The world presented a tapestry of celebration, conflict, and remembrance on Monday, 22nd December 2025, as captured by photographers across the globe. The Guardian's picture editors have selected a series of powerful images that tell distinct stories from South Africa to Nepal, Russia, and Manchester.
Protests, Conflict, and Acts of Defiance
In Kathmandu, Nepal, a new wave of political unrest unfolded as police detained a Gen Z protester during an anti-government rally. The movement, spearheaded by youth activist Miraj Dhungana, is challenging the interim government led by Sushila Karki. Protesters are demanding either an all-party roundtable or a constitutional reform assembly to rewrite the nation's constitution and introduce a directly elected prime minister.
A stark scene of violence emerged in Moscow, Russia, where investigators examined the site of a car bombing that killed Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov. The senior military figure served as the head of the operational training directorate within the Russian armed forces' general staff, marking a significant security incident.
Meanwhile, in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian residential building containing 13 apartments in the Silwan neighbourhood. Authorities cited a lack of construction permits for the action, a recurring point of tension in the region.
Ceremony, Commemoration, and Community Action
The city of Manchester gathered to pay respects to a music legend. The funeral of Gary Mounfield, known as Mani, the revered bass guitarist for the Stone Roses and Primal Scream, was held at Manchester Cathedral. The 63-year-old, who had a longstanding lung condition, died in November. Among the mourners were Sir David Beckham and Gary Neville, while pallbearers included his former bandmate John Squire and Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.
In a display of community spirit in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a local man was photographed carrying a bucket of water to assist firefighters battling a blaze at a shelter. The image underscores the collective effort often required in the face of adversity.
Back in the UK, an emergency unfolded in Whitchurch, Shropshire, where a sinkhole caused a canal bank to collapse. The Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that at least 10 people were rescued from three boats caught in the incident.
Global Echoes: Migration, Memory, and Festive Preparations
The ongoing issue of migration was visualised in Gravelines, France, where municipal employees walked past an inflatable boat deflated by French police. The vessel had been used by migrants attempting to cross the English Channel.
In Siem Reap, Cambodia, onlookers watched a painter create a mural depicting displaced civilians, soldiers, and monks. This act of remembrance coincided with a special ASEAN ministerial meeting in Malaysia, where the Thai-Cambodian border conflict was discussed. The recent fighting has reportedly killed about 60 people and displaced tens of thousands.
Festive preparations were underway worldwide. Johannesburg, South Africa, saw cars adorned with elaborate Christmas-themed decorations, captured from an aerial perspective. In South Tangerang, Indonesia, a worker meticulously cleaned a mosaic glass window at St Barnabas Catholic church ahead of Christmas mass. London's St Paul's Cathedral held candlelit rehearsals for its Christmas carol services, while Madrid hosted colourfully dressed spectators for the famous 'El Gordo' Christmas lottery draw.
A pointed political statement was made in Ochopee, Florida, USA, where activists installed a nativity scene with Mary and Joseph depicted in cages. The display, placed near the 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention camp, was intended to represent separated families and called for the camp's closure, an end to ICE raids, and the freeing of detainees.
