Global Voices
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Ugandan activists make the case for ecofeminism
In this edition of Undertones, we explore a narrative calling for women to play a central role in climate-related decision-making in Uganda.
๐ ๊ตญ์ ๊ธฐ๊ตฌ ยท "TONE" ยท ์ด 11๊ฑด
ํํฐ ๋ณด๊ธฐํ์ฌ ์ง์
52.0
0 = ๋ถ์ ์ฐ์ธ
50 = ์ค๋ฆฝ
100 = ๊ธ์ ์ฐ์ธ
์ต๊ทผ 7์ผ ๊ธฐ์ค 4,516๊ฑด์ ๋ถ์ํ ๊ฒฐ๊ณผ, ๋ด์ค ์ฌ๋ฆฌ์ง์๋ 52.0(์ฝํ ๊ธ์ )์ ๋๋ค. ๊ธ์ 1,166๊ฑด(25.8%)ยท์ค๋ฆฝ 2,876๊ฑด(63.7%)ยท๋ถ์ 474๊ฑด(10.5%)์ด๋ฉฐ, ์ค๋ฆฝ ๋น์ค์ด ๋๋ ทํ๊ฒ ๋์ต๋๋ค. ์ฑํฅ ์ง์๋ ์ข ํฉ 0.0(์ค๋ ๊ท ํ)์ ๋๋ค.
In this edition of Undertones, we explore a narrative calling for women to play a central role in climate-related decision-making in Uganda.
Country: Colombia Source: UN Verification Mission in Colombia Bogota, 1st June 2026. I congratulate the people of Colombia for their inclusive and peaceful participation in the presidential elections on 31 May, a fundamental milestone for the countryโs democracy and future. Throughout election day, the Mission, through its field presence, was able to witness firsthand the efforts and commitment of Colombiaโs electoral authorities and public security forces to ensure the orderly conduct of the polls. I call for a calm electoral contest, free from any violence, and for redoubled efforts to ensure that the campaign for the second round takes place in a fully free environment, with security, and mutual respect. I encourage all parties to channel their differences through institutional mechanisms.
Country: Egypt Source: UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Egypt is taking important steps to strengthen its financial resilience to disasters and climate-related risks through the development of a national disaster risk financing strategy. Government institutions, United Nations agencies, and national stakeholders gathered in Cairo for a national workshop jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in coordination with the National Committee for Crisis Management and Disaster Risk Reduction affiliate to the Prime Minister's Office. The workshop marked an important milestone in supporting Egyptโs efforts to strengthen risk-informed public financing, enhance preparedness and recovery policies, and reduce the growing impacts of disasters and climate-related shocks on communities, infrastructure, and the national economy. Strengthening risk-informed financing approaches The workshop brought together representatives from national and government institutions to discuss the foundations of a comprehensive national approach to disaster risk financing and resilience planning. Discussions focused on the key determinants and overall structure for developing the national strategy, including frameworks and approaches for disaster risk financing, and the classification of disasters and risks. In the workshop, international experiences and good practices related to preparedness financing and response were discussed. Opening the workshop, Raidan Alsaqqaf, Deputy Regional Director of the Regional Office for Arab States at UNDRR, highlighted the increasing impacts of disasters on public finances, livelihoods, infrastructure, and essential services across the region. He emphasized: โCountries that have clear and pre-arranged financing mechanisms are better able to protect the most vulnerable groups, maintain essential services, accelerate recovery, and reduce long-term losses.โ Additionally, in his opening remarks, Ghimar Deeb, Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP Country Office in Egypt accentuated that "No single financial instrument can efficiently address all risks. Effective disaster risk financing protects people, livelihoods, public finances, and critical infrastructure. Therefore, the development of a Disaster Risk Financing Strategy aims to provide the Government of Egypt with a structured framework of financing instruments to respond more effectively to disaster-related losses." Building partnerships for resilience The workshop further strengthened collaboration between government institutions and UN agencies working to advance resilience and sustainable development in Egypt. It also provided an opportunity to identify the next steps for the development of the national disaster risk financing strategy, stakeholder engagement, institutional coordination, and implementation framework. The initiative reflects the growing partnership between UNDRR and UNDP in supporting governments across the Arab region to strengthen risk-informed development, disaster resilience, and financing approaches that link climate adaptation, preparedness, and sustainable development priorities. Strengthening disaster risk financing is also critical to protecting development gains, sustaining economic resilience, and ensuring continuity of essential services during crises. As climate and disaster risks continue to affect economies and communities across the Arab region, strengthening disaster risk financing is becoming increasingly important to support prevention, preparedness, resilient recovery, and long-term development planning.
