Gaza lies in ruins, and the war threatens to spread to the entire region. Top news of the day | Friday: UNRWA, Ukraine, Russia, Olympic Games UN
Top news of the day in the UN and in the world: UNRWA asks for support from the UN Security Council, Response Plan for the winter period in Ukraine, UN experts called on the Russian authorities to release human rights activist Alexei Sokolov, the UN fully supports the Olympic movement.
The Security Council discussed the situation in Gaza
Gaza lies in ruins and the war threatens to spread to the entire region. Meanwhile, the UN agency supporting the Palestinians (UNRWA) is under unprecedented attack: the humanitarian organization, which underpins the entire large-scale aid operation in the occupied Palestinian territories, could be expelled from East Jerusalem and declared a terrorist organization by the Israeli parliament. UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General Antonia de Meo warned members of the UN Security Council on Friday, calling on them to take urgent action.
Winter period in Ukraine
As Ukraine approaches its third winter since the war escalated, millions of people risk facing harsh weather conditions and attacks on energy infrastructure, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned. The 2024-2025 Winter Response Plan, released on Friday, was developed to support the efforts of the Ukrainian government, including national, regional and local authorities. OCHA said the plan requires $492 million to help 1.8 million people as the cold weather sets in.
Freedom of Speech in Russia
Russia must immediately and unconditionally release human rights defender Alexei Sokolov and drop criminal charges against him, independent UN experts have said. According to Mariana Katsarova, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, and Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Sokolov was arbitrarily detained, in particular for posting the Facebook logo. This violates his right to freedom of opinion and expression, the experts say.
Olympic Games
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed the full support of the United Nations to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Olympic Games have become an example of commitment to sustainable development, Guterres said during a joint press conference with IOC President Thomas Bach in Paris. He also expressed gratitude to the Committee for allowing a refugee team to take part in the Olympic Games again.