"HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS"

One year after the appearance of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Chief said it “has proved to be significantly more transmissible than its predecessor, Delta, and continues to cause significant mortality due to the intensity of transmission.” WHO

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

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

A record $51.5 billion is needed to help 230 million of the world’s most vulnerable people in nearly 70 countries next year, the UN said on Thursday. UNTV CH

As humanitarian needs continue to rise worldwide, the United Nations and partners will launch tomorrow the Global Humanitarian Overview, their annual assessment and plan to alleviate the suffering in 2023. OCHA

Uptick in violence threatens three years of relative calm in Syria, Special Envoy tells Security Council, calling for de-escalation.

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen told the Security Council, “I have warned of the dangers of military escalation in Syria. I am here in person today to tell you that escalatory dynamics are taking place, and this is worrying and dangerous.” UNIFEED

With more than 50 percent of Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and the majority of Ukraine’s oblasts being without electricity while winter sets in, the humanitarian needs for the population are rising by the day. UNTV CH

Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, said, “I want the parties to the conflict to not only renew the truce but crucially to commit to taking steps towards a comprehensive resolution of the conflict.” UNIFEED