By Alex Baluku
The United Nations began the New Year with a sobering daily press briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. From humanitarian crises in Gaza to the growing challenges to press freedom worldwide, the briefing painted a vivid picture of the pressing global issues as 2024 unfolds.
Security Council Welcomes New Members
Ambassador Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN and this month’s Security Council President, announced a detailed agenda for January. The Council also welcomed five new members—Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia, whose flags were raised in a morning ceremony.
Panama’s representative, Eloy Alfaro De Alba, used the occasion to reaffirm his nation’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal amid heightened rhetoric from international actors, including President-elect Donald Trump, who suggested U.S. control of the canal.
Gaza: A Humanitarian Nightmare
The occupied Palestinian territory remains a focal point of UN efforts. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that civilians in Gaza are unsafe anywhere amid continued Israeli military operations.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini emphasized that there are no “safe zones” in Gaza and reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire to prevent further tragedy.
Over 80% of Gaza remains under Israeli evacuation orders, with humanitarian access at its worst levels in years. Aid workers face blockades and restricted movement, severely limiting the delivery of vital supplies.
In a stark example of the ongoing crisis, OCHA highlighted the destruction of the Kamal Adwan Hospital, Gaza’s last functioning medical facility, and the detention of its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyya. The UN reaffirmed its stance that hospitals must remain neutral and safe zones during conflict.
Condolences for New Orleans Tragedy
The Secretary-General condemned a vehicular attack during New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans, which killed 15 people and injured over 30. Extending condolences to the victims’ families, the UN called for swift justice and healing for the injured.
Freedom of the Press Under Threat
The issue of press freedom featured prominently, with questions about Al Jazeera’s closure in the West Bank by the Palestinian Authority and the arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Tehran. The UN reiterated its call for unrestricted press operations globally and urged governments to protect journalists’ rights.
UN Leadership Updates
Jacob van Hierden of the Netherlands assumed his role as the new UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia. His extensive experience in development and humanitarian work, including in Micronesia, positions him as a key figure in the UN’s regional initiatives.
Looking Ahead
The UN’s high-level engagements will continue this week, including an emergency Security Council session on Gaza, with a briefing by Volker Türk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
As 2024 begins, the UN’s message is clear: solidarity, accountability, and swift action are essential in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
