UN Noon Briefing: Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, Cybercrime Convention & More

Sudan Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis

• ⚠️ The Secretary-General condemned the capture of the Sudanese army headquarters as a terrible escalation in the conflict.
• 🌍 He urged the international community to speak clearly to countries interfering and providing weapons, stressing the need to stop external interference.
• humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with over 26,000 people fleeing El Fasher.
• 🚨 Calls were made for an immediate halt to hostilities, upholding international humanitarian law, and ensuring unhindered delivery of life-saving assistance.

Secretary-General's Activities in Malaysia and Vietnam

• 🇲🇾 In Malaysia, the SG addressed the ASEAN-UN summit, condemning the bloodshed in Myanmar and urging an inclusive political process.
• 📈 He highlighted the high stakes for Southeast Asia regarding climate change, calling for a credible plan to close the 1.5-degree gap and mobilize $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance.
• 💻 In Vietnam, the SG participated in the opening for signature of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, noting its significance as a legally binding instrument.

Geopolitical Updates and UNIFIL Concerns

• 🇨🇲🇸🇬 The SG welcomed the Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand to consolidate the July ceasefire, appreciating the role of Malaysia and the United States.
• 🇱🇧🇮🇱 The UN expressed concern over incidents involving an Israeli drone and tank firing at a UNIFIL patrol, emphasizing that actions endangering peacekeepers are completely unacceptable.
• 🇵🇸 The Special Coordinator for Lebanon is in Israel for consultations on Security Council Resolution 1701 and cessation of hostilities.

Humanitarian Situations in Gaza, West Bank, and Yemen

• ⛽ Aid continues to enter Gaza, including wheat flour, medical supplies, and hygiene kits, with UN partners distributing hot meals and bread.
• ⚠️ Efforts are underway to reduce the risk of unexploded ordnance, with nearly 3,200 people reached in central and southern Gaza.
• 🌳 In the West Bank, over 85 Israeli settler attacks have reportedly disturbed the olive harvest season, resulting in injuries and vandalized trees.
• 🇾🇪 In Yemen, the de facto authorities arbitrarily detained more UN colleagues, bringing the total to at least 59, and confiscated IT and communications equipment from UN offices.

Ukraine Conflict and Hurricane Melissa

• 🇺🇦 Attacks in Ukraine have led to civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure, with evacuations continuing from frontline communities.
• 💰 The Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund supports local NGOs in facilitating safe evacuations and rehabilitating collective centers.
• 🌀 Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, is bringing destructive winds and rainfall to the Caribbean, with OCHA coordinating readiness and response efforts in Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti.

UN Women Report and Anniversaries

• 💰 A new UN Women report, "At Risk and Underfunded," warns that aid cuts are jeopardizing organizations essential to ending violence against women and girls.
• 🕊️ An exhibit marking the 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda will be held, featuring a photo exhibit and a performance by a Congolese poet.
• 🎞️ World Audio Visual Heritage Day was observed, celebrating how film, sound, and video connect cultures and preserve collective memory.