Tag: Thin Ice

Highlights:
– Secretary-General Statement/Ted Turner
– Middle East
– Lebanon/Humanitarian
– UNIFIL
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Ukraine
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Chad
– Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation
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SECRETARY-GENERAL STATEMENT/TED TURNER

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ted Turner – a visionary whose conviction, generosity and audacious spirit left a lasting imprint on the United Nations and our world.

Ted Turner believed in the United Nations – and in its purpose – at a defining moment. And he invested in that mission.

Ted Turner bet on humanity – and in the process helped strengthen the security of his own country and reinforce our common values.

His $1 billion dollar commitment to the United Nations – and subsequent creation of the United Nations Foundation – represented at the time the largest individual philanthropic gift in modern history.

But it was not just his commitment of resources, his legacy will be his ongoing advocacy for the United Nations and the importance of diplomacy.

Ted Turner never stopped pushing for the world to do better, and to do better through the United Nations.

He helped expand our reach, mobilize partnerships, and drive action on many of the defining challenges of our time – from global health to peace, human rights, and the protection of our planet.

I am deeply grateful for his extraordinary commitment to international problem-solving and his unwavering support for the ideals of the United Nations Charter. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

His legacy endures – as we keep striving for a stronger United Nations and a better world for all.

MIDDLE EAST

Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, briefed the Security Council in closed consultations this morning on the Middle East. She talked about the recent missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates.

Ms. DiCarlo underscored that from the start of the conflict on 28 February, the Secretary-General has condemned all unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond. He has also stressed that Security Council resolution 2817 must be respected and civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.

The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Middle East conflict and its consequences, Jean Arnault, is continuing diplomatic consultations in the region.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at a comprehensive and durable resolution of the conflict.

LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN

Turning to Lebanon, we have seen the reports of the newly issued evacuation orders for a dozen Lebanese areas across South, Nabatieh and Bekaa areas. We note with deep concern these evacuation orders and airstrikes against Lebanese towns, targeting areas both south of the Litani River and far beyond it, including Saida and the West Bekaa. We reiterate that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be respected and protected at all times.

This is forcing further displacement of civilians already impacted by months of hostilities. We and our humanitarian partners continue to support the response. The UN Refugee Agency and our partners have reached more than 158,000 displaced people with psychosocial support, dignity kits, cash assistance and other services.

However, significant risks persist, including movement restrictions, psychological distress, lack of documentation and heightened exposure to exploitation, particularly for women and children.

Meanwhile, OCHA reports that as strikes continue, particularly in southern Lebanon, the death toll is rising daily. Overnight, one emergency worker was killed, three others were injured in an Israeli strike in the southern municipality of Kfar Dounine in Nabatieh. Another emergency worker was injured in a subsequent strike in the same area while responding.

Zoe Brennan said ensuring safe and regular pathways, supporting skills, mobility and strengthening regional cooperation “are concrete steps that respect national borders and priorities and help countries manage migration more effectively while delivering real benefits for economies and people alike.”

Brennan said, “when migration is well managed, it supports jobs, economic growth, stability and social cohesion,” and added that “migrants contribute as workers and entrepreneurs and consumers, and through the skills, innovation and connections they bring across borders.”

By the end of 2024, she said, “an estimated 83.4 million people were internally displaced within their own countries, the highest number ever recorded, driven by conflict, violence and disasters.”

This, Brennan said, “underscores that most displacement happens within countries rather than across borders.”

Responding to a reporter’s question, Stuart Campo from IOM’s research team said, “while we saw in the last year a reduction in attempted crossings on the central Mediterranean route, which is one of the major routes, we saw a doubling in the number of migrants who went missing or were found dead. So, this shows that these routes are becoming more dangerous and treacherous.”

According to the report, international migration remains relatively uncommon in global terms, with around 304 million international migrants worldwide in mid-2024, 3.7 percent of the global population.

Human displacement, the report finds, continues to rise, with over 120 million people displaced globally by the end of 2024, including refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced persons, reflecting the scale and persistence of protracted conflicts and compounding crises.

Highlights:
UNIFIL
Lebanon/Humanitarian
Lebanon/Security Council
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Iran/UAE
Personal Envoy for the Middle East Crisis and its Consequences
Sudan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo/Peacekeeping
Peacekeeping
Mali
Ukraine
Portuguese Language Day
Financial contribution

UNIFIL

Turning to UNIFIL. Our peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon reported that yesterday saw the highest number of exchanges of fire between the Israel Defense Forces and armed groups, including Hezbollah, and that was the highest number inside Lebanon since the cessation of hostilities of 17 April. The mission recorded 619 launches by the Israel Defense Forces impacting in Lebanon and 30 launches towards Israeli targets.

