The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone):

Amidst a recent escalation in hostilities, the casualty count in Ukraine continues to grow — with July being the deadliest month for civilians in almost two years — a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today, as speakers condemned Moscow’s massive aerial attacks.

Violence this last month in Syria and the surrounding region has not only taken a toll on civilians but has also presented new threats to international peace and security, United Nations officials warned the Security Council today as they expressed deep concern about the ongoing tense situation across many fronts in that country.

In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and most particularly in the West Bank, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is warning that people there are increasingly exposed to deadly warfare tactics that seem to exceed international standards for law enforcement.

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until 31 August 2025, stressing the importance of — and the need to achieve — a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Disability Inclusion Conference, in Paris today:

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees today warned that without additional, urgent support, the recently declared Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could be devastating for refugees and displaced communities there and other impacted countries in Africa.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, observed 9 September:

The General Assembly today adopted an oral decision reaffirming its central role concerning the question of equitable representation and increased Security Council membership, as delegates underscored that the organ’s composition no longer reflects today’s political landscape.

In Bangladesh, which has suffered from flash floods, triggered by heavy rainfall and upstream water flows from India, the United Nations team on the ground are providing water purification tablets, hygiene kits and food.