In Geneva, the Secretary-General called the pledging conference for Yemen a considerable success, with more than half of the $2.1 billion appeal for the year reached. Those pledges now needed to be translated into effective support for the people of Yemen. Three things would ensure that: access, access and access.
In progress at UNHQ
Yemen
More than 25 million children between 6 and 15 years old, or 22 per cent of children in that age group, are missing out on school in conflict zones across 22 countries, according to a UNICEF report issued today. South Sudan has the highest rate at almost 72 per cent, followed by Chad and Afghanistan.
The number of children used in “suicide” attacks in the Lake Chad Basin conflict has surged to 27 in the first quarter of 2017, compared to nine over the same period last year, according to UNICEF, which states, in a report released today, that the increase reflects an alarming tactic by the insurgents.
As the possibility of famine looms, more children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, cholera or acute watery diarrhoea in Somalia and the number receiving food aid more than doubled in January and February from the same period in 2016, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The Secretary-General visited the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan today in what he called a visit of solidarity. While there, he toured a number of projects run by UN agencies for some 80,000 residents of the camp. Addressing the press, he appealed to the parties to the conflict in Syria to understand that we must make peace.
This week marks two years since the escalation of the conflict in Yemen, United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O’Brien said last night. Yemen is now on the brink of famine, with nearly 19 million people — more than two thirds of the population — in need humanitarian aid.
The Government of Iraq reports that 180,000 civilians have fled western Mosul since mid-February, when military operations to retake the city’s western districts began. Humanitarian agencies are bracing for the possibility of an additional 300,000 to 320,000 civilians fleeing in the coming weeks.
UNICEF says that a year after the Balkan border closures and the European Union-Turkey Statement meant to stop mass migration flows, refugee and migrant children face greater risks of deportation, detention, exploitation and deprivation. More of them are embarking on even more dangerous and irregular routes with smugglers.
Escalating fighting pitting Government of Yemen and Coalition forces against Houthi and General People Congress combatants has reached Hudaydah Governorate, leading to the killing and displacement of civilians. Survey results indicate the number of food-insecure people has reached 17 million, up 20 per cent since June.
The Security Council is holding an open debate today on trafficking in persons in conflict situations. Addressing the body, the Secretary-General noted that human trafficking is not a thing of the past, with trafficking networks having gone global and victims being found in more than 100 countries.