Category: United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
UNIFIL
Lebanon/Humanitarian
Lebanon/Security Council
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Iran/UAE
Personal Envoy for the Middle East Crisis and its Consequences
Sudan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo/Peacekeeping
Peacekeeping
Mali
Ukraine
Portuguese Language Day
Financial contribution

UNIFIL

Turning to UNIFIL. Our peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon reported that yesterday saw the highest number of exchanges of fire between the Israel Defense Forces and armed groups, including Hezbollah, and that was the highest number inside Lebanon since the cessation of hostilities of 17 April. The mission recorded 619 launches by the Israel Defense Forces impacting in Lebanon and 30 launches towards Israeli targets.

Peacekeepers reported several Israeli airstrikes by fighter aircraft in Sector East. Separately, near Adshit al Qusayr and Alman, Israel Defense Forces helicopters engaged ground targets using machine-gun fire. Peacekeepers also observed two weaponized drones, identified by them as belonging to Hezbollah, over Al Bayyadah in Sector West, with one subsequently impacting an Israel Defense Forces presence in the area.

We urge all sides to exercise maximum restraint and uphold the cessation of hostilities.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL on the ground continue to support the parties to fulfill their obligations under Security Council resolution 1701.

Despite operational risks and movement constraints, our peacekeepers are remaining in position in southern Lebanon. Over the past week, assistance has reached displaced families by ongoing hostilities, both within and beyond our area of operations. Yesterday, UNIFIL distributed over 360 dry food parcels to people displaced from Kafr Dounin Municipality within the mission’s area of responsibility and who are currently living in Beirut, and nearby areas. The donation specifically targeted families outside of collective shelters, who have been largely left out of the crisis response efforts.

A large convoy of about 30 trucks reached Rmeich in Sector West with UNIFIL’s support. That took place yesterday. They carried essential goods, including food supplies, livestock, vegetables and fruit. These items had been purchased by shop owners in Beirut and delivered to support local communities in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Energy also contributed fuel trucks as a donation to several villages who are in Sector West of UNIFIL’s area of operations.

LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN

The UN and its humanitarian partners in Lebanon are continuing to support the response whenever access allows us to.

Cash assistance remains a critical lifeline for people. More than 435,000 Lebanese people impacted by the conflict have been supported through Government-led social safety net. That was implemented not only of course by the Lebanese Government, but also by the World Food Programme, and other humanitarian partners. Over 100,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon have also been reached through expanded cash assistance programmes.

We and our partners are also addressing essential water and nutrition needs. To date, since 2 March, our food security partners have distributed more than 7.8 million hot and cold meals and over 105,000 meal boxes, in addition to 3.8 million litres of bottled water, 64,000 cubic metres of water through large trucks, and nearly 740,000 litres of fuel have been delivered to sustain critical water services to more than 628,000 human beings.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with nearly a quarter of the population in Lebanon now facing acute food insecurity. Repeated displacements, loss of livelihoods and damage to infrastructure are further compounding needs and deepening the crisis.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-05-05

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJqn0o1DZX8

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
– Lebanon/Israel
– Lebanon/Humanitarian
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Iran/Narges Mohammadi
– UNOPS
– Syria
– Sudan
– Ukraine
– UNDP report

LEBANON/ISRAEL

UNIFIL says that today they have facilitated an aid convoy of around 30 trucks to Rmeich along the Blue Line, where approximately 7,000 residents remain.

This comes as the situation remains volatile. Over the weekend, UNIFIL observed intensive IDF activity, including extensive airstrikes near a number of villages on the south, as well as continued naval activity off the coast of Naqoura. Furthermore, UNIFIL reported drone activity in its area of operations including Hizbullah-operated drones.

On Friday, UNIFIL patrols faced restrictions to their freedom of movement near Al Bayyadah, where Israeli tanks blocked the road.

The same day, IDF machine gun fire impacted a UNIFIL position near At-Tiri, in the Bint Jbeil district, with one round striking a vehicle inside the compound.

Peacekeepers must never be targeted, and their safety and security must be guaranteed at all times.

LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN

The humanitarian situation in Lebanon remains volatile despite the announced extension of the ceasefire. Yesterday, the Ministry of Health reported 13 people were killed, including at least one child and four women, and 32 injured as a result of strikes in several locations in the southern parts of Lebanon.

