Václav Bálek, Human Rights Council president and ambassador of the Czech Republic, during a press briefing ahead of the council’s 52rd session, at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, 22 February 2023. (Keystone/Martial Trezzini)

Human Rights Council meets a year into Ukraine war. Nearly 100 ministers and other high ranking officials will gather at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva for the start of the Human Rights Council, with another 50 speaking by video message. Three days after the war in Ukraine reached its one year anniversary, Russia’s ongoing invasion is poised to take centre stage at the meeting. But other issues, from the crackdown of protests in Iran to the aid delivery to earthquake victims in Syria and the rise in hunger across the world will also be raised across the five-and-a half-week session.

Yemen pledging conference. The Palais des Nations will also be hosting on Monday a high-level pledging event for one of the world’s longest and most critical humanitarian crises. This year, the UN says $4.3 billion will be needed to assist 17.3 million of the most vulnerable people in a country that has been facing nine years of civil war, economic collapse, acute hunger and regular climate disasters, such as drought and flooding. A six-month truce last year allowed for much needed aid to be delivered.

Pandemic treaty talks resume. Countries will meet from Monday to Friday to consider an initial proposal for a pandemic treaty. The so-called “zero-draft”, which we reported upon its release, is a compilation of ideas that countries hope will help the world better prevent, prepare and respond to future health emergencies. Some of them, diplomats have made clear, are certain to face fierce opposition, setting up this week’s discussions to already be heated.