Destruction after a night strike on Beirut. Top news of the day | Thursday: Lebanon, Iran, Sudan, Serbia UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: national day of mourning in Lebanon, the visit of the personal envoy of the head of the UN to Iran, a drone strike on a wedding ceremony site in Sudan, a statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation in Serbia.
The situation in Lebanon
Today a national day of mourning has been declared in Lebanon, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a briefing in New York. The latest series of Israeli strikes across the country killed more than 200 people and injured more than 1,000, according to Lebanese authorities. There are fears that many people are under the rubble, and rescuers are trying to reach them. Today Israel launched strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut. The UN Secretary-General calls on all parties to respect the ceasefire.
Visit of the UN Chief’s Personal Envoy to Iran
The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Middle East conflict, Jean Arnault, is on a visit to Tehran. Today he held meetings with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iranian Red Crescent Society. He also visited several civilian sites damaged by recent strikes. Arnault will continue his regional tour and visit several more countries in the Middle East to support efforts to resolve the conflict.
Sudanese Civilian Casualties
Today, a drone strike on a wedding ceremony site in the town of Kutum in the Sudanese state of North Darfur killed at least 30 civilians, including including women and children. The UN condemned the attack and reminded that civilians must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, in the state of Southern Kordofan, clashes around the town of Dilling have killed 47 civilians and injured dozens since last Monday.
Narrowing civic space in Serbia
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed concern about the narrowing of civic space in Serbia. He highlighted reports of irregularities in recent local elections, including voter intimidation and police raids on opposition offices. Turk also pointed to the persecution of journalists and attempts to limit freedom of speech in the country. He called on the Serbian authorities to ensure the right of citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.