Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.
South Sudan: Conflict and hunger push millions to the brink
The situation is especially dire for returnees fleeing violence in Sudan, who now account for nearly half of those experiencing catastrophic hunger levels.
The influx of over 1.1 million displaced people into already fragile communities has overwhelmed resources and relief efforts, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP).
With the pre-harvest lean season underway, conditions are expected to deteriorate further. WFP is calling on donors to step up support to avert a deepening humanitarian catastrophe.
“This is among the worst levels of food insecurity that we have ever seen in the country since the independence,” Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Director in South Sudan, told journalists in New York via video link from the country.
“We are witnessing the devastating impact of the conflict in driving hunger. Communities have fled with just the clothes on their backs, and already meager livelihoods and seasonal coping strategies are abandoned.”
Years of volatility
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, but the world’s youngest nation has been plagued by conflict and instability ever since.
A civil war erupted in 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those aligned with his former deputy, Riek Machar. The war – marked by ethnic violence, mass atrocities and widespread humanitarian crisis – lasted until a fragile peace deal was signed in 2018.
There are fears of a relapse into the civil war following skyrocketing tensions between the South Sudanese leaders, including the reported house arrest of Mr. Machar at the end of last month.
Conflict and disease
The crisis extends beyond hunger with a cholera outbreak now underway in volatile Upper Nile state. In response, WFP has airlifted 35 metric tons of aid to affected areas, with additional stock awaiting transport once security conditions allow.
The agency also aims to deliver food assistance to more than 450,000 people in the region, focusing on those facing emergency (IPC4) and catastrophic levels (ICP5) of hunger, tracked by the UN-supported food security classification system known as the IPC.
However, active conflict is hampering aid efforts and food distributions have been paused in six counties due to active fighting and insecurity.
“[We and our] partners have the food ready to deliver and distribute once conditions allow,” it said.
Women at the crossroads
As conflict spreads and hunger deepens, women and girls are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Many have been forced to flee insecurity multiple times.
Recurrent, relentless climate shocks are also taking a particularly heavy toll, leaving them at risk of being coerced into sex work, trafficked or sexually assaulted as they venture far and often alone in search of food, water and work.
To respond to growing needs, UN agencies – such as reproductive health agency, UNFPA – are operating safe spaces to provide not only shelter but also counselling, skills training and vital information on gender-based violence prevention.
Funding cuts have meant at least two safe spaces are set to close by May, leaving thousands of women and girls without access to support.
“In the face of this crisis, every dollar matters, every intervention counts, and every life saved is a step toward peace,” said UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem.
UNFPA urgently needs $8.8 million to sustain lifesaving services but has received just a fraction of that amount.
Europol signs Working Arrangement with the Arab Republic of Egypt, first agreement with an African country
The Working Arrangement provides for a structured and enhanced exchange of information (non-personal data) on transnational, serious and organised crime. Following the signing of the Working Arrangement, Egypt’s Ministry of Interior will be able to deploy a liaison officer to join Europol’s liaison officer community at its headquarters in The Hague. The Working Arrangement does not provide a legal basis…
Ukraine: Joint press release following the 10th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council
Ukraine: Joint press release following the 10th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council
March proves deadly month for civilians in Ukraine
“The near daily barrage of long-range drones killed and injured scores of civilians across the country last month, and disrupted life for millions more,” said the head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), Danielle Bell, in the independent human rights team’s latest monthly update.
The mission was mandated by the UN human rights chief at the invitation of the Ukrainian Government in 2014, to help safeguard rights during the escalating conflict.
With at least 164 Ukrainians killed and 910 injured, March 2025 saw a 50 per cent spike in civilian casualties from the previous month. These numbers represent a 71 per cent increase in civilian casualties compared with March last year, says the latest HRMMU Protection of Civilians Report.
Russian attacks on cities such as Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Sumy, combined with multiple munitions strikes on Dobropillia, exacerbated the high number of casualties in March.
Kryvyi Rih, located around 65 kilometers from the frontline, was one of the places most heavily affected, suffering five waves of Russian attacks which killed at least six civilians and injured 66.
Civilian buildings in the city – home town of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – including two hotels and a restaurant, were amongst the sites hit.
Some 29 medical and 50 educational facilities were damaged by Russian armed forces during last month, while two medical centres and six educational facilities were totally destroyed.
“Hospitals enjoy special protection under international humanitarian law and should not be subjected to attack,” Ms. Bell said.
Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited under international humanitarian law, said UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, emphasising that parties to a conflict ought to differentiate military from civilian infrastructures.
Hostilities continue
UN Human Rights in Ukraine noted that deadly attacks by Russian armed forces continued into April. “It’s an unimaginable horror,” said Mr. Türk, referring to an April 4 attack where a ballistic missile detonated over a playground, killing 19 civilians, including nine children.
Another wave of attacks in Eastern Ukraine caused damage to residential buildings and injured scores of civilians on Wednesday. Aid workers are currently on the ground assessing the needs of the affected population.
“Ukrainians deserve to live a normal life, free from violence,” said UN aid coordination office, OCHA, in Ukraine.
Gaza: Guterres calls on Israel to ensure life-saving aid reaches civilians
Speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters, António Guterres also repeated his call for a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and the release of all hostages still being held inside the shattered enclave.
No food, fuel, medicine and commercial items have entered Gaza since 2 March following the Israeli blockade, and supplies are piling up at crossing points.
Meanwhile, the ceasefire announced in January following 15 months of war has collapsed, amid airstrikes, renewed ground operations and rocket launches into Israel by Palestinian militants.
‘An endless death loop’
“As aid has dried up, the floodgates of horror have re-opened,” Mr. Guterres said.
“Gaza is a killing field – and civilians are in an endless death loop.”
He noted that “certain truths are clear since the atrocious October 7 attacks by Hamas,” chiefly that ceasefires work.
The truce allowed for the release of hostages, as well as the distribution of lifesaving aid, and proved that the humanitarian community can deliver.
Shattered hope
He recalled that “for weeks, guns fell silent, obstacles were removed, looting ended – and we were able to deliver lifesaving supplies to virtually every part of the Gaza Strip,” which ended with the “shattering” of the deal.
“Hope sank for Palestinian families in Gaza and families of hostages in Israel – as I was reminded when I met again with hostage families yesterday,” he added.
For this reason, the Secretary-General has consistently been pushing for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and full humanitarian access to the territory.
“In times like this, we must be crystal clear,” he said, noting that with crossing points shut and aid blockaded, there is no effective security and the ability to deliver assistance has been strangled.
He also cited a joint statement by UN humanitarian chiefs, issued on Monday, which refuted assertions that there is enough food in Gaza to feed everyone there.
International obligations
“We must also be clear about the obligations,” Mr. Guterres continued, emphasizing the “unequivocal obligations” of Israel, as the occupying power, in line with international law.
He pointed to the Fourth Geneva Convention, which outlines the duty to ensure food and medical supplies for the population, as well as ensuring and maintaining medical and hospital establishments and services, public health and hygiene.
Additionally, medical personnel shall be allowed to carry out their duties.
“And Article 59, paragraph 1, of the Fourth Geneva Convention provides that ‘if the whole or part of the population of an occupied territory is inadequately supplied, the Occupying Power shall agree to relief schemes on behalf of the said population, and shall facilitate them by all means at its disposal,’” he quoted.
International humanitarian law also includes the obligation to respect humanitarian relief personnel, he added, paying tribute to the “humanitarian heroes” under fire in Gaza.
Against new ‘authorization mechanisms’
While UN agencies and partners stand ready and determined to deliver, “the Israeli authorities newly proposed ‘authorization mechanisms’ for aid delivery risk further controlling and callously limiting aid down to the last calorie and grain of flour,” the Secretary-General said.
“Let me be clear: We will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.”
Mr. Guterres said unimpeded humanitarian access must be guaranteed, and humanitarian personnel must be given protection, in line with international law.
He stressed that “the inviolability of United Nations premises and assets must be respected,” and again called for an independent investigation into the killing of humanitarians, including UN personnel.
Dead end ahead
The Secretary-General concluded the briefing by underlining the need to stick to core principles. He urged UN Member States to adhere to their obligations, adding that there must be justice and accountability when they do not.
“The world may be running out of words to describe the situation in Gaza, but we will never run away from the truth,” he said.
He warned that “the current path is a dead end – totally intolerable in the eyes of international law and history,” while the risk of the occupied West Bank transforming into another Gaza makes the situation even worse.
“It is time to end the dehumanization, protect civilians, release the hostages, ensure lifesaving aid, and renew the ceasefire,” he said.