Country: World Source: World Health Organization Please refer to the attached file. The WHO Botswana Biennial Report 2024โ2025 showcases a period of strong progress, resilience, and transformative partnerships in advancing national health priorities. Botswana reached a historic milestone as the first country globally to attain Gold Tier status for eliminating motherโtoโchild transmission of HIV, demonstrating the impact of sustained political commitment and integrated primary health care. Across the health system, key achievements include strengthening immunization, health security, and disease control programmes, while advancing reforms toward Universal Health Coverage and National Health Insurance. The country also enhanced preparedness through the Joint External Evaluation and development of a fully costed National Action Plan for Health Security. At the same time, Botswana continues to address emerging challenges, including nonโcommunicable diseases, health system investments, and recovery of routine services. WHO Botswana extends heartfelt appreciation to all WHO staff and to national, regional, and global stakeholders and partners for their invaluable collaboration in strengthening Botswanaโs health sector. We look forward to further deepening these partnerships to advance a healthier, more resilient future for all.
Country: World Source: Communication Foundation Communication Foundation Launches New Grant: Storytelling Reviews for NGOs Communication Foundation is excited to announce the launch of a new grant to receive a free Storytelling Review, valued at โฌ2,500. Your story defines how people understand your organisation, its values and its impact. A Storytelling Review helps clarify and strengthen your narrative so it consistently reflects who you are, what you stand for and why your work matters. CFโs Storytelling Review is a structured review of how your organisation communicates its story across channels and formats. We assess narrative structure, key messages, tone of voice, audience focus and coherence to understand whether your storytelling supports your mission and strategic positioning. Grant Awards The Storytelling Review provides a clear assessment of narrative strengths and gaps and provides actionable recommendations to master your story. By offering this service as a grant, Communication Foundation aims to empower NGOs to communicate their mission more effectively without the financial barrier. Application Process NGOs interested in applying for the Donor Proposition Review grant can submit their applications from 25 May to 15 June 2026. The application process is simple: 1. Visit https://www.communicationfoundation.org/grants to complete the form. 2. Share a brief overview of your organisation and why this review would make a difference to your donor communications. 3. Successful grantees get notified upon selection. About Communication Foundation Communication Foundation is dedicated to empowering organisations through effective communication strategies, amplifying the impact of CSOs and NGOs worldwide. Contact Information: โข Email: info@communicationfoundation.org โข Website: www.communicationfoundation.org
Country: Chad Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. SUMMARY OF THE SIMPLIFIED EARLY ACTION PROTOCOL The IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) has allocated CHF 122,718for the implementation anticipatory actions to reduce and mitigate the impact of (Rainfall flooding) in (Chad). This simplified Early Action Protocol includes an allocation of CHF 73,734 to preposition stock and undertake annual readiness activities in order to implement early actions, if and when the trigger is reached. The early actions to be conducted have been pre-agreed with the National Society and are described in the simplified Early Action Protocol. This report summarizes the annual readiness and preposition activities done in the reporting period. Chad is a country highly exposed to the effects of climate change, as confirmed by the analyses of the Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI). In addition, an assessment conducted by Verisk Maplecroft, a global risk monitoring and advisory organization, also ranks Chad among the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, heatwaves and high winds is a clear manifestation of climate change, with significant humanitarian consequences for the population. Given this increased vulnerability, lack of resources and challenges related to the humanitarian response, actors in the sector are mobilizing to develop anticipatory actions to better deal with future crises. It is in this context that the Red Cross Society of Chad (CRT), in partnership with its partners, has obtained technical and financial validation for the Simplified Early Action Protocol (sEAP) for rainwater floods. This protocol aims to implement anticipatory activities to mitigate the impacts of flooding in six provinces: Mayo Kebbi East, Mandoul, Tandjilรฉ, Logone Oriental, Moyen Chari and Salamat. Chad's sEAP was approved on 20/08/2024. Following this, the Red Cross Society of Chad (CRT) coordinated closely with the National Meteorological Services to monitor triggers, using seasonal rainfall data. The National Meteorological Agency of Chad (ANAM) has shared the 2025 seasonal forecast data with the Disaster Management Department of the Red Cross of Chad. According to these forecasts, excess rainfall accumulations are expected in both the Sudanian and Sahelian areas of the country, with an increased risk of flooding from July to September. This situation triggered the preparation activities, including the holding of information meetings with all stakeholders, the validation of target areas at the provincial level, the pre-positioning of stocks as well as the training of intervention teams. However, during the rainy season, the Chad Red Cross (CRT) continued to monitor triggers and thresholds in close coordination with ANAM. Finally, the weekly forecasts of the Extreme Prediction Index (EFI) remained below the threshold for the activation of the simplified sEAP, which resulted in the non-activation of the anticipated actions. During the reporting period, the Chad Red Cross Society (CRT) made significant progress in strengthening its preparedness for the implementation of the anticipated actions. To support this effort, the CRT organized meetings in each target province with local administrative authorities, provincial action committees (PCAs), community members, and Red Cross staff and volunteers. These meetings provided an opportunity to present the project to stakeholders and identify areas at risk of flooding at the provincial level. Fortunately, all of the targeted provinces already had contingency plans in place that included these flood zones. In addition, the sEAP was presented to local authorities and CPA members to ensure their ownership and active involvement in the implementation of the anticipated actions. The CRT also organized two-day training sessions in each province, reaching a total of 70 Chadian Red Cross staff and volunteers. These trainings focused on beneficiary targeting techniques, distribution procedures, as well as community awareness sessions on early warning, anticipatory actions and hygiene promotion. These training Hydrographic Map of Chad sessions were held in the provinces of Mayo Kebbi East, Mandoul, Tandjilรฉ, Logone Oriental, Moyen Chari and Salamat, with 70 participants, including 19 women and 51 men who successfully completed the training. At the end of the training, these trained people are ready and able to intervene when the early actions are activated. An important milestone was also reached with the signing of an agreement (Accord) between the CRT and ANAM, thus strengthening their partnership and collaboration in data sharing and monitoring of triggers under the sEAP. The CRT has also acquired and pre-positioned sanitation equipment, including: 350 wheelbarrows, 700 rakes, 700 shovels, 700 pickaxes, 20,000 empty 100 kg bags, as well as 350 Essential Household Goods (AME) kits including 350 3-seater mats, 350 mosquito nets, 350 blankets, 350 20-liter jerry cans, 350 plastic cups, 350 15-liter buckets and 700 liters of bleach. Coordination through regular meetings between the CRT, the IFRC, the French Red Cross (FRC), UN agencies and government technical services demonstrates a strong commitment to partnership and effective anticipatory action. These meetings provide valuable platforms to address emerging challenges, review ongoing initiatives, and align strategies to provide timely and effective responses in high-risk areas.
Countries: World, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Lebanon, Libya, occupied Palestinian territory, South Sudan, Sudan, Ukraine Source: Insecurity Insight Please refer to the attached file. Aid in Danger incidents affecting aid agencies and their staff and impact on programmes Incidents of threats and violence affecting aid workers, aid delivery and aid impact supporting aid agencies in risk mitigation and safety and security measures when implementing programmes. The incidents reported are not a complete nor a representative list of all events that affected the provision of aid delivery. Insecurity Insight continues to update data and figures may change. Updated data includes new and historic reports identified in open-sources and verified security incidents submitted by Aid in Danger partner agencies. Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo 01 May 2026: In Mwenga territory, South Kivu province, an INGO team travelling between Mwenga, Kamituga and Kitutu on a humanitarian and medical needs assessment mission was reportedly stopped at a checkpoint by Wazalendo, despite prior coordination with authorities and health actors. Wazalendo members disagreed about the teamโs identity and whether to let them proceed, causing them to open fire on each other, with the INGO team caught in the crossfire. The team were unharmed and continued their mission to Mwenga. Source: Actualitรฉ 03 May 2026: In Kalimoto rural locality, Lwindi chiefdom, Mwenga territory, South Kivu province, an INGO convoy travelling to Mwenga, Kamituga and Kitutu to assess humanitarian needs was reportedly attacked and robbed by Wazalendo militiamen during a humanitarian mission. Source: Actualitรฉ Sudan 02 May 2026: In Nyala city, South Darfur state, buildings near the offices of humanitarian organisations were damaged, and at least five people were injured, after a drone attack from an unidentified perpetrator**. Source:** UN News 04 May 2026: In Khartoum city and state, at an airport vital to humanitarian access, a drone from an unidentified perpetrator was shot down, leading to flights being cancelled. Source: UN News South Sudan 29 April 2026: In Walgak town, Akobo county of Jonglei state, food distributions were disrupted by renewed clashes in the area by South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF), and opposition groups, including the Sudan Peopleโs Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO). Source: OCHA, Humanitarian Access Snapshot As reported 12 May 2026: In an undisclosed location, the RSF-controlled Tasis Alliance coalition government stipulated that international humanitarian organisations must register with it and open their headquarters in Nyala