Yemen

Today is the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, and the 2019 theme is “Let’s Grow the Future Together”.  In his message, the Secretary-General stressed that protecting and restoring land can reduce forced migration, improve food security, spur economic growth and help address the global climate emergency.

The “unwinnable” conflict in Yemen is worsening, with 20 million Yemenis lacking enough food and only marginal changes in power dynamics since fighting broke out in 2015, top United Nations officials warned the Security Council today, amid calls for parties to fully implement the Stockholm and Hodeidah Agreements designed to end the acute humanitarian crisis.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership, which outlines areas of cooperation to deepen engagement and accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

More than 1 in 5 people living in conflict zones suffer from mental health disorders, a higher percentage than previously thought, according to a study released today by the World Health Organization and published by the Lancet.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said at least 19 children have been killed and dozens injured in Sudan since 3 June, amid reports that they are being detained, recruited to join the fighting and sexually abused.  Many parents are far too scared to let their children leave the house, fearful of violence.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mansour Ayyad Sh. A. Alotaibi (Kuwait):

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians by anti-Government elements throughout the holy month of Ramadan, citing more than 100 civilian casualties in Kabul alone.  The Secretary-General’s Special Representative said that by definition these are war crimes.

The United Nations is supporting the Government of Mozambique, which beginning today is convening a pledging conference for recovery and reconstruction in the wake of the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclones Idai and Kenneth.

On 10 May 2019, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014) held informal consultations to meet with its Panel of Experts, whose mandate was extended to 28 March 2020 pursuant to resolution 2456 (2019).

Algeria and Argentina have been certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as being malaria-free.  The head of WHO said today that the nations have eliminated malaria thanks to the unwavering commitment and perseverance of the people and leaders of both countries.