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UN INFORMATION SERVICE GENEVA PRESS BRIEFING

13 January

Ongoing deadly dangers for children in Gaza 90 days into the ceasefire

From Gaza City, James Elder for United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), presented the latest situation.

More than 100 children have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire of early October — roughly one girl or boy killed every day. Bombings and shootings have slowed but not stopped. Severe restrictions on essentials persist, including medical supplies and fuel.

The ceasefire enabled progress: expanded primary health services, removal of 1,000 tons of solid waste monthly, distribution of nearly one million thermal blankets and winter clothing kits, repairs to water and sewerage networks, and addition of 70+ nutrition facilities. Education remains critical: 130,000 children in temporary learning spaces, but 700,000 still in need of support.

Asked whether the children were killed due to Israeli army attacks, Mr. Elder said most deaths were from military means (airstrikes, drones, tank shells, live ammunition) and noted six children died of hypothermia.

In response to a question on humanitarian access, he stressed that bans on NGOs obstruct lifesaving aid. He also called for more pressure to allow international journalists into Gaza.

Replying to a question on medical evacuation, Mr. Elder said over 4,000 people require evacuation, including 2,000 children, but approvals remain blocked; WHO later explained the process is extremely slow and often lethal.

Iran protests

Jeremy Laurence for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) conveyed the High Commissioner’s concern over mounting violence against protesters in Iran, with reports of hundreds killed and thousands arrested. Internet shutdowns severely hamper verification, though some telephone services were partially restored.

Asked whether OHCHR could verify casualty figures, Mr. Laurence said reliable sources indicate hundreds killed and thousands arrested, but precise verification is impossible without access. He warned of possible death penalty as seen after 2022 protests.

In response to a question on US intervention, he stressed protests must not be instrumentalized and dialogue is the way forward.

Read the full statement here.

Sri Lanka: Report on conflict-related sexual violence

Jeremy Laurence presented the findings of the new OHCHR report highlighting that conflict-related sexual violence in Sri Lanka remains largely unaddressed, with survivors still denied justice. The report underscores long-standing impunity, stigma, and the need for survivor-centred reforms and reparations.

Asked whether sexual violence has stopped, Mr. Laurence said it remains a concern beyond the conflict context.

Read the full report here.

In response to a question about the use of force by U.S. security forces during recent protests, including events in Minneapolis, Mr. Laurence recalled that, under international human rights law, the intentional use of lethal force is permissible only as a measure of last resort against an individual posing an imminent threat to life. He said that OHCHR takes note of the FBI investigation and urged a prompt, independent and transparent investigation into the killing of Ms. Good.

Launch of the 2026 UN-coordinated humanitarian response plan in Ukraine

Jens Laerke for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced the launch of the 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan amid reports of new strikes in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa. The plan seeks US$2.3 billion and aims to reach 4.1 million people with life‑saving assistance, including food, health care, shelter, protection and cash support. Overall, an estimated 10.8 million people across Ukraine will require humanitarian aid in 2026.

He added that winter disruptions “create a crisis within a crisis”.

Asked about access in areas of Ukraine currently under the control of the Russian Federation, Mr. Laerke said the United Nations does not have the access it would like, noting that around one million people there are believed to need assistance they are currently not receiving. He added that some NGOs operate in those areas, but not at the scale required.

Read the full plan here.

Announcements

Christian Lindmeier for the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that WHO will hold a virtual press conference today, Tuesday, 13 January 2026 at 13:30 CET, with Director-General Dr. Tedros.

The briefing will launch new reports on taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages and provide an update on cervical cancer prevention and control.

Jeremy Laurence for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) announced that High Commissioner Volker Türk will visit Sudan from 14 to 18 January.

During the visit, he is scheduled to meet with authorities in Port Sudan, as well as civil society representatives and the UN country team. The High Commissioner will also visit Northern State, including the Al Afad gathering site, and engage with people displaced by the conflict in Darfur and Kordofan, along with meetings with humanitarian partners.

Clare Nullis for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced that on 14 January, WMO will issue a press release on the consolidated global temperature figure for 2025.

The release is prepared in collaboration with eight data set providers, including Copernicus Climate Change Service, the UK Met Office, NASA, NOAA, and the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The press release will be under embargo until 15:00 CET on 14 January, coordinated with NASA and NOAA releases.

Michele Zaccheo, for the United Nations Information Service, said that the Committee on the Rights of the Child, which opened yesterday its 100^th session (12-30 January, Palais Wilson), is concluding this morning its review of the report of Maldives. It will begin this afternoon the review of the report of Ghana. He added that the review on Uganda had been cancelled.

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UN Geneva Press Briefing - 13 January 2026

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