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Rethinking Humanitarianism | The aid sector’s techno-colonialism problem
Experts unpack AI and new tech in crises, the fallback on “techno-utopian” solutions, and the risk of “techno-colonialism” and why it matters. Link: https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/podcasts/2026/02/26/rethinking-humanitarianism-aid-sectors-techno-colonialism-problem :Cat-N
Greece Under Fire for Law Targeting Aid Groups
Click to expand Image Protesters hold placards in solidarity with humanitarians who were still detained in Greece, November 18, 2021. © 2021 Hesther Ng/SOPA Images via AP Photo Led by Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders Mary Lawlor, five United Nations experts have issued a damning cri... Link: https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/02/26/greece-under-fire-for-law-targeting-aid-groups :Cat-N
UN’s cash crisis is a collective security emergency
Liquidity issues at the United Nations are often dismissed as a technical budgetary complication. But the reality is that funding shortfalls undermine collective global security. The UN’s regular budget for peace and security, sustainable development and human rights promotion was cut roughly US$3.7... Link: https://asiatimes.com/2026/02/uns-cash-crisis-is-a-collective-security-emergency/ :Cat-N
How Hong Kong law ensures kids’ well-being when divorced parents split locations
I have a habit of re-watching movies during festive times. As we entered the Year of the Horse, one movie that I watched again during Chinese New Year was Marriage Story, a legal drama released on streaming platforms in 2019. The story centres on the divorce of the two lead characters and the result... Link: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344652/how-hong-kong-law-ensures-kids-well-being-when-divorced-parents-split-locations :Cat-N
‘Reimagining matter’: Nobel laureate invents machine that harvests water from dry air
A Nobel laureate has developed a sustainable technology that harvests clean drinking water from dry air, offering a resilient solution for water scarcity and disaster-prone regions affected by droughts and hurricanes. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/reimagining-matter-nobel-laureate-invents-machine-harvests-water-dry-air :Cat-N
Early warning system network expanded and integrated into local operations in Tarlac City
The Philippine Preparedness Partnership expanded and integrated an early warning system network in Tarlac City, strengthening flood and earthquake monitoring and embedding real-time data into local disaster risk reduction operations. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/early-warning-system-network-expanded-and-integrated-local-operations-tarlac-city :Cat-N
Why mental health is core to disaster risk reduction
As DRR frameworks increasingly recognize the importance of mental health in preparedness and recovery, there are some policy actions that can be taken to strengthen the resilience of individuals and communities. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/drr-community-voices/why-mental-health-core-disaster-risk-reduction :Cat-N
First workshop of the Deployment and Engagement of Resources and Citizens for European Emergency Response project held in Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Prepared International (PPI) participated in the first workshop of DARE (Deployment and Engagement of Resources and Citizens for European Emergency Response) in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/first-workshop-deployment-and-engagement-resources-and-citizens-european-emergency-response :Cat-N
Disaster risk reduction through geospatial information and land administration
The webinar will showcase country case studies, including experiences with integrating geospatial and land administration data, and will highlight how such approaches can strengthen risk assessment, planning and response capacities. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/event/disaster-risk-reduction-through-geospatial-information-and-land-administration-0 :Cat-N
Experts reveal how a major food crisis might happen in the UK, and what we can do to stop it
A new report has set out how the UK might respond to major disruptions to food supplies triggered by events such as war, extreme weather, or cyber-attacks, and what can be done now to prevent such disruptions from escalating into a crisis. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/experts-reveal-how-major-food-crisis-might-happen-uk-and-what-we-can-do-stop-it :Cat-N
Comprehensive framework for the assessment of multi-level pluvial flood risk
This study outlines a comprehensive, multi‑level framework for assessing pluvial flood risk in urban areas, placing disaster risk reduction at the centre of its approach. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/publication/documents-and-publications/comprehensive-framework-assessment-multi-level-pluvial-flood :Cat-N
Early Warnings for All continues to reach more countries in 2026
EW4All held national consultative workshops in DR Congo and Malawi, bringing government and partners together to identify gaps, coordinate stakeholders, and develop national roadmaps to strengthen early warning systems. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/early-warnings-all-continues-reach-more-countries-2026 :Cat-N
World News in Brief: UN humanitarian chief visits South Sudan, shelter fire risks in Gaza, West Bank violence
The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator arrived in South Sudan on Friday to visit one of the most under-reported humanitarian crises in the world, as clashes between government and opposition forces continue in Jonglei state. Link: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/02/1167014 :Cat-N #humanitarian #aid #relief #emergency #children #teenagers #asia
