We mark International Conscientious Objector’s Day on 15 May 2025 in a context of increasing militarisation. Against this backdrop QUNO continues to work to uphold the rights of all whose conscience calls them to refuse military service.

On 15 April, a special Meeting for Worship in recognition of the fourth session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) was held at Quaker House in New York.

Applications are now open for two programme assistant positions at QUNO Geneva from September 2025 to August 2026 working on: 
-    Human Rights & Refugees
-    Human Impacts of Climate Change

QUNO Geneva’s Peace and Disarmament programme delivered a statement during the General Debate on Agenda Item 3 at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council to welcome OHCHR’s most recent report on the negative human rights impacts of arms transfers (A/HRC/58/41). The statement was delivered by Yvette Issar, Peace and Disarmament Programme Consultant.

QUNO Geneva engaged with the 58th session of the Human Rights Council with particular attention to the human rights impacts of the climate crisis, the right to conscientious objection to military service, the human rights impacts of arms transfers, and the primary focus of the Human Rights and refugees Programme: human rights of migrants.

On 4 March 2025, Quaker House was filled with energy by a visit from a delegation of advocates from Korean Anti-Nuclear Peace Action (KANPA). The group consisted of survivors of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and their descendants, as well as Korean and Japanese peace activists from environmental and faith-based organizations. This month, KANPA is conducting a tour of the United States raising awareness for Korean survivors of the atomic bombs, who are often left out of memorializing and reparations plans.

February 1 marked four years since Myanmar's military overthrew the country’s democratically elected government. As the international community observed the anniversary of the military coup, QUNO NY hosted an informal briefing for diplomats by Charles Petrie, former UN Resident Coordinator to Myanmar. The meeting focused on the emergence of new governance models.  

QUNO NY Representative Kavita Desai joined a panel discussion entitled “Promise of World Peace: A Coherent Approach to Peace and Security” on February 7th. Hosted by the Bahá’í International Community (BiC) and the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations, the discussion focused on the UN General Assembly Revitalization process that makes recommendations on the functioning of the UN System, such as coordination among UN principal organs, rules of procedure, and accessibility.  

The Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO), Geneva, is seeking a well-qualified, highly motivated, part-time Fundraising Officer to join its small staff team. 
This is a new position established to support QUNO Geneva’s financial stability and grow its income, in line with our strategic vision and priorities. Under the supervision of the Interim Director, the Fundraising Officer will take this forward through two workstreams: 
1)    Coordination and support to increase fundraising from grant making bodies