A human trafficking risk warning sign in the Philippines. Daily Top Stories | Wednesday: Ukraine, Yemen, Human Trafficking, South Africa UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: medical institutions were damaged by shelling in Zaporizhia, a meeting of the Security Council on the situation in Yemen, the number of victims of human trafficking is growing in the world, the Secretary General spoke to the trusted persons of the leaders of the “Big Twenty”.
Shooting in Zaporizhia
As a result of today’s attack on Zaporizhia, one clinic was destroyed and another was damaged. Civilians, including medical workers, were injured, and some were killed. This was reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). According to the media, nearby buildings were also damaged. Rescuers had to pull people out from under the rubble. Humanitarian workers quickly arrived at the scene and began providing assistance to the victims, the OCHA statement said.
Situation in Yemen
During a meeting of the UN Security Council, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher briefed the gathering on the “critical humanitarian situation” in Yemen. Fletcher, who made his first appearance at the Security Council since taking office, said 2024 was one of the most challenging years in Yemen’s history. The country is grappling with the consequences of protracted internal conflict, heightened regional tensions and an economic crisis that are exacerbating the plight of millions of people.
Victims of human trafficking
The number of identified victims of human trafficking worldwide is rising again after a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said. A new report covering data from 156 countries highlights worrying trends. The Global Report on Trafficking in Persons shows that the number of identified victims has increased by 25 percent between 2019 and 2022. The main drivers are poverty, armed conflict and the climate crisis, which make people vulnerable to criminals. It particularly highlights the rise in child exploitation and forced labour.
Secretary-General in South Africa
UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the G20 Sherpas, or trusted representatives, at a meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa today. He called for a focus on ensuring justice, financial reforms and advancing sustainable development. He noted that Africa is suffering from poverty, inequality and the climate crisis. Guterres also stressed that existing global institutions, including the UN Security Council, were created decades ago and are no longer up to the challenges of our time.