Ukraine: Press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas after the EU-Ukraine Association Council
Ukraine: Press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas after the EU-Ukraine Association Council
World Health Day 2025: Scientology Network Promotes a Drug-Free World Through Education and Awareness
KINGNEWSWIRE / Press release / April 7, 2025 — In celebration of World Health Day, the Scientology Network aired an ambitious all-day television marathon to address one of the most ravaging public health crises of our time: drug abuse. The programming initiative, which ran throughout the day, was aimed at educating viewers about the threat of drugs and promoting prevention efforts through compelling documentaries, public service announcements (PSAs), and inspiring profiles of grassroots activists who are fighting and addiction in their communities.
The marathon “World Health Day Marathon to Shape a Drug-Free Future”, involved the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, the Scientologist-sponsored charity that has brought its evidence-based educational materials to almost 200 countries. As drug overdoses still take lives—especially young adults between the ages of 18–45 according to reports—the campaign emphasized the need for immediate action.(1)
A Crisis Demanding Attention
Based on recent statistics cited during the marathon, almost half of all American teens have tried illegal drugs by the time they finish high school. This risky behavior is largely responsible for the increasing rate of overdose deaths, which continue to be one of the most common causes of death for young adults.
Contributing to the problem are chemical street drugs and prescription medications that are being highly promoted by pharmaceutical companies, both of which are extremely dangerous to naive users.
The Truth About Drugs campaign—the cornerstone of the Foundation’s activities—works to counteract drug use myths by providing clear, factual information. In partnership with schools, community groups, and government agencies, the foundation supplies educators, parents, and activists with the materials to stop drug abuse progression before it starts.
Highlights of the Programming Lineup
The marathon included some major elements:
Voices for Humanity : A TV show that featured people who acted to stem society’s ills, including drug addiction. From teachers introducing drug education programs into classrooms to volunteers passing out informational brochures on street corners, these portraits recognized ordinary citizens who were doing extraordinary things. This included the Vice President of Foundation for Drug Free Europe Julie Delvaux, who has her own episode about the work she is doing in Belgium and who also organizes specialized conferences at the UNODC.
Public Service Announcements (PSAs) : Brief but powerful messages emphasized specific drugs such as marijuana, opioids, and synthetic drugs. The PSAs addressed not just the physical cost of addiction but also its wider social cost, including damaged relationships and missed opportunities.
Documentary Feature: “The Truth About Drugs” : Showcasing an uncompromising look at the realities of drug abuse, the documentary explored the science of addiction, personal tales of reformed addicts, and revelations concerning extensive marketing campaigns that normalize harmful behavior. It served as a wake-up call for those viewers who had no idea how widespread the problem was.
A Legacy of Social Betterment Founded upon Visionary Leadership
Established by writer and philanthropist L. Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology has been dedicated to solving the issues of society through its international Social Betterment programs for decades. These initiatives, comprising anti-drug abuse, anti-crime, anti-illiteracy, and anti-human rights abuse campaigns, demonstrate Hubbard’s aspiration to empower individuals and make communities more resilient. The Church has garnered dozens of awards and acknowledgments globally for its community service throughout the years.
These programs, especially the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, have been hailed by governments, NGOs, and civic groups for their effectiveness and continue to save lives through education and activism. Having reached millions of lives through these programs, the Church is undeterred in its commitment to continuing Hubbard’s legacy of compassion and service.
Reaching International Audiences
Since it debuted on March 12, 2018, the Scientology Network has been a platform for presenting a wide range of views and highlighting humanitarian endeavors in keeping with the Church’s mission. Seen in more than 240 nations and territories on six continents, the network airs to millions of households on DIRECTV, streaming platforms, and mobile apps. Its cutting-edge storytelling has garnered over 125 industry awards, attesting to its dedication to programming excellence. For this World Health Day observance, the network utilized its worldwide audience to share the message of prevention and recovery. Airing live from the Scientology Media Productions’ cutting-edge studios in Los Angeles, the marathon began at 8 a.m. ET and ran throughout the day for optimal viewing accessibility across the globe.
While the marathon constituted a day of focused activism, its purpose extends far beyond April 7. By empowering communities with information and materials, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World is striving to create lasting change—a world where fewer lives are devastated by addiction and more can thrive independent of dependency on illicit drugs.
Today, on this World Health Day, the Scientology Network demonstrated how life-altering that power is when applied to the greater good. To view the complete schedule or watch on-demand content from the marathon, go to Scientology.tv/schedule. World Health Day for this year is behind us, but the conversation sparked by the Scientology Network programming continues to reverberate. As communities around the world grapple with the devastating effects of drug abuse, campaigns like these remind us that hope lies in education, collaboration and unwavering determination to forge a healthier tomorrow for all.
