Recent days have seen intensified clashes between government troops and Kurdish forces, leading to the displacement of tens of thousands of people.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric informed journalists in New York that the Office of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria maintains contact with all involved parties.
Civilians killed, health facilities shuttered
The UN aid coordination office (OCHA) reported that at least five civilians, including two women and a child, were reportedly killed, with dozens more injured, according to local authorities as of Wednesday.
Several health facilities, including three hospitals, have been affected, with some reportedly ceasing operations due to damage and attacks. Movement restrictions have been imposed on key roads.
“Since yesterday morning, thousands of families have fled their homes, with many seeking shelter with host communities in Aleppo city and the various districts of Afrin,” said Mr. Dujarric.
Authorities have announced the opening of two humanitarian corridors for civilians to evacuate.
Humanitarians are mobilizing resources to respond to the growing displacement, he said. A UN team in Aleppo conducted an assessment mission to Yad Al Aoun camp in Afrin to evaluate immediate needs and response capacity.
South Sudan: Violence in Jonglei state sparks displacement, disrupts aid operations
OCHA reported a surge in conflict and airstrikes in Jonglei state, South Sudan, forcing people to flee their homes and disrupting humanitarian operations.
Since 29 December, renewed fighting between the army and opposition has displaced some 100,000 people, mainly women, children, and older persons, as per local authorities.
Most have found refuge in remote areas, while others have fled to neighboring states, with over 11,000 arrivals registered in Lakes state.
Aid efforts affected
Several humanitarian organizations in northern Jonglei state have relocated their staff due to insecurity and evacuation instructions.
Those continuing to operate with local staff face growing challenges, including restocking health facilities and sustaining essential activities.
“The situation is further compounded by reports from several humanitarian organizations that their facilities and assets have been looted or confiscated by both parties,” OCHA said.
This disrupts essential health services for thousands amid ongoing food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and last year’s flooding impact in South Sudan.
OCHA continues to engage with all parties to ensure safe aid delivery.
Food security experts warn of acute hunger and disease in Niger
UN-backed food insecurity experts reported that over 1.6 million young children in Niger are suffering from acute malnutrition, with many more at risk.
The assessment from the international food security monitoring platform, IPC, highlighted that at least 306,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are also in danger.
Niger’s security situation remains volatile following a July 2023 military coup, with ongoing jihadist insurgency activities.
Although nutrition levels have improved since the last UN-backed assessment, concerns remain for refugees in Agadez, Diffa, and Maradi regions.
The worst conditions were reported in the Diffa region bordering Chad and the Maradi region near Nigeria, between August and November last year.
While the situation is expected to improve until April, with fewer cases of diarrhea and malaria and better food availability, conditions are expected to deteriorate again with the lean and rainy season onset in May.
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