© WFP A runway warehouse in Dnepr, Ukraine, was damaged in a previous strike (archive). Top news of the day | Friday: Ukraine, Middle East, Kashmir, Mandela Day UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: a humanitarian aid warehouse in the Dnieper was hit four times by drones, the conflict in the Middle East must be resolved diplomatically, dozens of people were killed during unrest in the Pakistan-controlled zone of Kashmir, Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated on Saturday.
Strikes on the runway warehouse in the Dnieper
The World Food Program (WFP) reported that a humanitarian aid warehouse in Dnipro has been hit four times by drones in the past 24 hours. No WFP employees were injured. However, this is already the seventh case in the last three months when clearly marked runway facilities were damaged on the territory of Ukraine. Over the past two years, the UN agency has recorded more than 90 cases in which property of the organization and its humanitarian partners in the country was damaged as a result of hostilities. The WFP recalled that international law prohibits attacks on civilian and humanitarian infrastructure.
The situation in the Middle East
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his concern about the ongoing military escalation between Iran and the United States. Of particular concern are attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran and other countries in the region. Such attacks are unacceptable, the UN emphasizes. The Secretary General is convinced that there is no military solution to this conflict. He called for intensified diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting settlement, which should include the full restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters. Pakistan in the Kashmir zone amid unrest ahead of regional elections. Dozens of people have reportedly been killed since June, mostly protesters as well as law enforcement officers. The authorities banned the activities of the United People’s Action Committee, accusing the movement of creating a threat to public order and security. UN Human Rights spokesman Jeremy Lawrence said the government’s actions raise concerns about fundamental freedoms.
Nelson Mandela Day
On Saturday, the UN and around the world will mark International Nelson Mandela Day. In his message to mark the occasion, the UN Secretary-General notes that in a world where inequality is becoming increasingly entrenched, everyone must take responsibility for the future and continue to realize the vision of the South African champion of freedom and equality. The UN General Assembly will hold an informal plenary meeting on Monday to mark the International Day.