The consequences of Cyclone Gezani in the city of Toamasina, Madagascar. Top news of the day | Thursday: Sudan, Madagascar, Cuba, Ramadan UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: a report on crimes in Sudanese El Fasher, large-scale destruction as a result of cyclones in Madagascar, the socio-economic crisis in Cuba, a message from the Secretary General at the beginning of the month of Ramadan.
Crimes in El Fasher
The violence committed in Sudan’s El Fasher last October was “shocking in its scale and brutality.” In this case, violations may be classified as war crimes and probable crimes against humanity. This is stated in a new report by the UN Human Rights Office. Based on hundreds of interviews with eyewitnesses, the Agency documented more than six thousand killings in the first three days of the Rapid Reaction Force offensive. The report’s authors emphasize that the total death toll during the weeks of fighting is “significantly higher.”
Cyclone in Madagascar
Madagascar’s main port was severely damaged after Cyclone Gezani hit the country just ten days after the previous storm. The World Food Program (WFP) reported this on Friday. According to the agency, hundreds of thousands of people need humanitarian assistance. In anticipation of the disaster, WFP worked with partners to provide cash assistance to families most in need so they could purchase food and other essential items. However, the scale of destruction caused by two cyclones in such a short period of time has sharply increased needs and complicated supplies. oil supplies. Fuel shortages are threatening vital services across the country, including healthcare, water supplies and communications. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk once again calls on all states to repeal unilateral sectoral measures, given their widespread and indiscriminate impact on the population.
Message from the UN chief to Ramadan
In his message ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that this is a time of reflection and prayer that brings with it a vision of hope and peace. But for too many people, that hope remains elusive. He recalled the ongoing suffering of civilians, from Afghanistan to Yemen, Gaza to Sudan and around the world. The UN chief called on everyone to heed the enduring message of Ramadan: build bridges, bring help and hope to those who need it, and protect the rights and dignity of everyone person.