"BLOCKADE"

Flare-up over license plates threatens progress between Serbia, Kosovo, Special Representative tells Security Council amid debate on future of interim mission.

Failure in delivering aid for Yemenis ‘the worst international response to a humanitarian crisis’, civil society briefer tells Security Council.

The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the proposed members of the WHO Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens, or SAGO. The group will advise WHO on the development of a global framework to define and guide studies into the origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential, including SARS-CoV-2. WHO

According to the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, after 11 months of conflict and three months of de-facto blockade, the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia's Tigray region "is spiraling out of control.” UNIFEED

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Iraqi President Barham Salih said the early elections set to take place in his country next month will be “decisive and will have an impact on Iraq and perhaps the entire region.” UNIFEED

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the US blockade on Cuba has been “opportunistically and criminally intensified” in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic describing it as the “most cruel and longest-lasting economic, commercial and financial blockade ever imposed on any nation.” UNIFEED

A delegation of Somalia’s international partners today visited South West State to meet with its president, electoral authority and civil society on the country’s upcoming elections for the House of the People, and reaffirmed their support for the holding of a credible electoral process. UNSOM

Humanitarian needs in Syria greater than ever, relief chief warns Security Council, as speakers welcome breakthrough cross-line delivery of food rations to north-west.

External actors must encourage de-escalation of Yemen conflict, support country-Led political settlement, Special Envoy stresses in briefing to Security Council.