Yemen
We once again reiterate our strong condemnation of the continued Houthi cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia, including their recent attacks against the Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in the capital Riyadh. Those attacks reportedly killed three people and injured several others.
We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing military escalation in and around Yemen, with intense fighting across multiple frontlines, including around Taiz.
We underscore that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law. We urge the parties, once again, to uphold their commitments and obligations under international humanitarian law and to refrain from directing attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure and to take constant care to spare both civilians and the infrastructure they rely on.
Libya
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) reported on the sessions of the House of Representatives (HoR) held in Benghazi earlier this week, which resulted in the election of Al Saleheen Abdulnabi as Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as the election of a new leadership team.
The Mission stresses its commitment to engaging with the House of Representatives, its new Presidency and all members. The Mission will continue its engagement with the parliament to advance the UNSMIL-facilitated political roadmap to unify institutions, address critical reforms and hold elections within the timeframe stipulated by the Smaller Convening Agreement, which was agreed on 30 August.
🔗 https://x.com/UNSMILibya/status/2108108405512577493
Central Africa
The United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) have been holding a two-day joint retreat in Gabon. The retreat aims to strengthen the partnership between the two organizations and agree on a joint work plan.
The retreat was facilitated by former Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mahamat Saleh Annadif, and was opened by the Head of UNOCA, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, and the President of the Economic Community of Central African States Commission, Ezéchiel Nibigira.
🔗 https://x.com/UN_UNOCA/status/2107799710652043552
Afghanistan
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) issued the statement today, expressing gravely concern about recent arrests, the recent detentions and threats of arrest targeting women and girls by the de facto authorities in multiple areas of Afghanistan.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is gravely concerned about recent arrests, detentions and threats of arrest targeting women and girls by the de facto authorities in multiple areas of Afghanistan.
UNAMA has verified that between July and September 2026 at least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained in Herat and Kabul, while other women faced threats of arrest. The number of cases may be significantly higher due to underreporting linked to protection concerns and stigma.
The incidents were related to alleged violations of the de facto authorities’ dress code requirements. Women were detained for not wearing a chador, having visible hair, wearing colourful scarves or makeup, or being in public without a mahram. The women were released after spending several hours in detention.
UNAMA is also alarmed by incidents involving verbal abuse, beatings and threats against women, including female shopkeepers.
UNAMA reiterates that these acts violate women and girls’ rights to freedom of movement, expression and autonomy. Arrests and detentions also expose women and girls to severe social stigma and further marginalisation.
UNAMA urges the de facto authorities to cease discriminatory enforcement practices targeting women and girls, ensure respect for the human rights and dignity of all Afghans, and uphold Afghanistan’s obligations under international human rights law.
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Source: dppa.un.org