Heat stress and urban resilience: alternative cooling strategies to combat extreme heat in the urban environment
Solar-powered open-air cooling shelters can strengthen urban resilience to extreme heat by providing low-energy, outage-resilient relief, as shown through a pilot initiative in Philadelphia’s Hunting Park neighborhood. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/publication/documents-and-publications/heat-stress-and-urban-resilience-alternative-cooling :Cat-N
Turkish scientist develops early warning system for weather risks
A Turkish meteorologist has developed an early warning system that can detect sudden-onset weather hazards up to 60 hours before they occur, a breakthrough that could strengthen disaster preparedness and reduce economic losses linked to extreme weather. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/turkish-scientist-develops-early-warning-system-weather-risks :Cat-N
Strengthening resilience to extreme heat: an Adelaide case study
This place-based case study explores how heat manifests in an urban context through a systems lens, examining interconnected roles. A fictional family narrative runs alongside the analysis, bringing systemic risks to life. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/resource/case-study/strengthening-resilience-extreme-heat-adelaide-case-study :Cat-N
Debilitating virus can spread in cool weather, increasing health risk in Europe
Chikungunya virus, a debilitating tropical disease caused by infected mosquito bites, poses a greater health threat in Europe than previously thought because it can be spread when air temperatures are as low as 13 degrees Celsius. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/debilitating-virus-can-spread-cool-weather-increasing-health-risk-europe :Cat-N
World News in Brief: Conflict deepens hunger crisis in South Sudan, restrictions hinder aid delivery in Gaza, UN child rights envoy concludes first visit to Syria
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is scaling up its emergency response in South Sudan’s Jonglei state, where escalating conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and pushed hunger to critical levels. Link: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/02/1167005 :Cat-N
Understanding extreme heat and entry points for action
This report examines heat risk through the intersection of hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capacity, showing how impacts emerge across health, infrastructure, livelihoods and essential services. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/publication/documents-and-publications/understanding-extreme-heat-and-entry-points-action :Cat-N
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, strengthens public safety through better preparedness with NEAMWave26 tsunami exercise
This exercise will take place from 3 to 24 March 2026, bringing together scientific institutions, national authorities and civil protection partners to strengthen early warning systems and emergency response capacities. Link: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/intergovernmental-oceanographic-commission-ioc-unesco-strengthens-public-safety-through-better :Cat-N
Organisations
Papua New Guinea: Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila – Disaster Management Team Situation Report No. 02, 18 April 2026
Country: Papua New Guinea Source: UN Country Team in Papua New Guinea Please refer to the attached file. The national response to Tropical Cyclone Maila continues with priority focus on Milne Bay Province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), under the coordination of the National Disast... Link: https://reliefweb.int/report/papua-new-guinea/papua-new-guinea-severe-tropical-cyclone-maila-disaster-management-team-situation-report-no-02-18-april-2026 :Cat-O
UN peacekeeping missions under strain as funding cuts and new threats grow
From election support in the Central African Republic to patrols in the disputed Abyei region, UN peacekeepers are operating in increasingly volatile environments – but shrinking resources and new threats, including drone warfare, are testing their ability to keep communities safe. Link: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/04/1167312 :Cat-O
Middle East conflict chokes end of supply chain as lights go out in the Pacific
For Pacific Island countries, the Middle East crisis is not a distant geopolitical event. It is already showing up in higher fuel prices, electricity uncertainty and fears that communities sitting at the far end of global supply chains could be pushed into deeper economic insecurity. Link: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/04/1167303 :Cat-O
Africa: Nearly 20 million measles deaths averted since 2000
Measles vaccinations have saved nearly 20 million lives in Africa since the year 2000 and more than 500 million children were protected through routine immunisation, but the continent remains offtrack in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases. Link: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/04/1167307 :Cat-O
Youth shape the road to 2030, call for urgent action on sustainable development
As we confront increasingly complex and interconnected crises - from climate change to the AI revolution - the leadership and voices of young people have never been more vital, says the UN. Link: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/04/1167306 :Cat-O
Tech gaps and budget cuts threaten global efforts to track and help the vulnerable
