In a statement by his Spokesperson, the UN chief acknowledged the disaster caused by severe monsoon conditions, which was worsened by climate change, affecting about 1.5 million people. Numerous individuals require humanitarian assistance, with over 3,000 homes, 400 schools, and about 40 health facilities experiencing various levels of damage.
The Secretary-General commends Pakistani authorities for relocating more than one million people in Punjab. He expresses solidarity with the Government and people of Pakistan, offers condolences to families who have lost loved ones, and wishes for a quick recovery for the injured.
The UN and other humanitarian organizations are cooperating with Pakistani authorities to evaluate the floods’ full impact on communities, pinpoint further needs, and address any response gaps. The UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has allocated $600,000 from the Regional Humanitarian Pooled Fund for relief and recovery efforts, with discussions ongoing with the Government on a specific response plan.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell warned that 37 countries have yet to submit mandatory reports under the Paris Agreement’s transparency framework, stressing that no country should be left behind. At the Global Transparency Forum in Songdo, Republic of Korea, Stiell emphasized the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) as a crucial tool for climate action, helping governments attract investment, design ambitious policies, and progress on clean energy and resilience.
More than 100 nations have submitted their first Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), which Stiell described as a “smart investment” yielding economic and social benefits. Over 10,000 experts from 140 developing countries have been trained on the ETF, with 1,200 certified reviewers and 1,400 officials now utilizing its tools. The first global synthesis of BTRs will be published before the COP30 climate change conference in Brazil, providing an early progress snapshot. Stiell stated that the findings would guide the next Global Stocktake, emphasizing the importance of measuring, reporting, and sharing data to drive change.
The UN expressed serious concern about an Israeli attack on peacekeepers clearing roadblocks in southern Lebanon. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that Israeli military drones dropped grenades near peacekeepers with UNIFIL, performing mandated tasks supporting Security Council resolution 1701. The resolution authorizes peacekeepers to monitor the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006 and support Lebanese armed forces as Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon. UNIFIL patrols the Blue Line of separation.
UNIFIL described the drone attack as one of the most serious since the cessation of hostilities agreement last November, noting that Israeli forces were informed in advance of the road clearance work. Dujarric stated that one grenade landed within 20 meters and three within approximately 100 meters of UN personnel and vehicles. The drones were seen returning south of the Blue Line, and fortunately, no injuries occurred. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that acts endangering peacekeepers are “completely unacceptable” and called on parties to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers and UN premises.
Funding cuts are affecting the work of the Human Rights Council, according to President Jürg Lauber. The Council is set to meet in Geneva on Monday for discussions on addressing conflicts worldwide and other global issues. Lauber raised concerns that cost-cutting measures impacting UN agencies could limit the Council’s reach, specifically affecting independent rights investigators and Special Rapporteurs. He stressed the need for resources to support research, report writing, and travel to examine situations firsthand.
Lauber highlighted that reduced financial resources are impacting meetings during Council sessions and the execution of investigative mandates. He warned that funding cuts might prevent individuals or groups in concerning countries from providing testimonies to investigators and could limit the technical support and advice the Council can offer governments promoting and protecting human rights.
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