Democratic Republic of the Congo

Humanitarian needs across the Sahel region are at unprecedented levels due to escalating conflict, climate change, rising food insecurity and record-high food prices, United Nations officials report, saying that more than 30 million men, women and children in the Sahel will need assistance and protection in 2022.

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

Humanitarian needs in Sudan are rising to unprecedented levels due to the economic crisis, prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall.  The World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organization predict that the number of people facing acute food insecurity could double from 9.8 million in 2021 by September.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom):

Some 10,000 people have sought refuge in Uganda’s Kisoro district, following violent clashes that began on Monday in the Rutshuru territory.  The United Nations Refugee Agency is working with the Government of Uganda and humanitarian partners to provide assistance.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom):

As Ramadan begins, the soaring cost of food staples in import-dependent Middle Eastern and North African countries is creating ever greater challenges for millions of families already struggling to keep hunger at bay, the World Food Programme said, warning that millions will struggle to buy even basic foods.

Nearly half of all pregnancies worldwide, about 121 million a year, are unintended, a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says, warning the Ukraine and other conflicts are expected to drive an increase through disruption of access to contraception and growing sexual violence.

The activities of armed groups in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo present a grave threat to efforts to improve national security and regional stability, the top United Nations official in the country told the Security Council today, stressing the need for a comprehensive political strategy to address the conflict’s structural causes.

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