The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, has appealed for calm in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir amid unrest ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for 27 July 2026. Since June, dozens of people, mostly protesters and some law enforcement personnel, have reportedly died. The protests are led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a group that includes traders, students, and lawyers. The JAAC has been banned under anti-terrorism laws for allegedly threatening public order and security, with several leaders arrested.

Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the UN human rights office (OHCHR), expressed concern over the crackdown, stating it raises serious issues regarding the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

In Europe and Central Asia, women now represent 54% of all migrants, according to UN Women. Between 2022 and 2024, women made up the majority of migrants from Ukraine and Moldova arriving in the European Union. Additionally, women and girls accounted for most identified victims of human trafficking in several countries across the region.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has surged by approximately 70% over the past two weeks, with more than 40 new cases reported daily, the UN migration agency (IOM) warned on 17 July 2026. IOM highlighted that 60% of reported deaths are occurring in communities rather than health facilities, indicating significant gaps in early detection, surveillance, and timely access to care.

The UN Secretary-General reiterated a call for all UN Member States to fully cooperate with Security Council resolution 2166, adopted unanimously days after the MH17 tragedy, demanding a full, thorough, and independent international investigation. He also expressed solidarity with the families of the victims.

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