The UN reported over 10 million displaced individuals in Sudan due to ongoing conflict, highlighting urgent humanitarian efforts amidst significant challenges. In West Africa, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed is on a mission to assess and promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Côte d’Ivoire joined the UN Water Convention, enhancing cross-border water management cooperation critical for addressing water scarcity in the region.
The situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, with over 10 million individuals displaced since the onset of conflict in April 2023, marking a ‘grim milestone’, as reported by UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric during a press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York. This figure indicates that approximately 20 percent of the population has fled their homes, predominantly within the country, with around eight million displaced individuals, a significant portion of whom are children. Moreover, more than two million people have sought refuge in neighboring nations, which are also grappling with their own humanitarian crises. Efforts from humanitarian organizations in Sudan are ongoing to provide assistance to those in need. Recently, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has delivered relief supplies to 2,000 vulnerable families in East Darfur, while the World Food Programme (WFP) announced food aid for more than 120,000 internally displaced persons in South Kordofan. However, Dujarric cautioned that these aid organizations are confronting numerous challenges, including persistent insecurity, restricted access, and insufficient funds. He noted that, despite a recent increase in funding commitments for the Humanitarian Response Plan, only 30 percent of the required $2.7 billion has been secured thus far. In West Africa, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed commenced her mission in Senegal aimed at evaluating the progress and challenges related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following a summit at UN Headquarters, she conducted meetings with Senegalese officials, emphasizing the UN’s support for key transitions needed to achieve the SDGs, such as advancements in food systems and renewable energy. Her itinerary includes stops in Guinea and Mali before culminating in Ethiopia, where she will preside over the Preparatory Committee for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. Additionally, Côte d’Ivoire has recently ratified the UN Water Convention, which aims to foster improved management of transboundary water resources. With this signing, Côte d’Ivoire becomes the 53rd party and the 10th African nation to join this treaty. This accession signifies a commitment to regional cooperation in water management amidst challenges posed by urbanization and climate change, which threaten water quality and availability in the country. The importance of such cooperative frameworks is heightened by the pressing issue of water scarcity across Africa, with most of the continent’s water resources shared by multiple nations. The next meeting of the Convention parties is scheduled for October in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The article addresses three significant global issues: the humanitarian crisis in Sudan due to escalating conflict, the efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in West Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to transboundary water management through the UN Water Convention. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in a staggering number of displaced persons, prompting urgent humanitarian assistance from multiple organizations. Concurrently, the focus on SDGs has become imperative, particularly in West African nations where socioeconomic challenges persist. The accession of Côte d’Ivoire to the UN Water Convention exemplifies the growing recognition of the need for collaborative water governance to address pressing challenges like climate change and population growth in shared river basins.
In summary, the displacement crisis in Sudan remains critical, with millions impacted by ongoing violence, while humanitarian efforts are hampered by various challenges. The mission of the UN Deputy Secretary-General in West Africa underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to achieving sustainable development despite existing hurdles. Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire’s participation in the UN Water Convention marks a significant advancement in cooperative water management in Africa, which is essential given the continent’s escalating water scarcity issues. Collective efforts and increased funding ultimately remain vital for addressing these pressing global challenges.
Original Source: news.un.org
