Madagascar

The High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed deep concern over death threats against Congolese rights defender and Nobel Prize Laureate Denis Mukwege, calling for a swift investigation and action to bring the perpetrators to justice.  The threats followed his condemnation of the killing of civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Beirut port is temporarily operational, with nearly 9,000 containers unloaded between 11 and 18 August, including 1,000 tons of goods such as iron and wheat.  The High Commissioner for Refugees is providing psychosocial support, emergency help cash and shelter kits, one of several United Nations agencies to offer emergency assistance.

Heavy rain and flooding caused by a recent tropical disturbance have affected more than 100,000 people in Madagascar and resulted in at least 31 deaths.  The Government is leading the response with support from the United Nations and humanitarian partners.

Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Ursula Mueller, wrapping up a three-day visit to Madagascar, called for urgent action to tackle climate change, with increased investment to help address acute humanitarian needs, as well as their causes.  Some 1.3 million people in Madagascar are severely food insecure.

Two people have died, 2,000 people are displaced and an estimated 20,000 others are affected following recent heavy rains and flooding in south-western Libya, United Nations humanitarian officials report.  The floods have caused houses to collapse, closed roads and interrupted communications and electricity networks.

The United Nations is supporting the Government of Mozambique, which beginning today is convening a pledging conference for recovery and reconstruction in the wake of the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclones Idai and Kenneth.

In Yemen, the humanitarian situation remains catastrophic, with 24 million people – or 80 per cent of the population – needing aid, Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock told the Security Council this morning.  The World Food Programme is expanding assistance to soon reach 12 million people a month.

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

On the eve of the second round of the presidential election in Madagascar, the electoral observer missions and the members of the international community issued a statement calling on the two candidates to show restraint and to exhort their supporters to avoid any action that could compromise the electoral process.

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