The UN Human Rights Office has launched an investigation into allegations that Indian authorities forcibly deported around 40 Rohingya refugees into the sea. Reports say the refugees were blindfolded and transported to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where they were put on an Indian Navy ship and forced to swim to an island inside Myanmar’s maritime border. The UN further alleges that approximately 100 Rohingyas were moved from a detention center in Assam to an undisclosed location near the Bangladesh border. The UN stressed that any forced repatriation of refugees must stop immediately and has appointed a special expert to lead the investigation.

At the biennial Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting, the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Country Team reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development. The meeting emphasized the need for reforming governance, enhancing institutional capacity, and protecting human rights—especially in light of climate-related challenges and political changes. In 2024, the UN committed $215 million in development support. So far, 40 million people have gained access to social protection services, 580,000 children have benefitted from child protection programs, and 5.6 million adolescent girls have received the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention.

The World Health Organization has reported that at least 57 children have died from starvation and malnutrition in Gaza since March 2, following the blockade on humanitarian aid. With 2.1 million residents, Gaza is now at “severe risk of famine.” WHO representative Richard Peeperkorn warned that without immediate access to nutritious food, clean water, and medical services, nearly 71,000 children under five could suffer from acute malnutrition within the next 11 months. Around 17,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are also at high risk. Peeperkorn urged for the immediate lifting of the blockade to prevent irreversible damage to an entire generation.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over military operations conducted across the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border by India. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that the Secretary-General has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum military restraint. He warned that the world cannot afford a military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

At the UN, Pakistani Counselor Jawad Azmal stated that Pakistan is not spreading baseless propaganda against India. He said that clear evidence shows 'regional enemies' supported the Balochistan Liberation Army's attack on the Zafar Express in March, which killed 30 passengers. Azmal also criticized India for blaming others instead of addressing its own issues.

On the second day of the ICJ hearing into genocide allegations against Israel, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation stated that Palestinians are being subjected to atrocities, oppression, and genocide with global impunity. Representative Zane Dangor said Israel faces no accountability despite violating international law. He also alleged that entities attempting to hold Israel responsible are often met with retaliatory pressure. Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s actions in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza as clear breaches of international law. Israel has boycotted the hearing, labeling the case biased.

The International Court of Justice has begun a five-day hearing on the humanitarian blockade preventing aid deliveries to Gaza. Though Israel has submitted written objections, it is not participating in oral arguments. Swedish lawyer Elinor Hammarskjöld stressed that international law prohibits acquisition of territory by force. Experts say Israel’s 2024 UNRWA ban violates its UN obligations.

The UN Security Council strongly condemned the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, India. In a press statement, Council members called for accountability and international cooperation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s National Security Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, issued a press release expressing Pakistan’s willingness to support a neutral international investigation into the Pahalgam attack.

At the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, Secretary Abdul Khaleque reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to fully implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord. He also highlighted the region’s unique land management system and reiterated the government’s dedication to protecting constitutional and indigenous rights.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is “deeply concerned” over rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, emphasized the need for maximum restraint and urged both countries to resolve issues through meaningful dialogue and mutual engagement.

Bangladesh achieved a significant diplomatic victory at the 81st session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok. Aide to the Economic Adviser was elected vice-president, while Bangladesh secured three-year terms in the governing councils of the APCICT and APDIM. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus addressed the session via video, calling for stronger regional and global cooperation.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix commended Bangladesh’s contribution to global peacekeeping during a courtesy meeting with IGP Baharul Alam. The IGP affirmed that Bangladeshi peacekeepers have consistently demonstrated professionalism and expressed readiness to deploy more personnel to UN missions in the future.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to inclusive and climate-resilient urban development in a video address to the UN ESCAP session. He called on the global community to embrace his “Three Zero” vision—zero wealth concentration, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, is leading the Bangladesh delegation in Bangkok.

During a meeting on Sunday with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam called for an increased deployment of Bangladeshi police and armed forces personnel in peacekeeping missions. Lacroix praised Bangladeshi contingents for their talent, professionalism, and significant contributions to global peace. He acknowledged efforts to place more Bangladeshi officers in leadership roles. The Adviser also requested the deployment of Bangladesh’s Formed Police Units in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Liberty Justice Center has filed a lawsuit in the International Trade Court challenging former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. The suit argues that Trump exceeded constitutional limits by imposing broad tariffs on various countries. Filed on behalf of five U.S. businesses, the plaintiffs include a New York wine importer, a fishing gear e-commerce firm, a U.S. pipe manufacturer using imported resin, a Virginia-based electronics and musical instrument maker, and a Vermont women’s cycling apparel brand.