Pakistan: the WFP has now reached approximately 1.3 million people with a one-month emergency ration of food, yet a total of 6 million are expected to require assistance over the next three months. WHO is reporting that the number of reports of disease is increasing, with over 200,000 cases of acute diarrhea, 260,000 cases of skin diseases and over 200,000 acute respiratory diseases in affected provinces. WFP estimates that it still needs approximately 40 additional helicopters to get food supplies to flood victims (around 800,000 people are estimated to be cut off from road access).
Peace talks: on Sunday, the SG issued a statement welcoming the decision by Netanyahu and Abbas to begin direct negotiations and underlining the importance of the international community’s support and achievement of a comprehensive peace in line with the Madrid terms of reference, Security Council Resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
UN-HABITAT: the SG has nominated Mr. Joan Clos (Spain) for election by the GA as Executive Director of UN-HABITAT (at USG level) for a four year term beginning October 18, 2010.
US Human Rights: today the United States submitted its Report for its upcoming Universal Periodic Review, scheduled for November 5, to the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Human Rights First has already issued a statement welcoming the issuance of the Report, while expressing concern with some of its shortcomings.