Energy-efficient city model at the Baku Climate Conference. Top news of the day | Wednesday: Gaza, Haiti, Baku, World Children’s Day UN
Top news of the day in the UN and around the world: US vetoes resolution on Gaza, UN concerned about escalating violence in Haitian capital, urbanization issues discussed at UN Climate Conference in Baku, UNICEF warns children face difficult future on World Children’s Day.
Veto on Gaza Resolution
The US delegation to the UN Security Council has vetoed a resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip. Fourteen states voted in favor of the document. The draft resolution also called for the “immediate and unconditional” release of all hostages. Following the Security Council vote, UN General Assembly President Philemon Young said: “Too often we are faced with paralysis, inaction and failure to address pressing global challenges.”
Violence in Port-au-Prince
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed deep concern on Wednesday over the escalation of violence in Port-au-Prince. Gangs are seeking complete control over the Haitian capital. At least 150 people have been killed, 92 injured and around 20,000 forced to flee their homes in the past week alone. Türk noted that 4 million residents of Port-au-Prince are effectively being held hostage by criminal gangs.
Urbanization
Today at the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku (COP-29) was dedicated to urbanization. Chaotic urban development poses a threat to the environment, food security and leads to social fragmentation, the UN emphasizes. Addressing these issues requires adequate funding and cooperation in urban planning. Countries must make serious commitments to reduce harmful emissions, the bulk of which come from cities.
World Children’s Day
The well-being of future generations of children may be at risk unless urgent action is taken to protect their rights in a changing world. This is the warning of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in a new report published on World Children’s Day, celebrated on November 20. The authors of the report analyzed how the lives of children in the coming decades will be affected by three main global “megatrends” – demographic change, climate and environmental crises, and the development of advanced technologies.