In Ukraine, two UN inter-agency convoys delivered food, clothing, hygiene supplies, winter kits and essentials to front-line communities in Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk regions despite attacks. Authorities reported civilians killed and injured, including children, in attacks across Ukraine between 22 and 23 October.
In Somalia, nearly 874,000 people could be displaced over the next three months, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned, with flooding accounting for 92 per cent. As heavy rains and El Niño threaten communities, IOM has secured just 14 per cent of the $16.6 million needed for emergency response.
In Geneva, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher sounded the alarm over El Niño, calling it a “behemoth” and a “wrecking ball” that will hit regions already battered by conflict; displacement; soaring food; fertilizer and fuel prices; and massive aid cuts.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, MONUSCO continues joint patrols with Congolese forces in Ituri and North Kivu to protect civilians. Day and night patrols cover villages, farmland, markets and transport routes, deterring armed groups and enabling communities to safely conduct daily activities.
In Lebanon, the UN Interim Force (UNIFIL) reported Israeli air strikes, artillery fire and military activity over the weekend. On 16 October, Israeli tanks blocked a UNIFIL supply convoy, while roadblocks forced patrol cancellations. The mission stressed that peacekeepers must be able to operate safely and without obstruction.
In Ukraine, large-scale attacks killed at least six civilians, injured 84 and disrupted power and water supplies across 11 regions. Attacks also damaged humanitarian facilities. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission reported an 85 per cent rise in civilian casualties in September compared with a year earlier.
In Afghanistan, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warn that food insecurity and child malnutrition are worsening, despite a strong agricultural season.
Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher yesterday released $8.5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to help address the urgent needs of more than 200,000 people in northern Ethiopia.
In Yemen, the UN and humanitarian partners have provided emergency assistance to nearly 148,000 people since August amid displacement and shortages in Taiz. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of surging cholera cases, while the UN continues urging safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.
The Haiti Humanitarian Fund has allocated an additional $75 million to support 10 projects in the Ouest, Centre and Artibonite departments, providing over 500,000 people affected by violence and displacement with clean water, healthcare and shelter.
