Central African Republic

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said today that 65 journalists have been killed in the line of duty in 2023, compared with 88 in 2022. The Head of UNESCO said that this drop conceals an alarming phenomenon: an increase in the number killed in conflict zones and more is online.

As fighting in Myanmar between ethnic armed organizations and the Myanmar Armed Forces expands, and humanitarian access is blocked, UN partners on the ground are still providing life-saving assistance wherever possible. The Humanitarian Response Plan for Myanmar, only 28 per cent funded, needs an urgent injection of funding.

In Nepal, UN agencies continue to provide life-saving assistance to meet the most pressing humanitarian needs of thousands of people affected by the earthquake. The UN and its partners have now reached some 21,000 people with water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, and about 20,000 children with education materials.

The Security Council today decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) until 15 November 2024, mandating it to advance a multi-year strategic vision to create the political, security and institutional conditions conducive to national reconciliation and durable peace.

On 17 October 2023, in accordance with paragraph 5 of resolution 2664 (2022), a representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, on behalf of the Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefed the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013) concerning the Central African Republic on the delivery of life-saving assistance and other activities that support essential human needs in the Central African Republic.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that from Saturday through Tuesday 62 trucks travelled through the Rafah crossing from Egypt into Gaza, carrying water, food and medical supplies. Most of this aid has already reached hospitals, ambulances and internally displaced people.

The Government of the Central African Republic must engage in inclusive dialogue with opposition parties and armed groups to build trust among stakeholders ahead of local elections in October 2024, the United Nations top official there told the Security Council today, as she highlighted progress in the country’s peace process.

In Libya, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that, five weeks after Storm Daniel brought catastrophic flooding to the country’s north-east, more than 43,000 people are still displaced.

On 10 October 2023, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013) concerning the Central African Republic received a briefing from Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.

The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide expressed concern over the ongoing situation in the South Caucasus, in which it is reported that tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians have left the area for Armenia in the span of just a few days. All efforts must be made to ensure their protection and human rights.