Humanitarian programs in Benin. Top news of the day | Monday: Ukraine, UNRWA, humanitarian plan, Benin UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: the escalation of hostilities throughout Ukraine, the invasion of the UNRWA compound by Israeli forces, the Global Humanitarian Plan for 2026, an attempt to seize power in Benin.
Strikes on Ukraine
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that fighting continues to escalate across Ukraine. This raises concerns that the humanitarian situation will worsen with the onset of cold weather. According to authorities, more than 100 people were injured over the weekend, including 20 civilian deaths, including children. The shocks led to disruptions in electricity, heating and water supplies. Damage was caused to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. The UN and partners continue to provide assistance to those affected and support local public services.
UNRWA Complex
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the actions of Israeli authorities who on Monday invaded the UN Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) compound in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem and confiscated agency property. According to the UN chief, United Nations premises are “inviolable and immune from any interference.”
Humanitarian funding
Humanitarian agencies will need $33 billion to support 135 million people in 50 countries next year. The UN and its partners have launched an initial appeal for $23 billion to provide emergency assistance to the 87 million people affected by wars, climate disasters, earthquakes, epidemics and famine. The funds form part of the Global Humanitarian Plan 2026, released on Monday. In particular, to help the 4.1 million inhabitants of Ukraine in 2026, humanitarian institutions are requesting 2.3 billion dollars.
The situation in Benin
The UN Secretary-General expressed deep concern about the attempt to unconstitutionally seize power in Benin. António Guterres unequivocally condemns any attempts to undermine democratic governance in the country, which also threaten the stability of the region. UN Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel Leonardo Santos Simao is actively engaged with the authorities and other stakeholders parties, as well as with regional and international partners, to support efforts to restore stability in Benin.