On Sunday, displacement orders were renewed in 11 villages and towns in Nabatieh, followed by airstrikes, causing new displacement according to local authorities.

People continue to be on the move, with reports of some people returning to shelters after attempting to go back to their homes, which in some cases were reportedly inaccessible or destroyed. Authorities estimate that more than 124,000 people are residing in 625 schools and other public buildings being used as collective shelters.

Despite growing and deepening humanitarian needs, the Lebanon Flash Appeal remains significantly underfunded. We’ve received only 38 per cent, or $117 million, of the $308 million we need, which is limiting our ability to reach the vulnerable people at scale.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, said on social media that more than six months since the Gaza ceasefire agreement, we continue to work strenuously to help Palestinians in Gaza, but we need sustained access, the protection of civilians, neutrality and partnership.

Last week, our partners leading on emergency shelter assistance delivered tents, bedding items and other supplies to nearly 4,500 households.

One shelter partner also installed 150 improved emergency shelters in Khan Younis. These shelters are made of plastic sheets and other materials available and aim to provide displaced families with immediate solutions as soon as restricted materials are allowed entry. 

On health, concerns remain over skin diseases and other medical issues linked to the presence of pests and rodents.

In addition, our partners report that more than 6,600 people need prosthetic and rehabilitation care.

That includes thousands of people who have received amputations since October 2023, yet only eight prosthetic technicians are available to respond.

Our partners say that one in five amputees is a child, but with severe shortages of specialists and restricted entry of prosthetic materials, it could take five years or more to meet today’s needs.

International prosthetic technicians are urgently needed, as well as the unimpeded entry of prosthetics materials, which remain restricted by the Israeli authorities.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-05-04

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u35b3MmwdN8

Source: United Nations (video statements)

With tensions rising in #southsudan, the risk of a return to large-scale conflict is real, with potentially devastating consequences for both the country and the wider region. Nearly 10 million people—four out of five South Sudanese—need humanitarian assistance, as violence, displacement and spillover from the conflict in Sudan continue to strain already vulnerable communities. Ahead of the UN Security Council meeting on Friday 17, this five-fact video highlights the vital role of UNMISS in protecting civilians, supporting peace efforts, promoting human rights, and enabling the delivery of humanitarian aid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUDmi7EhNWc

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
– Lebanon/Israel
– Lebanon/Humanitarian
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Iran/Narges Mohammadi
– UNOPS
– Syria
– Sudan
– Ukraine
– UNDP report

LEBANON/ISRAEL

UNIFIL says that today they have facilitated an aid convoy of around 30 trucks to Rmeich along the Blue Line, where approximately 7,000 residents remain.

This comes as the situation remains volatile. Over the weekend, UNIFIL observed intensive IDF activity, including extensive airstrikes near a number of villages on the south, as well as continued naval activity off the coast of Naqoura. Furthermore, UNIFIL reported drone activity in its area of operations including Hizbullah-operated drones.

On Friday, UNIFIL patrols faced restrictions to their freedom of movement near Al Bayyadah, where Israeli tanks blocked the road.

The same day, IDF machine gun fire impacted a UNIFIL position near At-Tiri, in the Bint Jbeil district, with one round striking a vehicle inside the compound.

Peacekeepers must never be targeted, and their safety and security must be guaranteed at all times.

LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN

The humanitarian situation in Lebanon remains volatile despite the announced extension of the ceasefire. Yesterday, the Ministry of Health reported 13 people were killed, including at least one child and four women, and 32 injured as a result of strikes in several locations in the southern parts of Lebanon.

On Sunday, displacement orders were renewed in 11 villages and towns in Nabatieh, followed by airstrikes, causing new displacement according to local authorities.

People continue to be on the move, with reports of some people returning to shelters after attempting to go back to their homes, which in some cases were reportedly inaccessible or destroyed. Authorities estimate that more than 124,000 people are residing in 625 schools and other public buildings being used as collective shelters.

