United Nations Police Officer Wafaa builds trust and enduring partnerships in Bentiu
BENTIU – Despite the searing heat, rising floodwaters, and insecurity that plagues residents in Bentiu, United Nations Police Officer, Wafaa Assri Sameeh Al-Goussous, remains serene. Whether on patrol, mentoring national police officers, or engaging with communities, her calm approach helps strengthen trust between law enforcement and civilians. With 13 years of experience as a police officer in Jordan, Wafaa’s career has spanned a wide range of…
Press statements
On International Women’s Day, UN urges Somali authorities to remove legal barriers causing gender gaps
The theme for this year’s observance of International Women’s Day is ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.
From refugee to role model: Elizabeth’s inspirational journey of resilience
UNITY – In her 38 years, Elizabeth Nyayan Gatwech Pur has lived many lives. First as a refugee, fleeing the war in South Sudan. Then as a teen mother. Next was a job as a humanitarian. And today as a Protection, Transition and Reintegration Officer serving with the United Nations peacekeeping mission. Elizabeth exemplifies the resilience and leadership that women and girls across South Sudan aspire to. Born in Akobo County, Elizabeth’s childhood…
Women in Afghanistan nearly four times less likely than men to have access to Formal Justice Mechanisms, UN findings
KABUL – Women in Afghanistan are nearly four times less likely than men to have access to formal justice mechanisms, according to new findings released by the United Nations in Afghanistan on International Women’s Day, highlighting a widening justice gap that is leaving many women without safe avenues to assert their rights, seek protection or challenge abuse. The findings underscore how many Afghan women have been left without safe or effective…
Statement by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen on International Women’s Day, 2026
On International Women’s Day, we recognize the determination, leadership, and vision of Yemeni women who contribute to shaping their country’s future despite the immense challenges they are facing amid years of conflict. This year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” reminds us that gender equality presupposes that women’s rights are protected, their voices heard, and their contributions reflected in decisions. Across Yemen…
Special Coordinator
Press Releases and Statements
Statement of UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert
Last week, Lebanon was in relatively good shape. Its armed forces were supporting the steady advancement of state authority. Preparations for legislative elections were in full swing. Long-awaited reform was underway. A World Bank loan was poised to kick-start reconstruction. And, warming relations between Lebanon and Syria were opening new areas for bilateral cooperation. Of course, things were not perfect. Far from it. Persistent air strikes…
This Week in DPPA
This Week in DPPA: 28 February - 6 March 2026
A brief roundup of United Nations-related political and peacebuilding events and developments globally. Secretary-General calls for immediate de-escalation in the Middle East On 28 February, Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, warning that military action carries a grave threat to international peace and security. The Secretary-General condemned the massive military strikes by the…
International Women's Day 01
Women, Peace and Security (WPS) 01
Message from SRSG Miroslav Jenča on International Women's Day 2026
Message from SRSG Miroslav Jenča on International Women's Day 2026
Good Offices
Crisis
UN Special Coordinator Leverages Good Offices for De-Escalation in Lebanon
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, undertook intensive diplomatic engagements following the launch of rockets from Lebanese territory in the early hours of Monday morning. The resumption of hostilities has entailed extensive strikes by Israel in southern Lebanon, the Biqa’ and Beirut’s southern suburbs, as well as consistent drone and rocket attacks by Hizbullah on northern Israel. She continues to…
Speech of the SRSG – Commemoration of International Women’s Day
I thank you for this invitation and for the opportunity to celebrate together International Women’s Day. Madam Minister, I welcome the close collaboration between the United Nations and your Ministry. I commend the important initiatives recently undertaken to promote women’s political participation and to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda. These initiatives reflect a strong national commitment to promoting women’s rights and…
Forty young men and women in Aweil have been given a chance to benefit from a three-month-long vocational training offered by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Entrepreneurship and small-scale business management is…
As part of UNMIK’s COVID-19 relief programme providing assistance to communities across Kosovo, the Mission donated 200 boxes containing fabrics and sewing supplies to four women-led NGOs, including: Community Development…
As part of UNMIK’s COVID-relief programme providing assistance to communities across Kosovo, the Mission donated 200 boxes containing fabrics and sewing supplies to four women-led NGOs, including: Community Development…
“We are going to protect our staff so that they can better protect the Central African Republic and its most vulnerable population,” declared the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UN Humanitarian…
“We are going to protect our staff so that they can better protect the Central African Republic and its most vulnerable population,” declared the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UN Humanitarian…
UNMISS engineering troops are rehabilitating roads across the country, also in Jonglei State. Photos: Gideon Sackitey/UNMISS A much-improved road from Bor to the capital Juba is great, but to make the most it, feeder roads…
A much-improved road from Bor to the capital Juba is great, but to make the most it, feeder roads must also be in decent condition. Engineering peacekeepers from South Korea are working on making that happen. “This is a great…
The first roundtable discussion on peaceful coexistence organized by UNMISS between communities living in Kapoeta took place recently in Eastern Equatoria. Photo by Moses Yakudu/UNMISS. “As citizens of Eastern Equatoria, we…
Mogadishu – The African Union (AU), Canada, Denmark, European Union (EU), Finland, France, Germany, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United…
UNFICYP held a flag-raising ceremony for Finland this morning, an event that was dedicated to pay tribute to the country’s dedication and commitment to furthering the cause of peace in Cyprus. The Finnish Ambassador Harri…
UNFICYP held a flag-raising ceremony for Finland this morning, an event that was dedicated to pay tribute to the country’s dedication and commitment to furthering the cause of peace in Cyprus. The Finnish Ambassador Harri…
“As citizens of Eastern Equatoria, we must leave our differences behind and embrace a unified identity because we are now one state,” said Davidika Ikai, a women’s leader from Torit. Ms. Ikai was speaking at a roundtable…