UN warns of rising global risks as Yemen fighting displaces more than 100,000

International, Investigation

UNITED NATIONS (NPA) — The United Nations has warned that geopolitical tensions and large-scale wars are among the most pressing and interconnected risks facing the world, as escalating hostilities in Yemen continue to displace civilians and place growing pressure on humanitarian operations.

UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric made the remarks during the UN daily press briefing on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, while presenting highlights from the newly launched 2026 Global Risk Report.

According to Dujarric, the report was based on responses from more than 1,300 stakeholders drawn from governments, businesses, civil society and the UN system. It identified geopolitical tensions and large-scale war as major global risks, while also highlighting growing concerns about artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

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The report also maintained that climate change and other environmental challenges remain among the world’s significant threats.

Dujarric said international cooperation remained an important means of addressing the rapidly evolving risk landscape and preventing existing threats from developing into wider crises.

The briefing also focused heavily on Yemen, where the UN said intensified fighting, particularly along the country’s western coast, had forced more than 100,000 people to flee their homes.

The UN refugee agency also reported that thousands of people had crossed the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Djibouti in search of safety, with the crossing presenting additional dangers to families fleeing the conflict.

In response to the humanitarian situation, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher released $9 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to provide urgent assistance to displaced families and communities hosting them.

The UN said many families had been forced to flee at short notice with few belongings, while humanitarian organisations were providing protection, shelter, relief items and financial assistance despite difficult operating conditions.

Movement restrictions caused by insecurity have also affected humanitarian access, with key routes restricted or suspended. The UN said humanitarian supplies and resources were running low and called on all parties to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law and facilitate the safe and unhindered delivery of aid.

The UN Security Council was also expected to hold an emergency meeting on developments around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Dujarric said the briefing would address intensified fighting along Yemen’s western coast, including reported advances by the Houthis towards the strategic waterway and a counteroffensive by the Yemeni government.

The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, meanwhile continues to engage with the parties in an effort to keep communication channels open and preserve space for dialogue.

In the occupied Palestinian territory, UN humanitarian officials reported continuing difficulties for displaced families in accessing shelter and essential services.

At a displacement site in Khan Yunis, families affected by an airstrike that destroyed most of their tents said they needed additional assistance ahead of the cold and rainy season, including mattresses, blankets and tarpaulins.

In northern Rafah, families also reported difficulties accessing essential services, particularly safe water, with ongoing military activities affecting the regularity of water deliveries. The UN said it remained concerned about reports of airstrikes and attacks in populated areas and reiterated that Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory must be protected under international humanitarian law.

On Sudan, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Pekka Haavisto, concluded a two-day visit to Egypt following his recent visit to Sudan.

In Cairo, Haavisto met Egyptian officials, including Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, to discuss Egypt’s role as a neighbouring country in supporting efforts to end the Sudan conflict. He also met the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Nabil El-Araby, and members of the Sudanese diaspora.

The UN said the discussions highlighted the importance of coordination among international and regional partners and ensuring that Sudan’s diverse diaspora has a meaningful voice in shaping the country’s future.

The briefing also covered developments in Libya, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nepal, including efforts to strengthen institutions, respond to Ebola and support children affected by devastating floods.

Dujarric also announced the appointment of Martin Kimani of Kenya as the new Assistant Secretary-General for Africa. Kimani, a former Kenyan Permanent Representative to the UN, succeeds Ghana’s Marta Pobee.

The briefing coincided with the International Day of Democracy, with the Secretary-General warning in his message that deepening divisions and multiplying conflicts were undermining the social contract between citizens and governments.

The UN said the observance was intended to reinforce the importance of democracy and inclusive participation in decision-making.