World Status Report

This report intends to give the UTD Community a snapshot of international risks, and other issues as reported by the linked media and official sources from the U.S. and other countries. 

More health and security information for each country can be found in the travel advisories issued by the governments of the United States, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, and the CDC, ECDC, and WHO sites. Not all advise in these sites will apply to US travelers. 

Please note the publication date of this report and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information. The information in this report may change without prior notice. 

Security 

• Security Council hears of persistent and evolving Da’esh threat (UN News) – The terrorist group Da’esh, also known as ISIL, remains a serious global security threat despite years of sustained efforts to dismantle its operations, UN counter-terrorism officials warned during a Security Council meeting on Monday. 
• Mali – Conflict, protection incidents (ERCC) – As of 9 February 2025, at least 30 civilians were killed in an attack in the route connecting Gao and Ansongo, in northern Mali. Civilians continue to be the target of attacks committed by all parties to the conflict. According to the Protection Cluster, over 35,000 human rights violations have been reported during 2024, which means an increase of over 118% in comparison with 2023. The increment was particularly high for Gao region: 8, 272 human rights violations were recorded in 2024, a growth of 579% compared to 2023. 
• Syria: Chemical weapons watchdog hits reset button in Damascus, following productive meetings (UN News) – In a significant move towards eliminating Syria’s chemical weapons programme, the head of the UN-backed international watchdog dedicated to ending the scourge has been visiting Damascus, together with a high-level delegation. 
• Sri Lanka investigates deaths of 2 tourists taken ill at a hostel earlier this month (AP News) – Authorities conducted autopsies on Monday after the deaths of two foreign tourists earlier this month while they were vacationing in Sri Lanka. Police said the two women became ill with vomiting at the hostel they were staying in and were hospitalized on Feb. 1. They identified them as U.K. citizen Ebony McIntosh, 24, and German national Nadine Raguse, 26. A 30-year-old German man is being treated at a hospital. 
• After years of conflict, Timor-Leste turns peacemaker (UN News) – During the turbulent early years of Timor-Leste’s independence, the UN was a constant presence, helping to maintain peace and stability. Twenty-four years on, the country has made the successful transition from a host nation for UN peacekeeping operations, to one that contributes to supporting missions elsewhere. 
• Accident involving bus in southern Mexico killed 41 (Reuters) – A traffic accident involving a bus in southern Mexico, which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning, killed 41 people, the government of Tabasco state said in a statement, adding that recovery work was still ongoing. 

Demonstrations 

• At least 200,000 protesters rally in Munich against far-right AfD ahead of German election (AP News) – More than 200,000 protesters rallied in Munich, Germany, on Saturday against far-right extremism ahead of the country’s general election. The far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany, or AfD, is in second place in recent polls and has prompted widespread protests across the country before voters cast their ballots on Feb. 23. 

Environment 

• Philippines – Severe weather and floods (ERCC) – Heavy rain due to the effects of the Shear Line has been affecting the MIMAROPA region, causing floods and resulting in evacuations and damage. According to the authorities, almost 2,000 people have been evacuated in the Palawan province, of whom 1,209 in nine evacuation centres. 
• Peru – Floods and landslides (ERCC) – Heavy rainfall has been affecting the Nazca province, in southern Peru, since 6 February, causing floods, river overflow and landslides that have resulted in displacements and damage. As of 9 February, the overflow of the Tierras Blancas River and large landslides affected at least 30 houses, and residents have been evacuated to local temporary shelters. In addition, several roads and croplands have been damaged. 
• Chile – Wildfires (ERCC) – Several wildfires have been affecting parts of the La Araucanía region, central Chile resulting in evacuations and damage. 24 people have been evacuated in the Las Cardas area while a total of six houses have been destroyed following three different wildfires in the affected region. Moreover, in the communes of Lautaro and Galvarino people are under threat advisory for fires. 

Health 

• South Sudan – Mpox outbreak (ERCC) – On 7 February 2025, a mpox outbreak has been declared in South Sudan after identifying one patient in Juba. The case originates from Uganda where a mpox outbreak is ongoing. South Sudan became the 22nd country to be affected by mpox in Africa. The National Ministry of Health, together with the WHO, have started contact tracing and activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Center in order to coordinate surveillance, preparedness and response and to contain the outbreak. 

Humanitarian 

• Gaza crisis: Amid winter storms, humanitarians appeal for full aid access (UN News) – As the Israeli military completed its withdrawal at the weekend from a key security corridor in Gaza that had cut the enclave in two, UN humanitarians issued a fresh appeal for an end to all aid restrictions which continue to prevent the delivery of lifesaving relief. 

Please note the publication date of this report and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information. The information in this report may change without prior notice. 

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