It is according to the World Health Organization (WHO)) Last report On the use of tobacco published Monday which analyzes the tendencies of smoking from 2010 to 2024 and concludes that the epidemic is far from over.

The use of tobacco rose from 26.2% in 2010 to 19.5% last year – and the United Nations health agency predicts that the figures will continue to decrease.

Chef Tedros Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has recognized the progress made, but has issued a warning on new industry products designed to keep consumers hanging.

“Millions of people stop or do not take tobacco thanks to the efforts to fight tobacco by countries around the world,” he said.

“In response to this strong progress, The tobacco industry is fighting with new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people. Governments must act faster and stronger in the implementation of proven tobacco control policies. “”

Adolescents and electronic cigarettes

The report includes the first global estimate of using electronic cigarettes for adults and young people.

The figures are alarming: more than 100 million people worldwide now, including 86 million adults and at least 15 million adolescents aged 13 to 15.

The prevalence of using electronic cigarettes in adolescents is on average Nine times that of adultsby country. Who calls on governments to fill these shortcomings which allow the industry to target the next generation and regulate electronic cigarettes and other nicotine products.

“” Electronic cigarettes fuel a new wave of nicotine dependence“Said Etienne Krug, Director of the Department of Social Health Demants.” They are marketed as a reduction in misdeeds, but, in reality, hang children to nicotine earlier and risk undergoing decades of progress. »»

In total, 10% of adolescents worldwide have declared to use one or more types of tobacco products.

Trends vary between the sexes, the regions

In Southeast Asia, once the largest regional hotspot in the world, tobacco consumption among men has almost halved-from 70% in 2000 to 37% last year. This region alone represents more than half of the world decline.

In 2024, Europeans represented the greatest number of smokers, followed by the Western Pacific, while the lowest prevalence of tobacco consumption was in Africa.

The projections until 2030 provide for a drop in tobacco use worldwide, but governments must do their share to intensify tobacco control, which advises.

“Almost 20% of adults still use tobacco and nicotine products. We cannot let it go now“Said Jeremy Farrar, who Deputy Managing Director for Health Promotion.

“The atrocities perpetrated in Gaza and [occupied] West Bank, Ukraine, Sudan or Myanmar Proof of the deliberate abandonment of standards in the name of violent power, carried out with total impunity by states and non -state entities“Said Filippo Grandi.

“People have killed by queuing to receive food. Civilians massacred in camps where they fled for safety. Hospitals and schools have destroyed. A record number of humanitarian workers killed. “

Addressing the agency’s annual executive meeting in Geneva for the last time before resigning in December, Mr. Granddi said that his fundamental mission remained as relevant today as when it was compulsory 75 years ago: providing refuge to those who flee the danger and find solutions to their fate.

122 million uprooted people

And in the context of 122 million people displaced today by war and persecution – almost double the number a decade ago – THE Hcr The chief underlined the unsuccessful efforts of governments to prevent an influx of asylum seekers, which had in turn led to growing calls to reform “or even eliminate” 1951 refugee convention.

The international agreement obliges countries to ensure protection for anyone fleeing war, violence, discrimination and persecution; Those who do not meet these criteria “can be returned to their country … or [to] A third country-in a worthy way, “he noted.

However, “I am worried that the current debate-in Europe, for example-and certain current deportation practices such as in the United States, are part of real challenges in the ways that do not comply with international law,” continued Mr. Grande. “The UNHCR is there to advise you and support you so that all the measures you choose remain legal.”

Violence

The senior United Nations officials insisted that the parties to conflicts believe that war and blind violence are “justifiable, as long as military means are affected – and the standards are damned”.

“No human cost is too high, no image of death or destruction too shocking,” continued Mr. Grande. “” That there is no error: the daily repetition of atrocities is intended to numb our conscience. To make us feel helpless. “”

Funding crisis

With regard to the “incredibly harmful” impact of reducing humanitarian work financing worldwide in the face of acceleration of humanitarian emergencies, the UNHCR chief called for the objective of moving towards a more inclusive and lasting response.

“Inclusion does not work if policies in the host countries isolate refugees or cut them off opportunities,” insisted Mr. Grande. “Instead, by opening access to services and jobs, raising restrictions on freedom of movement, investing in the potential of refugees, the host countries generate economic and social dividends, both for themselves and for refugees.”

Mr. Grandi, an Italian national, is the 11th United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He was elected by the United Nations General Assembly and took office in early 2016. His mandate ends on December 31.

The UNHCR was created in 1950 and received the Nobel Peace Prize for its humanitarian work – in 1954 and 1981 twice.

The members met for their open annual debate on the women’s, peace and security agenda just before the 25th anniversary of the Council Monument Resolution 1325 (2000) On the question.

As secretary general noteresolution “gave voice to a simple truth: women’s leadership is at the heart of just and lasting peace», In addition to inspiring countless other resolutions, reports and round tables.

World fails

“But let’s talk frankly,” he said. “Too often, we meet in pieces like this-full of conviction and commitment- Only not to fail when it comes to real changes in the life of women and girls taken in conflict. “”

In a recent report, Mr. Guterres underlined the progress made during the last quarter of a century, which includes more than 100 countries adopting national action plans on women, peace and security.

“But the gains are fragile and-very disturbing-upside down,” he warned.

“All over the world, we see Disturbing trends in military spending, more armed conflicts and more shocking brutality against women and girls. “”

Conflict, sexual violence and harassment

Last year, some 676 million women worldwide lived less than 50 kilometers from deadly conflict events-the highest number in decades, he said.

Sexual violence has also increased, with a 35% increase in incidents against girls. In some places, they have represented almost half of all the victims.

Mr. Guterres stressed how women in public life such as politicians, journalists and human rights defenders are targeted with violence and harassment, before turning to the situation in Afghanistan where “the systematic erasure of women and girls in public life is over -off”.

In addition, women and girls in the occupied Palestinian territory, Sudan, Haiti, Myanmar and beyond, face serious risks and horrible levels of violence.

“And while women’s organizations remain rescue lines for millions in crisis, they are hungry for resources,” he added, citing a recent survey by United Nationswho defends gender equality in the world.

He revealed that 90% of local groups led by women in conflict circles are in disastrous financial straits, with Almost half expected to stop within six months.

Support female organizations

The Secretary General urged UN member states to accelerate commitments to women, peace and security, in accordance with Pact for the future adopted last year. He described the areas of action, in particular by accelerating the financing of women’s organizations in the countries affected by conflict.

He also underlined the need for greater participation of women who “must be at the table – Not like tokens, but as equal partners“, As well as the responsibility of the authors of violence based on sex, including sexual violence linked to conflicts.

Refocus, recommendation and deliver

Sima Bahous, executive director of the United Nations Women, was categorical that the 25th anniversary of resolution 1325 “must be more than commemoration”.

“Women and girls who live in the middle of the conflict deserve more than commemoration,” she said. “Rather, it must be a moment to refocus, recruit and ensure that the next 25 years offer much more than the previous one.”

He noted that the meeting took place in the context of the war in Gaza, where “a glimmer of hope emerges”, and she praised the positive responses to the plan of the American president Donald Trump to end the fighting.

In the next 25 years for the agenda of women, peace and security, Ms. Bahous told the council that it was crucial to have more affected funding, robust quotas and more responsibility “which make the failures visible”.