International News
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that half a million people in parts of Balochistan province in Pakistan are facing crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. Another 100,000 people need immediate life-saving assistance due to severe drought-like conditions.
Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Refugee Day, observed on 20 June:
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson fo UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
The Food and Agriculture Organization said it is working to bolster the global response to the Fall Armyworm, considered one of the top 10 devastating plant pests, which places at risk up to 80 million metric tons of maize worth $18 billion per year in Africa, Asia and the Near East.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayeh and Acting Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory Lucia Elmi launched a $417 million Humanitarian Response Plan to help 1.8 million people over the coming year. The latest assessment found that 2.45 million Palestinians - 47 per cent of the population - need aid.
Following the recommendation of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, after consultation with Member States, the General Assembly confirmed Filippo Grandi of Italy as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for a further two‑and‑a‑half‑year term, beginning 1 January 2021 and ending 30 June 2023. While the Secretary‑General had intended to request the General Assembly to elect Mr. Grandi for a further term of five years, Mr. Grandi was agreeable, owing to personal reasons, to the shorter term. Mr. Grandi is currently serving an initial five‑year term as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Following is the text of UN Secretary General António Guterres’ video message to Japan International Cooperation Agency Symposium in Memory of Madame Sadako Ogata, held today: