Yemen
This morning, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, briefed the Security Council, warning that Yemen had returned to full-scale war, with fighting intensifying across multiple frontlines and the humanitarian situation deteriorating, particularly in Taiz. Urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law, he stressed that military gains cannot replace negotiations and called for a credible, Yemeni-owned political process. He also renewed his call for the unconditional release of 72 UN personnel detained by the Houthis.
Ukraine
This afternoon, Khaled Khiari, the Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, briefed the Security Council on the situation in Ukraine. He told Council members that since our last briefing on 23 September, the attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukraine have reached a new horrifying level. He highlighted the surge in civilian casualties caused by intensified Russian attacks, including strikes on residential areas, transport networks, energy infrastructure and educational institutions. He also expressed concern over civilian casualties resulting from Ukrainian attacks inside the Russian Federation. He reiterated the UN’s call for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilians, renewed diplomacy, and a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire leading to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with international law, including the United Nations Charter and relevant United Nations resolutions.
His remarks are available here.
Libya
In a statement issued today, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) says they are very concerned by recent reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and abductions.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is deeply concerned by recent reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and abductions in Libya, including the disappearance of Dr. Mohamed Sharafeddine Al-Fituri and Mr. Abu Bakr Al-Jarrari in Tripoli as well as the arbitrary arrests of Mustafa Al-Sheikh and Mohammed Al-Sheikh in Ghat and their subsequent unknown whereabouts.
UNSMIL calls on the competent authorities to urgently establish the fate and whereabouts of those concerned, ensure their safety and wellbeing, and promptly inform their families. Any deprivation of liberty must be carried out in accordance with the law and accompanied by due process guarantees.
The Mission calls for the immediate release of all individuals unlawfully detained or, where there are legal grounds for detention, their prompt referral to the competent judicial authorities. UNSMIL urges all relevant actors to cooperate fully with the Office of the Attorney General and the competent judicial authorities. UNSMIL further stresses the importance of ensuring access to legal counsel, family members and necessary medical care.
The Mission reiterates that all allegations of enforced disappearance, abduction and arbitrary detention must be promptly and impartially investigated, and that those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law. UNSMIL will continue engaging with the relevant authorities to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law throughout Libya.
Colombia
The report on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, covering the period from 27 June to 26 September 2026, is now available. In the report, Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the events during the period highlighted “both the resilience of Colombian institutions and society and the continued relevance of the Final Peace Agreement for advancing security, development and territorial stabilization.”
The report will be presented to the United Nations Security Council in New York on 12 October 2026 by Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia.
Report of the Secretary-General on the UN Verification Mission in Colombia S/2026/759
Lebanon
Jean Arnault, the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) [and Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on the Middle East conflict and its consequences] met with President Joseph Aoun today. They discussed recent developments in Lebanon and the region and the continued engagement of the United Nations in Lebanon.
