At least seven civilians were killed in villages in Mambasa Territory, Ituri province, on Sunday, according to humanitarian partners. The attack comes after weeks of escalating violence in the province, bringing May’s death toll to over 170. Violence also persists in North and South Kivu provinces, where armed clashes hinder access to fields and impede humanitarian and health workers in the ongoing Ebola response. As of 31 May, there were 321 confirmed Ebola cases and 48 deaths, with at least six recoveries. UN support continues for Congolese health authorities, including establishing Ebola treatment centers, providing daily meals, transporting medical supplies, and enhancing surveillance. OCHA noted a positive development with the DRC Government’s reopening of the Bunia airport in Ituri province, closed for commercial flights since 23 May but open for humanitarian cargo and UNHAS flights. Ebola cases in Uganda have risen to 11, including two deaths as of 1 June, with some linked to cross-border transmission from the DRC.
In Sudan’s Darfur region, aid delivery continues despite worsening insecurity, limited access, and funding shortages. In April, over three million people received food assistance, including about 800,000 in areas of severe hunger risk. Emergency food and nutrition support reached nearly half a million displaced individuals in Tawila, North Darfur state. Intercommunal violence is escalating in Darfur, with clashes in Central and West Darfur reportedly killing dozens, and unrest spreading to more communities. Drone strikes reportedly hit areas in South Darfur, including Kabum and parts of Nyala. The UN urges all parties to protect civilians and infrastructure and ensure safe humanitarian access.
In Gaza, the UN has raised concerns about new obstacles affecting aid deliveries due to Israeli screening procedures slowing supplies to the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing, the only cargo crossing for humanitarian operations. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported operational difficulties for convoys, causing delays and limited supply collection. The continued closure of the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza exacerbates challenges. UN agencies engage with Israeli authorities for smoother access and reopening additional routes for aid deliveries.
In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces extended a military order closing three refugee camps in Jenin and Tulkarm, displacing over 33,000 Palestinians since January 2025. The closure extends their displacement until at least 31 July. Mr. Dujarric calls for lifting movement restrictions and policies prolonging displacement and access to basic services.
Nicaragua’s death in custody of Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera has prompted UN human rights chief Volker Turk to call for an investigation. Rivera, a prominent Miskitu leader and former Yatama party president, died after over 32 months in state custody. He was recognized as a victim of reprisals for his UN cooperation. Rivera returned clandestinely to Nicaragua in September 2023 and was detained, with authorities refusing to disclose his fate until his death. OHCHR noted patterns of torture and mistreatment in Nicaraguan prisons, reporting other recent custody deaths linked to poor conditions and inadequate medical care.
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