UN Noon Briefing: Abyei Peacekeeper Attack, Sudan Humanitarian Crisis, Global Affairs

Attack on Peacekeepers in Abyei

• 🕊️ A solemn ceremony was held to honor six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a drone attack on a UN logistics base in Kadugli, South Kordofan.
• 🏥 Nine injured peacekeepers are receiving treatment, and the mission is reinforcing security measures.
• ⚖️ The Secretary-General condemned the attack, stating that targeting UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and demanding accountability.

Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

• ⚠️ The situation in Sudan's Kordofan region is rapidly worsening, with civilians facing mounting risks due to intensifying hostilities.
• 🏥 A drone attack on a hospital in Dilling killed at least six people, and artillery shelling was reported in Kadugli.
• 🏠 Over 1,700 people have been displaced from South Kordofan, and the security situation remains volatile in North Kordofan.
• 💉 Efforts continue to provide life-saving assistance, including a cholera vaccination campaign, but require sustained access and guaranteed security.

Secretary-General's Travels and Engagements

• 🇴🇲 In Muscat, Oman, the Secretary-General met with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, discussing regional and international issues and Oman's diplomatic role.
• 🇮🇶 In Iraq, he attended a ceremony marking the closure of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) after 22 years, emphasizing the UN's continued development work.
• 🇸🇦 In Riyadh, he addressed the 11th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, promoting dialogue and cooperation.

Global Refugee Forum and Other Issues

• 🌍 The Secretary-General addressed the Global Refugee Forum, noting increased conflict and displacement but reaffirming the global compact on refugees and calling for support for host countries.
• 🇦🇺 He strongly condemned a terrorist attack during Hanukkah celebrations in Sydney, Australia, unequivocally denouncing anti-semitism.
• 🇺🇳 The Security Council held an open debate on leadership for peace, with former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon briefing on behalf of The Elders.
• 🇧🇾 The UN welcomed the release of 123 political prisoners in Belarus, including Nobel Peace Laureate Ales Bialiatski.
• 🇨🇦 A logistical escort convoy of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) was attacked, injuring two peacekeepers.

Humanitarian Aid Challenges in Gaza and Syria

• 📦 In Gaza, the UN and partners continue to deliver aid despite ongoing impediments from Israeli authorities, including restrictions on entry and visas, which have led to reduced food assistance packages.
• 💧 Efforts are underway for winterization, including distributing tents, tarpaulins, and hygiene materials, and addressing risks of hypothermia for newborns.
• 🇸🇾 In Syria, humanitarian operations are severely limited by funding shortfalls, with the $3.2 billion response plan only 30% funded.
• ⚠️ Explosive ordnance contamination continues to pose serious risks in southern Syria, with 24 casualties reported in November, including 17 children.

Ukraine Conflict and Humanitarian Impact

• ⚡ New attacks in Ukraine over the weekend disrupted critical services, leaving over 1 million people without electricity, heating, or water, particularly in the south.
• 🏠 Frontline hostilities have resulted in civilian casualties, with authorities reporting at least nine civilians killed and over 70 injured, including children.
• 💧 Humanitarian partners are providing essential supplies, but widespread water and heating outages persist due to attacks on energy infrastructure.