“You know, what am I doing every day for human beings, particularly those who are in, you know, a much more challenging situation, we need to support their courage, their resilience, their need to survive...and their rights.”

With her background in human rights law, Georgette Gagnon was once said to represent the conscience of war. Currently serving as the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, she has been devastated by the sweeping loss of rights for women and girls there.

“You used to see across the country hundreds of girls going to school... Now, of course, you don't see that, and it's heartbreaking. It's such a huge loss for the entire society,” she says.

Afghanistan has one of the highest numbers of people in need of humanitarian support, and drastic cuts to humanitarian assistance affect access to critical care for millions. In this episode, Georgette Gagnon shares her hopes and fears for a country close to her heart, and reflects on a career serving in some of the world’s toughest places, from Syria to Sudan and Libya.

Photo: ©UN photo/UNAMA/Tahmina Osta

A group of 45 young human rights advocates from all over the world gathered recently in Geneva for a Youth Rights Academy. They emphasized the importance of knowing their rights to create real change, with speakers like Avril Murillo from Bolivia and Yara Al-Zinati from Gaza highlighting how young people understand the urgency of the situation today. The Academy was set up through a partnership between UN Human Rights and Qatar’s Education Above All, focusing on empowering youth, especially in conflict zones. They previously launched a Youth Advocacy Toolkit to help with this mission. During the Academy, participants engaged in workshops covering various topics such as international law, education rights, the climate crisis, and how to use social media for advocacy.

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 UN Radio programme 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 UN-Habitat’s Shelter Initiative 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 family determined to survive. Photo: Khawar (right) and Alina (left) sit inside their rehabilitated shelter in Dasht-e Barchi, Kabul, Afghanistan.

The comic strip from UN Human Rights, ‘A pathway to compassion,’ tells the story of Elizabeth and her struggle due to her insecure migration status and the power of solidarity. Illustrated by Magda Castría – 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 United Nations Population Fund 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 UNICEF, 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 International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, 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 UN Human Rights, 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 UN Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement, 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. Watch the event.

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.