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It is important to call a genocide a genocide, UN experts told the UN Palestinian Rights Committee during a Briefing “International legal responsibilities for preventing genocide, holding perpetrators of war crimes accountable, and for ending the unlawful occupation of Palestine” on 31 October 2024 as they called on all States to examine their relationships and avoid being complicit in this crime being committed by Israel on the Palestinian people in Gaza.“If you go to a doctor because you have cancer and you are diagnosed with fever, you have a big problem — it's the same with the people who are being genocided,” said Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territory Occupied Since 1967, during a briefing on the international legal responsibilities for preventing genocide, holding perpetrators of war crimes accountable, and for ending the unlawful occupation of Palestine.Describing herself as “a reluctant chronicler of genocide,” Ms. Albanese said the international community must recognize what is happening in Gaza as a genocide and “understand the bigger design behind what's happening in Palestine today”. It is not simply war crimes and crimes against humanity that the Palestinians are experiencing — “they have experienced those through their entire life,” she said, but the current situation is different. At the beginning of the meeting, Cheikh Niang (Senegal), Committee Chair, commended the work of UN experts in investigating and documenting what has been happening. They have sifted through vast amounts of documents and testimonies, gathered evidence and separated facts from misinformation. Their “efforts are vital, not only for telling the story of Gaza, but more importantly for ensuring accountability”, he said. More details: https://www.un.org/unispal/briefing-i...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/depictions-media--4208927/support.

South Africa told judges at the World Court in the Hague on Thursday that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and pleaded with the court to issue an interim order for an immediate halt to Israel's military actions

South Africa told judges at the World Court in the Hague on Thursday that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and pleaded with the court to issue an interim order for an immediate halt to Israel's military actions

UN General Assembely debate the Palestine question and the actions of Israel after October 2023

The UN team investigating crimes committed by Da'esh terrorist group has issued its latest report documenting the terrorist group's atrocities in Iraq, laying the groundwork for future prosecutions.

WHO welcomes the extension of the humanitarian pause in the conflict in Gaza, and the release of hostages and prisoners by both sides.The pause has enabled WHO to increase deliveries of medical supplies in Gaza, and to transfer patients from Al-Shifa hospital to other hospitals south of the Wadi Gaza.During the first three days of the pause, WHO received 121 pallets of supplies into our warehouse in Gaza, including IV fluids, medicines, lab supplies, medical disposables, and trauma and surgical supplies.This is enough to support about 90 000 people.

Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

Briefing reporters on the situation in Gaza, Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The way forward is clear. A humanitarian ceasefire. Now. All parties respecting all their obligations under international humanitarian law. Now.”Speaking today (06 Nov) in New York, Guterres said that the nightmare in Gaza is more than a humanitarian crisis. It is a crisis of humanity, adding that the intensifying conflict is shaking the world, rattling the region and, most tragically, destroying so many innocent lives.The UN chief reiterated his utter condemnation of the abhorrent acts of terror perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October – and repeated his call for the immediate, unconditional and safe release of hostages held in Gaza.“Nothing can justify the deliberate torture, killing, injuring and kidnapping of civilians,” Guterres emphasized.He highlighted, “The protection of civilians must be paramount.”The UN chief said, “I am deeply concerned about clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing,” reiterating that “no party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law.”Gaza is becoming a "graveyard for children." Hundreds of girls and boys are reportedly being killed or injured every day. More journalists have reportedly been killed over a four-week period than in any conflict in at least three decades. More United Nations aid workers have been killed than in any comparable period in the history of our organization, Guterres noted.He saluted all those who continue their life-saving work despite the overwhelming challenges and risks.The Secretary-General said, “The unfolding catastrophe makes the need for a humanitarian ceasefire more urgent with every passing hour. The parties to the conflict -- and, indeed, the international community -- face an immediate and fundamental responsibility: to stop this inhuman collective suffering and dramatically expand humanitarian aid to Gaza.”Today, the UN and its partners are launching a $1.2 billion humanitarian appeal to help 2.7 million people – that's the entire population of the Gaza Strip and half a million Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.Some life-saving aid is getting into Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah crossing. But the trickle of assistance does not meet the ocean of need, Guterre said.He explained, “The Rafah crossing alone does not have the capacity to process aid trucks at the scale required,” adding that “just over 400 trucks have crossed into Gaza over the past two weeks – compared with 500 a day before the conflict.”The UN chief continued, “And crucially, this does not include fuel. Without fuel, newborn babies in incubators and patients on life support will die. Water cannot be pumped or purified. Raw sewage could soon start gushing onto the streets, further spreading disease. Trucks loaded with critical relief will be stranded.”The UN chief also remains “gravely” concerned about rising violence and an expansion of the conflict. The occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, “is at a boiling point,” he added.Guterres continued, “Let us also not forget the importance of addressing the risks of the conflict spilling over to the wider region. We are already witnessing a spiral of escalation from Lebanon and Syria, to Iraq and Yemen.”He reitareted, "That escalation must stop. Cool heads and diplomatic efforts must prevail. Hateful rhetoric and provocative actions must cease.”The Secretary-General also highlighted, “I am deeply troubled by the rise in antisemitism and anti-Muslim bigotry.”He said, “Jewish and Muslim communities in many parts of the world are on high alert, fearing for their personal safety and security. Emotions are at a fever pitch. Tensions are running high. The images of suffering are heart breaking and soul crushing. But we must find a way to hold on to our common humanity.”The UN chief concluded, “We must act now to find a way out of this brutal, awful, agonizing dead end of destruction. To help end the pain and suffering. To help heal the broken. And to help pave the way to peace, to a two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living in peace and security.”

Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour said that the members of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are “united in demonstrating solidarity and support to the Palestinian people, and demanding the implementation of the Resolution in the General Assembly.”Speaking to reporters today (03 Nov), together with the members of the OIC, Ambassador Mansour said that the Security Council is “unable to act collectively.”He explained, “to maintain international peace and security when there is a war, the first thing that they should do - ceasefire, stop the war and deal with that situation. And because they want some, who have veto power, want Israel to continue with this crime, and to leave it completely to Israel to decide when they will stop.”The Palestinian Ambassador reiterated, “Nevertheless we will continue to knocking on the door of the Security Council.”On Jordan recalling its ambassador to Israel, Ambassador Mansour said, “We encourage as many as possible to take practical steps against those who are committing crimes against the Palestinian people. And by that I mean representative of the occupying authorities, they need to feel the pressure.”Libyan Ambassador Taher Elsonni who is serving as the Chairman of the Arab Group, also spoke to reporters.He said, “There's no justification to bomb refugee camps, like Jabalia twice. There is no justification to target hospitals, under what so called the right to defend.”Ambassador Elsonni said, “depriving more than two million Palestinians from food, water and feul is a war crime. It's not questionable, because it's killing everyone.”The Chairman of the Arab Group also said, “Dehumanizing Palestinians is not acceptable. We're all humans and all lives matter.”He continued, “I'm wondering, where are the voices of human rights activists, special envoys on what's happening? Where are the human rights and when it comes to women and children in conflict? We hear that all around. Where is it today? And why we are not hearing those voices anymore? We heard messages or voices on humanitarian pauses. We're calling for ceasefire.”Ambassador Elsonni reiterated, “it's not a movie to be played, to stop when we want and leave people die. A ceasefire must be called and must be called now.”The Chairman concluded, “this narrative of everything started only on October 7, is false. This is seven decades of struggle. So if we don't put things into context, and we don't fix the root cause we will remain always in this vicious cycle, and more innocent lives will be lost.”#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmedia #audiobookshttps://depictions.media/

1) The situation concerning Western Sahara. 2) Latest Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. 3) The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.Description1) Report of the Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara (S/2023/729)2) Identical letters dated 19 January 2016 from the Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council (S/2016/53)#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmedia #audiobookshttps://depictions.media/

At a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, relatives of Israelis who were killed or abducted by Hamas during its October 7 attack in southern Israel urge the federal government to call for the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. Itay Raviv, Alexandra Friedman, Harel Lapidot, Chen Zeigen, and Aharon Brodutch share their families' experiences and answer questions from reporters.#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmedia #audiobookshttps://depictions.media/

Ministers and Liberal MPs speak with reporters on Parliament Hill as the federal party holds its weekly caucus meeting. Ministers Karina Gould (Government House Leader), Bill Blair (defence), Marc Miller (immigration), Arif Virani (justice), Mark Holland (health), Jean-Yves Duclos (public services), Pascale St-Onge (heritage) as well as MPs Rob Oliphant, Francis Scarpaleggia, Ali Ehsassi, Peter Fragiskatos, Kody Blois, René Arseneault, and Anthony Housefather comment on the Israel-Hamas war and the federal government's calls for humanitarian pauses to allow aid into Gaza.Duclos and Holland also discuss recent polling numbers showing the Liberals are well behind the Conservatives nationally.Additionally, Gould responds to questions on a conservative private member's bill to ban vaccine mandates.Blois also comments on Pierre Poilievre's upcoming visit to Windsor, Nova Scotia and on the Conservative party's targeting of Liberal ridings in Atlantic Canada.Ministers Seamus O'Regan (labour) and François-Philippe Champagne (innovation) face questions on the strike involving workers at the St. Lawrence Seaway. Workers began their strike on October 22 after failing to reach an agreement on wages with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation.#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmedia #audiobookshttps://depictions.media/

