The displacement of the Lebanese population to the Syrian border continues. Top news of the day | Wednesday: UN Security Council, Lebanon, family rights, rising sea levels UN
Top news of the day in the UN and around the world: Security Council members reaffirm their commitment to the UN Charter and international law, more than 27,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Lebanon, the UN calls for greater support for families in all their diversity, without urgent action, rising sea levels will destroy biodiversity and undermine the economy.
Leadership for Peace
Conflicts are becoming more complex and affecting all regions of the world, UN chief Antonio Guterres said at a high-level debate in the UN Security Council on “Leadership for Peace.” Council members endorsed a presidential statement in which they reaffirmed their commitment to international law and the UN Charter. The Secretary-General noted that leadership for peace requires action in at least two key areas. First, countries must live up to their obligations under the UN Charter, international law, and agreements such as the Pact for the Future. Second, the UN Security Council must work effectively and help reduce tensions.
Escalation in Lebanon
The escalation of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel has forced tens of thousands of people, including Syrian refugees, to flee their homes in Lebanon, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said it was “yet another ordeal for families” who fled the conflict in Syria “and are now being bombed in the country where they sought refuge.” More than 27,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in 48 hours and displacement continues, UNHCR said in a statement.
Supporting families
Every adult has the right to start a family, choose a partner, and be legally recognized, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This was stated by UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council on Wednesday. The UN representative called for all families, regardless of their structure, to fully respect human rights. This includes freedom from discrimination and violence, as well as protecting the interests of children and ensuring equal rights for women.
Sea level rise
Sea levels are rising faster than at any time in the last three thousand years, and the rate of this phenomenon has more than doubled since the 1990s, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at a high-level meeting on the topic, held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the general debate of the UN General Assembly. He warned that no country in the world is immune from the consequences of this phenomenon. Mass displacement of people from coastal areas and islands could increase the socio-economic pressure on the areas receiving them, the Secretary-General noted. Global trade, food systems and supply chains will be affected by damage to ports and farmland, as well as problems with fisheries.