Kenya

Today is the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, and the 2019 theme is “Let’s Grow the Future Together”.  In his message, the Secretary-General stressed that protecting and restoring land can reduce forced migration, improve food security, spur economic growth and help address the global climate emergency.

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

UNICEF is launching a global campaign to emphasize the power and safety of vaccines, primarily aimed at parents, the agency announced today.  Launching next Wednesday, the campaign will coincide with the start of World Immunization Week.  The campaign will be conducted on social media with the hashtag #VaccinesWork.

The Assistant-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations briefed the Security Council on Mali today.  Despite noting progress to implement the 2015 peace agreement, she however added that the security situation remains of concern, with attacks targeting peacekeepers, national and international forces, and civilians.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President José Singer Weisinger (Dominican Republic):

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

The United Nations system in Syria says it is gravely concerned about the protection of thousands of people who are estimated to remain trapped by ongoing fighting in Da’esh-held areas of Hajin in south-eastern Deir ez-Zor Governorate, as well as for some 11,000 who have fled these areas since December 2018.

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

The new Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations, Lazarus Ombai Amayo, presented his credentials to UN Secretary‑General António Guterres today.

In Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh, the first monsoon rains are affecting hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees.  The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is rushing more aid, including thousands of tents to give emergency shelter, for some 60,000 refugees in areas at risk of landslides and flooding.