The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a new outbreak of Ebola in Bikoro in Equateur Province yesterday after lab results confirmed two cases of the deadly virus. The World Health Organization is working closely with the Government to rapidly scale up its operations and mobilize health partners.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
After decades of displacement, 93 refugees in Thailand have returned to south-eastern Myanmar with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and its partners.
From Sudan, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that some 11,500 people have been displaced to Rokero town and nearby Jemeza village in the Jebel Marra area of Darfur, following fighting that took place in April between armed groups. The figure is a preliminary estimate by an inter-agency assessment team that recently visited the area.
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.
Due to continuing hostilities and military operations in Syria’s Afrin District, some 126,000 men, women and children remain displaced, from Afrin to Tall Refaat, Nabul, Zahraa, Fafin and other areas. Also, an estimated 150,000 people continue to be in Afrin District, where access to people in need remains extremely limited.
The United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA, reports that the situation in Bangui is calm following violence in the capital yesterday, but in a subsequent attack, two MINUSCA Military Staff Officers were wounded, one seriously, after a crowd pelted them with stones.
The UN Mission in the Central African Republic reports that the situation in Bangui is tense and evolving, with violence and casualties reported in the capital’s Second and Third districts. The Mission immediately deployed patrols to protect civilians and secure key points, in close cooperation with authorities.
In Syria, our humanitarian colleagues are concerned for the safety and protection of tens of thousands of people as fighting continues to be reported in several areas of northern rural Homs Governorate. The United Nations calls on all parties, and those with influence over them, to ensure protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to allow for safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all in need.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is warning today that a surge in violent clashes in Unity, Jonglei and Central Equatoria States is having a devastating impact on thousands of civilians and on humanitarian agencies.
On Myanmar, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that the situation in Rakhine State remains extremely concerning. There are continued reports of departures from northern Rakhine, and some reports of threats and extortion against Muslim communities.