether you are in a hospital or a prison, at home or at work, near or far from the front line, if you are in Ukraine today, you risk being killed or injured by war,” said Bell.

Burkina Faso: Blast strikes near the UN helicopter in Solle

A chartered helicopter of the UN delivering food aid to the city of Solle in northwest Burkina Faso was taken in an explosion shortly after landing on Tuesday, injuring two people.

The plane, chartered by the World Food Program (Wfp), had just unloaded humanitarian supplies when the explosion occurred nearby. A crew member and a government partner have been injured and now receive medical treatment.

The helicopter has only undergone minor damage and has been moved safely, Wfp said. Flights to Solle were temporarily interrupted while the authorities investigate the incident.

Critical operation

In areas affected by Burkina Faso’s conflicts, PAM’s humanitarian air operations are essential for providing vital assistance to difficult communities in need.

PAM aims to help 315,000 of the most vulnerable people during the Lean season from June to August, when families have exhausted their food stocks.

In a statementWFP reaffirmed “the agency’s unwavering commitment to support populations in need and reach the most remote communities with humanitarian assistance”.

The Office of Rights urges Uganda to release the heads of opposition under deposit

The United Nations Human Rights Office (Ohchr) Wednesday, expressed a serious concern in the face of the repeated refusals of the surety in Uganda for the head of the opposition Kizza Besigye and his partner Obeid Latale.

The two individuals were denied the deposit three times since they were removed in neighboring Kenya and returned to Uganda last November.

By rejecting their last request, the High Court judged them inadmissible to a compulsory deposit simply because they had been detained in civil prison for less than 180 days necessary to qualify for liberation, a duration which did not take into account their deprivation of previous freedom after their abduction and their forced return.

“We urge the authorities to reconsider the decision and give them a deposit, and to guarantee that any legal proceedings against them is fully in accordance with international human rights law,” said Ohchr spokesperson Liz Throssell.

Human rights concerns

The United Nations Human Rights Office in Uganda closed its operations there in 2023 after the government decided to end cooperation with the OHCH.

At the time, the High Commissioner Volker Türk spoke concerned about the prospect of the 2026 elections, in the midst of an increasingly hostile environment having an impact on human rights defenders, civil society actors and journalists.

Other UN human rights mechanisms have also condemned laws for the criminal relations and the call for the use of the death penalty for convicted offenders.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

UN says Sri Lanka has ‘historic opportunity’ to end impunity, deliver justice

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United Nations News
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UN says Sri Lanka has ‘historic opportunity’ to end impunity, deliver justice

The 26-year conflict, from 1983 to 2009, pitted Government forces against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) – more commonly referred to as the Tamil Tigers – who sought an independent state for the island’s Tamil minority in the north and east.

The civil war claimed an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 lives, and thousands more were forcibly disappeared, their fates still unknown. Hundreds of thousands were also displaced from their homes.  

The final months were among the bloodiest, with tens of thousands of civilians killed in indiscriminate shelling, extrajudicial executions, and other violations of international law committed by both sides.

Turn pledges into results

In a new report issued on Wednesday, UN human rights chief Volker Türk said the Government’s pledges to deliver justice, restore the rule of law, and eliminate discrimination and divisive politics must finally yield concrete results.

“Today, an opportunity presents itself for Sri Lanka to break from the past,” he said. “It now needs a comprehensive roadmap to translate these commitments into results.”

The report follows Mr. Türk’s recent visit to Sri Lanka, where he met officials, civil society, victims’ groups, political parties and religious leaders, and travelled to Trincomalee, Jaffna and Kandy – among the worst-affected areas.

It calls for a clear acknowledgment of the violations, abuses and crimes committed – including during the civil war – and recognition of the State’s responsibility and that of its security forces personnel as well as non-state armed groups, including the LTTE.

“The pain and suffering of victims remains palpable and their demands for truth and justice must be addressed,” Mr. Türk stressed.

Call for sweeping reforms

The report recommends comprehensive security sector reform and broader constitutional, legal and institutional changes to meet international human rights obligations. It welcomes the planned creation of an independent Public Prosecutor’s office.

It also urges the establishment of a dedicated judicial mechanism, including an independent special counsel, to handle cases involving serious human rights violations and grave breaches of international humanitarian law.

Other recommendations include the release of military-held land in the north and east, repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and the release of long-term PTA detainees – some imprisoned for decades.

The report further calls for amendments or repeal of several restrictive laws, including those relating to data and online safety, NGOs, and civil and political rights.

