"SECRETARIAT"

On the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Secretary-General António Guterres called for “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages” in Gaza, as well as a cessation of hostilities in Sudan. UNIFEED

Briefing the Security Council on the Implementation of resolution 2118, a Disarmament Affairs official said, “considering the identified gaps, inconsistencies, and discrepancies,” Syria’s declaration “cannot be considered accurate and complete in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention.” UNIFEED

Asked about the Russian authorities not handing the body of Russian’s opposition figure Alexei Navalny to his relatives, Russia’s Ambassador said, “because the forensic medical investigation is not over yet, the exact cause of the death was not yet disclosed." UNIFEED

Press Conference: António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.

Press Conference: António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.

“The United Nations is taking swift action following the extremely serious allegations made against several staff members from the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The contracts of the staff members directly involved have been terminated and an investigation by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) was immediately activated," a UN Spokesperson said. UNIFEED

A UN spokesperson said Secretary-General António Guterres was “very concerned” about the recent escalation and exchange of rockets between Iran and Pakistan. We've seen reports of casualties on both sides. The Secretary-General urged both countries “to exercise maximum restraint to avoid a further escalation of tensions. UNIFEED

100 days since the start of the conflict in Israel and Palestine, Secretary-General António Guterres demanded the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.” At the same time, he said, “the onslaught on Gaza by Israeli forces over these 100 days has unleashed wholesale destruction and levels of civilian killings at a rate that is unprecedented during my years as Secretary-General.” UNIFEED

Sigrid Kaag met with Secretary-General António Guterres as she started her assignment as Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza pursuant to Security Council Resolution 2720. UNIFEED

The work of the United Nations remained vital in 2023, a year that was marked by humanitarian crises fuelled by conflicts, natural disasters and the devastating effects of climate change. UNIFEED / FILE