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.
Ukraine crisis: ‘Even wars have rules,’ UN relief chief tells Security Council
Briefing the Security Council, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher called on the international community to step up support and do more to protect civilians under fire.
In recent weeks, continued Russian strikes on cities have seen civilian casualties rise – including children – and damaged critical infrastructure including healthcare facilities, apartments, schools and playgrounds.
Mr. Fletcher noted the strike on Friday in the densely populated city of Kryvyi Rih in the Dnipro region, in which at least nine children were killed, according to Ukrainian authorities.
“This brutal pattern of civilian death and destruction in populated areas must stop,” he said.
He said parties to the conflict must protect civilians and civilian infrastructure as required under international humanitarian law.
“Indiscriminate attacks on them are strictly prohibited: there must be limits to how war is waged.”
Tom Fletcher, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefs the Security Council.
Displacement and desperation
The war continues to drive mass displacement, with nearly 3.7 million Ukrainians uprooted from their homes inside the country, and a further seven million now living as refugees.
Civilian casualties and infrastructure damage has also been reported in the Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk regions of Russia. In addition, humanitarians are unable to reach an estimated 1.5 million civilians in Russian-occupied areas of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia.
“International humanitarian law demands that the parties facilitate the rapid, unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need, wherever they are,” Mr. Fletcher emphasised.
The impact on women has been particularly severe.
Critical aid programmes at risk
There has been a staggering 36 per cent increase in gender-based violence, alongside rising maternal health risks. Alarmingly, nearly half of all births in Ukraine since 2022 have been pre-term, a sign of the immense stress and hardship endured by expecting mothers.
Despite the soaring needs, the $2.6 billion UN-led humanitarian response plan in Ukraine has received only about 17 per cent of funds needed.
Mr. Fletcher warned that without additional financial support, critical aid programmes will be scaled back, leaving millions without food, healthcare or shelter.
In response to funding shortfalls, humanitarians are prioritising four key areas: supporting frontline communities, emergency response, facilitating evacuations, and assisting the displaced.
Mr. Fletcher stressed the need for increased financial support to ensure humanitarian operations can continue reaching those most in need.
“If you cannot stop the attacks on civilians – in Ukraine and elsewhere – at least give us the security we need and resources to save as many survivors as we can,” he urged.
A wide view of the UN Security Council chamber as members meet to discuss the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.
Ukraine ‘undermining’ US-Russia dialogue: Nebenzia
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said that Ukrainian media continue to portray his country as deliberately attempting to undermine peace efforts.
“It is clear that in these attempts, the goal is to undermine American-Russian dialogue and torpedo the potential agreements that the Kyiv regime will have to accept,” he said, adding that statements from Ukraine are “far removed from reality”.
He stated that Russia is ready for serious and practical dialogue, but “we will not allow anyone to deceive us”.
“We will not allow anyone to use this negotiating process in the interest of strengthening the regime’s military potential,” Ambassador Nebenzia said.
US committed to just and lasting peace: Shea
Speaking for the United States, Acting Representative Dorothy Shea, said that her country is committed to achieving a just and lasting peace.
She noted that in bilateral engagements with both Russia and Ukraine, the US has proposed a comprehensive ceasefire.
“To achieve the goal of peace, both Ukraine and Russia must fully implement the ceasefire commitments they have already made in Riyadh,” she added, noting that these initial steps, if fully implemented, will protect lives and improve livelihoods.
Even more importantly, she said, they could offer a basis for expanding a comprehensive ceasefire and negotiation towards a final, durable peace.
“We call on Russia and Ukraine to fulfill their commitments. The world is watching. We call on both sides to exercise restraint and demonstrate their commitment to peace is real.”
Russia must be held accountable: Ukraine
Khrystyna Hayovyshyn, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN, said that Russia must be held accountable for its invasive actions in her country.
“To end this war, it is necessary to put pressure on them – real pressure – without wasting time on empty talk,” she said.
“A resolute international response to Russian atrocities is crucial. Such terror must never become the norm,” she added.
Ms. Hayovyshyn further stated that Russia must respond to the US proposal for an immediate, interim 30-day full ceasefire – which her country has accepted – and end its war of aggression against Ukraine.
New EU rules to cut loss of plastic pellets into the environment
New rules have been agreed on that will help prevent the loss of plastic pellets – the industrial raw materials used to make plastic products – into the environment. They set new obligations at all stages of the plastic pellet supply chain, both on land and sea, and will help cut plastic pollution.
