South Sudan

Relentless conflict and insecurity during South Sudan’s annual lean season have pushed 6.1 million people —  nearly 60 per cent of the population – into extreme hunger, the Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Food Programme say in a new report.

On 14 September 2018, members of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan were briefed by the Coordinator of the Panel of Experts on South Sudan in connection with the Panel’s workplan for 2018-2019.

Speakers in the Security Council today said a relatively stable security situation in Abyei makes it time to consider adjustments to the United Nations peacekeeping force there.  Many stressed, however, that changes to its composition and mission must be preceded by thorough consultations with Khartoum and Juba.

Over 1 million people remain affected by Typhoon Mangkhut, which hit the Philippines on 15 September and some 148,000 people remain in evacuation centres or with host families, humanitarian colleagues report. The United Nations and partners are working with the Government to assess and distribute emergency aid.

Cautiously welcoming a week-old peace deal ending the fighting in South Sudan, Security Council members raised a range of concerns about subsequent clashes and the protracted humanitarian crisis, as high-level officials updated on recent developments today.

A new report released today says that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) mobilized $25 million to increase resilience and restore more than 800 buildings for the most vulnerable people in Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, which were hit by two powerful back-to-back hurricanes a year ago.

The Government of Zimbabwe has declared a state of emergency following a cholera outbreak in the capital, Harare, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports.  As of this morning, there have been more than 4,000 suspected cases, including 58 confirmed cases, and 25 cholera-related deaths.

The Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen today said the situation in Hodeidah has deteriorated over recent days and that families are terrified by the bombardment, shelling and air strikes.  More than 25 per cent of children are malnourished; 900,000 people are desperate for food; and 90,000 pregnant women are at risk.

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

The International Labour Organization (ILO) welcomed Qatar’s decision to end exit visa requirements for most of its migrant workers.  ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said in a tweet that this is a “positive step towards decent work”, adding that the agency is committed to working with the Government of Qatar as it pursues further reforms.  The Secretary-General adds his welcome to the voice of ILO.