Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
A recent UNESCO report indicates that low- and middle-income countries are expected to see a 30 percent reduction in education aid between 2023 and 2027. This follows years of declining development assistance, with significant foreign aid cuts from the United States, the EU, and Japan. The US reduced its total foreign aid by 57 percent, while the EU and Japan cut aid by 14 and 6 percent, respectively, in 2025. Contributing factors include the dismantling of USAID, lingering COVID-19 effects, energy price challenges, and shifts in investment priorities such as clean energy. Countries most affected are Nicaragua, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Mauritania, and Honduras. UNESCO highlights debt-for-education swaps as a potential solution, allowing creditor nations to forgive debt in exchange for domestic investment in education, with success seen in Peru, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire. Additional recommendations include lowering borrowing costs, strengthening education system resilience, and increasing domestic education spending when possible.
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called for a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation into deadly violence at Negombo city jail in Sri Lanka, which left at least 23 dead and critically injured 15. The riots, which unfolded over two days, reportedly stemmed from overcrowding and poor detention conditions. OHCHR stressed the need for accountability and for families to know the truth. The incident has spurred calls for improved monitoring and conditions in Sri Lanka’s detention facilities.