Since Friday, 11 civilians have lost their lives and over 90 have been injured, as reported by authorities. Damage has been sustained by schools and energy infrastructure.
The most affected area was the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, with Kostiantynivka suffering significantly.
Six other regions, including Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia, also faced impacts, with damage to homes, schools, ambulances, and power infrastructure in front-line areas.
In response, aid organizations have provided repair materials, hot meals, and drinks, alongside psychological support.
Families on the run
Humanitarians continue to aid people escaping hostilities in Donetsk and Dnipro regions.
According to OCHA, over 2,000 people, many children, were evacuated from Donetsk between Friday and Monday.
“With the growing pressure on the transit site in Pavlohrad, new facilities have been established in Voloske and Lozova,” the agency reported.
Evacuees receive medical and psychosocial support, hot meals, water, hygiene supplies, and can register for cash assistance before moving to safer areas.
Humanitarians are also assisting arrivals in other parts of Ukraine.
Egypt urged to end ‘rotation’ detention practice targeting Government critics
The UN human rights office, OHCHR, urged Egypt to end “rotation,” a practice allowing prolonged arbitrary detention of government critics even after serving sentences or completing maximum pre-trial detention.
Targets include human rights defenders, activists, lawyers, journalists, peaceful protesters, and political opponents.
The recent case involves poet Galal El-Behairy, who was arbitrarily detained after completing a prison term on 31 July 2021 for critical writings.
He faces similar charges in two separate cases under the counter-terrorism law and penal code. The latest charges, brought on 19 August 2025, extend his detention for at least 15 more days.
Suppressing critical voices
Rotation “has become a tool by which the Egyptian Government represses perceived critics,” stated OHCHR Spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan in Geneva.
“Most targeted individuals should not have been detained or jailed, as charges often relate to exercising legitimate rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” he noted.
OHCHR urged Egyptian authorities to cease the practice and release all affected individuals.
UN announces two new mechanisms to promote cooperation on AI governance
The UN Secretary-General acclaimed the General Assembly’s decision to establish two new mechanisms for international cooperation on AI governance.
The UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance mark significant progress in utilizing technology’s benefits while addressing risks.
This development emphasizes Member States’ commitment to the Global Digital Compact, part of the Pact for the Future adopted last September, noted UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in New York.
Fostering inclusion, informing decision-making
The Global Dialogue will provide an inclusive platform for States and stakeholders to discuss critical AI issues.
The Scientific Panel will bridge cutting-edge AI research and policymaking.
“By offering rigorous, independent scientific evaluations, it will help anticipate emerging challenges and guide informed decisions on governing this transformative technology,” explained the spokesperson.
The Secretary-General will soon request nominations for the Scientific Panel, presenting annual reports at the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in July 2026 in Geneva and 2027 in New York.
Stakeholders are encouraged “to support this historic initiative and contribute to a future where AI serves the common good.”
This post office was officially opened on 4 September 1981 in Karagwe District, Kagera Region in Tanzania
UN postal agency striving to keep packages moving ahead of US duty-free deadline
The UN postal agency is taking measures to maintain package flow to the US after several countries suspended service.
“Maintaining trust with the billions served by the postal network is our top priority,” stated Universal Postal Union (UPU) Director General Masahiko Metoki.
As of 29 August, the US will suspend duty-free “de minimis” measures for low-value packages.
Packages under $800 will no longer be exempt from customs duties and may face new processing requirements. Letters are unaffected.
A big change
UPU noted that each country may establish its own customs policies, but the change “will entail considerable operational changes for postal operators worldwide” given the short notice.
Postal services in at least 25 countries have halted outbound services to the US, citing transit uncertainties, according to the UPU.
The UN agency is aiding countries to adjust to new customs duty collection and is in contact with the US Government to develop practical solutions.
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