Afghanistan, Syria & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (26 January 2026) | United Nations

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Highlights: Security Council Afghanistan Syria Last Israeli Hostage in Gaza Occupied Palestinian Territory Somalia South Sudan Sudan Ukraine International Day of Clean Energy New Resident And Humanitarian Coordinator - Mali Mozambique Shipwrecks/Central Mediterranean Honour Roll Guests SECURITY COUNCIL The Secretary-General spoke today on the rule of law, telling members of the Security Council that the UN Charter and other core United Nations treaties have created a collective security system that is robust and that is resilient. He said it is a system that prohibits the threat or the use of force — and binds all States, large and small, to the same rules. And that respects the principles of sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of states. But the Secretary-General warned that around the world, the rule of law is being replaced by the rule of the jungle. We see flagrant violations of international law and brazen disregard for the UN Charter. He said that from Gaza to Ukraine, from the Sahel to Myanmar, and in Venezuela and elsewhere, the rule of law is being treated as an à la carte menu. Mr. Guterres pointed to the prominence of the Security Council in the world’s collective security system, saying that the Council stands alone in its Charter-mandated authority to act on behalf of all Member States on questions of peace and security. The Secretary-General said that the Security Council alone adopts decisions binding on all, saying that it is why we must act without delay to enhance the representation and effectiveness of that very Security Council. AFGHANISTAN Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Political Affairs, yesterday concluded her visit to Kabul, in Afghanistan. During the visit, she met with the de facto authorities and members of the diplomatic community in Kabul. She also met with Afghan women, civil society members, and Afghan national female UN personnel. In her meetings with the de facto authorities, the Under-Secretary-General raised concerns regarding restrictions on our female colleagues who work for the UN, as well as the broader limitations on women’s access to work, to education, and in general to public life. She urged the immediate lifting of all these restrictions. She also encouraged the de facto authorities to engage fully in the Doha Process and to address their international obligations needed for Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community. They agreed, both the Afghan [de facto] authorities and Ms. DiCarlo agreed to continue their engagement. Ms. DiCarlo further underscored the importance of unimpeded cross-border transit of humanitarian assistance and sought the support of the de facto authorities in that regard. SYRIA A UN-supported convoy of 24 trucks carrying critical assistance entered the city of Kobani on Sunday. The convoy delivered food, delivered nutrition supplies, health supplies, hygiene materials, winterization support, kitchen kits, and various supplies for children. The assistance was provided by UNFPA, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and UNHCR as well as various partners. The convoy also included two fuel tankers to resupply the Karakoi water station and help restore water supply to Kobani and surrounding villages. Following the announcement of a 15-day ceasefire, on 25 January, the Government of Syria announced the opening of two humanitarian corridors in Hasakah and Aleppo. Today, the Government announced another corridor near the town of Sarin in Aleppo to allow people to leave the area should they wish to. In addition, five temporary shelter facilities have been established, including in Aleppo city, for people choosing to relocate there. On Al Hol Camp, our colleagues at UNHCR, together with the UN Population Fund, entered the camp over the weekend to visit key facilities and engage with residents of Al Hol camp. Our colleagues tell us that the camp environment appeared calm, and community interactions were described as bring positive. The Camp Administration reiterated that its priority is to de-escalate tensions inside the camp and emphasized its intention to stabilize the situation to enable the gradual reentry and scale-up of humanitarian assistance. Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-01-26


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