within 30 days, to operate under its control or else lose the ability to carry out any further activities in the RSF-controlled areas. The SAF rejected the proposal. Source: Ayin Network 12 May 2026: In Dilling city, South Kordofan, an unspecified number of volunteers and humanitarian workers preparing food for displaced people were killed or injured when alleged RSF and SPLMโNorth artillery shelling hit the vicinity of a market and bus station. Source: Sudan Doctors Network Europe Ukraine 30 April 2026: In Dnipro city and raion, Dnipropetrovsk oblast, a vaccination bus of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, donated by the WHO, was destroyed while on its way to provide vaccination services by a Russian aerial strike. Sources: Public Health Centre of Ukraine and UN News 04 May 2026: In Dnipropetrovsk oblast, a humanitarian vehicle was damaged by a Russian forces strike. Sources: UN News 12 May 2026: In Dnipropetrovsk oblast, a WFP truck traveling in a convoy alongside two WFP armoured passenger vehicles, carrying a total of seven staff members, was struck by a Russian drone strike after successfully offloading food commodities in Zoriane and Slovianka villages. The truck driver was injured and taken to hospital. While immobilised, the truck was hit again multiple times by separate drones. All vehicles were clearly marked as UN WFP vehicles. Source: United Nations Middle East and North Africa Lebanon As reported on 12 May 2026: In Nabatieh city, district and governorate, two Lebanese Civil Defence paramedics were killed by a sequential Israeli drone strike whilst responding to a man who was killed after an Israeli drone hit his rickshaw near the Civil Defence centre. Sources: CBC, Middle East Eye and Quds News Network Libya On 11 May 2026: In international waters approximately 55 nautical miles north of Libya, the Sea-Watch 5 NGO vessel was fired at approximately 16 times by the Libyan coast guard after rescuing around 90 people. They gave no warnings prior to the shots and threatened to take the boat and the crew back to Libya. Source: EU Observer Occupied Palestinian Territory As reported 05 May 2026: In an undisclosed location, humanitarian facilities came under fire by unidentified perpetrators in two separate incidents. Source: UN News As reported 05 May 2026: In an undisclosed location, a UN warehouse was struck by an Israeli airstrike. Source: UN News As reported 05 May 2026: In an undisclosed location, relief vehicles were damaged when an unidentified perpetrator threw stones. Source: UN News Gaza Strip 29 April 2026: In international waters, about 1,111 km from Gaza, the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying food and supplies from Barcelona to Gaza was intercepted by Israeli naval forces at around 2100, using speedboats to encircle the humanitarian convoy and military lasers and weapons to subdue activists on board. Overnight and into the morning of 30 April, Israeli forces seized at least 15 of the 58 vessels and reportedly disabled the engines of several boats and abandoned them, leaving hundreds of people stranded. Source: Quds News Network 12 May 2026: In Beit Lahia city, North Gaza governorate, the area near an MSF team struck by two shells from an Israeli tank, injuring at least 12 people. The impact occurred around 400m from Al Tayeb Clinic. Source: MSF East Africa The Americas Haiti 10 May 2026: In Citรฉ Soleil and Croix-des-Bouquets, West department, a security guard at an MSF hospital was injured by gunfire during armed clashes involving multiple unidentified armed groups. More than 40 people with gunshot wounds were treated there and over 800 displaced people sought refuge around the hospital. MSF suspended operations and evacuated its hospital following the violence. Source: MSF
Country: World Source: UN Women Crises are not gender-neutral. Women and girls are disproportionately affected due to pre-existing gender inequalities and discriminatory social norms, which limit their access to humanitarian aid, services, resources, and decision-making power. It is not surprising that the 30-year review of progress on the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action found that progress for women and girls is slowest in conflict and crisis-affected countries. The review raised the alarm about how ongoing trends may further thwart progress. The data is stark: Women and girls in extremely fragile contexts are 7.7 times more likely to live in households below the poverty line of USD 2.15 per day than those in non-fragile contexts. Under a worst-case climate scenario, up to 158.3 million additional women and girls could be pushed into poverty by 2050 as a direct result of climate change, surpassing the number of men and boys by 16 million. The number of food-insecure women and girls could rise by as much as 236 million, compared with an additional 131 million men and boys. The average incidence of child marriage in conflict-affected countries is 14.4 percentage points higher than in non-conflict settings. More than a third of maternal deaths occurred in 48 fragile and conflict-affected countries. Sexual violence in conflict zones has risen sharply in recent years, while impunity for these violations has remained the norm. Girlsโ educational attainment continues to lag in conflict-affected countries. Behind these numbers are women and girls who have lost their lives, had their safety and health shattered, their rights eroded, their dignity compromised, and their potential squandered. From Gaza and Sudan to Haiti, Lebanon, and elsewhere, the gendered impacts are both immediate and long term, affecting individuals and societies. They are also not