Peacekeepers reported several Israeli airstrikes by fighter aircraft in Sector East. Separately, near Adshit al Qusayr and Alman, Israel Defense Forces helicopters engaged ground targets using machine-gun fire. Peacekeepers also observed two weaponized drones, identified by them as belonging to Hezbollah, over Al Bayyadah in Sector West, with one subsequently impacting an Israel Defense Forces presence in the area.

We urge all sides to exercise maximum restraint and uphold the cessation of hostilities.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL on the ground continue to support the parties to fulfill their obligations under Security Council resolution 1701.

Despite operational risks and movement constraints, our peacekeepers are remaining in position in southern Lebanon. Over the past week, assistance has reached displaced families by ongoing hostilities, both within and beyond our area of operations. Yesterday, UNIFIL distributed over 360 dry food parcels to people displaced from Kafr Dounin Municipality within the mission’s area of responsibility and who are currently living in Beirut, and nearby areas. The donation specifically targeted families outside of collective shelters, who have been largely left out of the crisis response efforts.

A large convoy of about 30 trucks reached Rmeich in Sector West with UNIFIL’s support. That took place yesterday. They carried essential goods, including food supplies, livestock, vegetables and fruit. These items had been purchased by shop owners in Beirut and delivered to support local communities in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Energy also contributed fuel trucks as a donation to several villages who are in Sector West of UNIFIL’s area of operations.

LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN

The UN and its humanitarian partners in Lebanon are continuing to support the response whenever access allows us to.

Cash assistance remains a critical lifeline for people. More than 435,000 Lebanese people impacted by the conflict have been supported through Government-led social safety net. That was implemented not only of course by the Lebanese Government, but also by the World Food Programme, and other humanitarian partners. Over 100,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon have also been reached through expanded cash assistance programmes.

We and our partners are also addressing essential water and nutrition needs. To date, since 2 March, our food security partners have distributed more than 7.8 million hot and cold meals and over 105,000 meal boxes, in addition to 3.8 million litres of bottled water, 64,000 cubic metres of water through large trucks, and nearly 740,000 litres of fuel have been delivered to sustain critical water services to more than 628,000 human beings.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with nearly a quarter of the population in Lebanon now facing acute food insecurity. Repeated displacements, loss of livelihoods and damage to infrastructure are further compounding needs and deepening the crisis.

Highlights:
– Lebanon/Israel
– Lebanon/Humanitarian
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Iran/Narges Mohammadi
– UNOPS
– Syria
– Sudan
– Ukraine
– UNDP report

LEBANON/ISRAEL

UNIFIL says that today they have facilitated an aid convoy of around 30 trucks to Rmeich along the Blue Line, where approximately 7,000 residents remain.

This comes as the situation remains volatile. Over the weekend, UNIFIL observed intensive IDF activity, including extensive airstrikes near a number of villages on the south, as well as continued naval activity off the coast of Naqoura. Furthermore, UNIFIL reported drone activity in its area of operations including Hizbullah-operated drones.

On Friday, UNIFIL patrols faced restrictions to their freedom of movement near Al Bayyadah, where Israeli tanks blocked the road.

The same day, IDF machine gun fire impacted a UNIFIL position near At-Tiri, in the Bint Jbeil district, with one round striking a vehicle inside the compound.

Peacekeepers must never be targeted, and their safety and security must be guaranteed at all times.

LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN

The humanitarian situation in Lebanon remains volatile despite the announced extension of the ceasefire. Yesterday, the Ministry of Health reported 13 people were killed, including at least one child and four women, and 32 injured as a result of strikes in several locations in the southern parts of Lebanon.

On Sunday, displacement orders were renewed in 11 villages and towns in Nabatieh, followed by airstrikes, causing new displacement according to local authorities.

People continue to be on the move, with reports of some people returning to shelters after attempting to go back to their homes, which in some cases were reportedly inaccessible or destroyed. Authorities estimate that more than 124,000 people are residing in 625 schools and other public buildings being used as collective shelters.

Despite growing and deepening humanitarian needs, the Lebanon Flash Appeal remains significantly underfunded. We’ve received only 38 per cent, or $117 million, of the $308 million we need, which is limiting our ability to reach the vulnerable people at scale.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, said on social media that more than six months since the Gaza ceasefire agreement, we continue to work strenuously to help Palestinians in Gaza, but we need sustained access, the protection of civilians, neutrality and partnership.

Last week, our partners leading on emergency shelter assistance delivered tents, bedding items and other supplies to nearly 4,500 households.

