More than three billion people in the world live in countries that spend more on debt than on health or education. Top news of the day | Wednesday: International Court of Justice, Ukraine, Security Council, debt forum UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations as an occupying power, a powerful wave of attacks throughout Ukraine, a Security Council meeting on Syria, the Seville forum on debt issues.
International Court of Justice – on Israel’s obligations
The International Court of Justice has issued an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations as an occupying power with regard to the presence and activities of the UN, as well as other international organizations, in the occupied Palestinian territories. The court confirmed that Israel is obliged to comply with international humanitarian law, including providing the population with food, water, shelter, fuel, medical care and other necessary means of survival. The court also ruled that Israel must “accept and cooperate by all possible means in humanitarian operations,” including the activities of UN agencies.
Powerful wave of attacks throughout Ukraine
United Nations Office for Coordination staff Humanitarian Affairs reported on Wednesday a powerful new wave of overnight attacks across the country, killing and wounding civilians, including children. The attacks fell mainly on the capital, Kyiv. In Kharkov, residential buildings, a school and a kindergarten were damaged. In several other regions, civilian infrastructure, including energy and port facilities, was damaged. Ukraine’s Energy Ministry confirmed that the attacks affected energy infrastructure across the country, causing power outages. Interruptions in water supply are also reported.
Security Council meeting on Syria
Speaking at a Security Council meeting on Wednesday, UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Roshdi stressed the need for urgent steps to ensure inclusive transformation in the country, especially with regard to the political participation of women and members of ethnic and religious minorities. Despite President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s promises to form a “comprehensive transitional government,” women are underrepresented in government bodies: of the 119 elected members of the transitional People’s Assembly, only six are women. In other government structures, their share also remains minimal.
Seville Forum on Debt
In Geneva, where the meeting of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD-16) is taking place these days, the forum has started Seville on debt issues, which is designed, with the support of the UN, to help developing countries get rid of the burden of public debt. Currently, more than three billion people worldwide live in countries that spend more on debt than on health or education. The Forum, led by Spain, will become a new center for dialogue, bringing together all stakeholders – lenders, borrowers, international financial institutions and academia – to find innovative solutions. The UN, represented by UNCTAD and the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, will provide expert support.