Migrant teenagers crossing the Mediterranean Sea alone in Italy. Top news of the day | Wednesday: Ukraine, Gaza, reproductive health, youth UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: strikes on Chernigov, $2.8 billion for aid in Gaza and the West Bank, 800 women die in childbirth every day, the role of youth in solving security problems in the Mediterranean.
Shelling of Ukraine
UN Coordinator for Ukraine Denise Brown condemned another wave of attacks across the country, including shelling of Chernigov, which Ukrainian authorities said killed and injured civilians, including children. In addition, houses and a hospital were damaged during the shelling. Humanitarian workers help the victims. The UN emphasizes that civilians and hospitals must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, in the south of Ukraine, an interdepartmental convoy today delivered humanitarian aid to the town of Primorskoye, Zaporozhye region.
Humanitarian appeal
The UN and its partners have launched an appeal for $2.8 billion in aid in Gaza, as well as the West Bank, where Palestinians are facing rising levels of settler violence. The humanitarian appeal released on Wednesday aims to support 3.1 million people by the end of the year, including helping 2.3 million people in the Gaza Strip. The enclave, according to experts, is threatened with mass starvation. The situation is especially dire in its northern regions.
UNFPA report
Significant advances have been made in sexual and reproductive health, but 800 women still die every day in childbirth, a figure that has remained unchanged since 2016. This is stated in a new report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Almost 500 of these preventable deaths occur every day in countries experiencing humanitarian crises and conflict. Ethnic minorities also face increased risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth. The report estimates that an additional $79 billion investment could save a million lives.
Youth in the Mediterranean
Investing in young people is investing in the world. This was stated on Wednesday by Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo at a meeting of the UN Security Council, which was dedicated to the role of youth in solving security problems in the Mediterranean. In Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries, youth make up 55 percent of the population, she noted. According to DiCarlo, there is a need for a new generation to participate constructively in peace and security initiatives in the region and beyond.