UN News Today 05 January 2026 |

Venezuela: Security Council convenes in New York after Maduro extraction

The UN Security Council is meeting on Monday to discuss the geopolitical emergency sparked by the US military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores – as the pair appear before a New York court just a few miles downtown on narcoterrorism charges.

The meeting came at the request of Venezuela, reportedly with the support of China and Russia.

In a statement to the Council, the UN Secretary-General said that he remained “deeply concerned about the possible intensification of instability” in Venezuela, “the potential impact on the region, and the precedent it may set for how relations between and among States are conducted”.

António Guterres noted serious violations linked to the government of Venezuela, catalogued by the UN human rights office. He also reiterated his concerns that the US operation in Venezuela did not respect international law – and in particular the UN Charter which prohibits the use of force against another State.

The UN’s top Political Affairs official, Rosemary DiCarlo, spoke in the chamber on behalf of the UN chief: 

“The situation is critical, but it is still possible to prevent a wider and more destructive conflagration. I call on all Venezuelan actors to engage in an inclusive, democratic dialogue in which all sectors of society can determine their future. This entails the full respect of human rights, the rule of law and the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people. I also urge Venezuela’s neighbors, and the international community more broadly, to act in a spirit of solidarity and in adherence to the principles, laws and rules erected to promote peaceful coexistence.” 

Humanitarian agencies said that they are monitoring events in Venezuela and at the border.

Reports indicated that the security situation inside the country remained generally calm although there has been a sharp rise in sales of water, food and fuel across multiple regions.

Ukraine: UN and partners continue to support victims of latest Russian attacks

In Ukraine, the UN and aid partners are continuing to provide support to the people of embattled Kharkiv, amid ongoing Russian attacks on Monday.

Last Friday, a strike on a high-rise block in the eastern city killed six residents including a mother and child, according to reports.

In addition, dozens more were hurt in the attack and many were left without homes, amid freezing conditions and snow, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA.

With more, here’s OCHA Head of Office in Kharkiv, Maka Khazalia, speaking to UN News:

“As I speak, further attacks are being reported in the city, risking additional harm to civilians and further destruction of homes as temperatures remain well below zero. Humanitarian teams continue to support those affected by the attack and will continue to provide assistance to those affected by the attacks in future.” 

UN humanitarians work alongside partners and city staff, providing essential services to those in need.

This includes delivering hot meals, non-food items and mental health support.

Ethiopia: Refugee response now at breaking point, warns WFP

To Ethiopia finally, where the global crisis in funding for humanitarian work is taking a major toll, with aid teams warning that the refugee response there is at breaking point.

In an alert, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) repeated that more than 1.1 million people risk losing “food, water and healthcare within weeks”, because funds are lacking.

Ethiopia is the second-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa and has seen a surge in arrivals amid ongoing conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan, as well as drought in Somalia.

More than a million refugees have already endured prolonged ration cuts since May 2023 and WFP has now had to cut food assistance again, from 60 per cent to 40 per cent.

Here’s the agency’s Claire Nevill now:

“Beyond humanitarian assistance, sustained funding is urgently needed to support solutions that help refugees rebuild their lives…Without immediate support, more services will be cut and more lives will be at risk.”

Ms. Nevill insisted that the Government of Ethiopia, WFP and the UN refugee agency were aiming to provide vulnerable people fleeing conflict and hunger with long-term livelihood opportunities such as work.

Daniel Johnson, UN News

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