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UN provides multi‑country humanitarian update — Lebanon displacement, Gaza evacuations, Afghanistan floods and Venezuela quake response
Summary
At a UN briefing, officials reported ongoing humanitarian needs across several crises: more than 400,000 people remain displaced in Lebanon, medical evacuations from Gaza continue, floods in Afghanistan killed dozens, Rwanda is strengthening Ebola preparedness and Venezuela relief needs remain underfunded.
The United Nations used a press briefing to outline humanitarian needs and operations across multiple crises, calling for sustained funding and protection of civilians.
Spokesperson Steph relayed an OCHA update that since December 2024 about 1.7 million refugees and 1.9 million internally displaced people have returned to their communities in Syria but that recovery must be durable: “It is measured by whether or not they can stay, whether they can rebuild, and whether they can survive,” the spokesperson said, summarizing OCHA’s message and urging sustained and predictable humanitarian funding.
On Lebanon, the UN reported more than 400,000 people remain displaced, including about 30,000 living in collective shelters, and partners say families face worsening shelter conditions, reduced access to water and hygiene, and limited livelihood opportunities.
The World Health Organization and partners supported medical evacuations from Gaza, including nine child patients and 15 companions sent to Jordan and one adult patient and companion to Turkey; the UN said since October 2023 more than 12,700 patients have reportedly been evacuated abroad to more than 30 countries for treatment.
In Afghanistan, preliminary reports indicate heavy rainfall and flash flooding in parts of the east killed more than 40 people, left dozens injured and many missing; search and rescue operations and immediate priorities such as emergency shelter, food assistance, health services and psychosocial support are under way.
Rwanda remains at risk for Ebola given regional movements; the government, supported by UN partners, has a national preparedness plan estimated at $40 million and the UN Emergency Response Fund allocated $2 million last week to support preparedness measures.
On Venezuela, OCHA and partners estimate about 117,000 people have been reached with critical aid since devastating earthquakes nearly four weeks ago, including nearly 40,000 in La Guaira. The humanitarian appeal to assist 1.3 million people over six months remains below 40% funded, and the UN called for greater international support.
The briefing also recounted a maritime accident off Mauritania in which the UN said 144 people are dead or missing and 387 were rescued; UNHCR and partners assisted with rescues and disembarkation and the spokesperson urged efforts to create safer migration pathways.
UN officials urged donors to fund appeals and stressed that protection of civilians and humanitarian access must be preserved across these crises.