International support

While the primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting crimes lies with the Government, the report calls for complementary international support.

It urges UN Member States to contribute to accountability and reconciliation efforts, leveraging OHCHR’s strengthened capacity to undertake related work.

“These measures are crucial to realizing the Government’s vision of ‘national unity’ and above all ensuring there can never be recurrence of past violations,” Mr. Türk said.

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The Security Council rejects the creation of a rival government in Sudan

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NewsdeskTET
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In a statement published on Wednesday, the members of the council declared The PAS posed “a direct threat to the territorial integrity of Sudan” And could fragment the country, feed the fighting and deepen an already disastrous humanitarian crisis.

The ambassadors reaffirmed “unshakable” support for sovereignty, independence and unity of SudanStressing that the unilateral actions that undermine these principles endangers not only the future of Sudan, but also peace and stability in the region in the broad sense.

The Council called on the RSF and Sudanese armed forces to take up talks aimed at reaching a sustainable ceasefire and to create the conditions for a political settlement involving all political and social groups.

The objective, according to them, is a credible and inclusive transition to a government led by civilians who can lead the country to the democratic elections and offer “a peaceful, stable and prosperous future” in accordance with the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

Flash points in Darfur and Kordofan

The declared declaration Resolution 2736 of the Council (2024)Who requires that the RSF lifts its headquarters from El Fasher, stops fighting and defuses tensions in and around the capital of Darfur du Nord.

Famine and extreme food insecurity are likely to spread in the city, which has been besieged since April 2024.

The members expressed the alarm in the face of the reports of an RSF offensive renewed this week in El Fasher and urged the group to allow “unhindered humanitarian access” to the city.

The Council has also expressed its serious concerns about the attacks reported in the Sudan Kordofan region in recent weeks, which would have been carried out by both parties, which caused a large number of civilian deaths. They also expressed a deep concern about the impact of the conflict on humanitarian operations.

Access requests

The members of the Council have pressed all parties to allow a safe and unhindered humanitarian access in accordance with international law, to protect civilians and to comply with their obligations under resolution 2736 and the Jeddah Declaration in 2023.

They stressed that the perpetrators of serious violations were to be held to count.
They have also urged all the Member States of the UN to avoid any external interference which feeds conflicts and instability, supports lasting peace efforts and comply with the relevant resolutions of international law and the Council, including resolution 2750.

Backing for the UN sent

The Council reiterated its commitment to supporting the people of Sudan in their quest for peace, security, stability and prosperity.

He also expressed his full support for the secretary general’s personal envoy, Ramtane LamamraAnd his work with the sides at war and civil society to obtain a lasting settlement through dialogue.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

The UN says that Sri Lanka has a “historic opportunity” to end impunity, do justice

By
NewsdeskTET
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0

The 26 -year -old conflict from 1983 to 2009, opposed government forces to the Tamoul Eelam (LTTE) separatist Liberation Tigers – more commonly known as the Tamil tigers – which has sought an independent state for the Tamilian minority of the island in the north and east.

The civil war has made around 80,000 to 100,000 lives and thousands of others have disappeared, their fate still unknown. Hundreds of thousands have also been moved from their homes.

The last months have been among the bloodiest, with tens of thousands of civilians killed in blind bombings, extrajudicial executions and other violations of international law committed by both parties.

Transform the promises of results

In a new report Posted Wednesday, UN Human Rights Head Volker Türk said Government’s commitments to do justice, restore the rule of law and eliminate discrimination and division policy must finally give concrete results.

“” Today, an opportunity arises for Sri Lanka to break the past,“He said. »»He now needs a full roadmap to translate these commitments into results.“”

The report follows recent visit In Sri Lanka, where he met civil servants, civil society, the groups of the victims, the political parties and the religious leaders, and went to Trincomalee, Jaffna and Kandy – among the most affected areas.

He calls for clear recognition of the violations, abuses and crimes committed – including during the civil war – and the recognition of the responsibility of the State and that of its staff of the security forces as well as of the non -state armed groups, including the LTTE.

“” The pain and suffering of the victims remain palpable and their requests for truth and justice must be processed,»M. Türk underlined.

Call for scanning reforms

The report recommends a complete reform of the security sector and broader constitutional, legal and institutional changes to comply with international human rights obligations. It hosts the planned creation of an independent public office.

He also urges the creation of a dedicated judicial mechanism, including an independent special lawyer, to manage cases involving serious violations of human rights and serious violations of international humanitarian law.

The other recommendations include the release of land held by soldiers in the north and east, the repeal of the law on terrorism prevention (PTA) and the release of long -term PTA prisoners – some have imprisoned for decades.

