As the conflict in Syria entered its fourteenth year, the “tragic reality” was that developments are going in the wrong direction across all fronts, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the country warned the Security Council today, as members echoed his urgent calls on Damascus and other actors to unblock the persisting political impasse.
Syria
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Mission (MONUSCO) continues their vital work protecting civilians in the country’s east. Earlier this week, MONUSCO deployed in Tche and Logo-Takpa, in Ituri Province, in support of the Congolese Armed Forces following a string of attacks by CODECO combatants.
In Ukraine, the Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs reports that an attack earlier today hit residential areas of Odesa, a city with a population of some 1 million people, causing destruction and multiple civilian casualties.
In Chad, the UN, aid partners and the Government today launched the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which seeks $1.1 billion to help 4.6 million there, with a priority focus on food security and nutrition as the country braces for what could be the worst lean season in over a decade.
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
In Bolivia, the United Nations is supporting authorities to tackle massive floods, which have been worsened by the El Niño phenomenon and climate change. The Organization is further assessing the impacts on water, sanitation, education, health and shelter.
The Security Council met this morning to discuss the situation in Syria. Briefing the Council was Adedeji Ebo, Director and Deputy to the High Representative, United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs.
In Abyei, the United Nations Interim Security Force there reported that they are continuing to patrol in order to protect civilians and are engaging with community leaders and local authorities to de-escalate intercommunal tensions.
The Security Council met this morning to hear a briefing on the situation in Syria. Addressing the Council were Geir Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, and Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.
In Ethiopia, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated $17 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to address worsening food insecurity in the country. The new funding reflects the Organization’s deep concern over the impact of a new El Niño-driven drought that is impacting Ethiopia.