The presidential palace in La Paz, Bolivia, which was stormed by rioters. Top news of the day | Thursday: Sudan, Bolivia, Ukraine, Iran UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: Sudan is on the verge of mass famine, the head of the UN is concerned about the events in Bolivia, humanitarian aid has been delivered to the front-line areas of the Donetsk region, the UN calls on Iran release human rights activist Narges Mohammadi.
Sudan on the brink of mass famine
Forecasts from three UN agencies show Sudan facing a devastating disaster not seen since the Darfur crisis in the early 2000s. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the UN Children’s Fund and the World Food Program have warned of rapidly deteriorating living conditions for Sudan’s people, especially children. The war, which has lasted more than a year, has brought the country to the brink of mass famine. Together, UN agencies have mobilized large-scale humanitarian operations inside Sudan and in neighboring countries where more than two million Sudanese refugees have found refuge. In order for the population to receive humanitarian assistance in a timely manner and in sufficient quantities, an immediate ceasefire is necessary, the UN emphasizes.
Coup attempt in Bolivia
The UN spokesman said at a briefing in New York that UN chief Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned about events in Bolivia, where, according to media reports , the day before there was an attempted military coup. The mutiny plan failed, and General Juan José Zúñiga, who led it, was arrested, according to media reports. The Secretary-General called on all aspects of Bolivian society, including the Armed Forces, to defend constitutional order and maintain an atmosphere of peace.
Humanitarian assistance to Ukraine
A humanitarian convoy today delivered aid to front-line settlements in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. Almost 4,000 people remaining in the towns of Kurakhovo, Marinka and Ugledar are facing serious hardship due to ongoing fighting, humanitarian organizations say. Today’s convoy delivered 16 tons of medical and hygiene supplies, fuel cans and materials to repair damaged houses. On June 26, new civilian casualties, including children, as well as damage to civilian infrastructure were registered in the Donetsk region, as well as the Kherson and Kharkov regions.
Iranian human rights activist
Iran must immediately and unconditionally release Narges Mohammadi and all women who remain in prison on charges related to protection of human rights. This statement was made by independent UN experts. Human rights activist Mohammadi was sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison. In January 2024, her sentence was extended by 15 months on new charges of “disseminating propaganda against the state.” And on June 18, the court sentenced Mohammadi again on charges of “propaganda activities,” again extending her sentence for another year. This is her sixth conviction since March 2021, three of which appear to be related to her activities in prison, including advocating for the rights of other women prisoners.