Despite growing and deepening humanitarian needs, the Lebanon Flash Appeal remains significantly underfunded. We’ve received only 38 per cent, or $117 million, of the $308 million we need, which is limiting our ability to reach the vulnerable people at scale.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, said on social media that more than six months since the Gaza ceasefire agreement, we continue to work strenuously to help Palestinians in Gaza, but we need sustained access, the protection of civilians, neutrality and partnership.

Last week, our partners leading on emergency shelter assistance delivered tents, bedding items and other supplies to nearly 4,500 households.

One shelter partner also installed 150 improved emergency shelters in Khan Younis. These shelters are made of plastic sheets and other materials available and aim to provide displaced families with immediate solutions as soon as restricted materials are allowed entry. 

On health, concerns remain over skin diseases and other medical issues linked to the presence of pests and rodents.

In addition, our partners report that more than 6,600 people need prosthetic and rehabilitation care.

That includes thousands of people who have received amputations since October 2023, yet only eight prosthetic technicians are available to respond.

Our partners say that one in five amputees is a child, but with severe shortages of specialists and restricted entry of prosthetic materials, it could take five years or more to meet today’s needs.

International prosthetic technicians are urgently needed, as well as the unimpeded entry of prosthetics materials, which remain restricted by the Israeli authorities.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-05-04

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u35b3MmwdN8

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Young people are engaging with the power of arts and storytelling to communicate the critical impact of nuclear weapons. This initiative in collaboration with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, emphasizes the need for youth involvement in achieving a world without nuclear weapons, promoting public awareness through creative methods. By sharing personal narratives and artistic expressions, participants aim to foster peace and global security.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4bRFrXIM4yk

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Video Message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on World Press Freedom Day 2026.

"People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty.

But far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth – not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny.

Across the globe, media workers risk censorship, surveillance, legal harassment – and even death.

Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed – often deliberately targeted – in war zones.

Eighty-five percent of the crimes committed against journalists go uninvestigated and unpunished: an unacceptable level of impunity.

Economic pressures, new technologies, and active manipulation are also putting press freedom under unprecedented strain.

When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root.

When public debate is distorted, social cohesion weakens.

And when journalism is undermined, crises become far more difficult to prevent and resolve.

All freedom depends on press freedom.

Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development – and no peace.

On this World Press Freedom Day, let us protect the rights of journalists, and build a world where the truth – and truth-tellers – are safe".

More info: https://www.un.org/en/observances/press-freedom-day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBJLefd0rHg

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong said that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed by the time of a planned visit to China by US President Donald Trump, “this issue will be high on the agenda of the bilateral talks” adding that the China-US relations go "far beyond” the Strait.

As China assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council for May, Ambassador Cong today (01 May) outlined priorities for the month, including a ministerial-level open debate on 26 May titled “Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” The meeting is expected to be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Ambassador Cong called for its reopening “as quickly as possible,” saying the responsibility lies with both sides. He said Iran should lift restrictions in the Strait, while the United States should end its naval blockade.

The Chinese diplomat also expressed concern over recent statements suggesting the US-Iran ceasefire could be temporary and that further military action might be considered. He said the international community should speak out against a resumption of hostilities.

Addressing China–US relations, Ambassador Cong said it is in the interest of both countries and the wider international community for the ties to remain “steady, sound and sustainable.” He added that “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation” are key to the relationship’s development.

The Chinese diplomat continued, “the world is big enough to accommodate both China and the United States, it doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game between the two countries. He said preparations are underway for what he described as a “historic visit” by the US president, adding that China hopes the visit will take place.

At the United Nations, Ambassador Cong said China and the United States have “space to cooperation.” He said, “it is incumbent upon both China and the United States to help maintain the international order and to support the role of the UN and the biggest financial contributors of the organization. And there are a lot of commonalities in the positions in how the UN is run.”

He emphasized, “the UN is for all Member States, so no big power should adopt this approach that the interests of that big country should be put above the interests of the entire membership.”

Asked about China’s military involvement with Iran, Ambassador Cong said, “there is no military cooperation between China and Iran,” and described allegations to the contrary by some US officials as “false.” He said China sympathizes with the suffering of the Iranian people and supports efforts to bring an end to the fighting.

On the selection of the next UN Secretary-General, the Chinese diplomat said China supports the principle of geographical rotation and would welcome the appointment of a woman to the post.

