Despite progress, millions of children lack birth certificates, but inclusive universal digital registration systems could bridge the gap and uphold their rights.
Scams are spreading rapidly with technology, leaving victims in ruin and driving a brutal underworld of trafficking and exploitation. Tackling this crisis requires exposing the criminal networks behind the lies and dismantling their operations.
As we mark the 2025 Nelson Mandela International Day, we re-wind and re-play an archive by Ben Malor looking back at the struggle against apartheid and the campaign for Mandela's release in which the United Nations played an important role — archive special programme for the first commemorative Mandela Day in 2010. Photo:© UN Photo/Greg Kinch
Less buckets, more blankets: For years, Khawar lived in constant fear of the roof collapsing on her sleeping grandchildren. Widowed in 2015, the 66-year-old grandmother now supports a family of 12 – including her daughter, who struggles with mental illness, and her unemployed son. In Kabul’s crowded Dasht-e Barchi settlement, their shelter, like thousands of others in the settlement, had never been built to withstand the elements. Khawar and her family struggled through many a winters' leaks, sickness, and the haunting possibility of collapse. But she clung to a single wish: a safe home. Today, thanks to with support from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, that wish has finally come true marking not just the rebuilding of a fragile shelter, but the restoration of dignity and hope for a . Photo: Khawar (right) and Alina (left) sit inside their rehabilitated shelter in Dasht-e Barchi, Kabul, Afghanistan.
The comic strip from ,&²Ô²ú²õ±è;‘,’ tells the story of Elizabeth and her struggle due to her insecure migration status and the power of solidarity. Illustrated by Magda CastrÃa – Argentinian artist, feminist and activist – the comic is a reminder of how everyone can be part of demanding fairer systems and rules around migration. Elizabeth's community wanted to help her and others like her and demanded a fair migration system where everyone has a chance to live safely and securely.
This World Population Day, stand with to ensure every woman and girl has the freedom to speak, choose, and control her own body.
Nelson Mandela’s life showed how one person can turn oppression into unity and justice. His legacy compels us to renew our global commitment to peace, dignity, and equality. This year’s theme highlights that ending poverty and inequality is still in our hands. Mandela believed in grassroots action and the power of communities to drive change. His life continues to inspire the UN as it marks its 80th anniversary. On Mandela Day, we ask people around the world to take action and make a difference in their communities. Let us honour his commitment to freedom, justice, and human rights today and always.
The Smurfs, alongside the UN’s ActNow campaign and , are inspiring children worldwide to speak up for fairness, empowerment, and a more inclusive future, with support from global stars like Rihanna and Hannah Waddingham.
On the, 17 May, communities empower us to stand together against hate and create a future where everyone can thrive, no matter who they are or whom they love.
Livia Sant’Anna Vaz, a Brazilian prosecutor of African descent, likens Brazil's prisons to the slave quarters of colonial times, highlighting the ongoing dehumanization of Black individuals within a predominantly white judicial system. According to systemic racism remains embedded in countries across the world, affecting each phase of criminal proceedings, from a Black person’s initial arrest, through prosecution, and trial, conviction, sentencing and on to implementation of sentence. This issue is under international scrutiny through the , which focuses on addressing systemic racism in policing and justice. Sant’Anna Vaz describes her experience as a Black woman in the justice system as one of exclusion, citing problems such as racial profiling, wrongful incarcerations, and inadequate legal support, which contribute to suffering and neglect in prisons.
Conflict-related sexual violence is a grave violation under international law, impacting individual and collective security while hindering lasting peace. Its effects extend beyond immediate trauma, leading to stigma, poverty, and societal rejection of survivors. To address these long-lasting harms, access to mental health support and trauma-informed care is essential. Community-based strategies and legislative changes are crucial to empower survivors. On International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict (19 June) join us in solidarity to #EndRapeInWar. .
Hatred's impact has grown with new communication technologies, making it a global tool for spreading divisive ideologies. If unchecked, it undermines peace and development by fueling conflicts and human rights violations. On the International Day for Countering Hate Speech (18 June) the UN stands against hatred to defend human rights and promote the rule of law. The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech highlights the vital role of partnerships involving tech companies in addressing this issue. Meanwhile, Member States have prioritized AI governance through the Global Digital Compact.
Despite growing awareness, many countries still lack sufficient data. They continue to face workforce challenges that heighten risks for residents of long-term elder care facilities. A World Health Organization-supported study revealed that nearly 64% of institutional staff admitted to abusive behavior. Under the theme “Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Long Term Care Facilities: Through Data and Action,†the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June) brings attention to this urgent issue. On this day, let's commit to taking meaningful action to build a better future for all older adults.
The 2025 World Day Against Child Labour (12 June) marks a critical moment in the global fight to end child labour. Under the theme “Progress is clear, but there's more to do: let’s speed up efforts!â€, the International Labour Organization () calls on all countries to fully ratify the , and to effectively implement the , which includes all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery. Now’s the time to make the elimination of child labour a reality.
This year’s theme for International Albinism Awareness Day (13 June), "Demanding our rights: Protect our skin, Preserve our lives," underscores the critical need for awareness, prevention, and access to essential healthcare for persons with this rare genetic condition. The theme highlights the life-threatening impact of skin cancer and emphasizes the importance of protection, early detection, and treatment. At the same time, it calls on authorities to recognize that failing to prevent skin cancer-related deaths among people with albinism violates their rights to health and life. #albinism