Newly released data from the International Organization for Migration show that almost half of all identified child trafficking cases begin with the involvement of a family member. According to the data, the extent of such involvement is up to four times higher than in cases of adult trafficking.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
The Secretary-General is meeting for the first time with his High-level Advisory Board on Mediation, established to help his efforts to build stronger partnerships in preventing and resolving crises. The Secretary-General emphasized in his remarks the experience and knowledge of Board members and the critical role they could play in preventive diplomacy.
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.
The United Nations stands ready to support repair of Syrian Arab Red Crescent warehouses hit by two mortar shells in Quneitra, in southern Syria, and replenish the destroyed aid. Some 13.1 million people in Syria require assistance, according to the 2018 humanitarian needs assessment released today.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that the number of Rohingya refugees having fled Myanmar for Bangladesh since 25 August has now reached 621,000. As of this morning, the Rohingya Refugee Crisis Response Plan has received nearly $140 million, or 32 per cent of requirements. Donors had pledged $360 million for the October response.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights report having noted an increase in murders and threats against human rights defenders and community leaders in the country’s Pacific Coast region. In most cases, the victims are from indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities.
Secretary-General António Guterres called for continued calm in Zimbabwe. Closely following developments, he underlined the importance of resolving political differences through peaceful means, including through dialogue and in conformity with the country’s Constitution.
A total of 925,000 suspected cholera cases in Yemen included more than 2,200 associated deaths, as of 12 November, aid agencies reported. Fuel to run hospital generators and pump clean water would run out in weeks and the blockade continued to prevent air and sea humanitarian supply deliveries.
Today is World Diabetes Day, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is highlighting women’s right to a healthy future. The agency says there are some 422 million people living with diabetes, 205 million of whom are women. More than half are in the Western Pacific and South-east Asia regions.
This week is Antibiotic Awareness Week, and it kicks off today under the theme “Learn how to handle antibiotics with care”. The development of resistance is a big issue, and more information about can be found on the the World Health Organization’s website.