Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Venezuela/Earthquakes
– Venezuela
– Colombia
– Sudan
– UNIFIL
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Central Emergency Relief Fund
– Uganda
– Ukraine
– UN Charter Day
– The Day of the Seafarer
VENEZUELA/EARTHQUAKES
The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday. He extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.
Initial reports indicate significant destruction across several states, including in the capital Caracas. Many people have reportedly been killed and injured, while others remain trapped or are still missing. Critical infrastructure has been damaged and basic services have been disrupted.
The United Nations in Venezuela, including the Humanitarian Country Team, is mobilizing assistance and working closely with the Government and our partners to support the response. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is facilitating the deployment of urban search-and-rescue teams.
The Secretary-General welcomes the offers of solidarity and support from Member States at this critical time.
The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the people and Government of Venezuela.
VENEZUELA
The Government of Venezuela has declared a state of emergency, while international support is rapidly mobilizing, including incoming Urban Search and Rescue teams from different countries and multiple offers of assistance from across the region and beyond.
Tom Fletcher, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, said in a statement this morning that the UN and our humanitarian partners are fully mobilized to support the people of Venezuela. UN agencies are mobilizing assistance and will deliver support as quickly as possible. Our team in country is in close contact with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez and relevant national authorities.
A central coordination hub has been established in Caracas, with the UN supporting efforts on the ground to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need as quickly and effectively as possible.
OCHA is also supporting the coordination of incoming international search-and-rescue teams expected to arrive in the coming hours.
For its part, UNHCR says that the effects of the earthquake are likely to exacerbate existing protection risks, particularly for returnees, displaced people and communities already facing barriers to services. These risks include heightened risks of gender-based violence and unsafe or inadequate housing, and reduced access to health care, water, education and livelihoods, among others.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-06-25