The SG: While in Shanghai today, the SG met with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. The SG and President Putin discussed resolving the crisis in Ukraine through inclusive political dialogue and also opportunities for political solutions and humanitarian aid in Syria.
South Sudan: After five months of fighting in the region, UNMISS is still reporting tensions in Juba and Bentiu and urges both sides to implement the “Agreement to Resolve the Crisis in South Sudan.” $1.8 billion is needed for the 2014 humanitarian response to South Sudan and a conference hosted by Norway and OCHA today raised more than $600 million for that plan.
Mali: Though MINUSMA brokered a cease-fire this weekend, tensions remain high and the mission has received reports of military mobilization from both sides in Kidal. In a phone call with Mali’s President Keita Monday, the DSG stressed the importance of de-escalating tensions in the region.
Guinea-Bissau: The SG congratulated Guinea-Bissau for impressive participation and orderly conduct in their run-off presidential election and stressed the importance of respecting the official election results.
Ukraine: According to UNHCR, about 10,000 people—and rising— have been displaced as a result of tensions in Ukraine. UNHCR recently completed a needs assessment mission and continues to work with authorities, UN agencies and partners.
Balkans: The UN continues to support governments with humanitarian assistance and international coordination following recent floods.Water levels have returned to normal in central Bosnia but the water supply system has been seriously impacted. Two planes of non-food items were sent to Serbia Monday by UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination.
Syria: OPCW-UN Joint Mission confirmed all of the declared Syrian stockpile of Isopropanol was destroyed with only 7.2 percent of Syria’s chemical weapons material remaining.Also in Syria, UNRWA Department of Health reports more than half of their health centers in Syria are non-functional or completely destroyed. As a result, UNRWA has established ten “health points” and has intensified services in their functional clinics.
International Labour Organization Report: The International Labour Organization released a report today citing $150 billion in illegal profits gained per year from forced labor in the private economy. Two thirds of the $150 billion, which is three times more than estimated, comes from commercial sexual exploitation. The report estimates 21 million people in forced labor, trafficking and modern slavery.