Noon briefing of 29 April 2026

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING BY STEPHANE DUJARRIC

SPOKESPERSON FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES

WEDNESDAY, 29 APRIL 2026

DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL 

The Deputy Secretary-General is back in New York City, following her recent visits to Australia and Singapore earlier this week, in which she engaged with government leaders, civil society, the private sector, media, youth on advancing gender equality, multilateral cooperation and responses to global challenges. 

In Singapore yesterday, the Deputy Secretary-General paid a courtesy call on the country’s President, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and exchanged views on key international developments, UN80 reforms and Singapore’s leading role on artificial intelligence and new technology. She thanked the President for Singapore’s strong support for the United Nations and multilateral cooperation. 

Prior to that, during a visit to Melbourne, the Deputy Secretary-General delivered the keynote address at the Opening Plenary of the Women Deliver 2026 Conference, underscoring that women’s rights are human rights and warned of a global rollback on gender equality amid conflict, climate shocks, shrinking resources and growing pushback against women’s autonomy. 

LEBANON 

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that the situation in Lebanon continues to be fragile and volatile given the insecurity, especially in the southern part of Lebanon. Lebanese authorities reported that three civil defence rescue workers were killed in the southern part of the country when two strikes hit a building in Tyre District. That took place yesterday. Authorities said the emergency teams were responding to people wounded in an earlier strike at the same place.  

The incident underscores the risks faced by civilians, including emergency and humanitarian workers. According to the World Health Organisation, since the start of the conflict, the number of attacks on healthcare has climbed to 149, with 100 deaths and 233 injured. Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and health workers are not only unacceptable, they are against international humanitarian law, as we keep saying.  

All parties in this conflict have to observe their obligations under these laws. 

Today, Israeli authorities issued a new displacement order south of the Litani River, covering 16 areas and instructing residents to move to the nearby town of Saida. 

Women and children remain disproportionately affected. There are reports they are facing increased psychological distress and are bearing the brunt of the impacts of displacement, family separation, and economic hardship. Risks of gender-based violence remain high, particularly in overcrowded shelters.   

We and our partners are responding to the mounting needs where access allows.  

Compounding the situation, today our colleagues at the Food and Agriculture Organization  and the World Food Programme warned that the sharp escalation in violence has reversed recent food security gains and pushed the country back into crisis. This is what the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) for Lebanon tells us.  

The projected analysis reveals that 1.24 million people, that’s nearly one in four of the population that was looked at, are expected to face food insecurity levels classified as Crisis or IPC Phase 3 or worse, between April and August of this year. IPC 3 means that people start skipping meals or start selling some of their [possessions]  in order to buy food.  

But despite these growing needs, the humanitarian response remains significantly underfunded. The Lebanon Flash Appeal, has received just over $117 million, which is only 38 per cent of the money that we need, which is $308 million.

UNIFIL 

In southern Lebanon, yesterday, our peacekeeping colleagues – UNIFIL- reported 81 firing incidents originating from south of the Blue Line or within the mission’s area of operations by the Israel Defense Forces. Peacekeepers also observed several interceptions of projectiles by the Israel Defense Forces from north to south of the Blue Line. UNIFIL also observed artillery and mortar shelling at several locations across its area of operations.  

Yesterday, three humanitarian missions were conducted to the Tyre area, in Tibnin, and in Rmeich area. All in Sector West, through coordination between UNIFIL and OCHA, and following UNIFIL’s deconfliction efforts.   

Meanwhile, obstructions hindering UNIFIL’s operations have are continuing to be observed.   

Yesterday an Israel Defense Forces tank blocked a UNIFIL patrol on two occasions during its planned movement in the Al Mansouri area in Sector West. Eventually, the UNIFIL patrol was able to continue its movement. 

We urge all to adhere to the cessation of hostilities. Our peacekeeping and political missions continue to support the parties in fulfilling their obligations under Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).  

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY 

In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, our humanitarian colleagues say continuing strikes across the Gaza Strip continue to hit residential areas and disrupt basic services.  

A recent Israeli airstrike reportedly hit NGO workers at a water well in Gaza City. One of them was killed and four were injured. Our partners tell us that the well was heavily damaged, and on-site work has been suspended. You will recall that activities are also suspended at another water filling point – Al Mansoura – where two civilian truck drivers contracted by UNICEF were recently killed.  

Despite this, our partners working on water say overall water production has not immediately fallen and that they are filling gaps by finding more sources of clean water to deliver by truck.  

But they stress that people’s water needs are far from being met: some 60 per cent of families in Gaza cannot access the clean water that they need for use on a daily basis.  

Our colleagues warn that current arrangements are costly and not sustainable. They rely heavily on increased fuel, oil, consumables, generators, spare parts, trucks and a devastated network of pipes that is all inadequate. We are engaging with authorities so these and other critical items can enter Gaza. Without them, water production and other services are at risk of serious collapse.  

