UN Daily Press Briefing: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Colonialism, Syria, Sudan, Haiti, and More

Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Crisis

• humanitarian agencies and NGOs are urging immediate action to lift impediments to NGO operations and humanitarian access in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, especially Gaza.
• ⚠️ Restrictive policies, including a new NGO registration system, are undermining relief efforts and risk the collapse of the humanitarian response, with essential supplies stuck outside Gaza.
• 💰 Since the ceasefire, multi-purpose cash assistance has been distributed to nearly 139,000 households, a significant increase from September, with over 305,000 households receiving aid this year.
• 📚 Over 90 temporary learning spaces have received hygiene materials, benefiting nearly 115,000 school-aged children, and three new learning spaces were established in northern Gaza.
• 🏥 Constraints on emergency medical teams entering Gaza have eased, with denial rates falling to 20%, and over 340 medical staff are currently present.

Decolonization and Global Governance

• 🌍 The UN observed the 65th anniversary of the declaration on independence for colonial countries and peoples, noting that 17 non-self-governing territories remain.
• 🏛️ The Secretary-General stated that the legacy of decolonization is unfinished and that global governance structures bear the imprint of a world of empires, not equals.
• ✊ He emphasized the need to end colonialism in its traditional forms and dismantle its remnants.

Conflict and Humanitarian Needs in Syria and Sudan

• 🇸🇾 In Syria, progress has been made in restoring institutions and refugee returns, but the situation remains fragile, requiring inclusive dialogue and sustained international support.
• 🇸🇩 The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an investigation into the attack on the Zamzam IDP camp, detailing serious violations of international law, including killings and rape.
• ⚠️ Escalating drone attacks and shelling in the Cordofan region are harming civilians and driving displacement, with over 50,000 people displaced since late October.
• 💰 Sudan's humanitarian response plan is only 36% funded, with an urgent call for donors to step up support.

Crisis in Haiti and Regional Tensions

• 🇭🇹 Haiti launched its 2026 humanitarian needs and response plan, seeking $880 million to support 4.2 million vulnerable people amidst widespread insecurity and violence.
• 🍽️ Approximately 5.7 million people in Haiti are going hungry daily, a number expected to rise during the lean season.
• ⚖️ The UN reaffirmed its position on respecting international law, exercising restraint, and de-escalating tensions following a call with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

International Days and UN Operations

• ✈️ The UN and Ukraine held aviation talks, discussing regulatory oversight, safety, and future UN aviation activities.
• 🗺️ International Migrants Day was observed, with nearly 70,000 migrants having died or gone missing since 2014, highlighting the need for solidarity and safe pathways.
• 🗣️ World Arabic Day was honored, celebrating the language as a tool for connection and bridge-building.
• ⚖️ The UN expressed serious concern over US sanctions against two International Criminal Court judges, emphasizing judicial independence.