Syria

In Iraq, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair reports that is has launched a humanitarian transition overview to encapsulate critical residual humanitarian needs and help donors and agencies prioritize support in 2023.

The earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria in recent weeks have only compounded suffering for the latter’s war-weary population — already plagued by 12 years of unrelenting armed conflict — senior United Nations officials told the Security Council today, calling on all parties to facilitate unimpeded access for urgent humanitarian relief.

The Secretary-General, noting the International Court of Justice’s Order regarding Armenia and Azerbaijan, welcomed their trust placed in the World Court and expressed hope both parties will implement the Orders, including ensuring unimpeded movement along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.

Today, 53 trucks crossed from southern Türkiye into north-west Syria, carrying food commodities from the World Food Programme; shelter, hygiene and other items from the International Organization for Migration; and supplies from the UN Refugee Agency for over 5,000 people, to assist those impacted by the recent earthquake.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) reports that protection efforts by peacekeepers in Leourou in Ouham-Pende Prefecture resulted in the release of over 100 people who were being held by armed elements who had attacked their village.

With Tropical Cyclone Freddy putting 2.6 million people in Madagascar, Mozambique and Zimbabwe at risk, the United Nations and its partners have pre-deployed about 80 staff, has pre-positioned emergency stocks to areas likely to be affected and has two aircraft on standby to facilitate assessments and initial response.

In Malawi, the United Nations and its partners are appealing for $45.3 million to help the Government there provide health, water, sanitation, nutrition, education and protection services to 4 million people devastated by the country’s deadliest cholera outbreak in recent history.

World leaders announced today over $826 million to Education Cannot Wait, the United Nations global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, to support the education of millions of girls and boys living in crises.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) today reported a sharp increase in violence in the country at the end of 2022. In its quarterly report, the Mission said that the number of civilians harmed increased by 87 per cent, compared to the same period in 2021.

With the full-scale war in Ukraine about to enter its second year, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the High Commissioner for Refugees, today jointly launched in Geneva an appeal for $5.6 billion to ease the plight of millions of people.