March 24, 2023 No comments
UNICEF alert to save millions from desperate hunger in Yemen
INTERNATIONAL, 24 March 2023, Humanitarian Aid - Without urgent action, millions in Yemen could face ever greater risks of hunger and malnourishment, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Friday. Eight brutal years of conflict have left around 11 million children in need of humanitarian assistance and many of their families facing serious malnourishment. “The lives of millions of vulnerable children in Yemen remain at risk due to the almost unimaginable, unbearable, consequences of the crushing, unending war,” said Peter Hawkins, the agency’s representative in the country. “UNICEF has been here, providing desperately needed support throughout the past eight years, and before, but we can only provide so much support to children and families affected without a lasting peace.” Perpetual cycle of hopelessness The humanitarian crisis in Yemen stems from 2015, when...
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March 24, 2023 No comments
Ramadan: UN chief calls for solidarity as month of giving begins
INTERNATIONAL, 24 March 2023, Human Rights - Celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time “to come together, bound by our common humanity”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message just ahead of the holy month. The UN chief drew a parallel between the spirit of “understanding and compassion” which characterizes Ramadan, and the mission of the United Nations, “to foster dialogue, unity and peace.” “In these challenging times, my thoughts are with those facing conflict, displacement and suffering. I join everyone observing Ramadan to call for peace, mutual respect and solidarity.” Islamic philanthropy Ramadan is also known as a “month of giving”, and a high point in charitable giving motivated by faith, towards the displaced. Islamic philanthropy plays a growing role in supporting refugees worldwide, the...
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March 23, 2023 No comments
Southern Africa: Cyclone Freddy aftermath brings diseases, healthcare gaps
INTERNATIONAL, 23 March 2023, Humanitarian Aid - Southern African countries hit hard by tropical Cyclone Freddy are reeling from disease outbreaks, with health services stretched to the limit, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. The devastation caused by the cyclone in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique has increased the spread of cholera and malaria, as well as malnutrition. Meanwhile, more than 300 health facilities have been destroyed or flooded in the three countries, limiting health care access. The cyclone’s destruction increased public health risks including a surge in the spread of cholera, malaria, malnutrition, COVID-19, and other vaccine-treatable diseases. WHO said that Malawi was still in the midst of its “worst-ever” cholera outbreak, although cases are declining. In Mozambique, cholera cases have more than doubled over the past week, to almost...
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March 23, 2023 No comments
Deadly Syria earthquake provides chance to move forward: UN envoy
INTERNATIONAL, 23 March 2023, Peace and Security - Renewed diplomatic attention on Syria, and the suffering of its people following the recent deadly earthquake, create new obligations and opportunities to forge lasting peace, UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen told the Security Council on Thursday. War-torn Syria and neighbouring Türkiye were rocked by twin earthquakes on 6 February, which killed more than 56,000 people and caused widespread destruction, displacing millions. “The situation today is so unprecedented that it calls for leadership, bold ideas and a cooperative spirit,” said Mr. Pedersen, speaking via videoconference from Geneva. “A political solution is the only way forward for Syria. We may not be able to reach that in one step – but I believe we can progress towards it gradually.” Maintain calm on...
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March 23, 2023 No comments
UN chief calls on EU to help world get ‘back on track’
INTERNATIONAL, 23 March 2023, UN Affairs - UN Secretary-General António Guterres attended an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, seeking support for action on climate change, sustainable development and addressing the ongoing challenges linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In a joint press encounter with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, Mr. Guterres appealed for EU leaders to help the world “get back on track” towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a time when progress in so many parts of the world had been reversed. Acceleration and reform “We need an acceleration agenda,” he said. Mr. Guterres also highlighted the need for financial system reforms and urgent climate action. He said the Russian invasion of Ukraine is causing “tremendous suffering” to the Ukrainian people, but also having a “huge impact”...
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