At a news conference on Parliament Hill, federal ministers highlight their government's ongoing efforts to address the high cost of living.Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland discusses her recent meeting with the CEOs of Canada's largest banks and says the government will be monitoring their compliance with mortgage guidelines designed to provide relief for struggling homeowners. She also announces she has instructed the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada to work on making no- and low-cost bank accounts more readily available to the public.Freeland is joined by Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, who urges Parliament to pass the government's bill (C-56) aimed at making groceries and housing more affordable. Treasury Board President Anita Anand also takes part and announces the government will begin sharing the results of its spending review next month, with main estimates to be published in March 2024.#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmedia #audiobookshttps://depictions.media/

At the 9439th meeting, the United Nations Security Council will address the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.The Security Council failed to adopt a draft resolution introduced by Russia on the recent escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza and the ensuing humanitarian crisis.The draft resolution failed to get the minimum nine votes needed in the 15-member body, having received five votes in favour (China, Gabon, Mozambique, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates) and four against (France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States), with six abstentions (Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, Malta, and Switzerland).The resolution would have called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in GazaFollowing the vote, the Permanent Representative of Russia, Vasily Nebenzya, said, “We regret that the Council, once again, has found itself hostage to the selfish intentions of the Western bloc of countries. This is the only reason why it was not able to send a clear, strong and collective message aimed at de-escalation. We're talking about the most serious explosion of violence over the past decades. Today, the entire world waited with bated breath for the Security Council to take steps in order to put an end to the bloodletting. But the delegations of the Western countries have basically stomped on those expectations.”The Permanent Representative of the United States, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said, “Russia's resolution, put forward without any consultations, make no mention of Hamas, none. By failing to condemn Hamas, Russia is giving cover to a terrorist group that brutalizes innocent civilians. It is outrageous. It is hypocritical and it is indefensible.”The Russia text was one of two drafts being considered. The second one, introduced by Brazil, that should be put to a vote on Tuesday, calls for humanitarian pauses to allow aid access and condemns the Palestinian militant Hamas for its attacks on Israel.#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmedia #audiobookshttps://depictions.media/

Vice President Harris continues her nationwide “Fight for Our Freedoms" College Tour by participating in a moderated conversation with students at the North Las Vegas campus of the College of Southern Nevada - a community college, Hispanic-Serving Institution, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. #inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmedia #audiobookshttps://depictions.media/

Mark Holland, the federal minister of health, holds a news conference in Charlottetown with his provincial and territorial counterparts following their two-day meeting. Holland co-chaired the meeting with Ya'ara Saks, the federal minister of mental health and addictions, and Mark McLane, Prince Edward Island's minister of health and wellness. Holland highlights the importance of collaboration between the provinces, territories and the federal government in addressing the shortcomings in the health-care system in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other issues, the meeting focused on the plan for a sustainable health workforce, health data, mental health and addiction as well as public health.#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmedia #audiobookshttps://depictions.media/

But with Fundamental Shift in Global Behaviour, Still Possible to Achieve Just, Peaceful, Sustainable World, UN Official StatesThe Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) opened its seventy-eighth session today, with delegates emphasizing that…… Just, Peaceful, Sustainable World, UN Official States The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) … and sustained development has been stymied by a myriad of factors, including increasing inequalities, economic … providing internships and creating entrepreneurs. The advancement of women and the promotion of gender equality is#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmedia #audiobookshttps://depictions.media/

Brazil is charing the UN Security Council in the of October 2023. Brazil has been pushing for changes and reforms in the United Nation to allow for more voice and expanding memebership. They will answer question about this and issues on Haiti and humanitarian effort to help Haiti #inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmediahttps://depictions.media/

Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's Provincial Health Officer, for an announcement about this year's respiratory illness season.#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmediahttps://depictions.media/

#UNGA: Media briefing on Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response with @DrTedros#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmediahttps://depictions.media/

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault speaks with reporters in New York City, where he is attending a climate action summit convened by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at UN headquarters. The minister is joined at this news conference by Catherine Stewart, Canada's ambassador for climate change. The UN climate summit is taking place on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmediahttps://depictions.media/

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith takes questions from the media while attending the World Petroleum Congress in Calgary. The congress, which takes place every three years, attracts hundreds of executives and government officials from oil-producing countries around the world. She responds to questions about the province's role in achieving Canada's target of carbon neutrality by 2050, federal caps on emissions from the production of natural oil and gas, and Alberta's energy security and affordability.#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmediahttps://depictions.media/

#inspiringstories #inspirationalstory #faith #loveandtrust #podcast #newmedia

The supply of weapons and ammunition into any armed conflict raises significant concerns about the potential escalation of violence,” said Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. Warning against risks of weaponry falling into wrong hands, she called for measures, comprehensive pre-transfer diversion risk assessments, end-user certificates and post-shipment verifications, among others.