Digital tools are changing the way countries manage everything from tracking refugees to caring for the elderly. Link: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/04/1167287 :Cat-O
European Union support for the UN ‘more vital than ever’, Security Council hears
A senior United Nations official on Monday hailed the European Union (EU) as “a major economic and diplomatic actor and a strong advocate of multilateralism.” Link: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/04/1167288 :Cat-O
Putting humans at the centre: UN AI panel begins work on global impact study
The UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on AI – the first global body of its kind – is gearing up for its inaugural in-person summit. Link: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/04/1167263 :Cat-O
What the latest OECD numbers tell us about the future of aid
Four takeaways, three charts, and one existential question raised by new data on official development assistance. Link: https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/maps-and-graphics/2026/04/10/what-latest-oecd-numbers-tell-us-about-future-aid :Cat-O
Sudan: 14 million displaced; hunger and attacks on health continue as war enters fourth year
As Sudan approaches the third anniversary of a brutal civil war, millions remain displaced and hungry while the health system lies in ruins, with no end to the violence in sight, UN agencies said on Friday. Link: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/04/1167281 :Cat-O
World News in Brief: Sudan refugee update, child trafficking crisis in South Sudan, ‘mystery’ illness in Burundi, human rights in Serbia
More than a million Sudanese refugees who’ve fled into neighbouring Chad risk losing out on essential food, shelter and other support due to funding cuts, as the war in their homeland approaches the three-year mark. Link: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/04/1167275 :Cat-O
Philippines: Mayon Volcano Summary of 24Hr Observation 09 April 2026 12:00 AM [EN/TL]
Country: Philippines Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Please refer to the attached Infographic. Link: https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/mayon-volcano-summary-24hr-observation-09-april-2026-1200-am-entl :Cat-O
WHO and France shift One Health vision to action with new high-impact initiatives
The World Health Organization (WHO) and France hosted the One Health Summit on World Health Day 2026, announcing new initiatives to protect human, animal, and environmental health through the One Health approach. The Summit highlighted urgent global challenges such as climate change, zoonotic diseas... Link: https://www.who.int/news/item/07-04-2026-who-and-france-shift-one-health-vision-to-action-with-new-high-impact-initiatives :Cat-O
Children are targets. We shouldn’t pretend they are not
The grammar around children being killed by airstrikes is stuck between what is and what should be. It’s no longer a question of semantics. Link: https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/opinion/2026/04/07/children-targets-war-conflict-we-shouldnt-pretend-they-are-not :Cat-O
WHO calls for action: “Together for health. Stand with science.” to mark World Health Day
The World Health Organization (WHO) today calls on people everywhere to renew their commitment to working together and supporting science as the twin engines driving better health, under the World Health Day 2026 theme: “Together for health. Stand with science.” The campaign marks the anniversary of... Link: https://www.who.int/news/item/06-04-2026-who-calls-for-action---together-for-health.-stand-with-science.--to-mark-world-health-day :Cat-O
Rethinking Humanitarianism | An exit talk with UNRWA’s Philippe Lazzarini
UNRWA’s departing chief describes “the most brutal experience” of his career, and the “slippery slope” waiting for humanitarians in Gaza. Link: https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/podcasts/2026/04/02/rethinking-humanitarianism-exit-talk-unrwa-philippe-lazzarini :Cat-O
WHO Member States agree to extend negotiations on key annex to the Pandemic Agreement
WHO Member States have agreed to extend negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement, with discussions to resume in late‑April ahead of its scheduled consideration by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May. Link: https://www.who.int/news/item/28-03-2026-who-member-states-agree-to-extend-negotiations-on-key-annex-to-the-pandemic-agreement :Cat-O
Encouraging progress in inclusive health policies for refugees and migrants
WHO reports a major shift in how countries are responding to the health needs of refugees and migrants, with new data showing more than 60 countries – two thirds of those surveyed – now include them in their national health policies and laws. Link: https://www.who.int/news/item/26-03-2026-encouraging-progress-in-inclusive-health-policies-for-refugees-and-migrants :Cat-O
WHO recommends new diagnostic tools to help end TB
On World TB Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to accelerate action to end tuberculosis (TB) and expand access to lifesaving services by using new innovations such as diagnostic tests that can be used near the point-of-care and tongue swabs that can help detect the disease ... Link: https://www.who.int/news/item/24-03-2026-who-recommends-new-diagnostic-tools-to-help-end-tb :Cat-O
When justice fails: Why women can’t get protection from AI deepfake abuse
She woke up to messages flooding her phone. Doctored images of her, sexualised and viral, had spread while she slept. Link: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/03/1167174 :Cat-O
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