DR Congo: Shortage of humanitarian routes threatens aid operation, top UN official warns
“The frontline is getting closer to Kavumu Airport,” warned Bruno Lemarquis on Wednesday. Following the fall of regional capital Goma, in North Kivu, at the end of January, the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group is now making headway against Congelese Government…
UNICEF sounds alarm over child crisis in eastern DR Congo
Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, expressed deep concern over the devastating impact on children and families. “In North and South Kivu provinces, we are receiving horrific reports of grave violations against children by parties to the conflict, including rape and…
Bangladesh protests probe reveals top leaders led brutal repression
In addition to those killed by the former government’s security and intelligence services alongside Awami League party associates, a report by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) into the alleged crimes indicated that thousands were…
13 children killed in the West Bank since year began: UNICEF
In a statement issued by Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, the agency called for “the immediate cessation of armed activity across the occupied West Bank”. A 10-year-old Palestinian boy died from gunshot wounds…
Security Council: Syrian leaders urged to prioritise inclusive transition
Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Geir Pedersen acknowledged commitments made by interim leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa but stressed that Syrians across the country expect tangible actions. “All Syrians I met…stressed to me how much they want institutional appointments, the transitional…
Guterres calls for probe into death of WFP staff member detained in Yemen
“Heartbroken and outraged by the tragic loss of WFP team member, Ahmed, who lost his life while arbitrarily detained in Yemen,” Executive Director Cindy McCain said on Tuesday in a post on the social media platform X. She described him…
Humanitarians uphold commitment to support civilians in eastern DR Congo
Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator for the DRC, updated journalists on latest developments and obstacles to aid delivery, which include loss of critical supplies to looting and the impact of the decision by the United States to…
Short-range drones: The deadliest threat to civilians in Ukraine
With increasing reports of these drones striking civilians in cars, on buses and on public streets, UN monitors have raised serious concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law. According to HRMMU’s latest monthly update on the protection of civilians, at…
DR Congo crisis: Thousands of displaced in Goma forced to flee again
Last month, M23 rebels captured the city – the largest in the region and capital of North Kivu province. Nearly 3,000 people have reportedly been killed and 2,880 injured. OCHA Spokesperson Jens Laerke said more than 110,000 displaced people have…
Gaza: Return to war must be avoided at all costs, insists UN chief
“We must avoid at all costs the resumption of hostilities in Gaza that would lead to an immense tragedy,” said the UN chief, in a statement relayed to journalists by UN Geneva spokesperson Rolando Gomez. “I appeal to Hamas to…