The world saw 383 aid worker deaths in 2024 -- the highest toll since records began -- and attacks on humanitarian operations also left 308 aid workers wounded, 45 detained and 125 kidnapped last year, the UN reports. Data from the Aid Worker Security Database reveals a sharp rise in violence against aid workers, with major attacks climbing to 599 from 420 the previous year. Experts warn that 2025 could be even deadlier, as provisional figures show approximately 230 aid workers lost their lives in the first half of the year.

Burkina Faso has expelled UN regional coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak, declaring her persona non grata following a UN report alleging child rights violations in the country. The Burkinabe government says it was not consulted during the report's preparation and was not informed of its findings prior to publication. The UN has voiced regret over the decision while emphasizing its staff's right to remain in the country to fulfill organizational duties.

Agencies including UNICEF, the UN Population Fund and UN Women could relocate their headquarters to Nairobi by 2026 as part of the UN80 agenda to decentralize operations -- a move that would establish the Kenyan capital as one of just four global UN hubs and boost the city's international profile. While municipal officials see this as an opportunity for economic growth and job creation, residents fear it could worsen existing inequalities, as the influx of well-paid international staff is expected to drive up rental prices, making housing less affordable for locals.

Just 12 of Haiti's approximately 100 displacement camps have measures in place to protect women and girls from sexual violence, leaving thousands vulnerable as the country's humanitarian crisis intensifies, Christian Vovi of the UN Population Fund warns. Aid cuts have forced the UN to scale back aid -- including closing reproductive health centers. "When you talk with women, they are struggling to secure even the most basic necessities," Vovi says.

COP30 president André Corrêa do Lago is prioritizing a thorough review of national climate action plans ahead of the November summit, and has launched a series of consultations to collect countries' initial views on how to respond to the upcoming UN synthesis report, which will assess the adequacy of plans for 2030 and 2035. With major emitters like the EU, China, and India still outstanding, Corrêa do Lago is urging a collective, creative dialogue to address the gaps and ensure the review leads to stronger global climate action.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved a plan to seize Gaza City and has called up 60,000 reservists, increasing pressure on Hamas amid ongoing cease-fire negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt with US support. The latest proposal includes a 60-day truce, staggered hostage release and increased aid to Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not commented publicly on the plan, but has said he wants all hostages released in any agreement.