UN News Today 20 May 2026 |

Ebola outbreak risk is high inside DR Congo but it’s no pandemic emergency: Tedros

The deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda does not represent a global pandemic emergency, although the risk is high at a national and regional level, the UN health agency chief said on Wednesday.

In an update on the fast-developing situation in eastern DR Congo, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros said the UN has a team on the ground supporting national authorities, announcing a further $3.4 million to boost response: 

“Beyond the confirmed cases there are almost 60 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths. We expect those numbers to keep increasing given the amount of time the virus was circulating before the outbreak was detected.” 

Decades of violence in mineral-rich eastern DRC has contributed to chronic vulnerability among the population, including attacks on healthcare workers.

There are more than two million people internally displaced in the affected provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, according to the UN refugee agency. 

The outbreak is also spilling over to Uganda where there are two confirmed cases in the capital, Kampala. 

In the absence of any vaccine for the virus – which Tedros stressed is extremely rare and was last detected in 2007 – WHO teams are focusing on working with community leaders to help prevent transmission. 

UN chief calls for Security Council reform during Japan visit

During a press conference in Tokyo on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent reform of the UN Security Council and the global financial system. He warned that growing conflicts, inequality and geopolitical divisions are undermining international cooperation. 

Marking Japan’s 70 years of partnership with the UN, Mr. Guterres praised the country’s support for multilateralism, peacekeeping and humanitarian action while stressing that current global institutions no longer reflect modern realities.

“The most important reform that needs to be established is the reform of the UN Security Council,” he said, arguing that the body’s current composition lacks legitimacy and effectiveness. 

He called for greater representation for developing countries, particularly from Africa and Latin America. 

Mr. Guterres defended the role of the UN amid growing criticism of international institutions, saying the crisis lies not with multilateralism itself but with powerful countries violating international law while shielding themselves from accountability through the veto system. 

UN launches $529 million plan for Afghan returnees

The UN and humanitarian partners on Tuesday launched a $529 million response plan aimed at supporting around 2.7 million Afghans expected to return from Iran and Pakistan between April and December 2026.

Nearly 5.9 million Afghans have returned to the country since September 2023, including 2.9 million in 2025 alone. Another 600,000 people returned during the first four months of 2026.

UN officials warned that the scale of returns is placing growing pressure on Afghanistan’s already fragile humanitarian situation.

Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for Afghanistan described it as a profound demographic and development challenge requiring a “sustained, principled, and fully funded response.”

The response plan includes $100.7 million for emergency border assistance, including cash support, healthcare, nutrition, clean water and transportation for vulnerable families arriving at crossing points.

Humanitarian agencies warn that funding shortages could severely limit assistance efforts and increase the risk of displacement, poverty and social tensions with host communities. 

Ed de Bray, UN News