(Peace and Security – Sudan) The war in Sudan is entering a deadlier phase, the United Nations has warned, as intensified fighting in the Kordofan region, mounting civilian casualties from drone strikes and growing risks of regional spillover push the conflict toward the 1,000-day mark. Briefing the Security Council on Monday, senior UN political and humanitarian officials described a sharply deteriorating security and humanitarian situation marked by indiscriminate attacks, expanding territorial gains by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and escalating dangers for civilians, aid workers and peacekeepers. The conflict erupted in April 2023 amid a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. Since then, fighting has spread nationwide, devastating cities, displacing millions and pushing parts of the country – including areas of Darfur – into famine conditions. Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Khaled Khiari said fears that the dry season would bring intensified fighting had been confirmed. Each passing day brings staggering levels of violence and destruction,” Mr. Khiari told ambassadors. “Civilians are enduring immense, unimaginable suffering, with no end in sight.” – UN warns Sudan war entering deadlier phase as fighting spreads in Kordofan | UN News
(Humanitarian Aid – Somalia) Brutal slashes to aid budgets are hampering efforts to assist millions of people in Somalia affected by drought, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Monday. More than 4.6 million people across the country, roughly a quarter of the population, are impacted, according to local authorities. “Partners indicate that at least 120,000 people were displaced between September and December, as water prices soar, food becomes increasingly scarce, livestock die and livelihoods collapse,” OCHA said in an update. Additionally, more than 75,000 students nationwide have been forced to drop out of school. – Somalia: Funding cuts impact assistance to millions affected by drought | UN News
(Humanitarian Aid – Gaza) Despite the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, humanitarians continue to receive reports of airstrikes, shelling and gunfire in all five governorates, the United Nations said on Monday. This has resulted in casualties and disruptions to aid operations over the past 24 hours, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at Headquarters, in New York. Still, efforts to deliver assistance to the most vulnerable families continue during the cold and wet winter season, although a rescue mission to reach an injured person in Gaza City was denied. – Winter aid delivery continues in Gaza | UN News
(Humanitarian Aid – Ukraine) Hostilities in Ukraine this weekend resulted in more civilian casualties and widespread damage to critical infrastructure, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Monday. Between Friday and early morning Monday, Ukrainian authorities said that over a dozen civilians were killed and more than 70 others injured, including two children. Basic service disruptions were reported in over 270 towns and villages. The attacks come amid harsh winter conditions in Ukraine and increasing humanitarian needs as attacks last week also disrupted services and led to several fatalities. – Weekend attacks in Ukraine bring more casualties, damage infrastructure | UN News
(Law and Crime Prevention – Syria) Past geopolitical tensions related to the synthetic drug “captagon” are now being mitigated with the Syrian authorities’ commitment to dismantle illicit manufacturing, says the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Captagon, a highly addictive stimulant, has been circulating illegally from the Middle East to Africa and back with 80 per cent of seizures since 2019 indicating Syria as the country of origin, according to the Office. But one year post-regime change in the country, the large-scale manufacturing of the synthetic drug has been disrupted, according to a new research brief by UNODC. “While the drug market expanded in recent years it divided the region, but the need for action is now bringing it together,” said Bo Mathiasen, UNODC Director for Operations, adding that countries are now sharing intelligence and running joint operations, leading to “record” seizures this year alone. – Synthetic drug market disrupted in Syria after regime change | UN News
