Lives are at risk, and “the cost of inaction is simply too high”, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said in a statement on Saturday after concluding a five-day visit to Syria. She expressed grave concern over the complexities and challenges facing the population and humanitarian operations on the ground. “The…
Briefing ambassadors at the Security Council, Jean-Pierre Lacroix said that if the parties display greater political will and invest adequate resources, credible elections can still take place before the end of the transition period. “Despite the shortcomings in implementation, the peace agreement did instill a period of stability at the national level and brought opponents…
Mr. Guterres visited a project that is helping the Caribbean nation to combat the effects of coastal erosion and rising seas – among the impacts of global warming. While commending the initiative, known as the Georgetown Sea Defense, he underlined the need for greater solidarity and financial support. UN Photo/Lucanus Ollivierre Efforts to tackle erosion…
“Amid all of the crises around the world, it is important no one is forgotten. The people of Myanmar have been suffering for too long,” Volker Türk said ahead of the anniversary of the coup on 1 February. He explained that fighting between the military and armed opposition groups has resulted in mass displacement and…
He called for more support so it can expand and reach its target of $1 billion. Speaking at the annual pledging event for the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), Mr. Guterres said it was a clear UN “success story”. “Year after year, CERF demonstrates its unique and irreplaceable role by getting funding quickly to people…
Ambassadors met for their annual briefing with the heads of UN Police Components serving at field missions. Approximately 9,000 police officers – men and women – from 94 countries are deployed at UN peace operations, mainly in formed police units (FPUs) comprised of 140 members. Unique responses required Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, opened…
Afghanistan continues to face a humanitarian crisis brought on by decades of instability, exacerbated by severe drought and natural disasters. As a result, millions are living with poor or no access to healthcare and food, putting them at severe risk of malnutrition and disease outbreaks. WHO added that the vulnerability of women and girls has further…
In Brasília, Ms. Mohammed said that Brazil – as the next chair of the G20 – can inspire collective global action towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. “Action like advocating for an SDG Stimulus to provide immediate relief, reforming Multilateral Development Banks and international financial institutions, and ensuring that developing countries have a strong…
According to the UN weather agency, June witnessed the warmest global average temperature on record, and heatwaves have persisted into early July. Torrential rains and floods have resulted in dozens of fatalities and affected millions in the United States, Japan, China and India. ‘New normal’ “The extreme weather – an increasingly frequent occurrence in our…
Mr. Wennesland expressed deep concern over recent violence and inflammatory actions, particularly the violent confrontations inside al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem earlier this month. He urged the sides, regional States and the international community, to show leadership, re-engage and work towards peace and the vision of a two-State solution. “There must be an end to the…