We once again stresses that civilians and civilian objects, including critical facilities that people rely on to meet their basic needs, must be protected, in line with international humanitarian law.  

Meanwhile, humanitarian operations continue across all sectors. Yesterday, we and some of our humanitarian partners collected more food, medicine and hygiene items from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing. They also supported the medical evacuation of two dozen patients and their companions and offered protection and other services to 50 returnees. 

Also yesterday, our colleagues recovered broken trucks from hard-to-reach areas where Israeli forces remain deployed. Nearly 100 humanitarian staff crossed in or out of Gaza, a routine but essential cycle to ease pressure and prevent burnout among frontline teams working in extremely challenging circumstances. 

 WEST BANK 

We continue to monitor the latest developments in the West Bank very closely, be they Israeli settler attacks or Israeli security operations. The situation in the West Bank is not only concerning, it is intolerable.  

These activities are contrary to Israel’s obligation to end its unlawful continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory. They also undermine the Palestinian Authority. We, once again, underscore that all parties must act in accordance with international law, including with regard to proportional use of force, and exercise maximum restraint. 

IRAN 

Volker Türk today, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a statement in which deplored the crackdown by Iranian authorities on dissent, particularly through the use of national security-related charges. At least 21 individuals, by our count, have been executed and thousands of others arrested, the Human Rights Office says. 

The High Commissioner calls on the Iranian authorities to halt all further executions, establish a moratorium on the use of capital punishment, fully ensure due process and fair trial guarantees, and immediately release those arbitrarily detained. 

The Human Rights Office says that since 28 February, more than 4,000 individuals are estimated to have been arrested on national security related charges in Iran. Many detainees have been forcibly disappeared, tortured, or subjected to other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, including coerced, and sometimes televised, confessions and mock executions.                                          

YEMEN 

Hans Grundberg, the Special Envoy for Yemen, just concluded a visit to Brussels today. He briefed the European Union’s Political and Security Committee and held talks with officials, including the EU Special Representative for the Gulf, Luigi Di Maio. 

Mr. Grundberg shared updates on the latest developments in Yemen, including the impact of regional escalation, and highlighted our ongoing efforts across political, security and economic tracks to advance a Yemeni-led peace process under UN auspices. 

He expressed appreciation for the European Union’s continued support, including its backing of the UN’s mediation efforts, underscoring at the same time the importance of sustained partnership at a critical time for the country.  

SOMALIA    

Turning to Somalia, Tom Fletcher, Emergency Relief Coordinator, continued his visit there. Today, he was at a hospital and a site for displaced people in Baidoa. At Bay Hospital, Mr. Fletcher visited severely malnourished children receiving treatment, referred from various areas affected by drought and conflict.    

At the Elbet displacement site, Mr. Fletcher met families who were displaced by drought and conflict. The site faces serious shelter and sanitation problems, with 135 households sharing only two latrines. This raises, of course, severe risk of waterborne diseases.    

The displaced people told Tom Fletcher that the assistance has dwindled significantly, increasing the need for food assistance and other lifesaving support. Shelter is particularly urgent, as ongoing rains are flooding homes and cutting off access to affected communities.

Mr. Fletcher also met with the Interim Leader of South West State, Jibril Haji. They discussed the need to ensure humanitarian access and also concerns about the impact of ongoing shortfalls.                                                                     

Our humanitarian colleagues say that South West State hosts the country’s largest displaced population.  In Baidoa city alone, there are some 700,000 human beings who have fled drought and conflict in rural areas.    Mr. Fletcher continues his week-long visit and we will, of course, keep you updated.  

SUDAN 

In Sudan, the World Health Organization and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), together with the Government, have launched a nationwide polio vaccination campaign this week, aiming to reach more than four million children under the age of five. This is the first of two rounds and focuses on high-risk and conflict-impacted areas in several states. 

Polio was detected in December 2025 in the states of Kassala and North Kordofan. Nearly 1.5 million children remain insufficiently protected against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases due to years of conflict. The risk of transmission is increasing due to continued displacement and cross-border movement. 

Our partners report that some 128,000 people across 28 villages in North Kordofan have now renewed access to drinking water.                                                                                                       

However, OCHA warns that fighting continues to put civilians at risk. Local sources are telling us about drone attacks yesterday in White Nile and Khartoum, as well as clashes around Sali in Blue Nile State.  

SOUTH SUDAN 

Turning to South Sudan. The peacekeeping mission there continues to work closely with all partners to prevent grave violations against children and promote accountability. 

The mission says it has supported authorities in Malakal, Upper Nile, in verifying reports of children associated with national security forces, following allegations of child recruitment linked to recent security operations. 

Following a joint screening exercise, 23 boys were identified, released, and handed over to child protection partners for reintegration.  

