UN News Today 18 February 2026 |

UN rights chief alarmed after deadly drone strikes kill dozens of civilians in Sudan

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has voiced deep alarm over reports that more than 50 civilians were killed in drone attacks across Sudan over two days this week.

According to the UN human rights office, OHCHR, at least 57 civilians, including 15 children, died in strikes carried out by parties to the conflict between 15 and 16 February in North, South and West Kordofan, Sennar, and West Darfur.

The attacks reportedly hit a market, hospital and shelter for displaced people, as well as two primary schools in what Mr. Türk described as a disturbing pattern of drone warfare that continues to devastate civilian life.

He urged all parties to stop targeting civilian sites and called for an immediate end to the violence, urging countries with influence to halt arms transfers that are fuelling the conflict.

The UN says protecting civilians must remain an urgent priority in Sudan.

Asia-Pacific falling behind on SDGs — UN warns 88% of targets will be missed by 2030

A new report from the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) warns that the region is far off track to meet its Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

At the current pace, the region is projected to miss 103 out of 117 measurable SDG targets — meaning nearly 88 per cent of the 2030 Agenda remains out of reach.

The Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2026, released on Wednesday, reveals deeply uneven development across the region. Decades of gains in health, well-being, and poverty reduction are now being overshadowed by environmental decline and widening inequalities.

The report notes setbacks in equal access to education and labour rights, while insufficient data on gender equality and strong institutions continues to obscure how effectively the most vulnerable are being reached.

In critical areas such as climate action, marine conservation, and biodiversity, the situation is described as rapidly deteriorating. 

According to Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, the report underscores the region’s urgent need for transformation. 

She said the analysis shows that the same engines of growth that once lifted millions out of poverty and powered rapid industrialisation are now threatening future sustainability. 

There are, however, signs of progress. The region continues to advance on industry, innovation and infrastructure, and on good health and well-being, driven by reductions in maternal and child mortality. Gains in poverty reduction and electricity access are also noted as major achievements.

UN pays tribute to civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson

The UN is mourning the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure of the US civil rights movement and a lifelong advocate for justice, equality and human rights. He died on Tuesday at the age of 84.

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed deep sadness, remembering Reverend Jackson as a powerful voice in the global fight against racism and apartheid, and a steadfast supporter of the UN’s human rights mission.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the Secretary-General extended his condolences to Jackson’s family, friends, and the people of the United States.

During a 2018 visit to UN Headquarters in New York, Reverend Jackson urged a “global coalition of conscience” to end racial discrimination. 

He called for the globalisation of human rights — including workers’, women’s and children’s rights, and environmental justice — saying these values must define life for everyone, everywhere.

Charlotte Frantz, UN News