Informal comments to the media by Ambassador Ferit Hoxha, Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations, and President of the Security Council for the month of September, on the situation in Yemen.According to the President of the Security Council, Member States expressed on Monday (11 Sep) their support for the UN-led peace process based on the agreed references and reiterated the urgency for the Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue and a nationwide ceasefire.Earlier this morning, Security Council members held their monthly meeting on Yemen in closed consultations.They were briefed by the Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Joyce Msuya, and the Head of the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA), Major General Michael Beary.After the meeting, Ferit Hoxha addressed the press. He reported that Member States reiterated the importance of making rapid and tangible progress in the current discussions in Yemen.The members of the Security Council also stressed the need to maintain the prevailing calm and ensure unhindered humanitarian access.They also welcomed Saudi Arabia and Oman delegations' ongoing support of the mediation efforts of the United Nations.

Speaking with reporters at Dalhousie University's Halifax campus, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh proposes solutions to address the shortage of student housing. Responding to questions from the media, the NDP leader comments on the Conservative party's national policy convention that took place September 9-11 in Quebec City.

Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, will be joined by Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, to provide an important update on the wildfire situation in BC.

Ambassador Ferit Hoxha of Albania and President of the Security Council for the month of September, On Friday (1 Sep) announced a High-level Council meeting on Ukraine to take place during this month's High-level week.Briefing reporters in New York on the Council's program of work for the month, Hoxha said, “We want to use the presence of the leaders in town, to have a meaningful discussion in the Council at the level of heads of delegation, not only to analyze the situation and the ongoing war and consequences in Ukraine but also the prospects where we go from now what can be done.”The name of the meeting will be “To Uphold the Goals and Principles of the UN Charter through Effective Multilateralism, with a Special Focus on the Maintenance of Peace and Security in Ukraine” and will take place on 20 September.The Albanian Ambassador said other areas of focus for the Council in September include, “what is happening in Haiti. It's a horrible situation and I hope the Council will be able to really move on this issue.”He said, “We will have one or more meetings on Sudan, we know that there is an ongoing war, a deadly war and with no real prospects for peace. We know that the situation in Darfur is absolutely going back and reminding what happened 20 years ago, going back to two elements of genocide, so that will be also our focus. We will be discussing Syria, and we know the complex situation related to the humanitarian assistance for northwest Syria. So, of course, the Council is never, never at stop.”On Syria, Hoxha continued, “The priority is really to provide basic needs for those for 4.2 million people who could not have them otherwise, then through that most important border crossing, which actually processes 80 to 85 percent of the needs, and crossline will never be able to compete, we'll never be able to meet the needs. That's why we need it open.”

we launched the WHO Civil Society Commission, to advise us on how we can work better with the communities we serve.To say more about the work of the Civil Society Commission, I'm delighted to welcome the Co-Chair of its Steering Committee, Lisa Hilmi. Lisa is Executive Director of CORE Group, bringing together health practitioners and public health professionals to improve community health practices for underserved populations.

The historical role of civil society organizations (CSO) in bringing about change in public health is well-known. While WHO has a long-standing tradition of working with CSOs, the establishment of the Commission takes the collaboration to a new level. https://www.who.int/news/item/24-08-2023-new-who-civil-society-commission-to-strengthen-civil-society-organizations--role-in-accelerating-progress-in-global-health

The Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said, “The tragic reality is that, for as long violent conflict continues, and the political process is blocked, the suffering of the Syrian people will simply get worse.”

Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, will be joined by Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, to provide an important update on the wildfire situation in BCEvacution Order are legal order had must be followed. Those who ignored the order hender the fire fighting process

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc speaks with reporters in Charlottetown, where he is attending a three-day meeting of the federal cabinet. He faces questions on the Liberal government's ongoing talks with opposition parties in launching a public inquiry into foreign interference. He also comments on whether the cabinet is considering lowering immigration targets to ease the housing shortage. Mike Moffatt, senior director of policy and innovation at the Smart Prosperity Institute, and Tim Richter, president and CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, speak with reporters in Charlottetown. The speakers are briefing ministers on the issue of housing as a three-day meeting of the federal cabinet continues.Ministers Chrystia Freeland (finance), Anita Anand (Treasury Board president) and Randy Boissonnault (employment) speak with reporters in Charlottetown as a three-day meeting of the federal cabinet continues. They respond to questions about the federal government's housing strategy and the plan for federal ministers to identify $15 billion over five years in spending cuts.International Trade Mary Ng speaks with reporters in Charlottetown, where she is attending a three-day meeting of the federal cabinet. She faces questions on Canada's decision to launch a legal challenge of the latest American duties on Canadian softwood lumber products. The minister is also asked about progress on establishing a foreign influence registry in response to foreign interference in Canada's elections.

At a summit of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) in Ottawa, Health Minister Mark Holland takes part in a discussion on federal transfers and the future of health care in Canada. He is joined by Kathleen Ross, the new president of the CMA, and panel moderator Jennifer Ditchburn, president of the Institute for Research on Public Policy.Ministers Bill Blair (defence), Pascale St-Onge (Canadian Heritage), Sean Fraser (housing), Mélanie Joly (foreign affairs), and Pablo Rodriguez (transport) respond to questions from reporters in Charlottetown as a three-day meeting of the federal cabinet gets underway. They discuss the federal response to ongoing wildfires in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia, Meta's decision to block Canadian news from its platforms as wildfires continue to burn across the country, housing, inflation, and the 2024 presidential elections in the United States.

The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Wednesday (16 Aug) told the Security Council that despite hostilities having not returned to pre-truce levels, “intermittent fighting” continues, and “there have been public threats to return to war.”Grundberg said, “This rhetoric is not conducive to maintaining a fruitful mediation environment,” and called on the parties “to refrain from escalatory rhetoric and to continue to use and build on dialogue channels established under the truce through the Military Coordination Committee to de-escalate incidents.”He said, “The fragility of the situation and its impact on Yemeni women and men highlight the urgent need to reach a consensus on the way forward.”The Special Envoy said, “is working to convene the parties to address some of their immediate priorities to build confidence and move toward an inclusive and sustainable political settlement.”He noted, “trust levels are low, and partial solutions risk being perceived as reversible and providing only temporary relief." He also said he continues “to pursue a more comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate and longer-term political, economic, military and security issues.”Grundberg condemned the murder of World Food Programme (WFP) staff member Moayad Hameidi in Taiz governorate on 21 July and stressed that “humanitarian workers should never be a target.”He said, “Any loss of life in humanitarian service is an unacceptable tragedy for the United Nations and the people who benefit from the humanitarian community's lifesaving assistance.”The Special Envoy said he was “greatly relieved about the recent release of our five UN colleagues, who were kidnapped in Abyan governorate in February 2022.”

Vice President Harris, joined by Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, will deliver remarks highlighting the Biden-Harris administration's continued commitment to addressing the climate crisis with the urgency it demands while building a clean energy economy that creates good-paying jobs.President Biden delivers remarks on how Bidenomics is Investing in America to grow the economy from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down.

Chrystia Freeland, the deputy prime minister and minister of finance, holds a press scrum in Toronto following a discussion on housing affordability with members of the public. Responding to questions from reporters, Freeland comments on the Ontario Auditor General report on the Greenbelt land selection process.

Hybrid press briefing by Leonardo Garnier, Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Transforming Education Summit, along with Stefania Giannini, UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Education. They will brief reporters virtually on the forthcoming Our Common Agenda policy brief on Transforming Education.UNICEF's Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, Ted Chaiban, today (4 August) said despite children in Sudan “have consistently borne the brunt of recurring violence, upheaval, and displacement, the situation that they're facing today is unprecedented,” and “however difficult things have been in the past, it's never been this difficult.”Briefing reporters in New York on the situation of children affected by the conflict in Sudan, Chaiban said, “Before the war erupted on the 15th of April, Sudan was already grappling with a humanitarian crisis. Now more than 110 days of brutal fighting have turned the crisis into a catastrophe, threatening the lives and futures of a generation of children young people who make up over 70 percent of the population.”Chaiban, who is UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, said, “From what's reported, 435 children have been killed in the conflict. At least 2025 children were injured. That's an average of one child killed or injured every hour since the war began. And we know that that's an underestimate. The true total is much, much, higher.”He said, “Everything's been done to reach the population but as fighting continues, it makes access difficult, and we can't overemphasize the fact that much is being done, but much more needs to be done.”He noted that for the next 100 days, UNICEF “would need urgently $400 million to sustain and scale the crisis response to support the most vulnerable children.”Also, briefing, OCHA's Director of Operations and Advocacy Division Edem Wosornu said, “93 humanitarian partners reached at least 2.5 million people with some life-saving assistance across Sudan between April and June. Let's not forget the target is 24 million people, who need humanitarian assistance. They are half the population of a country that before the 15th of April was doing not too bad. There were needs, but we were not targeting people in the capital.”Asked about ethnically targeted attacks, Wosornu said, “There are accounts from people saying that certain tribes are targeted more than others. And I think the focus right now in this briefing is on how we get assistance into the different areas of Khartoum, what Madani put it on to a lesser extent, the quarter funds, and how we stay and deliver, no matter what.”Chaiban and Wosornu recently returned from a visit to the country and the Chad-Sudan border.

The Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, today (1 Aug) said “the unfolding crisis” in Niger, “if not addressed, will exacerbate the deteriorating security situation in the region.”Briefing reporters in New York via video teleconference from Accra, Ghana, Santos Simão said, “It will also negatively impact the development and lives of the populations in a country where 4.3 million people need humanitarian assistance.”He said, “Niger and the region do not need coups d'état.”Santos Simão said UNOWAS is supporting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) but is not directly engaged in negotiations “so far.”He said, “We are fully supporting the all-efforts to restore democratic order in that country.”The decision of whether “to use force, if necessary,” he said, “is not a UN decision. It is an ECOWAS decision,” adding that “what's important is that all means to find a peaceful solution for the problem should be used.”The UN official said, “If measures are not taken or this ratio is not reversed, it's very likely that the spread of terrorism in the region can increase.”He noted that during last week's ECOWAS ordinary summit in Guinea Bissau, “the decision was that was twofold,” firstly to “assist those countries in transition, namely, Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, to complete the process of transition. through elections.” Secondly, he said, “not accept coups d'état anymore.”Secretary-General António Guterres today expressed deep concern over the reported arrest of several members of the government and urgently called for strict adherence to Niger's international human rights obligations and the prompt restoration of constitutional order.The Secretary-General underscored the utmost importance of safeguarding civilians and ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those in need in Niger.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh holds a news conference in St. John's as he continues his tour of the Atlantic provinces. He takes aim at the cost of food in Newfoundland and Labrador and outlines his party's plan to lower grocery bills across the country. Singh is joined by Mary Shortall, the NDP candidate for St. John's East.

Press briefing by Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and David Gressly, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, on the FSO Safer tanker. The United Nations has started pumping oil off the decaying vessel FSO Safer, moored off Yemen's Red Sea coast, averting a potential spill and environmental disaster, Steiner and Gressly informed. Briefing journalists in New York on Tuesday (25 July) via video, Steiner and Gressly marked the milestone but warned it's the beginning of a long process. Steiner said, “Years and months of preparation for the salvage operation of the FSO Safer lay behind us. Many challenges and hurdles. But, as of this morning, we are pleased to report that the pumps are on. The pipes have been laid between the FSO Safer and Yemen, the replacement tanker, and the first gallons of oil have been pumped off the SAFER onto Yemen.” The UNDP Chief said the team involved was “very relieved” that “the operation of pumping oil has finally begun.” But, Steiner warned, “This is just another step in this highly complex operation that ultimately will lead to the emptying of the tanks, then the cleaning of the tanks, then the towing away, and the sound and ecologically and socially responsible scrapping of the FSO Safer, and the delivery of a convoy.” Speaking to journalists from a ship supporting the operation, Gressly said, “As you know, there are over a million barrels of oil on board, so this is going to take some time to finish. We will know shortly how much we have moved today. They're taking the sounding readings as we speak to see what quantity was moved. But we do expect that this will take approximately 19 days to move the 1.1 million barrels off of the vessel.” The Resident Coordinator noted that “the broader coalition working to prevent the catastrophe includes countless individuals and organizations that provided invaluable expertise and in-kind support.” Gressly added, “It includes environmental groups like Greenpeace and private companies like the Fahem Group that propose the initiative that was the basis for the plan we're implementing today. I think this also shows the breadth of knowledge of the operation of the concern and the threat that this vessel presented.”

Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday rebuked the Florida Board of Education's new standards for how Black history will be taught in schools, calling it an effort by extremist leaders to spread propaganda.Speaking in Jacksonville, Harris said the recently approved curriculum, which suggests some slaves reaped benefits from the skills they acquired during forced labor, was based on a policy intent on misleading children."They want to replace history with lies," Harris said. "These extremist, so-called leaders should model what we know to be the correct and right approach if we really are invested in the well being of our children. Instead, they dare to push propaganda to our children. This is the United States of America. We're not supposed to do that.

