Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Briefing by Edem Wosornu, Director, Crisis Response Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.

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UN humanitarian official Edem Wosornu told Council members that humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations and partners, continue to deliver humanitarian assistance wherever access allows.

She said, “Collective centres are being expanded to host new arrivals, while inter-agency convoys deliver food, water and medical supplies to those who remain in the hardest-to-reach front-line communities.”

Wosornu highlighted that between January and September, humanitarian partners reached more than 4.2 million people – over two thirds of the target for 2025.

The UN humanitarian official underscored, “we seek sustained, predictable humanitarian access where civilians face growing humanitarian needs and have received little to no international assistance.”

She urged the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure – including humanitarian and medical personnel and assets – and for safe, predictable and unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need.

Wosornu also stressed, “Underfunding has a human cost: 72,000 displaced people lack adequate shelter; Survivors of conflict-related related sexual violence are left without access to specialized care; An estimated 640,000 women and girls were affected by cuts to vital services, including those addressing gender-based violence; Overall, a growing mental health crisis leaves millions without psychosocial support.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I80mMZkA_vA

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The Hope Championship for Amputee Football in the Gaza Strip is organized by the Palestine Amputee Football Association as part of efforts to support the injured and affirm their continued participation in official sports activities. Most of the players participating in amputee sports teams were injured in wars and military operations over the past years in the Gaza Strip. Player Farah Youssef, said, “My message to those like me: do not give up, keep going. Despite the injury and the amputation, keep going.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nFL6TZcMXI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Briefing by Kayoko Gotoh, Officer-in-Charge of Europe, Central Asia and Americas Division, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.

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The UN political affairs official Kayoko Gotoh reiterated the Secretary-General’s repeated call for “a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as a first step towards a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in Ukraine.”

Kayoko Gotoh at the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations spoke to the Council on the situation in Ukraine.

She noted that, at least 26 people, including three children, were reportedly killed in a Russian drone and missile attack on the western city of Ternopil. Dozens more, including children, were reportedly injured. Many remain missing under the rubble. She highlighted that this was one of the war’s deadliest strikes on civilians.

Gotoh also noted that the war is reported to be increasingly affecting civilian populations inside the Russian Federation, too. According to Russian authorities, in 2025 Ukrainian drone strikes have killed 392 people, including 22 children, in the Russian Federation and in the areas of Ukraine occupied by the Russian Federation. She told the Council that the United Nations is not in a position to verify or confirm these reports and figures.

The past months have once again highlighted the fragility of nuclear safety and security during an active war, the UN official told the Council.

She said, “We commend the work of the IAEA and continue to urge the sides to act responsibly.”

“Any nuclear incident would have unimaginable consequences not only for Ukraine and the Russian Federation, but far beyond. Such risk must be avoided at all costs,” Gotoh reiterated.

The UN official also said that the international community is encouraged by the resumption of diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire and a search for lasting peace earlier this year.

Nearly four years into this war, as the attacks escalate and casualties grow, and calls for an immediate and complete ceasefire increase, such efforts are even more critical, she said.

Gotoh urged “concerted and inclusive diplomatic efforts resulting in tangible progress towards a just and lasting peace. The alternative is to risk letting the war prolong, expand and escalate further to even more dangerous levels.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5Fv_JfjQlI