Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nepal, Sudan & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (7 Nov 2023)

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
- Secretary-General/Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territory
- Occupied Palestinian Territory/Humanitarian Update
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Sudan
- Nepal
- Least Developed Countries Report
- Senior Personnel Announcement
- Event

SECRETARY-GENERAL/ISRAEL/OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
One month after the horrific events of 7 October, the Secretary-General reiterates his total condemnation of the acts of terror committed by Hamas in Israel for which there can be no justification. He will never forget the horrendous images of civilians, being killed and maimed and others being dragged away into captivity. He reiterates his appeal for their immediate and unconditional release.
The Secretary-General remains extremely distressed by the killing of civilians in Gaza and the humanitarian catastrophe that continues to unfold in there, with an unimaginable toll on civilians. He also reiterates his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) today said that they have launched a joint operation with the Congolese armed forces in North Kivu to secure the key regional towns of Goma and Sake. Operation Springbok – as it is called - is being undertaken in response to ongoing clashes between members of the M23 militia and armed groups in the province as well as advances made by the M23 towards Sake. UN peacekeepers and the Congolese armed forces are patrolling in key areas to protect the population and deter further advances by the M23. The Mission has also established security perimeters near the Kitchanga base to help protect 25,000 people who have sought refuge in that base and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

SUDAN
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) today said that 4.5 million people have been internally displaced in Sudan, while 1.2 million others have fled to Chad, Egypt and South Sudan, as well as Ethiopia and the Central African Republic. That is almost six million people who have been forced to move since the start of the fighting in April of this year.
UNHCR described the unfolding humanitarian crisis as unimaginable across Sudan, adding that they are very concerned that recent fighting in the Darfur region has caused even more displacement, where many do not have access to food, shelter, clean drinking water or other basic essentials, and sadly at least four children are still dying every week in White Nile State, as essential medicines, personnel, and supplies are lacking.
And a reminder that the Regional Refugee
Response Plan for the humanitarian needs in all these neighbouring countries that are receiving Sudanese refugees is currently only 39 per cent funded.
UNHCR is appealing for $1 billion for 64 partners in five countries. A separate appeal for the humanitarian needs inside Sudan is only a 33 per cent funded. That appeal aims to reach 18.1 million people and requires $2.6 billion.

NEPAL
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) today said that four days since the earthquake, the UN continues to support the Government-led response by providing shelter, food and medical supplies.
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said that almost half of those reported killed and injured in the earthquake are children. Most homes have been damaged, along with schools, health centres and other infrastructure.
UNICEF has also distributed emergency supplies to 2,000 families including hygiene kits, buckets, mugs and water purifiers, as well as tarpaulins and blankets. Further, two medical tents have been set up in Nalgad municipality for the resumption of health services.
Additional supplies, including 667 sets of WASH supplies have reached Rukum West area while 3,000 tarpaulins and blankets, as well as two medical tents have been dispatched to the affected areas.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=07%20November%202023

Видео Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nepal, Sudan & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (7 Nov 2023) канала United Nations