The report also calls for the changes or the repeal of several restrictive laws, in particular those relating to data and online security, NGOs and civil and political rights.

International support

Although the main responsibility to investigate and pursue crimes is the government, the report calls for additional international support.

He urges the UN member states to contribute to efforts of responsibility and reconciliation, taking advantage of OhchrThe ability to undertake related work is reinforced.

“” These measures are crucial to carry out the government’s vision of “national unity” and above all ensure that there can never be a recurrence of past violations,“Said Mr. Türk.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

World News in Brief: Casualties in Ukraine, Burkina Faso aid helicopter blast, Uganda urged to release opposition leaders

By
United Nations News
-
0
World News in Brief: Casualties in Ukraine, Burkina Faso aid helicopter blast, Uganda urged to release opposition leaders

The monthly total also marked a three-year high, topping June’s figure, with HRMMU verifying civilian deaths and injuries in 18 of Ukraine’s 24 regions.  

“For the second month in a row, the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine hits a new three-year high,” said Danielle Bell, Head of HRMMU.

“Only the first three months after the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine saw more killed and injured than in this past month,” she added.  

Rising toll 

Numbers for the first seven months of 2025 were 48 per cent higher than in the same period last year.

Long-range weapons, including missiles and suicide drones, accounted for nearly 40 per cent of casualties. On 31 July, Kyiv saw its deadliest attack since the start of the full-scale invasion, with 31 people killed, including five children, when a missile struck a residential building.

Short-range drones alone caused 24 per cent of casualties, reflecting a sharp rise since mid-2024, as documented in a bulletin published by HRMMU in June 2025.  

The steepest monthly increase came from aerial bombs, which killed 67 and injured 209 in July, compared with 114 casualties in June. Strikes hit a penal colony in Zaporizhzhia and an apartment building in Donetsk, killing at least 21 people in total.

“Whether you are in a hospital or a prison, at home or at work, close to or far away from the frontline, if you are in Ukraine today, you are at risk of getting killed or injured by the war,” Ms. Bell said. 

Burkina Faso: Blast hits near UN aid helicopter in Solle

A UN chartered helicopter delivering food aid to the town of Solle in northwest Burkina Faso was caught in an explosion shortly after landing on Tuesday, injuring two people.

The aircraft, chartered by the World Food Programme (WFP), had just unloaded humanitarian supplies when the blast occurred nearby. One crew member and a Government partner were hurt and are now receiving medical treatment.

The helicopter sustained only minor damage and was moved to safety, WFP said. Flights to Solle have been temporarily halted while authorities investigate the incident.

Critical operation

In conflict-affected areas of Burkina Faso, WFP’s humanitarian air operations are critical for delivering life-saving assistance to hard-to-reach communities most in need.  

WFP aims to assist 315,000 of the most vulnerable people during the lean season from June to August, when families have exhausted their food stocks.

In a statement, WFP reaffirmed the agency’s “unwavering commitment to support populations in need and to reach the most remote communities with humanitarian assistance.”

Rights office urges Uganda to release opposition leaders on bail

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Wednesday expressed serious concern at repeated denials of bail in Uganda for opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his associate Obeid Lutale.

Both individuals have been denied bail three times since they were abducted in neighbouring Kenya and returned to Uganda last November. 

In dismissing their latest request, the High Court found them ineligible for mandatory bail merely because they had been detained in civil prison for less than the 180 days required to qualify for release, a duration that did not account for their prior deprivation of liberty following their abduction and forced return.

“We urge the authorities to reconsider the decision and grant them bail, and to ensure that any legal proceedings against them are fully in line with international human rights law,” said OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell.

Human rights concerns  

The UN human rights office in Uganda closed its operations there in 2023 after the Government decided to end cooperation with OHCHR.  

At the time, High Commission Volker Türk expressed concern about the run-up to the 2026 elections, amid an increasingly hostile environment impacting human rights defenders, civil society actors and journalists.

Other UN human rights mechanisms also condemned laws criminalizing same sex relations and the call for the use of the death penalty for convicted offenders. 

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Statement of the Co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing: 13 August 2025

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Newsdesk
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Statement of the Co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing: 13 August 2025

President Macron, Prime Minister Starmer and Chancellor Merz co-chaired a virtual meeting of a grouping of ‘Coalition of the Willing’ Leaders, with the participation of President Zelenskyy and Vice-President Vance, ahead of President Trump’s meeting with President Putin in Alaska.

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