One shelter partner also installed 150 improved emergency shelters in Khan Younis. These shelters are made of plastic sheets and other materials available and aim to provide displaced families with immediate solutions as soon as restricted materials are allowed entry. 

On health, concerns remain over skin diseases and other medical issues linked to the presence of pests and rodents.

In addition, our partners report that more than 6,600 people need prosthetic and rehabilitation care.

That includes thousands of people who have received amputations since October 2023, yet only eight prosthetic technicians are available to respond.

Our partners say that one in five amputees is a child, but with severe shortages of specialists and restricted entry of prosthetic materials, it could take five years or more to meet today’s needs.

International prosthetic technicians are urgently needed, as well as the unimpeded entry of prosthetics materials, which remain restricted by the Israeli authorities.

“People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty.

But far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth – not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny.

Across the globe, media workers risk censorship, surveillance, legal harassment – and even death.

Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed – often deliberately targeted – in war zones.

Eighty-five percent of the crimes committed against journalists go uninvestigated and unpunished: an unacceptable level of impunity.

Economic pressures, new technologies, and active manipulation are also putting press freedom under unprecedented strain.

When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root.

When public debate is distorted, social cohesion weakens.

And when journalism is undermined, crises become far more difficult to prevent and resolve.

All freedom depends on press freedom.

Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development – and no peace.

On this World Press Freedom Day, let us protect the rights of journalists, and build a world where the truth – and truth-tellers – are safe”.

As China assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council for May, Ambassador Cong today (01 May) outlined priorities for the month, including a ministerial-level open debate on 26 May titled “Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” The meeting is expected to be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Ambassador Cong called for its reopening “as quickly as possible,” saying the responsibility lies with both sides. He said Iran should lift restrictions in the Strait, while the United States should end its naval blockade.

The Chinese diplomat also expressed concern over recent statements suggesting the US-Iran ceasefire could be temporary and that further military action might be considered. He said the international community should speak out against a resumption of hostilities.

Addressing China–US relations, Ambassador Cong said it is in the interest of both countries and the wider international community for the ties to remain “steady, sound and sustainable.” He added that “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation” are key to the relationship’s development.

The Chinese diplomat continued, “the world is big enough to accommodate both China and the United States, it doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game between the two countries. He said preparations are underway for what he described as a “historic visit” by the US president, adding that China hopes the visit will take place.

At the United Nations, Ambassador Cong said China and the United States have “space to cooperation.” He said, “it is incumbent upon both China and the United States to help maintain the international order and to support the role of the UN and the biggest financial contributors of the organization. And there are a lot of commonalities in the positions in how the UN is run.”

He emphasized, “the UN is for all Member States, so no big power should adopt this approach that the interests of that big country should be put above the interests of the entire membership.”

Asked about China’s military involvement with Iran, Ambassador Cong said, “there is no military cooperation between China and Iran,” and described allegations to the contrary by some US officials as “false.” He said China sympathizes with the suffering of the Iranian people and supports efforts to bring an end to the fighting.

On the selection of the next UN Secretary-General, the Chinese diplomat said China supports the principle of geographical rotation and would welcome the appointment of a woman to the post.

Highlights:
– Myanmar
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Ukraine
– Cuba
– Venezuela
– Trip Announcement
– Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict
– Middle East
– Abyei
– Mauritania
– International Days
– World Press Freedom Day
– Financial Contribution

MYANMAR

The Secretary-General has taken note of the transfer of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to a designated residence. The Secretary-General appeals for the swift and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained as a fundamental step towards conditions conducive to a credible political process.

The Secretary-General reiterates that a viable political solution must be founded on an immediate cessation of violence and a genuine commitment to inclusive dialogue. He stresses the importance of continued dialogue between all relevant Myanmar stakeholders and his Special Envoy on how the United Nations and its partners, in particular ASEAN, can help support efforts towards a peaceful solution in the interests of the people of Myanmar as called for by the Security Council and the General Assembly.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

Turning to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that we continue to receive reports of gunfire and strikes hitting residential areas across Gaza, causing civilian casualties. Yesterday, in Jabalya Camp, a UN school sheltering displaced families was hit by gunfire, and two people were injured. 

OCHA reiterates that, under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.

Meanwhile, humanitarians working on sanitation tell us that four in every five sewage pumping stations are not functioning. As a result, every day, about 40,000 cubic metres of untreated sewage are flowing into the sea and areas where families are staying. Restrictions on the entry of essential items like generators and spare parts must be lifted so that water can be properly pumped and prevent the further collapse of these systems.  