contained within borders. For example, according to a UN Women gender alert on the military escalation in the Middle East, rising food and fuel prices and supply disruptions risk deepening food insecurity and livelihood erosion and increasing unpaid care burdens for women and girls across the Arab region, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and beyond. A humanitarian system under pressure The unfolding tragedy of escalating and protracted conflicts and crises and growing humanitarian needs is taking place against a backdrop of several important global trends. First, recent years have seen a rising backlash against gender equality taking place within the wider context of democratic erosion and shrinking civic space in various countries and regions. This is influencing government policies as well as mainstream opinions and attitudes โ and threatening hard-won gains for women and girls. Second, the world is experiencing a severe contraction of international aid precisely when it is needed the most. Recent data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development shows that international aid fell in 2025 by 23.1 per cent in real terms compared with 2024, representing the largest annual drop in the history of official development assistance. This brings aid back to 2015 levels โ the year the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development began. As the Global Humanitarian Overview 2025 lays bare, the massive cuts to aid have forced the humanitarian system to do the โcruel math of doing less with lessโ and โhyper-prioritizeโ assistance toward those assessed to be in the direst need. The Humanitarian Reset, launched through the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) in March 2025, aims to make the system faster, lighter, more accountable, and more impactful. Against this backdrop, the international community needs to take bold and urgent action based on ample evidence of what works and rooted in existing commitments to gender equality and womenโs rights. Put gender equality at the center of the reset First, gender equality needs to be a cornerstone of the ongoing Humanitarian Reset and not seen as a peripheral issue. In the drive for efficiency, simplification, and focus on strictly defined and hyper-prioritized life-saving assistance, there is a risk that implementation of the IASCโs commitments to gender equality may fall short. As funding contracts and established universal norms are under attack, now is the time to double down and prioritize interventions led by women and in support of their lives, dignity, and rights. Under the reset, there is a commitment that the humanitarian system will โdefendโ norms and principles, including on gender equality. The resetโs outcomes will depend on how consistently and concretely this is done at different levels โ globally and in countries. A critical pillar is to recognize womenโs vital and rich contributions in crisis-affected settings and enable their full and equal participation and leadership in decision-making processes. Women and girls are not passive victims or mere recipients of aid โ they are responders on the front lines and are shaping the outcomes of crises, as community leaders and organizers, primary caregivers, educators, economic contributors, and peacebuilders. There is plenty of evidence that their leadership is a precondition for effective humanitarian responses, as well as for addressing the root causes of conflicts and for building sustainable recovery and peace. And yet we are far from achieving longstanding commitments to womenโs participation and leadership as per the Sustainable Development Goals and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. All too often, participation remains tokenistic and women may have seats but no real influence over decisions made. Whether in internationally led mediation processes, in country-level humanitarian teams and cluster coordination groups, in funding allocation advisory boards, or in other decision-making forums โ women need to be equally present and heard, and their perspectives recognized and heeded. They need to be able to exercise this fundamental right safely and without negative repercussions. Fund women-led and womenโs rights organizations Second, women-led and womenโs rights organizations working in conflict and crisis-affected countries need urgent funding. They were already underfunded and overstretched prior to recent funding cuts. UN Womenโs report, At a breaking point, warns that these cuts have placed enormous additional strain on their vital work and even their very existence. Both the quantity and the quality of funding matter. Funding needs to be flexible, multi-year, and reflective of the holistic and transformative nature of their work, which is not only life-saving and life-sustaining but also often encompasses longer-term development, peace, democracy building, human rights, and gender-equality objectives. Both funding and broader political support need to take into account the significant, often overlooked, risks faced in crisis settings by women, girls, gender-diverse leaders, and human rights defenders. Work across the humanitarianโdevelopmentโpeace nexus Finally, it is critical that humanitarian, development, and peace actors work more closely and effectively together to address the complex challenges of todayโs protracted and multifaceted crises. Meeting immediate needs should go hand in hand with building community resilience to disasters, strengthening governance systems, and addressing the root causes of conflict. