UN Noon Briefing: Rwanda Genocide Reflection, Gaza Crisis, Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, and More

Commemoration of Rwanda Genocide

• 💡 Today marks the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, serving as a reminder that no society is immune to hate and horror.
• ⚠️ The Secretary-General urged all states to combat online falsehoods and hate speech, comply with international humanitarian and human rights law, and join the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Security Council and Peacekeeping

• peacekeeping operations department highlighted the importance of the Heads of Military Components Conference for reaffirming commitment to peace and security.
• peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the UN peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were represented by their Force Commanders.

Crisis in Gaza and Occupied Palestinian Territory

• 🚨 UN agencies issued an urgent call to save Palestinians in Gaza, noting that no commercial or humanitarian supplies have entered for over a month, leaving millions trapped, bombed, and starved.
• ⚠️ Israeli attacks continue unabated, causing large-scale civilian casualties, with nearly 400,000 people displaced again and no safety arrangements made.
• 🚫 Humanitarian attempts to access Gaza have been repeatedly denied, with Israeli authorities blocking aid delivery and staff rotations.
• 💔 The UN reiterated its condemnation of the October 7th attacks and called for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages, with humane treatment and ICRC visits.

Regional Conflicts and Humanitarian Concerns

• 🇱🇧 In Lebanon, UNIFIL recorded violations of Lebanese airspace and military activity, including air strikes, in violation of Security Council Resolution 1701.
• 🇸🇾 The UN Special Envoy for Syria discussed political transitions, the importance of a transparent framework for elections, and the need for sanctions easing and economic opportunities.
• 🇾🇪 Yemen faces a dire humanitarian crisis, with over 19 million people needing assistance, a severe funding gap for the humanitarian appeal, and challenging operating environments for aid workers.
• 🇺🇦 The UN expressed deep alarm over continued Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities, reiterating the prohibition of attacks against civilians and supporting efforts for a just and lasting peace.
• 🇲🇲 Following a March 28th earthquake, over 17 million people in Myanmar are impacted, facing destruction of homes and infrastructure; emergency assistance is being provided.
• 🇦🇫 Afghanistan is the world's second-largest humanitarian crisis, with 22.9 million people needing assistance, ahead of coordination group meetings in Istanbul.
• 🇸🇩 Concerns were raised about civilians fleeing insecurity in Sudan's Blue Nile State and the lack of humanitarian access to reach them.
• 🇨🇩 In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, unexploded ordinances in residential areas pose a lethal risk to residents and aid workers.
• 🇭🇹 A report on Haiti details the impact of gang violence, with at least 1,518 people killed and 572 injured between January 1st and March 27th, including extreme brutality and sexual violence.

World Health Day

• 🌍 International World Health Day kicks off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health, aiming to end preventable deaths.