Mali

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

The United Nations Children’s Fund expressed deep sadness over the killing of its colleague, along with five other education workers, on 25 February in the north-western region of the Central African Republic, near Markounda, a remote area close to the Chadian border.

Aid agencies launched the 2018 Humanitarian Response Plan for Mali, seeking $263 million to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people.  Some 4.1 million people in the country require aid in 2018, versus 3.8 million in 2017.  More than 1 in 5 Malians are facing food insecurity this year.

On 5 February 2018, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017) concerning Mali convened its first meeting.

On 29 January 2018, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017) concerning Mali adopted guidelines for the conduct of its work, in accordance with paragraph 9(d) of resolution 2374 (2017).

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that the 2017/2018 season should end with a record global cereal output.  The forecast had been raised 13.5 million tons since December 2017, due largely to higher maize output expected in China, Mexico and the European Union.  FAO's Food Price Index in January was down almost 3 per cent year-on-year.

The Governments of Brazil and Nigeria launched mass immunization campaigns to protect people against yellow fever.  With support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, an estimated 23.8 million people in Brazil, and 25 million people in Nigeria, are expected to be vaccinated.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Kairat Umarov (Kazakhstan):

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Kairat Umarov (Kazakhstan):

The International Civil Service Commission of the United Nations reported that at least 71 United Nations and associated personnel — 53 peacekeepers and 18 civilians — were killed in malicious attacks in the line of duty during 2017.  The casualties in 2017 are the highest number ever recorded by the Commission.