Ambassador Cong concluded by reaffirming China’s continued support for the United Nations and for countries of the Global South, saying China’s ability to provide assistance would grow as the country develops.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=789aARC7mKU

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
– Myanmar
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Ukraine
– Cuba
– Venezuela
– Trip Announcement
– Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict
– Middle East
– Abyei
– Mauritania
– International Days
– World Press Freedom Day
– Financial Contribution

MYANMAR

The Secretary-General has taken note of the transfer of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to a designated residence. The Secretary-General appeals for the swift and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained as a fundamental step towards conditions conducive to a credible political process.

The Secretary-General reiterates that a viable political solution must be founded on an immediate cessation of violence and a genuine commitment to inclusive dialogue. He stresses the importance of continued dialogue between all relevant Myanmar stakeholders and his Special Envoy on how the United Nations and its partners, in particular ASEAN, can help support efforts towards a peaceful solution in the interests of the people of Myanmar as called for by the Security Council and the General Assembly.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

Turning to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that we continue to receive reports of gunfire and strikes hitting residential areas across Gaza, causing civilian casualties. Yesterday, in Jabalya Camp, a UN school sheltering displaced families was hit by gunfire, and two people were injured. 

OCHA reiterates that, under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.

Meanwhile, humanitarians working on sanitation tell us that four in every five sewage pumping stations are not functioning. As a result, every day, about 40,000 cubic metres of untreated sewage are flowing into the sea and areas where families are staying. Restrictions on the entry of essential items like generators and spare parts must be lifted so that water can be properly pumped and prevent the further collapse of these systems.  

On food security, the Food and Agriculture Organization said yesterday that it has now provided cash assistance to every herding household with at least one sheep or goat that survived the hostilities. That’s more than 2,000 herding households reached, one quarter of them headed by women.  

This has supported the production of milk and protein locally, which are a powerful way to combat malnutrition, especially among children.

In the West Bank, last week, the Israeli authorities delivered final eviction notices, by mid-May, to seven more families in the Batn al Hawa area of East Jerusalem. That’s to make way for settlers to take over the building, placing more than 40 people, half of them children, at risk of imminent displacement.

So far in 2026, 17 families – including 30 children – have been forcibly evicted from their homes in that neighbourhood. 

OCHA calls once again for the protection of civilians. Evictions, demolitions and violence have grave physical, social, economic and emotional impacts, and they deepen humanitarian needs. 

UKRAINE

From Ukraine, OCHA tells us that between Monday and the early hours of today, we and our humanitarian partners reached front-line communities in eastern and southern Ukraine through six aid convoys, delivering urgently needed assistance in the regions of Dnipro, Donetsk, Kharkiv and Kherson.

The convoys reached 4,000 people with food, hygiene items, dignity kits, generators, clothing and first-aid kits.

Meanwhile, over the past day, attacks and hostilities across Ukraine reportedly killed at least two civilians and injured 58 others, with the regions of Dnipro, Sumy, Kherson, Kharkiv and Odesa among the hardest hit. Homes, a school, railway infrastructure and shops were damaged.

Our humanitarian partners responded quickly in Odesa and Dnipro, providing shelter, psychosocial support, legal aid, hot meals, hygiene kits and materials for emergency repairs. In Dnipro, drone strikes also damaged or destroyed humanitarian vehicles, though thankfully no injuries were reported.

Yesterday and today, local authorities, with support from our humanitarian partners, evacuated nearly 370 people, including 25 children, from frontline areas of Donetsk.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-05-01

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbNxk3zGYGQ

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Back from a mission to the moon, astronauts from Artemis II arrived at United Nations Headquarters with a message for humanity about our shared purpose on Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgOR8pndMf4

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Video message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Day of Vesak.

"On the Day of Vesak, Buddhists around the world commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.

This year, Vesak comes at a moment when the human family is embroiled in geopolitical tensions, division and conflict.

In 2023 I had the honour of visiting the Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal. It reinforced my conviction that the antidote to this turmoil can be found in his timeless teachings of non-violence, compassion and service to others.

Guided by the Buddha’s example, let us summon our shared humanity and build the more peaceful and sustainable world all people need and deserve.

Happy Vesak Day to all".

More info: https://www.un.org/en/observances/vesak-day

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