UN Noon Briefing: Yemen, Sudan, Gaza Aid, Ukraine, Myanmar & More

Occupied Palestinian Territory and Gaza

• 💡 The Secretary-General emphasized the need for durable change on the ground in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, noting over 500 Palestinians killed since an October agreement and urging compliance with international law.
• ⚠️ The demolition of the UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem was condemned, with strong opposition called for against threats to UNRWA staff.
• 🏥 The partial reopening of the Rafah crossing was welcomed, but deemed insufficient, with a call for it to function as a real humanitarian corridor for increased aid delivery.
• 🍲 Humanitarian partners in Gaza distributed 1.7 million meals daily in January, with ongoing distribution of animal feed and emergency shelter assistance reaching over 83,500 families.

Sudan Humanitarian Crisis

• 💔 The horrific humanitarian crisis in Sudan has endured for over 1,000 days, marked by famine, displacement, and sexual violence.
• 🕊️ The UN supports the Quad's efforts (US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE) to secure a humanitarian truce, demilitarize key areas, and scale up life-saving assistance.
• 🆘 In South Kordofan, over 10,000 displaced people in camps face critical gaps in food, healthcare, water, sanitation, shelter, and education.
• 💰 The UN's humanitarian appeal for Sudan calls for $2.9 billion to reach over 20 million people.

South Sudan and Ukraine

• 📈 The situation in South Sudan is deteriorating due to renewed violence, displacement, and access constraints, with 280,000 people fleeing homes in Jonglei.
• 👶 Over 450,000 children in South Sudan are at risk of acute malnutrition, and cholera is spreading due to overcrowding and limited access to safe water.
• ⚡ In Ukraine, recent attacks have killed civilians, injured dozens, and damaged energy infrastructure, leaving thousands without heating and causing power outages.
• 🤝 Aid organizations in Ukraine are providing first aid, psychological support, and establishing warming points, while UN agencies supply generators.

Other Topics and Appointments

• 🇱🇧 UNIFIL confirmed support for Lebanese authorities in collecting samples for toxicity testing after substance was dropped by Israeli Defense Forces near the Blue Line.
• 🇨🇺 The UN is monitoring reports of talks between the US and Iran regarding the nuclear program agreement, advocating for a diplomatic solution.
• 🤝 The UN Secretary-General appointed Robert Van Deri of the Netherlands as his representative for the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund.
• 👮 The UN is hosting the 20th Chiefs of Police of UN Police Components Conference to address evolving security challenges and the future of UN policing.
• 🇲🇲 The UN continues to denounce violence in Myanmar and supports ASEAN's efforts to end the conflict, recognizing the negative impact on regional countries like Bangladesh.