Organization matters

The Independent Audit Advisory Committee of the United Nations held its Seventy-third session from 18 to 20 February, at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Robert van der Zee of the Netherlands as his Representative for the investment of the assets of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF).

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, UN humanitarian colleagues report that the humanitarian situation in the provinces of North and South Kivu continues to worsen, marked by more civilian casualties, displacement and mounting threats to humanitarian operations.

At least 21 United Nations personnel — 12 peacekeeping personnel and 9 civilians — were killed in deliberate attacks in 2025, the United Nations Staff Union Standing Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service said today. By nationality, the personnel killed in 2025 were from Bangladesh (6), Sudan (5), South Africa (2), South Sudan (1), Uruguay (1), Tunisia (1), Ukraine (1), Bulgaria (1), State of Palestine (1), Kenya (1) and Zambia (1).

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli authorities’ actions to demolish the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Sheikh Jarrah compound, urging them to immediately cease the demolition and restore the compound without delay.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ briefing to the General Assembly meeting on the priorities of the Organization for 2026, in New York today:

In Syria, humanitarian officials report that, as of 14 January, about 58,000 people remain displaced, while nearly 90,000 others have returned home following clashes in Aleppo City. The UN and humanitarian partners continue to provide food, psychosocial support and other aid to displaced families and returnees.

Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory Ramiz Alakbarov has begun a three-day visit to the Gaza Strip. In Khan Younis, he met with displaced families who have been supported by the UN to move away from the flood-prone shoreline to Hamad City. He also visited Asda’a, where the UN has supported thousands of families for more than a year.

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg concluded yesterday a visit to Cairo, and is now in Riyadh for meetings with senior Yemeni and regional officials. His engagement is focused on reducing tensions, supporting de-escalation efforts, preserving space for dialogue and supporting a political process that moves parties towards a negotiated settlement.