Democratic Republic of the Congo

In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, an elementary school was demolished days before the start of the new school year. It served pupils from the few Palestinian families remaining in the herding community of Ein Samiya, following the displacement of most amid settler violence and diminishing grazing land.

According to the World Food Programme, some 7.3 million food-insecure people could see their situation worsen due to the unfolding crisis in Niger. Humanitarian exemptions to sanctions and border closures are required to avert a rapid deterioration of the food security and malnutrition situation.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations continues to support efforts to protect civilians amid increasing attacks by the CODECO armed group in Ituri Province.

Peacekeepers from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo stopped an attack by CODECO elements on Jissa village in Ituri province. The assailants, who earlier burned homes and made civilians flee, fled upon the arrival of the peacekeepers.

In Lebanon, after a week-long suspension of services in Ein el Hilweh camp due to armed clashes, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has resumed operations. Health Centre II reopened today. UNRWA is also preparing to assess and clear remnants of war from affected zones.

The United Nations is opening a public call for nominations of experts to serve on the multi-stakeholder High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, which has been convened by the Secretary-General to carry out analysis and advance recommendations for the international governance of artificial intelligence (AI).

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees warns that the Darien jungle crossing between Panama and Colombia is witnessing record numbers of migrants and refugees, with over 250,000 people crossing on foot in the first seven months of 2023 alone, surpassing the total for all of 2022.

In Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that hunger and displacement due to the ongoing war are spiraling out of control. More than 6 million people in the country — about 13 per cent of the population — are now one step away from famine.

The Support Mission in Libya, noting the approval of a road map and the announcement of nominations for a new Government by the House of Representatives, stressed that the political process is at a critical stage. Abdoulaye Bathily, Head of the Mission is intensifying his engagement with various stakeholders.

Wrapping up her visit, Bintou Keita, Head of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, met with representatives of displaced communities, civil society and the local community in Bukavu, South Kivu, to discuss ways to strengthen partnerships to support provincial peace and security efforts.