This year’s International Day of Education is dedicated to the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Daily Top Stories | Friday: Yemen, Palestine, DRC, Education UN
Top news in the UN and around the world: detention of UN employee in Yemen, aid supplies to Gaza, Israeli operation in the West Bank, escalation of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and International Education Day.
Another UN employee detained in Yemen
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen said on Friday that de facto authorities in Sanaa have detained another UN staff member working in areas under their control. In response, the UN has suspended all official movements in those areas until further notice. The UN office in Yemen is “engaging actively with senior representatives of the de facto authorities” to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all UN and partner personnel.
The situation in the occupied Palestinian territories
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs continues to deliver aid to Gaza, taking advantage of the opportunities created by the ceasefire. People are receiving food, water, cash and housing assistance first.
Meanwhile, the UN is sounding the alarm over the Israeli operation in the West Bank, where the situation, according to humanitarian workers of the organization, continues to deteriorate. The operation, which began in Jenin four days ago, has now been expanded to include nearby areas. The UN warns that its methods of conducting it, in particular the use of lethal force, exceed the standards corresponding to a law enforcement raid.
Escalation in the DRC
Intensified fighting on the outskirts of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond, involving the non-state armed group “M23”, has led to mass displacement of the population. There are concerns that Goma itself could come under attack, UN agencies warned on Friday.
On Thursday, the UN Secretary-General called on M23 to immediately stop the offensive, withdraw from all occupied areas and respect the ceasefire agreement of 31 July 2024.
International Education Day
International Education Day, celebrated on 24 January, is dedicated this year to the issue of the rapid development of artificial intelligence. The topic of human capabilities in a world of automation is intended to make people think about what education should be like to help children and adults navigate technological progress and be participants in it. In his message for the Day, the UN Secretary-General noted that today’s technological breakthroughs – such as artificial intelligence – offer exciting prospects for supporting learners of all ages throughout their learning journey. But the enormous benefits come with serious risks, he warned.