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United Nations

United Nations Responds to Global Crises: From Earthquake Relief to Sudan Conflict

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations is addressing pressing global crises, providing relief efforts in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan and promoting dialogue towards peace in Sudan. The UN has deployed health teams to provide maternal and reproductive healthcare, psychosocial support, and counselling to affected communities. In Sudan, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is working to strengthen multilateral mediation efforts and organize high-level consultations to end the ongoing civil conflict.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 6,700 homes were destroyed or damaged in the Afghanistan earthquake, forcing most families to shelter in the open without privacy, clean water, or basic services.
  • UNFPA estimates that some 11,600 pregnant women face heightened risk due to limited access to health services, and over 9,500 people have received assistance so far.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed mobile teams to provide trauma care, maternal and child health services, mental health support, immunizations, and emergency nutrition.
  • 43 tonnes of medical supplies have been dispatched, and over 4,500 consultations have been provided through WHO clinics.
  • The UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, has travelled to East Africa to address the Sudan conflict and push for negotiations towards a peace deal.
  • The goal of the visit is to make progress on the protection of civilians and to strengthen multilateral mediation efforts in the country.
  • The African Union is working with the UN to organize a ministerial-level consultative group meeting in Addis Ababa to achieve this goal.

Statistics:

  • The Afghanistan earthquake measured 6.0 and 6.2 on the Richter scale, striking on 31 August and 4 September.
  • 6,700 homes were destroyed or damaged, affecting thousands of families.
  • UNFPA estimates that 11,600 pregnant women face heightened risk due to limited access to health services.
  • Over 9,500 people have received assistance so far.
  • WHO has dispatched 43 tonnes of medical supplies and provided over 4,500 consultations.
  • 25 million people in Sudan are acutely hungry due to the ongoing conflict.

Sources:

  • "UN says women and children face heightened risks, while operational challenges threaten life-saving relief efforts in Afghanistan", United Nations (August 31, 2023)
  • "UN envoy heads to Sudan in call for dialogue towards peace", X (September 5, 2023)
  • "UN honours 9/11 anniversary, stands with New Yorkers", UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric (September 11, 2023)
  • "UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres marks 9/11 anniversary", Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (September 11, 2023)

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