Violence in eastern DR Congo has escalated, causing over 1.3 million people to flee their homes in two years, with the total number of internally displaced people in the region now at 5.7 million, according to the UNHCR. Lisa Schlein reports from Geneva on the devastating impact of the conflict.

The World Health Organization, commemorating World Tuberculosis Day, advocates for global efforts to eliminate tuberculosis, highlighting the disease's preventability and curability. Despite this, tuberculosis remains a leading infectious killer, with 1.3 million deaths and 10.6 million new cases in 2022. The WHO emphasizes the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, as well as the development of new vaccines. A recent WHO study demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of TB screening and preventive treatment in Brazil, Georgia, Kenya, and South Africa. The organization also calls for increased investment in research and development for new TB vaccines, with the U.N. supporting this initiative.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights has accused the Belarusian government of a campaign of violence and repression against political dissent. The report, presented by Christian Salazar Volkmann, is based on interviews and evidence from over 5,400 items and 229 submissions. It details human rights violations since the 2020 presidential elections, including torture, inhumane treatment, and politically motivated arrests. The 2020 re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko was widely criticized as unfair. The Belarusian ambassador to the U.N., Larysa Belskaya, denied the existence of political prisoners and accused Western governments of supporting activists against Belarus. Volkmann called for investigations into violations and accountability for perpetrators.

Gaza's health system is in chaos amidst Israel's offensive against Hamas, with WHO officials reporting a reduction from 36 to 11 partially functioning hospitals. WHO representative Richard Peeperkorn, on a medical mission in Gaza, described the situation as a humanitarian disaster, with the health support system on the verge of collapse. The WHO's efforts to transfer patients and deliver supplies were obstructed by Israeli forces, and there are reports of health workers being harassed. Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 18,000 fatalities and nearly 50,000 injuries, with a significant impact on women and children. The health situation is critical, with a spike in respiratory infections and other diseases. Israel has announced the opening of crossings into Gaza to allow aid, following international criticism.

The United Nations is appealing for $46.4 billion to assist over 180 million people in 72 countries facing conflicts, climate emergencies, and economic collapses. Despite the increasing needs, international support is not keeping pace, with only $20 billion of the $56.7 billion needed for 2023 received. The U.N. has had to scale down aid, impacting millions in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Yemen, and Nigeria. The global climate crisis exacerbates humanitarian crises, with climate-related disasters affecting over 44 million people and causing over 18,000 deaths this year. The U.N. highlights the plight of those in climate-vulnerable areas, with a significant overlap between displacement and conflict. Humanitarians are commended for their efforts, but the lack of sufficient support has led to painful decisions and reduced aid.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has spoken out against the Israeli bombing campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food, water, and basic supplies. Christian Lindmeier, a WHO spokesperson, highlighted the dire conditions faced by civilians in Gaza, including children begging for water. Since the ceasefire ended on December 1, over 2,000 Palestinians have been killed, with UN agencies reporting that 70% of the victims are women and children. The UNRWA has warned that the conflict poses a real threat to international peace and security. WHO convoys carrying supplies have been stopped, and the health system in Gaza is described as weak. Lindmeier called for an immediate ceasefire.

A U.N. refugee official, Dominique Hyde, reported an escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with 4.5 million internally displaced and 1.2 million fleeing to neighboring countries due to conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has led to widespread displacement, especially in Darfur, with rampant gender-based violence. Funding shortages are severely impacting humanitarian efforts, with only a fraction of the required funds received. The World Food Program highlights over 20 million people facing severe hunger in Sudan, exacerbated by the climate crisis. Despite the urgency, available funds are being redirected to other crises, such as in Gaza.

The humanitarian situation in Sudan's Darfur region is deteriorating due to escalating fighting between Sudan Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, leading to civilian casualties, displacement, and property damage. OCHA reports thousands of civilians killed or wounded, and millions displaced within Sudan and as refugees. UNHCR observes a significant increase in Sudanese fleeing to South Sudan, with a notable rise in violence and sexual assault. UN human rights officials report kidnappings and sexual assaults by the Rapid Support Forces, with women and girls held in slave-like conditions. Human rights officials urge investigations into sexual violence and accountability for perpetrators, while both the RSF and Sudanese army deny allegations of human rights abuses.

