- WFP Temporarily Halts Food Aid in Northern Yemen
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Tuesday that it has been forced to suspend the distribution of food aid to families in the northern regions of Yemen controlled by Houthi forces. Despite year-long negotiations with the authorities for a more limited aid program, no agreement has been reached. The scaled-down initiative aimed to reach 6.5 million people in need, compared to the current 9.5 million. WFP described the decision to pause as challenging but necessary due to depleted food stocks, and even with an immediate agreement, resuming assistance could take up to four months.
WFP emphasized its commitment to continue ongoing programs, contingent on sufficient funding and cooperation from Houthi authorities. In government-controlled areas of Yemen, food distribution will persist, with a heightened focus on the most vulnerable, aligning with adjustments made in response to budget constraints announced in August.
- Sporting Chance Forum Addresses Human Rights in Sports
The Sporting Chance Forum commenced in Geneva, bringing together key stakeholders in the sports industry to discuss the future of sport and human rights. The two-day event is part of the UN’s Human Rights 75 initiative, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the forum aims to shape the role of human rights in the sporting world for the coming decades.
UN rights chief Volker Türk emphasized the importance of improving equality in sports as a catalyst for broader social transformation. He expressed deep concern about racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia in sports, calling for action to combat the near-impunity culture that allows abuse to persist. Türk also highlighted gender inequality and discrimination against women and LGBTIQ+ individuals within the sports industry.
- Emergency Response Fund Allocates $7 Million for Myanmar
Martin Griffiths, the UN’s Humanitarian Affairs chief, has allocated $7 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to aid civilians displaced by the escalating conflict in Myanmar. The country has faced unrest since a military takeover in February 2021, leading to widespread protests and armed insurgencies. Fighting intensified in late October, displacing over half a million people in addition to the existing two million displaced individuals.
Despite challenges like insecurity and communication issues, humanitarian assistance is being provided where possible, with local and international partners committed to delivering aid. However, the UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan for Myanmar remains underfunded, with urgent additional support needed to address escalating needs. The CERF contribution aims to facilitate life-saving assistance for those affected by the intensifying conflict.
