Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Gaza
Reports from humanitarian workers in Gaza indicate increasing challenges in accessing essential resources such as food, water, and medical services.
Healthcare System Struggles to Recover
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that while efforts to restore the healthcare system are ongoing, progress remains slow. In northern Gaza, only 16% of healthcare facilities are operational, either fully or partially. This includes three out of five hospitals, six out of 50 medical points, and four out of over two dozen primary healthcare centers.
Public Health Risks Escalate
Overflowing garbage has created unsanitary conditions, exacerbating health risks for residents returning to their devastated homes. Additionally, 80% of waste collection vehicles and containers are damaged or destroyed due to a lack of spare parts.
Humanitarians also warn of inadequate management of infectious medical waste. Some solid waste is mixed with debris contaminated with explosive materials, further endangering civilians.
Unexploded ordnance remains a major threat, with at least three deaths and nearly 40 injuries recorded from explosions in Gaza this year.
Education Efforts in Gaza Show Some Progress
Despite the challenges, education efforts are making some headway. According to the UN, over 200 temporary learning spaces have been established since the ceasefire, bringing the total to more than 630. These spaces now support more than 170,000 children.
As of Tuesday, approximately 60% of school-age children in Gaza have access to some form of education, either in schools or in temporary learning centers.
Funding Cuts Endanger Women’s Rights Organizations in Ukraine
A new survey by UN Women and its partners reveals that women’s rights organizations in Ukraine are facing severe financial difficulties following the suspension of US funding in January 2025.
Nearly 50% of 99 surveyed organizations had been receiving or expecting US funding. The suspension has led to major disruptions in emergency response efforts, humanitarian aid, and development programs.
Five organizations are set to close within a month, while 35 more could shut down within six months if no alternative funding is secured.
Impact of Declining Gender Equality Funding
International funding for gender equality initiatives in Ukraine has declined sharply since 2022. The most recent cuts have forced over half of the surveyed organizations to reduce staff and struggle with unpaid expenses, including rent and salaries.
Programs focused on preventing gender-based violence—already underfunded in the humanitarian sector—have been particularly affected. UN Women’s Representative in Ukraine, Sabine Freizer Gunes, reported that 90% of these organizations have had to shut down at least one gender equality or diversity program.
Critical projects, including support for survivors of sexual violence and the rebuilding of essential infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, have also been delayed.
As the 69th Commission on the Status of Women marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, UN Women is calling for sustained, flexible, and direct funding to ensure these organizations can continue their vital work.
Syria: Limited Access to Essential Services in Coastal Areas
Following violent clashes earlier this week, access to essential services remains a significant challenge in Syria’s coastal regions, including the Alawite-majority city of Latakia.
The fighting between caretaker government forces and armed groups linked to the former Assad regime has resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths. Reports from the UN human rights office, OHCHR, indicate that entire families were executed, men were killed in front of their relatives, and hospitals were attacked. Some doctors and patients were also targeted.
Humanitarian Response Efforts Underway
Despite access limitations, UN agencies and humanitarian partners are actively responding to the crisis.
– Water services are operating in Latakia’s urban areas, but rural communities face shortages due to generator maintenance issues.
– Bakeries have resumed operations, and shops are reopening, though key supplies and fuel remain scarce.
– UNICEF has provided 38 tonnes of water treatment supplies to Latakia’s water authority, ensuring a two-month supply. Additionally, five new water tanks will be delivered to Jableh National Hospital to replace damaged infrastructure.
– Health organizations have supplied emergency medical kits and treatments for non-communicable diseases in Tartous and Latakia.
Former Philippine President Duterte in ICC Custody
PLACEHOLDERa91bbb99d88bb2a7 Volker Türk welcomed the news that the PLACEHOLDER7009648d5e157e21 has taken former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte into
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