UN Daily Briefing Highlights Security Council Mandate Renewal for Colombia and Ongoing Humanitarian Crises

UN General Assembly and Security Council Updates

The United Nations General Assembly continued its plenary work this week, addressing the annual veto initiative debate, the annual discussion on the U.S. embargo against Cuba, and the International Court of Justice's annual report. Meanwhile, the Security Council unanimously adopted a draft resolution to renew the mandate of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia until October 31, 2027. Established in 2016, the mission verifies the implementation of the final peace agreement and supports Colombia's peacebuilding efforts.

Ukraine Humanitarian Situation

Humanitarian officials reported ongoing challenges in Ukraine, where a ceasefire in Oleshky provides cautious hope for civilian movement and aid delivery. However, recent attacks continue to impact multiple regions:

• Aid organizations are responding to strikes in Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Poltava.
• A clearly marked, UN-supported humanitarian bus was struck by a drone in the Zaporizhzhia region, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries among passengers and the driver.
• An armored evacuation vehicle was hit in Sloviansk, injuring two evacuees.

Officials reiterated that attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian workers violate international humanitarian law and must cease.

Lebanon and Regional Displacement

In Lebanon, OCHA reported that over 300,000 individuals remain internally displaced, while nearly 970,000 have returned to southern communities. Despite returns, ongoing Israeli military presence, strikes, and demolitions continue to hinder safe resumption of livelihoods, including the olive harvest in Nabatieh. The Lebanon Humanitarian Fund has allocated $91 million to support affected populations.

Humanitarian Updates in Yemen, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan

• Yemen: Fighting has displaced over 290,000 people since August, heavily impacting pregnant women and worsening conditions for refugees. UNFPA and UNHCR are deploying mobile teams and delivering assistance.
• Eritrea & Ethiopia: CERF allocated $3.5 million to address El Niño impacts in Eritrea. In Ethiopia, partners continue delivering food, nutrition, and medical supplies to Amhara and Tigray despite access delays caused by insecurity.
• Afghanistan: Clashes near the Torkham border crossing have put civilians and aid workers at risk, with reports of casualties among local communities during border returns from Pakistan.