© OCHA Dozens of buildings were destroyed by powerful earthquakes in La Guaira, Venezuela. Top news of the day | Wednesday: Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, Venezuela UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: The Secretary General called for de-escalation after renewed clashes in the Persian Gulf, as a result of new attacks on Ukraine, civilians were injured, the UN mission warns of atrocities against the population of Sudan, $296 million is needed to help victims of earthquakes in Venezuela.
Clashes in Persian Gulf sp;
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is concerned about renewed clashes in the Persian Gulf that risk derailing diplomatic progress made between Iran and the United States. The UN warns that a return to full-scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences for the people of the region, international security and the global economy. Guterres called on the parties to immediately take measures to reduce tensions and resume negotiations. He also recalled the obligations of the parties to respect international law, including the protection of civilians and infrastructure, as well as respect for freedom of maritime navigation.
Strikes on Ukraine
The UN Office of Humanitarian Affairs, citing Ukrainian authorities, reports that ongoing attacks on Ukraine have again led to civilian casualties and widespread destruction of housing and infrastructure. According to the World Health Organization, the health of almost 70 percent of Ukrainians has deteriorated since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. Sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression and PTSD are common, and chronic stress has led to an increase in chronic diseases. At the same time, forced displacement, burnout and unsafe conditions are worsening the shortage of medical personnel. Sudan. The mission’s new report expands on its previous findings, providing further evidence of sexual violence, forced disappearances and massacres. Experts have warned that the RRF is currently using the same tactics in El Obeid. Pursuant to a July 6 UN Human Rights Council resolution, the mission is investigating alleged violations of international law in the area.
Aid to Venezuela
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher is visiting Venezuela. He briefed UN member states from Caracas this morning, calling for an additional $296 million to provide life-saving aid over the next six months for the 1.3 million people affected by the devastating earthquakes. Taking into account the additional funds, the funding gap for the humanitarian plan for Venezuela is approximately $600 million.