UN Daily Press Briefing: Papua New Guinea, Yemen, Afghanistan, Gaza, and More

Secretary-General's Visit to Papua New Guinea

• 🇬🇳 The Secretary-General addressed the Parliament of Papua New Guinea during a special session marking the country's 50th anniversary of independence.
• 🌍 He highlighted Papua New Guinea's efforts to forge a single nation from diversity and emphasized its crucial role in global biodiversity and climate leadership.
• 🤝 Meetings were held with leaders of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Papua New Guinea's women leaders.

Senior Personnel Appointment

• 🇨🇾 Khassim Diagne of Senegal has been appointed as the Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.
• 🌍 Mr. Diagne brings over 25 years of experience in international affairs and UN leadership, previously serving as the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali.

Crisis in Yemen

• 🇾🇪 Houthi de facto authorities forcibly entered the UNDP complex in Sana'a, with UNICEF and WFP offices remaining under their control.
• 🚨 The Secretary-General strongly condemns the forced entry and reiterates the need for the safety and security of UN personnel and the inviolability of UN premises.
• 🕊️ An immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel, including UN staff, NGOs, and diplomatic missions, is demanded.

Afghanistan Earthquake Response

• 🇦🇫 Assessment and response efforts continue in Afghanistan following a weekend earthquake, despite challenging conditions and aftershocks.
• 🆘 Urgent priorities include shelter, medical supplies, drinking water, food, and sanitation.
• ⚠️ The UN Mine Action Service warns of significant land contamination by explosive ordnance in affected areas.

Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

• 🇵🇸 Intensified offensive in Gaza City, amid famine, is pushing civilians deeper into catastrophe, with horrific humanitarian consequences.
• 🏠 Displacement sites are overcrowded and unsanitary, leading to mounting health risks and inadequate water supplies.
• 🚚 Despite impediments, aid, including medical supplies, is being delivered, but overall aid is far from enough, necessitating a ceasefire and the opening of all land routes.

Other Key Updates

• 🇱🇧 An incident involving Israeli Defense Force drones near UNIFIL peacekeepers in South Lebanon is a serious concern, with a demand for parties to uphold their responsibilities for peacekeeper safety.
• 🇸🇩 The Adre crossing between Sudan and Chad will remain open for humanitarian supplies until year-end, a vital lifeline for millions.
• 🇨🇩 Violence in the eastern DRC continues to cause displacement and casualties, with a severe funding shortfall impacting humanitarian response.
• 📚 UNICEF warns that global education funding cuts could lead to 6 million additional children out of school by the end of next year.