Security Council Debates Binding Nature of Resolution on Gaza; Secretary-General, UN Agencies Warn of Child Health and Nutrition Crisis in Haiti; Danger of Impunity as Report on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Released

UN Special Coordinator Briefs Security Council on Gaza Conflict

The Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, today briefed the UN Security Council by video teleconference on the ongoing fighting in Gaza. He expressed concern over what may be violations of international humanitarian law and welcomed the opening of a maritime corridor to deliver humanitarian assistance. He called for a collective response to the humanitarian, security, and political challenges facing the region and urged the urgent addressing of the catastrophic situation in Gaza. He regretted that despite intensive diplomatic efforts, there has been no agreement on a ceasefire or the release of hostages.

Haiti: Child Health and Nutrition Crisis

The World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF continue to provide humanitarian aid to displaced people in Haiti, with intermittent access due to security issues. The lack of access to medicine and medical supplies, including for the treatment of cholera, remains a critical need. UNICEF warns that violence and instability have created a child health and nutrition crisis.

Reports of Incidents Hindering Humanitarian Response in South Sudan

In a new report, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) recorded more than 30 incidents curtailing humanitarian access in South Sudan last month. Nearly half of these incidents involved violence against humanitarian staff and assets, which has caused delays in aid distribution. This comes as South Sudan is facing an influx of returnees due to the conflict in Sudan. These new arrivals are stretching response capacities and putting additional pressure on host communities.

Ukraine: Attacks Continue to Impact Civilians and Critical Infrastructure

Attacks in the south and east of Ukraine continue to impact civilians and critical infrastructure, including power and water facilities. Local authorities report several injured in the cities of Odesa and Kharkiv, and hundreds of thousands of people remain without power, mainly in Odesa and Kharkiv Regions.

Yemen: Nine Years into Conflict, 10 Million Children in Urgent Need of Assistance

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) warns that, nine years into the conflict in Yemen, almost 10 million children remain in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. While the reduction in active conflict has led to a decrease in civilian casualties, the situation remains fragile without a sustainable political settlement. UNICEF notes the persistent malnutrition in the country, with over 2.7 million children acutely malnourished and 49% of children under 5 suffering from stunting or chronic malnutrition.

International Organization for Migration Reports on Death and Disappearance of Migrants

The International Organization for Migration has reported that in the last 10 years, more than 63,000 deaths and disappearances were documented during migration, and more deaths were recorded in 2023 than in any prior year. More than one-third of deceased migrants originate from countries in conflict or with large refugee populations, highlighting the dangers faced by those attempting to flee conflict zones without safe pathways.

Wednesday's Noon Briefing Guest

The Deputy Spokesman announced that on Wednesday, Bintou Keita, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), will brief on the situation in the DRC.