Published on: 2026-09-16
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 16, 2026 UN
Top news of the day at the UN and worldwide: the UN chief spoke to journalists ahead of the General Assembly High-Level Week, over 20 people died due to a building collapse in Gaza, conflicts must not be used as a pretext for attacking commercial vessels, human rights defenders face repression for cooperating with the UN.
UN Chief’s Press Conference
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on world leaders to remain faithful to the UN Charter, uphold international law, and intensify efforts to de-escalate conflicts in the Middle East and regarding the war on Ukrainian territory. He spoke to journalists in New York ahead of the high-level week of the 81st session of the General Assembly, noting that this was his last such press conference. Separately, the UN chief addressed issues related to the development of artificial intelligence. According to him, the world needs a common understanding of how to promote the safe, reliable, and responsible development of AI.
Building collapse in Gaza
Search and rescue operations continue in Gaza City following the collapse of a bombing-damaged building sheltering displaced persons. Reports indicate that more than 20 people have died. UN humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, reminded that people across the enclave still live in dangerous conditions. Ahead of the rainy season, humanitarian organizations are helping people relocate from damaged buildings and flood-prone areas to safer places.
Attacks on shipping
The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, called on states to refrain from actions that endanger commercial ships and the lives of sailors. Since the beginning of the current conflict in the Middle East, the IMO has confirmed 80 attacks on international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and its surroundings. In the Black and Azov Seas, dozens of people have reportedly died in recent months. Attacks have resumed in the Red Sea. Dominguez noted that addressing the root causes of conflicts is beyond the IMO’s mandate, but the organization is ready to assist in developing solutions for the shipping industry.
Cooperation with the UN
Human rights defenders around the world continue to face intimidation and persecution for cooperating with the United Nations. This is stated in the report published today by the UN Secretary-General. The document covers 32 countries, including Belarus, the Russian Federation, and Turkmenistan. The report notes a growing trend of transnational repression, where civil society representatives are persecuted outside their own countries. Additionally, digital technologies are increasingly being used to monitor and intimidate people.
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