The UN is growing increasingly frustrated with the deteriorating humanitarian situation in conflict-hit Tigray. The region in northern Ethiopia is essentially cut off from aid, with food in refugee camps running out.

The UN World Food Programme chief is calling for supply trucks to be allowed to deliver food to thousands of refugees in Tigray, saying current rations will run out on Friday.

The illegal activity has caused major environmental damage in Colombia, one of the world's most biodiverse countries. Officials say the spike in mining is also deeply concerning "because it has ties to organized crime."

In a new report, the UN says there has been a sharp increase in the deaths of women and children in Afghanistan. The Taliban is seeking to expand its territory, with devastating consequences for civilians.

Russia sought to abolish the post after refusing the appointment of a German politician to the position, arguing that the selection was not made by the UN Security Council.

Financial and other measures with the aim of addressing past racism, colonialism and slavery would "transform our future," according to Michelle Bachelet.

Some 23 million children did not receive essential vaccines last year, as health services struggled worldwide with COVID-19. It marks the highest number in over a decade, according to UN data.

Michelle Bachelet, the UN's top human rights official, urged Havana to free those who had been detained during the anti-government demonstrations. Cuba initially blamed the protests on social media and the United States.

The economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic are linked to one of the sharpest increases in hunger in decades, a UN annual report found.

An EU-backed resolution at the Geneva-based Human Rights Council also demanded "an immediate halt" to violence in the region. The eight-month conflict has left thousands dead.

The UN's top human rights official condemned Myanmar's ruling military junta and said it was using "disproportionate force" against the opposition.

Foreign ministries from Germany and the UK have released a statement suggesting closer collaboration as well as the UK's backing for Germany to have "a new permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council."