Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The Foreign Affairs Committee holds an evidence session with Chief Operating Officer for the Civil Service and Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet Office, Catherine Little.
The session follows recent reports that United Kingdom Security Vetting recommended against granting Lord Mandelson Developed Vetting, but, despite this, Lord Mandelson was appointed as British Ambassador to Washington.
Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone said, “March 2026 recorded the lowest levels of direct conflict-related violence in 15 years, although civilians continued to be killed by remnants of war.”
Addressing the Security Council today (22 Apr) Cordone said, “Israeli forces have continued to conduct incursions into Syrian territory almost daily.”
He added, “Today, dozens of Israelis crossed several hundred meters into the Area of Separation near the village of Hadar. Both the crossing and their behaviour was highly provocative. They were brought back by the IDF which condemned the incident. I reiterate our strong call on Israel to cease violations, respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adhere to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and prevent incidents such as the one today. I urge Israel to return all Syrian detainees taken in violation of international law.”
He continued, “More broadly, I commend the Syrian Government for its efforts to shield Syria from the conflicts raging in the region, with Syrian security forces deployed defensively to control borders. As of 19 April, nearly 300,00 people fleeing the fighting in Lebanon had crossed into Syria, all but 51,000 Syrian nationals.”
He also said, “By contrast, there was no progress on advancing the elements of the Sweida roadmap. Protests continued, including demonstrations on 11 April calling for self-determination, improved living conditions, and the release of detainees. Deteriorating socio-economic conditions, alongside reported restrictions on freedom of expression inside Sweida, are creating further frictions.”
He said, “March 2026 recorded the lowest levels of direct conflict-related violence in 15 years, although civilians continued to be killed by remnants of war. The Government is prioritizing mine clearance and the removal of unexploded ordnance, and UNMAS is offering its support. Daesh/ISIL remains a concern, and I welcome the continued counter-terrorism efforts of the Syrian forces and the US-led Global Coalition.”
Tom Fletcher, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, said, “I visited Syria again last month, with my UNDP colleague Alexander De Croo. We saw progress: millions of people are returning home. Markets growing. More lights coming back on. The Humanitarian Reset working.”
He added, “Conflict across the region in March put immense pressure on Syria. As of April 19th, nearly 300,000 people had crossed into Syria from Lebanon – overwhelmingly Syrian nationals – adding to the estimated 1.6 million Syrian refugees who have returned to Syria from across the region since the end of 2024. Returnees need food, shelter and other support. While the ceasefire between Iran and the United States and Israel holds, tensions in the region remain high. The risk of ongoing disruptions to critical supply routes persists, threatening to destabilize the fragile internal momentum and potentially setting back return and recovery efforts by years.”
He highlighted, “Needs are still high. Over 13 million in need of food. 12 million in need of clean water. Nearly 13 million in need of healthcare support. In the Northeast, 100,000 displaced across Al-Hasakah and Aleppo Governorates. Services are gradually stabilizing there as updated security arrangements are put in place, but gaps remain.”
Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Middle East
– UN Interim Force in Lebanon
– Lebanon/Humanitarian
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Yemen
– Libya
– Sudan
– South Sudan
– Haiti
– Mine Action
– International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence
– International Mother Earth Day
– Extreme Heat ANd Agriculture
MIDDLE EAST
The Secretary-General welcomed the announcement by the United States to extend the ceasefire. This is an important step toward de-escalation and an important step toward creating critical space for diplomacy and confidence-building between Iran and the United States.
We encourage all parties to build on this momentum, refrain from actions that could undermine the cease-fire, and engage constructively in negotiations to reach a sustainable and lasting resolution.
The Secretary-General fully supports Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating further talks, and he hopes that these efforts will contribute to creating conditions conducive to a comprehensive and durable resolution to the conflict.
UN INTERIM FORCE IN LEBANON
The UN is deeply saddened to report that one of the two French peacekeepers who have been severely injured in an incident in South Lebanon on 18 April passed away at a hospital in Paris earlier this morning. A specialist dog handler, Corporal Anicet Girardin was 31 years old. He was seriously wounded when his explosive ordnance disposal team, operating under UNIFIL’s French contingent, came under attack while clearing a road in Ghanduriyah in order to re‑establish access to isolated UNIFIL positions. He succumbed to his wounds days after the death of Staff Sergeant named Florian Montorio in the same incident.
And as you will recall, at the time, the UN initial assessment was that the peacekeepers came under fire from non-state armed groups, presumably, Hezbollah, during this incident.
The UN extends its most sincere condolences to his family, to his friends and colleagues, and to the people and Government of France. Corporal First Class Girardin was the fifth UNIFIL peacekeeper to lose his life due to the current hostilities while carrying out his duties and fulling a mandate given to them by the Security Council.
If you will recall, a third peacekeeper, who was also seriously injured during that incident, he was also repatriated to Paris yesterday and remains under medical care. A fourth peacekeeper, who sustained minor injuries, has now returned to his post with his unit in southern Lebanon.
Attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable and must be promptly investigated, so that those responsible can be effectively be prosecuted and held accountable. In this regard, the Secretary-General welcomes the stated commitment of the Lebanese authorities with respect to this incident.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-04-22
Comments to the media by Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis, Candidate for UN Secretary-General, following her Interactive dialogue for the position of the next Secretary-General.
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
From surging oil, gas, and fertilizer prices to higher shipping costs, the war in the Middle East has triggered a new supply shock across sub-Saharan Africa. We project growth to slow to 4.3% in 2025, and median inflation to rise to 5% by year-end.
Strait of Hormuz: Hunger looming | Fertilizer shipments cannot wait
As the Persian Gulf crisis continues, the clock is ticking for farmers who rely on fertilizer shipped via the Strait of Hormuz – and millions worldwide who depend on their crops, particularly in vulnerable countries such as war-torn Sudan.
In normal times, one third of global fertilizer trade passes through the maritime corridor located south of Iran, but tanker traffic has essentially come to a standstill.
In response, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres established a task force to facilitate the safe passage of fertilizers and related raw materials for humanitarian purposes.
It is headed by Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which provides infrastructure, procurement and project management services across the world.
