Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Minister of Electricity and Energy briefs media on the state of electricity grid
Yemen: Millions struggle with hunger as children face life-threatening malnutrition | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Ramesh Rajasingham, OCHA’s Director of the Coordination Division, told the Council that more than 17 million people, that’s nearly half of the population of Yemen, are estimated to be acutely hungry.
Rajasingham said, “Yemen is now one of the most food insecure countries in the world. As the economy continues to collapse and pressures on the food pipelines mount, many households with access to food can no longer afford it. Livelihoods across the public sector and agriculture and fisheries industries, among others, have been disrupted by ongoing conflict.”
He said, “half of the nation’s children under the age of 5 suffer from acute malnutrition, and nearly half suffer from stunting. This means developmental delays and infections, and a risk of death from common illnesses nine to 12 times higher than average. In a context where healthcare is desperately inadequate, and where support services are unavailable to many, this is a life-or-death gamble for children.”
Rajasingham told the Council that the Yemen Humanitarian Fund will be releasing $20 million to address the negative impacts of continuing food insecurity in Yemen.
Yemeni Ambassador Abdullah Ali Fadhel Al-Saadi said, “Yemen today is at the threshold of a difficult era. After 11 years of war waged by the terrorist Houthi militias against the country, the state and its constitutional bodies, a war that has destroyed the hopes and aspirations of a people that aspire for security, stability and dignity, justice and equality. A people that strives to build a civil state befitting of their glorious history and their status in the region.”
Al-Saadi said, “the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government are exerting efforts to push forth the peace process and to positively deal with international and regional efforts, and with the United Nations efforts through its Special Envoy to Yemen, to put an end to this conflict. However, the Houthi militias continue to obstruct all of these efforts and undermine any chances for peace.”
Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Palestine – Security Council Media Stakeout | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its "strong condemnation and categorical rejection of Israel’s announcement of its intention to impose full military control over the Gaza Strip.”
On behalf of the Group, Deputy Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the UN Fikriye Asli Güven told reporters today (12 Aug), “We consider this announcement a dangerous and unacceptable escalation, a flagrant violation of international law and an attempt to entrench the illegal occupation and impose a fait accompli by force in contravention of international law, international humanitarian law and relevant United Nations resolutions.”
Ambassador Güven added, “The group reaffirms that this declared course of action by Israel constitutes a continuation of its grave violations, including killing and starvation, attempts at forced displacement, and annexation of Palestinian land, the settler terrorism, which are crimes that may amount to crimes against humanity.”
The Group demanded “the immediate and comprehensive cessation of the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, and an end to the ongoing violations committed by the occupying forces against civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.”
Moreover, the Group also demanded that Israel, as the occupying power, “immediately and unconditionally allow the entry of humanitarian assistance at scale into the Gaza Strip, including food, medicine and fuel, and ensure the freedom of operation of relief agencies and international humanitarian organizations in accordance with international humanitarian law and its applicable principles.”
The Turkish diplomat reiterated the Group’s “full support for the efforts undertaken by the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Qatar, the United States of America to achieve a ceasefire and reach an agreement for the exchange of prisoners and hostages as a fundamental humanitarian entry point to de-escalation, alleviating suffering and ending the aggression.”
It also called for the immediate commencement of implementation of the Arab Islamic Reconstruction Plan of the Gaza Strip, and for active participation in the upcoming reconstruction conference to be held in Cairo.
Ambassador Güven reiterated the Group’s “rejection and condemnation of all attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the affirmation of the need to preserve the legal and historical status quo of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem while recognizing the key role of the Hashemite custodianship in this regard.”
Ambassador Güven affirmed that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved through the implementation of the Two-state solution, adding that, “we hold the Israeli occupation fully responsible for the ongoing genocide and the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, taking place in the Gaza Strip, and calls upon the international community, particularly the permanent members of the Security Council, to assume their legal and humanitarian responsibilities and to take urgent action to stop Israel’s illegal aggressive policies aimed at undermining prospects for a just and lasting peace, and eliminating any horizon for the implementation of the Two-state solution and ensuring immediate accountability for all violations committed by Israel against international law and international humanitarian law, including those amounting to genocide.”
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour said that the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution will resume 22 September in New York.
Why I’ll always champion Afghan women, with Georgette Gagnon | DSRSG for Afghanistan |Awake at Night
Source: United Nations (video statements)
With her background in human rights law, Georgette Gagnon was once said to represent the conscience of war. Currently serving as the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, she has been devastated by the sweeping loss of rights for women and girls there.
“You used to see across the country hundreds of girls going to school […] Now, of course, you don’t see that, and it’s heartbreaking. It’s such a huge loss for the entire society.”
Afghanistan faces the second biggest humanitarian crisis in the world today, while drastic cuts to humanitarian assistance will leave millions of vulnerable people without access to critical medical care.
In this episode, Georgette Gagnon shares her hopes and fears for a country close to her heart, and reflects on a career serving in some of the world’s toughest places, from Syria to Sudan and Libya.
