United Nations OCHA

"Lives are hanging in the balance, and the time for complacency is up." The widespread use of #explosiveweapons in conflicts is alarming, with devastating consequences for civilians. The international community now has an instrument - a Political Declaration - to prevent this. For meaningful impact and lasting change, endorsing states must be resolute in their commitment to the declaration and fully implement it to uphold international humanitarian law and alleviate civilian suffering. They should also encourage adherence to its commitments globally by all parties to armed conflict, including allies. Read our blog with our partners: https://bit.ly/44b1uNs

“Gaunt faces full of concern, full of worry, not knowing where they’re going, looking for peace.” Olga Cherevko, our colleague on the ground, describes what she saw while on a mission to northern #Gaza. As the war and misery that comes with it drag on, and humanitarian relief efforts continue to face a myriad of risks and challenges, the fear, desperation, exhaustion and uncertainty that hang over the Strip only deepen further. It has become uninhabitable. People feel trapped, abandoned and what’s left of their hope is fading fast. 🔊 Hear more ⬇️

#Lebanon continues to experience a surge in hostilities, with Israeli airstrikes extending far beyond its southern border. These strikes persistently target civilian infrastructure. This is unacceptable. Civilians and civilian objects must never be a target. #NotATarget

A staggering 16.7 million people need humanitarian assistance in #Syria, the largest number since the crisis began 13 years ago. Needs continue to rise inexorably, driven by armed conflicts, a plummeting economy, the lasting impacts of last year's earthquakes, disease outbreaks, climate change and the collapse of public services. Despite this deterioration, the country is facing critical funding gaps. The #CostOfInaction will be too high if funding continues to plummet. "I appeal to donors to increase the funding and support to the people of Syria," urges a Syrian community leader. 📹⤵️

⁉️ Did you know that the Democratic Republic of the Congo has the highest number of people in humanitarian need worldwide? The scale of this crisis is striking. #DRCongo is the most food insecure country in the world, with close to 1 in 4 Congolese – or 23.4 million people – experiencing acute hunger. The country is also facing massive displacement. More than 7.2 million people are internally displaced. "People in DRC – and in the Great Lakes region – deserve the opportunity to live in peace, and to build the safe, secure and prosperous lives that this richly abundant region promises," says Joyce Msuya. Read her full remarks to the Security Council: https://bit.ly/3UwPKSt

What does #Gaza’s health system look like 200 days into the brutal, relentless war? 🚩 The destruction and reported mass graves in and around Shifa and Nasser hospitals are horrifying. Hundreds of dead bodies have reportedly been recovered. 🚩 32 of the 36 hospitals in the Strip have been damaged since October 2023, documented the World Health Organization. 🚩 73 attacks on health care have been recorded on average per month - a rate higher than in any other conflict globally since 2018, according to Save the Children International. 🚩 Dire shortages of life-saving medications and equipment continue to endanger the lives of patients in critical conditions. 🚩 Delivering supplies to medical facilities and restoring crucial health services remains extremely challenging amid severe constraints. Learn more in our latest update ➡️ bit.ly/3JyO8RK

21 million. That’s how many people need humanitarian assistance in #Ethiopia, as the country grapples with the impacts of hostilities and devastating climate shocks. Behind this staggering number are children, women and men with dreams and aspirations. 👉 Swipe to read some of their inspiring stories of hope, determination, resilience and solidarity amid hardships and adversity.

🛑 Stop the killing 🛑 Stop the maiming 🛑 Stop destroying schools 🛑 Stop demolishing hospitals The use of #explosiveweapons in populated areas damages people’s rights to safety, education and health. #EWIPAOslo

Latest updates on #Gaza: ❗️ Airstrikes on Rafah have heightened concerns of a military escalation in this southernmost area of the Strip - hosting over half of its population. ❗️ Maternal care is currently being provided in only 3 of the partially functioning hospitals, while around 180 women are giving birth every day. ❗️ 4 bakeries in the north have resumed operations after being inactive for more than 170 days but this is still just a drop in the bucket. Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/44jlNZh

Whenever #explosiveweapons are used in villages, towns and cities, civilians suffer the most. More than 1 year ago, the #EWIPA Political Declaration sought to restrict their use in populated areas. Endorsing and implementing the declaration has never been more urgent. #EWIPAOSLO