Afghanistan

The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council today that 14 May was a day of tragedy for the people of Gaza.  He said that there is no justification for the killing, and there is no excuse.

In Afghanistan, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights welcomed the commitment by the Government to improve the human rights situation, but he also urged more action to end attacks on civilians, mainly by extremists, and the continued discrimination against Afghan women at all levels of society.

The Central Emergency Response Fund allocated $1.26 million for Gaza today to support the rapid procurement of essential medical supplies and their distribution to critical hospitals providing trauma care.

From Sudan, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that some 11,500 people have been displaced to Rokero town and nearby Jemeza village in the Jebel Marra area of Darfur, following fighting that took place in April between armed groups.  The figure is a preliminary estimate by an inter-agency assessment team that recently visited the area.

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Joanna Wronecka (Poland):

In Syria, our humanitarian colleagues are concerned for the safety and protection of tens of thousands of people as fighting continues to be reported in several areas of northern rural Homs Governorate.  The United Nations calls on all parties, and those with influence over them, to ensure protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to allow for safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all in need.

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Gustavo Meza-Cuadra (Peru):

The Secretary-General’s Youth Envoy spoke to the Security Council today on the Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security.  She said the report points to two key issues needing attention:  the growing mistrust from young generations towards formal political institutions, and the exclusion of young people from political, civic and economic life.