The World Meteorological Organization's annual State of Climate Services report warns that climate change is causing a global health crisis, particularly affecting vulnerable communities. It highlights that the rise in global temperatures is unprecedented and that without limiting the increase to 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius, the situation will worsen. The report finds Africa and South Asia most at risk, with climate change triggering diseases like dengue fever and malaria in new areas. Extreme heat has caused more deaths than other weather events, with an estimated 489,000 annual deaths since 2000, mostly in Asia and Europe. Heatwaves also exacerbate air pollution, leading to around 7 million premature deaths annually. The WHO/WMO Joint Office for Climate and Health acknowledges the challenges faced by the health community and the need for better use of climate science in national policies. Despite 74% of national meteorological services providing data to health systems worldwide, only about 23% of health ministries systematically use this information in health monitoring systems.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder described Gaza as a 'graveyard' for thousands of children and a 'hell on earth' for survivors. The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, reported over 8,300 Palestinian casualties, including 3,457 children, since Israel's airstrikes began in response to a Hamas attack on October 7. The US, which considers Hamas a terrorist organization, supports Israel but has called for civilian protection. Despite a partial lifting of Gaza's blockade by Israel, essential supplies like fuel for Gaza's power plant and hospitals remain restricted. The World Health Organization has warned of the dire health situation, with 130 babies in incubators and a significant population suffering from chronic diseases in need of medical aid.

Sudan is experiencing the world's largest internally displaced crisis with over 7.6 million people displaced due to conflict. The health system is overwhelmed, with 70 to 80 percent of health facilities non-functional in conflict areas. The WHO warns of severe illness or death from preventable and treatable causes, with 3.4 million children under five acutely malnourished and 700,000 suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Cholera outbreaks have been declared in several states, with over 1,900 suspected cases and 72 deaths. The WHO has deployed rapid response teams and stockpiled supplies to combat the crisis.

Tens of thousands of survivors from a series of 6.3 magnitude earthquakes in Herat province, Afghanistan, require urgent humanitarian aid and health services. The WHO's Alaa AbouZeid and Luo Dapeng report significant health consequences, with over 114,000 people needing lifesaving health assistance. The earthquakes resulted in over 1,500 deaths, 2,000 injuries, and extensive damage to homes and health facilities. The WHO has launched a $7.9 million appeal to provide essential health services for the most vulnerable and is deploying resources to address the needs, especially with the approaching winter.

U.N. humanitarian agencies warn of a growing health emergency in Gaza, with thousands at risk of dying without urgent relief supplies. Around 4,200 people have been killed since Hamas invaded Israel on October 7, with a significant number of casualties in Gaza. Access to fuel, water, food, and medical supplies is critically low, exacerbating the catastrophe. The WHO is concerned about Israel's evacuation orders for northern Gaza, which could violate international humanitarian law. The conflict's escalation risks destabilizing the region. The WFP reports that Gaza's food stocks are sufficient for only two weeks, with limited operational bakeries due to security and fuel issues. Humanitarian supplies are ready at the Egyptian border, but safety and security concerns delay their entry into Gaza.

UN agencies in Geneva on Friday urged Israel to cancel its order for civilians to leave northern Gaza and move to the south within 24 hours, warning of unprecedented misery and further destruction. UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described the humanitarian crisis as horrific, with over 423,000 Palestinians displaced. WHO joined the call, highlighting the critical state of Gaza's healthcare system and the impossibility of evacuating vulnerable hospital patients. WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic emphasized the need for immediate delivery of life-saving supplies amid a total blockade. UNICEF called for an immediate ceasefire, noting that children make up nearly half of the 1.1 million people warned to avoid Israeli ground attacks. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk requested the implementation of a humanitarian corridor to ensure safe and unhindered access to aid. OCHA launched a new funding appeal for $294 million to provide emergency food and essential aid to 1.2 million people, mainly in Gaza.

The UNHCR has warned of a protection crisis in Sudan and neighboring countries due to ongoing conflict between two rival generals, leading to over 5.4 million people being displaced. The crisis is described as the fastest displacement crisis globally, with significant protection challenges and human rights violations reported. The situation has severely impacted Chad and the Central African Republic, with Chad becoming the epicenter of the crisis. The UNHCR has received only 29% of the required $1 billion aid, and the lack of resources threatens the provision of lifesaving humanitarian assistance. The number of Sudanese refugees is projected to reach 1.8 million by year's end, with concerns that the prolonged crisis may destabilize the region.

