UN Relief Chief in Syria, Cyclone Chido wreaks havoc in Southern Africa, sexual violence in Sudan, and more
United Nations OCHA
OCHA provides the funding, info, tools, support & advocacy that enable humanitarians to save lives.
From conflicts to climate disasters, here are this week's top humanitarian news and stories:
UN Relief Chief in Syria
Tom Fletcher , UN Relief Chief, visited Syria this week and met with the new Caretaker Government to discuss an ambitious scale-up of vital humanitarian support.
"I welcome the Caretaker Government’s commitment to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers. I also welcome their agreement to grant full humanitarian access through all border crossings; cut through bureaucracy over permits and visas for humanitarian workers; ensure the continuity of essential government services, including health and education; and engage in genuine and practical dialogue with the wider humanitarian community." — Read the Secretary-General's statement here
People in Syria have been enduring unimaginable suffering for more than a decade, with needs rising inexorably.
Recent developments have only intensified hardships in what was already one of the world’s largest crises.
Ramping up humanitarian assistance is more urgent than ever as we work for a new and better Syria.
“It will take patience, creativity and determination. But, at a moment of hope and peril, we must rise to the challenge and back the people of Syria” on their journey to stability and peace, said Fletcher, as he briefed the Security Council from Damascus. See full remarks
While on his mission, Fletcher heard first-hand from women and children who are trying to rebuild their lives and support their families, shattered by years of conflict and devastating loss. Demands are massive. Watch video
“Behind the drama of what we’re seeing on our screens are millions of human lives, people who want to live lives of dignity, who want to find security, justice, opportunities for their families,” he stressed.
Tropical Cyclone Chido devastates Southern Africa
Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in parts of Southern Africa.
It struck Mozambique on 15 December with fierce winds and heavy rains, bringing the risk of floods and mudslides.
Homes, health centres, schools and other civilian infrastructure were damaged or destroyed. It caused displacement, widespread power outages, road blockages hampering access, and disruptions to communication networks.
People impacted include more than 329,000 in Mozambique and over 45,000 in Malawi. Food, water, sanitation, shelter and survival kits are among the priority needs to help communities recover.
The United Nations and humanitarian partners are supporting assessment, preparedness and aid efforts, distributing essential supplies in affected areas, despite funding shortfalls.
Ukraine humanitarian situation update
At this week’s Security Council on Ukraine, we urged 3 things from the international community as the war and its catastrophic consequences grind on into another winter:
Did you know that over 60% of energy facilities across the country have been damaged?
Systematic large-scale attacks impacting critical energy infrastructure aggravate an already dire situation as Ukraine faces its third winter since hostilities escalated.
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These attacks have caused extended blackouts, limiting access to essential services as temperatures drop, denying life-saving medical care, and exposing communities to increased risks and needs.
Millions of people have been left in the dark, health-care centres have been affected, and heating, water, gas and electricity have been disrupted during the coldest months of the year.
Sexual violence as a weapon of war in Sudan
The conflict in Sudan has left more than 12 million people at risk of gender-based violence.
With sexual violence and abuse being used as weapons of war, women and girls face unconscionable trauma.
Until every woman and girl is safe and empowered, and the dignity of survivors restored, the fight against this atrocity won’t stop. Investing in prevention and protection is crucial.
Hear powerful and harrowing testimonies of Sudanese girls, displaced by the ongoing war and living in fear and harm:
A recap of your 2024 with OCHA
It’s a wrap!
Look back at your defining moments with OCHA in 2024 as we round off the year and gear up for 2025.
More humanitarian updates for you to explore
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We won’t be publishing next week but will be back on 2 January 2025.
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Climate change and poorly planned urban sprawl are creating a recipe for major disasters across the Indian Ocean. Severe tropical storms (i.e., tropical cyclones) are most devastating year after year in that region, with increased impacts due to sea level rise, increased exposure of sprawling coastal cities, and the high level of vulnerability of shanty towns/slums in many countries.
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