OCHA reports that the Horn of Africa is facing the most severe food crisis in the world, with more than ten million people in drought-stricken areas of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda severely affected.
The ICC today issued arrest warrants for Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhafi, one of his sons and the country’s intelligence chief for crimes against humanity allegedly committed since the pro-democracy movement began in February.
The Secretary-General noted with deep concern the harsh sentences, including life imprisonment, handed down in Bahrain against 21 political activists, human rights defenders and opposition leaders.
Robert Serry, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, welcomed the “significant step” taken yesterday with Israel’s approval of construction projects that are to be implemented by UNRWA.
In his remarks to the GA following his appointment, the SG said that the UN had “laid a firm foundation for the future” on a number of issues since he assumed office, including climate change, nuclear disarmament, education, sustainable development and global health.
UNMIS is reporting that the security and humanitarian situations in Southern Kordofan do indeed remain of great concern, as the military build-up continues in various strategic locations.
The SG is in Rome today, where he met with Berlusconi and Foreign Minister Frattini, discussing Libya, Somalia, Lebanon, the Middle East/North Africa and nuclear safety, among other issues.
DSG Asha-Rose Migiro is heading to Haifa, Israel, as the Guest of Honor at the International Women Leaders’ Conference on “Women, Science, and Technology,” co-hosted by the government of Israel and UNESCO.
Last night, the SG spoke with Al Baghdadi Ali Al-Mahmoudi, PM of Libya, on the phone, to reaffirm the need for an immediate and real ceasefire to conduct negotiations.