UN Press Briefing: Peacekeeping, Gaza Crisis, Sudan, South Sudan, Libya, and UN Women Funding

UN Peacekeeping Efforts and Challenges

• 🌍 The Secretary-General highlighted the critical role of Blue Helmets in maintaining peace and saving lives in conflict zones.
• 📈 He noted the current challenge of the highest number of conflicts since the UN's foundation, coupled with dramatic financial constraints.
• 🕊️ A moment of silence was observed to honor the 4,400 peacekeepers who have died in the line of duty.
• 🇩🇪 Discussions in Berlin with German officials emphasized Germany's significant role in peacekeeping operations.
• 🖼️ An exhibit on UN Peacekeeping showcased displays on mine action, women in peacekeeping, renewable energy, and UN Police.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

• 🚫 No aid or commercial supplies have entered Gaza for over 70 days, leading to a disastrous toll on the population.
• 🏥 Hospitals, including Nasser Medical Complex, continue to be attacked, with healthcare facilities and personnel needing protection.
• 🤰 Approximately 17,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are suffering from malnutrition and require urgent support.
• ⚠️ Israeli authorities are denying and impeding humanitarian missions, with five out of eleven UN requests denied on a single day.
• 🚨 The Security Council held an open meeting on Gaza, with the Emergency Relief Coordinator briefing.

Dire Situations in Sudan, South Sudan, and Libya

• 💔 In Sudan, continued conflict and displacement are exacerbating humanitarian needs, with over 36,000 people displaced from West Kordofan alone.
• 🌾 Food insecurity in Sudan is deeply concerning, with staple food prices alarmingly high, and over half the population facing acute hunger.
• ✈️ In South Sudan, air strikes and ground attacks continue, leading to civilian casualties, while the UN mission strengthens protection efforts.
• 💥 The UN mission in Libya expressed alarm over intense fighting in Tripoli, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and reminding parties of their obligation to protect civilians.

UN Women Funding and Member State Contributions

• 📉 A UN Women survey revealed that 90% of local women-led groups in crisis settings are financially impacted, with nearly half expecting to shut down within six months due to funding reductions.
• 🇸🇴 Djibouti was recognized as a new member state that has paid its dues, highlighting its unique geography with Lake Assal, one of the lowest points on Earth.

Broader Geopolitical Issues

• 🇺🇸 The UN supports efforts for Syria's reconstruction and its return to the international community, welcoming the potential lifting of US sanctions.
• ⚖️ The UN views Israeli actions like West Bank land registration as dangerous movements that legitimize occupation and are counter to international law and peace efforts.
• ➡️ The UN believes the situation is moving in the wrong direction regarding a two-state solution and needs to be reversed.
• 📰 The UN continues to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages.