Recognition of rights
He also welcomed a recent presidential decree recognizing the cultural and citizenship rights of Syria’s Kurdish population.
The independent investigators called for strict compliance with international humanitarian law and warned of alarming reports of killings, abuse and desecration of bodies.
“We are investigating alleged violations and abuses and will report on them in due course,” said Commissioner Monia Ammar.
Cold winter conditions, combined with limited access to basic services, risk being catastrophic for displaced families, particularly children, the Commission warned. He expressed serious concern about the situation of children detained in prisons and camps, including Al-Hol, where thousands of relatives of suspected former ISIL combatants are being held.
While highlighting some resumption of aid deliveries, Commissioner Fionnuala Ní Aoláin said assistance “must be increased” and urged authorities to allow the safe and dignified return of women and children, while calling on States to urgently repatriate their national children.
UN urges ‘true mutual ceasefire’ for 2026 Winter Olympics
The UN General Assembly has called on warring parties in conflicts around the world to agree to “true mutual ceasefires” during the 2026 Winter Olympics, reviving the ancient principle of the Olympic Truce.
Taking note of a solemn appeal for the 80th session, read by German Annalena Baerbock, who chairs the body, member states were urged to use the Games as a window for peace.
The “common ground” of humanity
“The Olympic Truce shows that, even in times of division, humanity can still find common ground through sport,” he said.
The call recalls the Greek tradition of the ekecheiria, or Olympic truce, which the Assembly has endorsed before each Summer and Winter Games.
The next Milano-Cortina Games will begin shortly, with the truce traditionally observed from seven days before the opening ceremony until seven days after the Paralympic Games conclude.
“The Games will bring together athletes from all over the world,” said Ms. Baerbock, “as a means to promote peace, mutual understanding and goodwill among nations.”
The International Olympic Committee will fly the UN flag at Olympic venues as a symbol of peace.
UNICEF steps up its winter response to protect children and families in the harsh cold of Ukraine
Ukraine is once again facing an extremely cold winter, with temperatures periodically dropping to -20 degrees Celsius or -4 Fahrenheit.
Bad weather, combined with widespread destruction of housing, power and heating, continues to make the winter months especially tough, especially for children.
Among them is three-year-old Dasha, who has spent the last nine days in an unheated apartment. Every night, her mother, Iryna, fills two five-liter plastic bottles with hot water and puts them in Dasha’s crib.
The challenges are compounded by rising poverty: among households with children, the rate has increased from 43 percent in 2021 to 65 percent in 2023.
More than 3 million displaced
Today, around 3.3 million people, including more than half a million children, remain displaced within Ukraine.
Last year, the United Nations children’s agency (UNICEF) winter response reached 2.3 million people, including 380,000 children.
In 2026, UNICEF appealed to raise $65 million to meet the needs of at least one million vulnerable people, including 170,000 children.
Drawing on lessons from past winter campaigns, UNICEF’s response this year will focus on providing cost-effective cash support to families and schools, and strengthening district heating systems to ensure long-term sustainable heat.