UN Daily Press Briefing: Hurricane Melissa, Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, Climate Change & More

Upcoming UN Briefings and Events

• 🗓️ Analena Burbach and Ambassador Ali Ahmed Althani will brief on the second world social summit in Doha.
• 🗓️ Raphael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, will provide a briefing.
• 🗓️ Tom Andrews, UN Special Reporter on human rights in Myanmar, will brief following his address to the General Assembly.
• 🗓️ An independent international fact-finding mission for Sudan will present findings to the third committee.
• 🗓️ A group of human rights experts will brief on Nicaragua.

Hurricane Melissa and Global Economy

• ⚠️ Hurricane Melissa has caused widespread devastation across the Caribbean, with the Secretary-General expressing solidarity and condolences.
• 📊 The UN system chief executive board for coordination (CEB) will convene, discussing the impact of global economic disruptions on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Dire Situation in Sudan

• 💔 The UN condemns continued violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses in El Fasher, Sudan, including attacks on civilians and healthcare facilities.
• 🏥 Reports indicate over 460 deaths at the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, adding to a significant number of attacks on healthcare since April 2023.
• 🏠 Over 36,000 people have fled El Fasher, with many lacking shelter, sanitation, and protection, facing heightened risks of violence and abuse.
• 💰 An emergency relief coordinator approved $20 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund for Sudan, adding to $27 million already allocated.
• 🩸 Five Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers were killed and three went missing while distributing food in North Kordofan.
• 🚫 The UN protests the expulsion of two World Food Program officials from Sudan amidst unprecedented humanitarian needs.

Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and West Bank

• 💥 The Secretary-General strongly condemns Israeli air strikes in Gaza that killed civilians, including children, and undermines the ceasefire.
• 🤝 Diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States are commended for sustaining the ceasefire and enabling humanitarian access.
• 💧 The UN and partners are scaling up assistance in Gaza, providing mental health support, food, and fuel, but face impediments including a need for more functional crossings and unimpeded access.
• 🌳 Attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank continue to instill fear, destroy homes, and force Palestinians off their lands.

Ukraine and Rio de Janeiro Operations

• 🏥 Attacks in Ukraine continue to kill civilians and damage infrastructure, including a strike on a children's hospital in Kutsur Buska.
• 🤝 Humanitarian convoys are delivering assistance to hard-hit communities in Ukraine, reaching over 4 million people this year.
• ⚖️ The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by casualties during a police operation in Rio de Janeiro and urges a prompt investigation.

Climate Change and Health Impacts

• 🚨 The UN Environment Programme's adaptation gap report highlights that adaptation finance needs in developing countries are vastly underestimated, calling it a "red alert" for climate impacts.
• 🌡️ The Lancet Countdown report warns of the devastating toll of fossil fuels and inadequate adaptation on human health, with a 23% increase in heat-related mortality since the late 1990s.
• 💸 Governments spend significantly more on fossil fuel subsidies than on supporting climate-vulnerable countries.

Women, Peace, Security, and Care Work

• 🕊️ A high-level event emphasized the critical role of UN peacekeeping in advancing gender equality and the women, peace, and security agenda.
• 💖 The International Day of Care and Support highlights the essential but undervalued role of paid and unpaid care work, calling for fair wages and recognition.

UN Secretary-General Election and Election Integrity

• 🗳️ The Secretary-General is aware of the race for his successor but will not interfere, emphasizing his commitment to neutrality as he is not running.
• ❓ The UN will check on its role in monitoring Iraqi elections and assessing the risk of armed groups participating in coalitions.

Special Rapporteurs and UN Operations

• 🗣️ The UN condemns the use of offensive language against UN officials, emphasizing their independence and the need for respect.
• 🚜 Attacks on olive trees are condemned, with the UN stating it addresses and criticizes such actions.
• 🇺🇳 The UN is addressing visa issues for officials and reiterates its commitment to its principles despite criticisms of its humanitarian system's effectiveness in Gaza.
• 🌍 The UN remains committed to its charter principles, regardless of external commentary on its relevance.