Guterres expresses concern over Sudan’s conflict escalation and the humanitarian crises affecting Gaza and Haiti. Vaccination efforts against polio in Gaza are underway, while instability in the West Bank continues. A Kenyan officer’s death in Haiti underscores increasing violence. The UN emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions and humanitarian aid to address these crises effectively.
On Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over Sudan’s escalating conflict, triggered by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia’s new political charter aimed at forming a rival governing authority. This announcement deepens Sudan’s fragmentation and worsens the humanitarian crisis marked by violence, famine, and displacement. Guterres emphasized the necessity of preserving Sudan’s unity and stability for a sustainable resolution.
The Secretary-General condemned the continuous violence against civilians by both government troops and RSF, highlighting that ordinary Sudanese citizens bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict. The UN is actively seeking to de-escalate tensions, with Personal Envoy Ramtane Lamamra engaging with belligerent factions to establish a ceasefire and assure humanitarian access.
In Gaza, health officials are responding to a polio outbreak through a mass vaccination campaign targeting over 591,000 children under ten. The initiative began on February 24, with over 261,000 children vaccinated on the first day, despite logistical challenges. Additionally, humanitarian aid has flowed into northern Gaza, with many families receiving shelter materials and children screened for malnutrition.
The World Food Programme reported significant food aid reached one million Gazans since the ceasefire, providing essential supplies like fresh bread and cash assistance. However, in the West Bank, hostilities persist as Israeli forces continue operations, including demolition of homes, contributing to further displacement in the region.
In Haiti, a Kenyan police officer serving with the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) was killed during an anti-gang operation, marking the mission’s first casualty. Guterres expressed deep sorrow over this loss and stressed the urgent need to address the increasing gang violence that has led to serious human rights violations across Haiti.
The Secretary-General plans to present new measures to the Security Council aimed at supporting the MSS and the Haitian National Police. He stated that restoring democratic governance in Haiti must involve a political process that empowers the Haitian populace and ensures elections, as instability continues to challenge peacekeeping efforts.
In summary, the UN highlights severe humanitarian crises in Sudan and Gaza, alongside escalating violence in Haiti. Guterres calls for a ceasefire in conflict zones and emphasizes the necessity for humanitarian assistance. The alarming conditions faced by civilians necessitate concerted international efforts to restore stability and promote political solutions. Rapid humanitarian responses in Gaza aim to combat disease while addressing the threat of famine in Sudan amid ongoing unrest.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
