World News in Brief: Sudan and Haiti updates, Afghan women’s rights
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia have been battling their former allies in Sudan’s military government for control of the country since April 2023.According to local sources, at least 12 people were killed in attacks on two towns in North Darfur near the Sudan-Chad border, the UN’s Deputy Spokesperson told journalists on Tuesday. Additional strikes in the towns of Al Tina and Kornoi earlier this week also caused multiple deaths and injuries, including attacks that reportedly killed children and wounded civilians.The UN warned that the growing use of drone attacks is increasing the danger for civilians in areas already struggling with displacement, insecurity and limited humanitarian access.Diplomatic efforts continueAt the same time, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, is continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and civilian protection. The UN – alongside regional and international partners – is also working to support preparations for a future Sudanese-led political dialogue.The UN again called on all combatants to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and allow humanitarian aid to reach communities in need, warning that millions across Sudan urgently require assistance.Violence in Haiti’s capital shows no sign of abatingThe UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported on Tuesday that conditions continue to deteriorate in and around the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, with gang-related violence spiking since 10 May – particularly in the neighbourhood of Cité SoleilAccording to new estimates from UN migration agency IOM, some 17,500 people – that’s more than 4,200 households – have been displaced in the past two weeks. More than 80 per cent of the displaced are sheltering in 33 sites, while others are hosted by already vulnerable families, OCHA said. Needs rapidly growAssessments at the displacement sites point to rapidly growing needs for food, clean water, healthcare and hygiene supplies. Conditions at the sites, including poor lighting, are also raising concerns over safety. “Children separated from their families, pregnant women and people with disabilities are at greater risk as a result,” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters at the daily briefing. “Our humanitarian partners continue to respond despite the insecurity and access constraints, with OCHA coordinating the effort to ensure we can reach people in need more effectively.” UN warns Afghan women are ‘no longer equal before the law’