[00:00] Introduction
[01:09] Returning to Afghanistan
[02:45] Halted humanitarian funding and its’ impact
[05:19] What keeps Georgette awake at night
[07:26] Girls’ determination to learn
[11:20] Navigating complexities
[13:22]The economic argument for women’s rights
[15:18] What brought Georgette back
[17:02] Working and living under restrictions
[17:48] A harrowing encounter in Syria
[19:46] Cautious hope for Syria
[21:10] The importance of accountability
[22:29] Bearing witness in conflict zones
[23:29] Georgette’s journey to the UN
[26:43] Family support and sacrifice
[30:04] What keeps Georgette going
[30:36] Closing remarks
Listen to more Awake at Night episodes: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoDFQJEq_0b6hu1e8oxsch9W0D7vkNqt
#podcast #unitednations #awakeatnight #Afghanistan #UNAMA
About Awake at Night
Hosted by Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, the podcast ‘Awake at Night’ is an in-depth interview series focusing on remarkable United Nations staff members who dedicate their career to helping people in parts of the world where they have the hardest lives – from war zones and displacement camps to areas hit by disasters and the devastation of climate change.
For more info, please visit: https://www.un.org/en/awake-at-night
How does the IMF support jobs and growth? – Ask an Economist
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
How does the IMF support jobs and growth? We explain in our latest edition of Ask an Economist in under 60 seconds.
Watch our latest Ask an Economist to learn how the IMF promotes stable and thriving economies.
How do IMF loans help create jobs and help foster more resilient economies? Find out in our latest 60-second explainer video.
Palestine, Sudan & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (12 August 2025) | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Sudan
Yemen
Myanmar
Colombia
Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
UN General Assembly High-Level Week 2025
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
The World Food Programme (WFP) today warned that starvation and malnutrition are at the highest levels in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that five people died over the past 24 hours due to malnutrition and starvation, bringing the total number of malnutrition-related deaths to 227 people, including 103 children. And again, those numbers are since October 2023.
Against this backdrop, humanitarian supplies entering Gaza remain far below the minimum required to meet people’s immense needs.
The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to do everything possible to bring assistance into Gaza. However, humanitarian movements still face significant delays and other impediments that prevent the UN from delivering aid at the scale that is needed.
Yesterday, the UN has requested to coordinate with the Israeli authorities 16 missions, including the collection of food, medical supplies and fuel – from the two operational crossings, Kerem Shalom and Zikim. Other missions involved moving goods and personnel within Gaza, from south to north and within the southern part of Gaza.
Out of the 16 missions, four were facilitated and three were denied; another four were impeded but eventually were fully accomplished.
Of the remaining five missions, two were cancelled by the respective organizations; another two missions that involved collection of food and health supplies from Kerem Shalom were impeded and unable to be completed, while another one was impeded but is still ongoing.
Efforts to coordinate humanitarian movements often drag on for hours due to unpredictable clearances by the Israeli authorities, wasting precious time.
In the West Bank, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that yesterday, another Palestinian Bedouin community was displaced due to violence by Israeli forces and settlers.
Israeli forces raided the community of Ein Ayoub in Ramallah governorate and ordered the immediate eviction of its approximately 100 Palestinian residents. OCHA reports that a lot of the evacuated residents have no alternative shelter.
SUDAN
The UN is deeply alarmed by reports of a large-scale attack yesterday on the El Fasher area, the besieged capital of North Darfur State. That also affected the adjoining Abu Shouk displacement camp.
The attack has been attributed by local sources to fighters from the Rapid Support Forces. According to them at least 40 civilians have been killed within Abu Shouk, and another 19 injured.
under siege and cutting them off from safety and aid. The situation remains tense and highly fluid, with insecurity displacing at least 500 people from Abu Shouk to other locations in North Darfur. That’s according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The Acting Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan said that the immediate provision of safe and unhindered passage for people seeking to flee El Fasher and other areas of active hostilities is critical. He also reiterated the Secretary-General’s repeated calls for a humanitarian pause in and around the city to allow for the delivery of food, delivery of water, delivery of medicine and other life-saving supplies that are so desperately needed. Those that are trapped in those areas are facing acute hunger and starvation.
Meanwhile, the UN also remains concerned about the situation and the violence in the Kordofan region. In South Kordofan State, the International Organization for Migration estimates that more than 3,000 people fled Kadugli town between August 6th and August 10th due to intensified insecurity. Humanitarian access to the town remains extremely limited, with virtually no road access. The primary supply route from Al Obeid in North Kordofan State is inaccessible due to active hostilities. This has worsened the already dire economic conditions and is leading to even more shortages of vital goods.
OCHA reminds all those engaged in the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law.
They must not direct attacks against civilians or civilian objects and must take constant care to spare them in all circumstances. They must also facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access to everyone in need of assistance.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight
Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Palestine | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Statement by Ambassador Dr. Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine, on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation at the Security Council Media Stakeout.
€9 Billion Investment in Creativity and Media: AgoraEU
Source: European Commission (video statements)
The European Commission proposes investing €9 billion in the new AgoraEU programme. It will boost cultural creation, media freedom and European values. This is not just funding, it is about fostering creativity and creating new and better opportunities.
Europe’s Budget – The Power of Together.
South Africa: Minister Ntshavheni delivering Women’s Day keynote address at ELCSA Northen Diocese in Polokwane.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Minister Ntshavheni delivering Women’s Day keynote address at ELCSA Northen Diocese in Polokwane, 2025.
Vocational training gives new hope to inmates in the Central African Republic | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Learning new skills is key to helping prisoners successfully reintegrate into society after serving their sentence, and it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of reoffending.
The UN Mission in the Central African Republic is working with the Ngaragba Prison Administration to offer vocational training programs in sewing, carpentry, mechanics, and more. These programs give young detainees the tools they need to build a future, find employment, and support their families once they’re released.
This initiative is part of the UN’s broader efforts to strengthen rule of law and promote lasting peace.