© WHO A medic at an Ebola treatment center in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Top news of the day | Tuesday: Colombia, West Bank, Ebola, Lebanon UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: an earthquake in Colombia killed more than 160 people, the UN warned of a “critical” situation in the West Bank, an Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo killed more than 2 thousand people, the Lebanese parliament decided to abolish the death penalty.
Earthquake in Colombia
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres deeply regretted reports that more than 160 people were killed in a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia yesterday. His press service announced this today. The Secretary General expressed solidarity with the people and government of Colombia, conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to all those affected by the disaster. The UN is supporting rescue and reconstruction efforts as requested by the country’s authorities.
Situation in the West Bank
The situation in the occupied West Bank has reached a “critical point” and requires immediate international action. This was stated by Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov, speaking at a meeting of the UN Security Council. According to him, the region is experiencing a systematic deterioration in the security situation. According to the UN, since the beginning of the year, 76 Palestinians, including 18 children, have been killed in the West Bank as a result of the actions of the Israeli military and settlers. Three Israelis were also killed in the clashes.
Ebola in DR Congo
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, citing health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reports that the Ebola outbreak has killed more than 2 thousand people. However, the number of reported deaths has doubled over the past 20 days. On average, about 50 deaths are recorded every day. The UN and its partners continue to support the response, but the fragile security situation is hampering these efforts.
Abolition of the death penalty in Lebanon
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk welcomed the decision of the Lebanese Parliament to abolish the death penalty. According to Turk’s statement, Lebanon became the first country in the region to make such a decision. In a country suffering from attacks and losses, the move demonstrates commitment to the right to life for all people, he said. Turk called on other states where the death penalty still exists to follow suit and put an end to the “inhumane practice.” He also called for the law to be sent to the Lebanese President as soon as possible for approval and signing.