Source: United Nations (video statements)
Press Conference by Bjørg Sandkjær, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and Juliette Biao, UN Forum on Forests Secretariat (UNFF) on the launch of the Global Forest Goals Report 2026.
Hantavirus, UNIFIL, Lebanon & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (11 May 2026) | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Secretary-General/Travel
– Hantavirus
– UNIFIL
– Lebanon
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Sudan
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Haiti
– Ukraine
———————-
SECRETARY-GENERAL/TRAVEL
Today in Nairobi, the Secretary-General, along with President William Ruto of Kenya, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and UNON Director-General Zainab Bangura, participated in the ground-breaking ceremony for a new conference hall and the inauguration of a new office complex on the grounds of the UN Offices in Nairobi (UNON).
In his remarks, the Secretary-General said that this was a reaffirmation of the central role that Africa – and Kenya – play in the life and future of the United Nations. The UN presence in Nairobi is “where the future of multilateralism is being shaped – every day,” Mr. Guterres said.
The new offices buildings are the UN Nigeria office’s first net-zero building – featuring year-round, on-site solar power. The expanded conference facilities will add further solar installations, bringing the complex to energy neutrality by 2030.
In a press conference after the groundbreaking at UNON, the Secretary-General said that the United Nations must be closer to the people it serves – connected to their realities and equipped to support the solutions they are building.
He added that, too often, “African countries are expected to live with decisions made in institutions where they do not have equal voice.” This is why reform of the Security Council cannot wait, along with reform of the international financial institutions, where Africa is clearly under-represented.
HANTAVIRUS
This morning, the World Health Organization said that there are nine cases of hantavirus infection, seven of which are confirmed, including the latest case reported by France. Three deaths have also been reported among the cases.
WHO announced that the last remaining passengers on the hantavirus-hit cruise ship will have disembarked the MV Hondius by the end of today. Passengers are departing the Canary Islands by specially arranged flights.
WHO said that more than 30 crew members will remain on the ship and will sail it onward to Rotterdam, a journey expected to take several days.
Over the weekend, the Secretary-General expressed his support for the government of Spain and others as they manage the hantavirus in close coordination with WHO.
While the current public health risk from the virus remains low, the Secretary-General stressed that it’s important that international health efforts ensure the safety of all, including passengers and crew of the MV Hondius.
Today, WHO had a team of eight staff in Tenerife in the Canary Islands coordinating with the Spanish authorities and other partners on site.
UNIFIL
A quick update from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Between Friday and today, UNIFIL has continued to record extensive military activity across its area of operations. During this period, peacekeepers observed more than 1,296 trajectories of projectiles attributed to the Israel Defense Forces, and 64 trajectories of projectiles attributed to Hizbullah.
Incidents involving the denial of freedom of movement to UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to occur daily. On Saturday, an IDF tank blocked a UNIFIL movement near Al Qawzah in Sector West and an IDF bulldozer restricted peacekeepers’ movement near Al Bayada also in Sector West, forcing the UNIFIL personnel to turn back in both instances. We reiterate the responsibility of all actors to ensure UNIFIL has unrestricted freedom of movement in the discharge of its mandated functions.
LEBANON
From Lebanon, OCHA reports that the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate despite the ceasefire that was announced on April 17th..
More than 100 strikes were reported in the past 24 hours alone, while 87 people were killed over the weekend. Today, the Ministry of Public Health reported that two paramedics affiliated with the Islamic Health Committee were killed, and several others were wounded, in airstrikes targeting health‑related sites in the towns of Qalaway and Tibnin in southern Lebanon. The paramedics were responding to earlier incidents when they were killed.
Since the start of the escalation on March 2nd, the World Health Organization has recorded 158 attacks on healthcare, resulting in 108 deaths and 249 injuries.
Attacks on humanitarian and medical personnel are unacceptable and further undermine an overstretched health system and access to emergency care for civilians.
Full Highlight: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-05-11
South Africa Government: President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation on Phala Phala ConCourt judgment.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation on Phala Phala ConCourt judgment.
#WHO Responds to #Hantavirus Outbreak
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The World Health Organization is supporting the response to a hantavirus outbreak aboard a passenger ship after its arrival in Tenerife, Canary Islands. Passengers and crew are disembarking under health monitoring measures, with specially arranged flights taking them home as WHO teams continue investigations and advise governments on follow-up procedures.
UK What is State Opening?
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
And what has to happen before a new parliamentary year can begin? 🗓️
The State Opening of Parliament marks the start of a new session. Planned legislation for the next parliamentary year is read out during the King’s Speech in the House of Lords chamber.
Following the King’s Speech, both Houses will debate its contents for several days.
UK State Opening of Parliament 2026 | British Sign Language
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday 13 May marks the formal start of the new parliamentary session. The King’s Speech sets out the government’s agenda, outlining proposed policies and legislation.
Find out more: https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2026/may-2026/state-opening-of-parliament-2026/
UK State Opening of Parliament 2026
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday 13 May marks the formal start of the new parliamentary session. The King’s Speech sets out the government’s agenda, outlining proposed policies and legislation.
Watch State Opening 2026 with British Sign Language (BSL) – [LINK]
Find out more: https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2026/may-2026/state-opening-of-parliament-2026/
UK Ceremonial Search | State Opening 2026
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Before the King arrives at Parliament, the Yeomen of the Guard, the royal bodyguards, ceremonially search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster. This dates back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Today, the search begins in the Prince’s Chamber before moving into the chamber of the House of Lords.
20,500 Ukrainian Children Taken by Russia
Source: European Commission (video statements)
The EU has announced new sanctions targeting individuals and organisations accused of deporting and indoctrinating Ukrainian children.
Nearly 20,500 children have reportedly been forcibly transferred since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans aimed at holding those responsible accountable and supporting efforts to return the children home.
Hantavirus Risk in Europe Assessed as LOW by ECDC and WHO
Source: European Commission (video statements)
The risk of hantavirus for the wider European public is currently assessed as LOW, according to the latest evaluation by the European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
From the very first notifications, the European Commission has coordinated the response, including most recently the repatriation flights for EU citizens.
Four flights operated yesterday under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism — applying strict health protocols to protect passengers, crew, and operational staff.
Key points from this update:
🟢The risk for the general European public is low
🛡️ Health coordination and protocols applied throughout with ECDC on the ground to provide expert advice
✈️ 4 repatriation flights coordinated over the weekend under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, under strict infection prevention and control measures
🇪🇸 EU actively supported evacuations conducted by Spain
📢 The European Commission will continue to communicate verified updates as the situation evolves. The Commission is working closely with Member States and international partners to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of EU citizens.