On food security, the Food and Agriculture Organization said yesterday that it has now provided cash assistance to every herding household with at least one sheep or goat that survived the hostilities. That’s more than 2,000 herding households reached, one quarter of them headed by women.  

This has supported the production of milk and protein locally, which are a powerful way to combat malnutrition, especially among children.

In the West Bank, last week, the Israeli authorities delivered final eviction notices, by mid-May, to seven more families in the Batn al Hawa area of East Jerusalem. That’s to make way for settlers to take over the building, placing more than 40 people, half of them children, at risk of imminent displacement.

So far in 2026, 17 families – including 30 children – have been forcibly evicted from their homes in that neighbourhood. 

OCHA calls once again for the protection of civilians. Evictions, demolitions and violence have grave physical, social, economic and emotional impacts, and they deepen humanitarian needs. 

UKRAINE

From Ukraine, OCHA tells us that between Monday and the early hours of today, we and our humanitarian partners reached front-line communities in eastern and southern Ukraine through six aid convoys, delivering urgently needed assistance in the regions of Dnipro, Donetsk, Kharkiv and Kherson.

The convoys reached 4,000 people with food, hygiene items, dignity kits, generators, clothing and first-aid kits.

Meanwhile, over the past day, attacks and hostilities across Ukraine reportedly killed at least two civilians and injured 58 others, with the regions of Dnipro, Sumy, Kherson, Kharkiv and Odesa among the hardest hit. Homes, a school, railway infrastructure and shops were damaged.

Our humanitarian partners responded quickly in Odesa and Dnipro, providing shelter, psychosocial support, legal aid, hot meals, hygiene kits and materials for emergency repairs. In Dnipro, drone strikes also damaged or destroyed humanitarian vehicles, though thankfully no injuries were reported.

Yesterday and today, local authorities, with support from our humanitarian partners, evacuated nearly 370 people, including 25 children, from frontline areas of Donetsk.

“On the Day of Vesak, Buddhists around the world commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.

This year, Vesak comes at a moment when the human family is embroiled in geopolitical tensions, division and conflict.

In 2023 I had the honour of visiting the Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal. It reinforced my conviction that the antidote to this turmoil can be found in his timeless teachings of non-violence, compassion and service to others.

Guided by the Buddha’s example, let us summon our shared humanity and build the more peaceful and sustainable world all people need and deserve.

Happy Vesak Day to all”.

Highlights
Press Freedom/Women Journalists
Secretary-General/Iran
Security Council
Lebanon
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Somalia
South Sudan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Cameroon
The Gambia
Solomon Islands/Micronesia
Senior Personnel Appointment – Colombia
Jazz Day

PRESS FREEDOM/WOMEN JOURNALISTS

Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, which falls on Sunday, a new analysis from UN Women and their partners, sheds light on a growing and deeply troubling reality. The toll of online violence on women in public life, especially women journalists and media workers.

The findings are stark. Nearly half of women journalists say they self-censor on social media, and more than one in five in their professional work, just to avoid abuse. Many report harassment ranging from non-consensual sharing of personal images to so-called “deepfakes” which are as you may know are AI-generated or AI-altered images, videos, or audio to that make it look like someone said or did something they never actually did. This abuse is often coordinated and designed to silence women’s voices and undermine their credibility, according to the analysis.

Beyond limiting expression, the impact is deeply personal. Significant numbers report anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress linked to the violence they face online.

The report also underscores the serious gaps in legal protection, leaving billions of women and girls without adequate safeguards against cyber harassment. The full report is available online.

Also related to the World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO today announced the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate as the laureate of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. This in recognition of the role the Syndicate has played in condemning the deliberate targeting of journalists in the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

SECRETARY-GENERAL/IRAN

The Secretary-General this morning spoke to you about the continuing crisis in the Middle East, where, he said, the consequences grow dramatically worse with each passing hour.

Even in the best-case scenario, he said, this year’s global economic growth will still drop, from 3.4 to 3.1 percent, while inflation will climb from 3.8 to 4.4 percent. By contrast, in the worst scenario, inflation skyrockets past 6 percent, growth plummets to 2 percent, and immense suffering takes hold, especially among the world’s most vulnerable countries and people.

Mr. Guterres appealed to the parties: Open the Strait. Let all ships pass. Let the global economy breathe again.

He said that the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, is, as you know, developing a framework to securely evacuate ships and seafarers from the conflict zone, obviously, if it is safe to do so.

Meanwhile, Jorge Moreira da Silva, the head of the UN Office of Project Services (UNOPS), who is leading the Task Force for the Strait of Hormuz for the UN, will be heading to the region to continue his active consultations for a possible humanitarian corridor to be ready if the worst-case scenario materializes.