UNRWA staff ‘not going anywhere’ despite forced closure of East Jerusalem compound
For roughly two months, demonstrations have been held outside the East Jerusalem compound, which is in an area where many Israeli settlements are located. The situation came to a head on Thursday evening when Israeli residents lit fires at two…
‘Outrageous’ arson attack forces UNRWA to temporarily shutter East Jerusalem compound
Posting on social media, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said “Israeli residents set fire twice to the perimeter” on Thursday evening. UNRWA personnel and staff from other UN agencies were inside the compound at the time. “Our director with the help of other staff had to put…
Somalia urged to take ‘concrete action’ against officials who violate citizens’ rights
Concluding an official visit to the Horn of Africa nation Isha Dyfan highlighted the impact on civilians, especially women and children, who continue to bear the brunt of deadly attacks carried out by Al-Shabaab terrorists. “I strongly condemn the continued…
First UN civil society forum held in Africa heralds ‘inclusive’ Summit of the Future
Bringing together civil society actors, government representatives, senior UN officials, young changemakers, academic and other stakeholders, the UN Civil Society Conference is the premier event on the civil society calendar at the United Nations, ahead of the Summit of the…
Americas: Regional cooperation crucial to address migration and forced displacement
UNHCR has renewed its call for a coordinated continental approach to the issue, as underscored during the ministerial meeting on the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, held in Guatemala on Tuesday. New approach The landmark declaration aims to…
Haiti: UNICEF ensures thousands have safe drinking water
Port-au-Prince has been in the grip of armed groups for several years now, and roughly two months ago they launched coordinated attacks which paralyzed the metropolitan area. Since then, UNICEF, alongside the National Directorate for Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) and…
No aid getting into Gaza, says UN aid agency
“We’re not receiving any aid, the crossing area has ongoing military operations and is an active war zone,” said Scott Anderson, from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, in a post on X. “We are hearing continued bombardments in…
Unprecedented flooding displaces hundreds of thousands across East Africa
In an alert, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) noted that torrential rains have unleashed catastrophic flooding and mudslides while also severely damaging roads, bridges and dams. More than 637,000 people have been affected by weeks of deluges, including 234,000 displaced…
Another climate record: Extreme heat, hurricanes, droughts ravage Latin America and Caribbean
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) attributed the temperatures to a “double whammy” of El Niño and long-term climate change, leading to droughts and wildfires combined with extreme rainfall and hurricanes. “Unfortunately, 2023 was a year of record climatic hazards in…
Patients in Rafah ‘afraid to seek services’, WHO reports
The current situation has reached an “unprecedented emergency level”, he said, and the most recent evacuation order by Israel has forced tens of thousands to flee. As part of the contingency effort, WHO and partners have been establishing field hospitals…