The United Nations and humanitarian partners today released a tri-national action plan seeking $10.4 million to support Government responses over the next year to urgent needs in the border area between Colombia, Peru and Brazil, which currently has the world’s highest COVID-19 mortality rates per 100,000 people.
Türkiye
The High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed deep concern over death threats against Congolese rights defender and Nobel Prize Laureate Denis Mukwege, calling for a swift investigation and action to bring the perpetrators to justice. The threats followed his condemnation of the killing of civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The United Nations is following with concern the latest developments in Guyana, particularly allegations that the tabulation of votes from Region 4 was not done according to proper legal procedures, and takes note of statements of concern issued by international observers and ambassadors accredited to Georgetown.
The number of reported cases worldwide of the coronavirus stands at 95,265, with 3,281 deaths, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said today, noting encouraging signs from the Republic of Korea, where the number of newly-reported cases appears to be declining.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is appealing for calm and an easing of tensions on Turkey’s borders with the European Union, following a recent increase in movements of people. Groups arriving at Turkey’s borders have included Syrians, Afghans, Iranians, Sudanese and other nationalities.
Heavy rain and flooding caused by a recent tropical disturbance have affected more than 100,000 people in Madagascar and resulted in at least 31 deaths. The Government is leading the response with support from the United Nations and humanitarian partners.
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres departed New York very early on Wednesday, 30 October, and arrived in Istanbul that afternoon.
In Somalia, Beletweyne district and other areas have been severely affected by unusually heavy rains and flooding. Humanitarian needs are dire. The World Food Programme is working with the Federal Government and with sister United Nations agencies to coordinate the response and reach the hardest-hit people.
The United High Commissioner for Human Rights today condemned this week’s protests in Venezuela and called for effective investigations into the violence that has led to several deaths and injuries. She urged all sides to conduct immediate talks to defuse the increasingly incendiary atmosphere.