Lebanon

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 Koro Bessho (Japan):

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) reported that a patrol hit a suspected improvised explosive device in Kidal city, wounding one peacekeeper on 18 December.  The incident follows four separate attacks against peacekeeping personnel and premises in Kidal on 15 December.

At the annual Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) Pledging Conference, the Secretary-General called for a $1 billion CERF to help bolster contingency financing, noting that, since 2005, humanitarian needs have increased from $5.2 billion to over $24 billion today, with more people than ever on the brink of disaster.

Following are UN Deputy Secretary‑General Amina Mohammed’s remarks at the Ministerial Meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon, in Paris today:

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia today convicted Ratko Mladiæ on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, giving him a life sentence.  Prosecutor Serge Brammertz said the judgment was a milestone in the Tribunal’s history and international criminal justice.

United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Pernille Dahler Kardel of Denmark as Acting United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon.

A joint study on food security released by the Government of South Sudan and humanitarian partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Food Programme, warns that the current harvest season will not end the hunger crisis in the country.

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

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that civilians continue to flee their homes in northern Iraq, with at least 166,000 people currently displaced, the majority from Kirkuk.  Aid workers are helping people in need where they have access, providing food, water, blankets and other supplies.