Yesterday, WHO and UNICEF published new data which show promising signs that immunization services are rebounding in some countries after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, 4 million more children received immunizations than in 2021. This is encouraging news, but large gaps remain, and global and regional averages mask severe and persistent inequities, especially in low-income countries. More than 20 million children missed out on one or more vaccines last year, and almost 15 million missed out entirely. While these numbers are lower than 2021, they're still higher than pre-pandemic levels. We're still falling behind with our targets to reach children with measles, HPV, yellow fever and many other vaccines, risking outbreaks and suffering as a result of diseases that can be easily prevented. Of the 75 countries with substantial declines in immunization, only 15 have recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with the rest stagnant or even declining further. Most concerningly, low-income countries are not yet showing signs of recovery. In response, WHO, UNICEF and other partners have launched the Big Catch-up, working with the most-affected countries to catch-up, recover, and strengthen immunization infrastructure. === This week, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body to draft and negotiate the pandemic accord is holding its sixth meeting. Next week, the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations will hold its fourth meeting. As the negotiations of both processes are entering a critical stage, with less than a year to finalize their work, later this week the two groups will hold their first joint meeting. The meeting will be webcast. The groups will discuss topics including the definition and declaration of a public health emergency of international concern, and a pandemic. However, just as mis- and disinformation undermined the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, so mis- and disinformation is undermining these efforts to keep the world safer from future pandemics. 20 years ago, the tobacco industry tried to undermine negotiations on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The same thing is happening now. Groups with vested interests are claiming falsely that the accord is a power grab by WHO, and that it will stymie innovation and research. Both claims are completely false. I need to put this plainly: those who peddle lies about this historic agreement are endangering the health and safety of future generations. If two companies sign a business contract, and use lawyers to help them develop it, that doesn't give the lawyers control over the contract, nor make them a party to it. It's the same here. The pandemic accord is an agreement between countries, and WHO is helping them to develop that agreement. But WHO will not be a party to the agreement. As the countries themselves have pointed out repeatedly, this is an agreement between countries, and countries alone. This accord aims to address the lack of solidarity and equity that hampered the global response to COVID-19. It's a historic opportunity for the world to learn the painful lessons COVID-19 taught us, and make the world safer for generations to come. === Earlier this week, I had the privilege of addressing the meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors. I made the point that the global economy and global health are inextricably linked, as the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated. And of course, pandemics are far from the only threat to health and economies. Every day, diseases, conditions and injuries incur huge costs to governments, in terms of health sector spending and lost productivity. Many of these diseases, conditions and injuries could be prevented at a fraction of the cost of dealing with their consequences. Investments in health are therefore an economic no-brainer. If they were bonds, they would be rated triple-A. It's time to rethink financing for health. It's time to see health not as a cost, but an investment; Not as a consumptive sector, but a productive sector – as the anchor for more inclusive, more equitable and more prosperous societies and economies. Over the past three years, the G20 has played an important role in bringing together finance and health to respond to COVID-19, and to strengthen the global architecture for pandemic preparedness. I appreciate especially the G20's leadership in establishing the Joint Finance-Health Task Force, which is supporting countries to identify and mitigate economic vulnerabilities, and finance pandemic response. WHO is proud to host the Task Force secretariat, with the support of our partners at the World Bank. On the other hand, it's concerning that at this meeting, G20 countries were not able to reach agreement on debt relief for low-income countries. The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the world's poorest countries. The burden of debt will keep them in a cycle of poverty, and prevent them from making the investments in health that could help to fuel their recovery and growth. Just as the world's largest economies have taken action to protect the world from pandemics, we call on them to demonstrate solidarity by taking action on debt relief to protect the world from poverty. === One of the biggest contributors to keeping people trapped in poverty is the lack of rehabilitation services for those who need them. For most people, rehabilitation services, including assistive technologies, are often out-of-pocket expenses that they cannot afford. Ensuring access to quality rehabilitation services, without financial hardship, is an essential part of every country's journey towards universal health coverage. Last week, WHO launched the World Rehabilitation Alliance, a global network focused on promoting rehabilitation as an integral part of universal health coverage. The World Rehabilitation Alliance is a powerful demonstration of the collaborative spirit of the rehabilitation community and the importance of bringing together the voices of many stakeholders to promote one message. === Many countries in the northern hemisphere are now experiencing extreme heat, driven by the El Nino weather pattern and climate change. Two weeks ago we saw the hottest day on record. Extreme heat takes the greatest toll on those least able to manage its consequences, such as older people, infants and children, and the poor and homeless. It also puts increased pressure on health systems. Exposure to excessive heat has wide ranging impacts for health, often amplifying pre-existing conditions and resulting in premature death and disability. In collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization, WHO is supporting countries to develop Heat Health Action Plans to coordinate preparedness and reduce the impacts of excessive heat on health. === Now to Poland, which has notified WHO of an unusual outbreak of 29 cases of H5N1 avian influenza in cats. The source of exposure is unknown and investigations are ongoing. No human contacts have so far reported symptoms, and the surveillance period for all contacts is now complete. WHO assesses the risk of human infection as low for the general population, and low to moderate for cat owners and vets, without the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. Infection of cats with H5N1 has been reported before, but this is the first report of high numbers of infected cats over a wide geographical area. WHO continues to monitor the situation, in close collaboration with partners and the government of Poland. H5N1 is of particular concern because it is known to be highly dangerous to humans, although it has never been shown to be easily transmissible between people. This outbreak is another example of the continued circulation and risk of H5N1, which since last year has caused increased outbreaks in central and south America. === Finally, a reminder that although COVID-19 is over as a global health emergency, it remains a global health threat. Cases and deaths continue to be reported from around the world. And although people are better protected by vaccination and prior infection, this is not an excuse to let down our guard. WHO continues to advise people at high risk to wear a mask in crowded places, to get boosters when recommended, and to ensure adequate ventilation indoors. And we urge governments to maintain and not dismantle the systems they built for COVID-19: To continue to conduct surveillance and report, to track variants, to provide early clinical care, to provide boosters for the most at-risk groups, to improve ventilation, and to communicate regularly.