U.N. agencies, including the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights and the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, are urging Israel to lift its siege on Gaza, citing international humanitarian law violations. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with over 900 Israelis and 687 Palestinians reported killed. Nearly 200,000 people in Gaza have been displaced, taking shelter in UNRWA schools. Essential services like electricity and water have been cut off, and the WHO has confirmed attacks on healthcare facilities. A humanitarian corridor is needed to deliver critical supplies, and UNICEF has called for an immediate end to hostilities, highlighting the impact on children and condemning the abduction of Israeli children to Gaza. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has condemned summary executions and mass killings by Palestinian armed groups and called for the release of civilians held hostage.

The article recounts the harrowing experiences of Nelle, a survivor of sexual violence during the Burundi conflict, and other women who suffered similar fates in various conflict zones around the world. These survivors gathered in Geneva for a retreat organized by the Mukwege Foundation to share their stories and work towards creating a global movement to end the use of rape as a weapon of war. The article highlights the historical context of recognizing rape as a weapon of war by the United Nations Security Council and the adoption of resolution 1325. Testimonies from survivors like Solange Bigiramana and Farida Abbas-Khalaf, a Yazidi girl, emphasize the importance of breaking the silence and the role of support in healing. The survivors aim to bring their experiences to light and advocate for change.

UN officials report dire conditions in Gaza after nearly three months of Israeli military bombardment, with Palestinians lacking food, water, and medical supplies. Andrea De Domenico of the UN OCHA describes the desperation felt by the crowded and shelterless population. The UNHRC's Volker Turk and UNICEF's Lucia Elmi call for an immediate ceasefire to end suffering and allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid. The conflict, disease, and malnutrition have put over 135,000 children at risk of severe acute malnutrition, with cases of diarrhea in toddlers doubling in two weeks.

The World Health Organization warns that humanitarian aid is not reaching millions in conflict-driven health emergencies, risking deaths from wounds and diseases. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accuses Israel of blocking aid to Gaza, facing bombardment and disease proliferation. Gaza's health ministry reports over 23,000 Palestinian deaths since Hamas's invasion. WHO struggles to access Gaza due to destroyed infrastructure and hostilities. WHO's Michael Ryan criticizes the destruction of services, while COGAT's Col. Elad Goren denies a blockade, stating aid is not hindered. Tedros also highlights crises in Sudan and Ethiopia, with displaced populations, disease outbreaks, and malnutrition.

Humanitarian organizations UNHCR, UNICEF, and IRC have reported that unaccompanied and separated refugee and migrant children in Europe are at risk of exploitation, trafficking, abuse, and violence. Despite a decrease in overall arrivals, the situation for these children is still considered an emergency. The organizations have created a 'Roadmap for Action' to enhance protection for these vulnerable children. The Roadmap, developed with input from practitioners and affected children, includes recommendations such as child-friendly registration processes and the appointment of trained guardians. Data indicates over 130,000 such children have arrived in Europe since July 2015, with a significant number from conflict-affected regions like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Italy has recently passed a law to support these children, but the need for improved protection across Europe remains critical.

The UN Conference on Trade and Development's report highlights the significant growth of the tourism sector in Africa, with projections indicating a substantial increase in its contribution to the continent's GDP by 2026. The report emphasizes the rise of intra-African tourism, which has surpassed visitors from other continents, and operates year-round, providing more sustainable livelihoods. However, UNCTAD's secretary-general, Mukhisa Kituyi, points out that the potential of regional tourism is not fully realized due to restrictive air transport policies. He notes that the majority of air traffic is dominated by just four countries, and high landing costs for airlines within Africa due to protectionist policies are impeding the reduction of travel expenses and the expansion of tourism. Kituyi advocates for the liberalization of air transport to enhance economic growth through increased intra-continental travel.

The article discusses the UNHCR's call for the U.N. sanctions committee to extend sanctions on Libya to include financial and travel bans on human traffickers and smugglers. Vincent Cochetel, UNHCR Special Envoy, emphasizes the need for radical action against the abuse and exploitation of refugees and migrants in Libya. The UNHCR study highlights the increase in migrants arriving in Italy and the dangers they face, including death during the crossing. It also points out the rise in unaccompanied children and the acknowledgment by Libyan authorities of certain nationalities at risk. The article mentions the complex smuggling economy in Libya, which involves the sale of smuggled oil and is linked to the militia controlling the region. The human trafficking issue is presented as a transnational crime that should be addressed by both the U.N. and the EU sanctions committees.