In relation to working with national counterparts, on Monday, the UN Mission mounted a coordinated search and rescue response following a plane crash in Luri, Central Equatoria, which tragically claimed the lives of 14 on board.     

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO/PEACEKEEPING 

Moving to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the peacekeeping front, our blue helmets colleagues tell us that yesterday, they rapidly deployed in Djugu territory, which is in Ituri , in response to an attack against the Congolese armed forces and civilians. The attack was by the armed group known as the CRP. 

Working in coordination with the Congolese armed forces, peacekeepers rescued 191 civilians, including 59 women and 126 children and safely relocated them to a site for displaced people. UN Peacekeepers continued to conduct night patrols to secure the area. 

The Mission also continues to support Congolese authorities in fully assuming their responsibility to protect their own civilians.  

Since February, the Peacekeeping Mission has been closely coordinating with the Congolese armed forces to deploy patrols and deter armed groups in North Kivu, as part of Operation Nyundo II. 

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / HUMANITARIAN 

On the humanitarian front, colleagues in the DRC say the situation in Masisi Territory, in North Kivu, continues to deteriorate amid renewed clashes between armed groups. 

Since early February, intensified violence has triggered large-scale displacement, with people forced to flee multiple times. As of mid-April, more than 170,000 people across the Masisi Health Zone have been displaced. That is what local partners are telling our folks. 

Several villages have reportedly been emptied of their inhabitants.  

Repeated displacement is pushing already vulnerable people into greater danger.  

Against this backdrop, conditions in host areas remain precarious, straining already overstretched basic services. People urgently need food, shelter, water, sanitation and healthcare.                                                                                                 

OCHA and its humanitarian partners are organizing joint assessments to identify needs and are trying to scale up the response, as access and resources allow. 

We reiterate our call on all parties to protect civilians, protect civilian infrastructure, and to facilitate safe,  unhindered humanitarian access as humanitarian law demands. 

INFORMATION INTEGRITY 

I want to flag a new brief published today by our colleagues working on Information integrity. They say the unchecked adoption of artificial intelligence in advertising risks accelerating a global crisis in information integrity, with major consequences for societies, media and brands. 

The brief finds that AI is intensifying systemic risks — including mis- and disinformation, declining trust and media fragmentation — at the very moment advertisers face mounting commercial pressure to adopt the technology at speed. 

The brief is available online and is entitled Advertising, Artificial Intelligence and the Global Information Crisis. 

VICTIM’S RIGHTS ADVOCATE REPORT 

Something else to flag to you on a different register. The office of the victim’s rights advocate, and the Victim’s Rights Advocate is Najla Nassif Palma, has published its new annual report, covering 2024–2025, starting from the moment she assumed her functions.  

The report highlights progress in advancing a victim‑centred approach across the United Nations system and is grounded in three pillars aiming to ensure victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers, staff and affiliate personnel have a voice, have assistance, and justice.  

The report outlines achievements over the past two years, identifies ongoing challenges, and sets out priority areas requiring strengthened collective action. These include supporting victims’ meaningful participation, enhancing assistance, and advancing accountability and remedies. 

The report published today is also a reminder of the work that is still required, guided by victims’ experiences and engagement with civil society, and demanding stronger action across the system and by Member States, who are critical partners in this. 

You will recall that the mandate of the Victim’s Rights Advocate was established as part of the strategy set out by the Secretary-General in 2017, for his new approach on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse. Ms. Nassif Palma is the second person to hold this position. 

CLIMATE/EUROPE 

You will have seen that the World Meteorological Organization and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts today released their report on the European State of the Climate. The report shows that at least 95 per cent of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures last year, while the area of Europe experiencing winter days with freezing temperatures is shrinking. Glaciers in all European regions saw a net mass loss, with Iceland recording its second-largest glacier loss on record.  

Interesting but depressing read. 

INTERNATIONAL DAY 

Today we mark the first International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes - a moment to remember lives lost and communities changed forever.  

In his message, the Secretary-General affirms that with foresight and solidarity, we can build safer towns and cities, no matter how hard the ground shakes. 

**Briefings today and tomorrow 

At 1:00 p.m., Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, briefed reporters on the ongoing Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, otherwise known as the NPT. 

Tomorrow, Julius Van Der Walt, Chief of the Mine Action Programme in the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), who is currently the head of UNMAS in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), will brief reporters virtually about the situation in the region.   

**Bookshop 

Today, between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., at the UN Bookshop, in which artist Sandy Walker will be in a conversation about the work of Tamiki Hara, and he will be in discussion with Jaqueline Cabasso, the Executive Director of Western States Legal Foundation. The discussion will be moderated by Tsutomu (Tom) Kono, a Fellow at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). 

My Deepest Desire, which is the book by Tamiki Hara, draws in part on the author’s experience living through the bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and his fervent wish for peace, and the bookshop event is being held in conjunction with the NPT Review Conference.