Media Stakeout by Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, on the Black Sea Grain Initiative.Speaking to journalists outside the General Assembly, Ukraine's Minister for Foreign Affairs said, “Yesterday, when I had a meeting with the Secretary-General, ahead of his phone conversation with President Zelenskyy, we literally discussed all possible options with him.”He continued, “And he instructed relevant departments of the Secretariat to consider possible viable options.”Kuleba concluded, “So less than 48 hours since Russia withdrew from The Grain Initiative, we are literally still looking into every possible option. We're doing it in Kyiv, our partners are doing it in Brussels, in Washington, here at the headquarters, in Ankara. Everyone is looking for the way out.”BLACK SEA INITIATIVE This morning, the Secretary-General said that he deeply regrets the decision by the Russian Federation to terminate the implementation of the Black Sea Initiative – including the withdrawal of Russian security guarantees for navigation in the northwest part of the Black Sea. He noted that this Initiative has ensured the safe passage of over 32 million metric tonnes of food commodities from Ukrainian ports. The Initiative, he said, together with the Memorandum of Understanding on facilitating exports of Russian food products and fertilizers, has been a lifeline for global food security and a beacon of hope in a troubled world. He said that participation in these agreements is a choice, but struggling people everywhere, especially in developing countries don't have a choice. He warned that hundreds of millions of people face hunger and consumers are confronting a global cost-of-living crisis, including food prices. He said he was deeply disappointed that his proposals went unheeded, adding that today's decision by the Russian Federation will strike a blow to people in need everywhere. But he will not stop and United Nations will not stop our efforts to facilitate unimpeded access to global markets for food products and fertilizers from Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

The Secretary General praised the President, the Ukrainian people, the armed forces and the political leadership for their courage and determination since the beginning of Russia's war. “NATO will continue to stand with you for as long as it takes,” he said.The establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Council is part of a three-part package of support bringing Ukraine closer to NATO. The Council will act as a forum “where Ukraine and NATO Allies will meet as equals, hold crisis consultations, and jointly take decisions,” Mr Stoltenberg said.The package also includes a multi-year programme of assistance to help the Ukrainian armed forces transition from Soviet-era to NATO equipment and standards and become fully interoperable with Allied forces.Allies have also reaffirmed that Ukraine will become a member of NATO and agreed to remove the requirement for a Membership Action Plan. “This will change Ukraine's membership path from a two-step process to a one-step process,” said the Secretary General, adding: “we will issue an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO when Allies agree that conditions are met.” This is “a strong, united message from Allies on your path to NATO membership,” he added. Mr Stoltenberg further stressed the need for “credible arrangements” to be in place to ensure Ukraine's security when the war ends, welcoming the plan of many Allies to commit to providing long-term security assurance to Ukraine. “This will help deter any future aggression from Russia after this war ends,” he said, adding that it complements the support provided by NATO.“The decisions made here in Vilnius mark the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between NATO and Ukraine. Today, we meet as equals. I look forward to the day we meet as Allies,” Mr Stoltenberg concluded.