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls need to be embedded throughout this nexus and its various components โ from defining collective gender outcomes, to conducting joint gender analysis and assessments, to harmonizing funding streams with gender markers and ambitious targets for funding projects and interventions that address womenโs specific needs, advance gender equality, or empower women. The stakes could not be higher. As the international community navigates an era of shrinking resources, eroding norms, and multiplying crises, the choices made now will determine whether women and girls are left further behind or emerge as the architects of more just and resilient societies. Delivering on commitments to gender equality in crisis settings is not a matter of idealism โ it is a prerequisite for effective, sustainable, and principled responses. The evidence is clear and the commitments exist. The world cannot afford the cost of inaction. This article is reprinted with permission from SDG Action. About the author Asya Varbanova has 20 years of experience advancing sustainable development and gender equality in complex political, post-conflict and crisis contexts, across Europe, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. Currently serving as Head of Humanitarian Section/Deputy Chief. She has led Country Offices of UN Women in Turkiye, Moldova, Serbia and North Macedonia. She has managed development programmes and humanitarian responses in diverse settings, translating normative commitments on womenโs rights and empowerment into operational results and spearheading multi-stakeholder partnerships across the UN, government institutions, civil society and private sector to advance impact at scale and institutional and systemic change.
Country: Pakistan Sources: Government of Pakistan, UN Children's Fund, World Food Programme, World Health Organization Please refer to the attached file. Operating under Pakistanโs Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) โ the country's flagship social protection programme โ the Benazir Nashonuma Programme has become a cornerstone in the fight against malnutrition in Pakistan. The final results of the cohort study of the Independent Impact Evaluation presented in May 2026 show some of the strongest results ever documented globally for a nutrition programme, with impact on stunting reduction and child survival. The evaluation is conducted by the Institute for Global Health & Development at Aga Khan University and funded by the Gates Foundation. It followed two groups from early pregnancy โ Nashonuma participants and non-participants โ both enrolled in BISP Kafaalat. The evaluation has documented significant impact on maternal outcomes, including full coverage of antenatal care (at least once), improved pregnancy weight gain (+24 g/week), and 0.36 g/dL smaller decline in hemoglobin concentration among Nashonuma participants. It also showed lower adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight reduced by 6%, preterm births by 11%, and small vulnerable newborns by 7%. For child health outcomes, stunting at 6 months was 22% lower among Nashonuma beneficiaries (equivalent to 9.4 percentage-points), especially reflecting improved maternal nutrition, and at 12 months, it was 18% lower (equivalent to 10.1 percentage-points). The evaluation also found reduced child anemia by 12%, increased full immunization coverage by 17%, while <25% of women achieved adequate dietary diversity. Launched in 2020, the Benazir Nashonuma Programme targets pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 2, focusing on the pivotal first 1,000 days. Through its integration with BISP, Nashonuma can reach the most vulnerable mothers and children. The programme is delivered through 578 facilitation and 169 stabilization centers and has reached 4.6 million women and children so far. Nashonuma provides a comprehensive package of nutrition-specific and -sensitive interventions: Antenatal and postnatal care services, child growth monitoring and immunization. Awareness sessions, Social Behavior Change to foster positive maternal, infant and young child nutrition, health, hygiene, breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. Conditional cash stipends provided by BISP. Provision of specialized nutritious food (SNF) and Multi-Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for mothers and children. SNF consists of 75 and-50 grams of nutrient-packed paste to complement the diet by filling nutrient gaps. Screening and Management of Moderate and Severe Acute Malnutrition for children and mothers, including lifesaving treatment. The Nashonuma Programme is managed by the Government of Pakistan under BISP. The World Food Programme (WFP), in close partnerships with Health Departments, supports the management of the 578 Facilitation Centers and the procurement and distribution of SNF to prevent stunting. The centres also screen for, and manage, acutely malnourished children and women. Severe cases with medical complications are referred to one of the 169 nutrition Stabilization Centres supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), which provide lifesaving medical treatment and therapeutic milk (F-75 and F-100), as well as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). UNICEF provides RUTF for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition, MMS for womenโs micronutrient deficiencies, and manages Social Behavior Change Communication & community engagement.
Country: occupied Palestinian territory Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached file. Highlights In just one week, more than 50 attacks by settlers across the West Bank resulted in casualties or property damage, including arson attacks that damaged a mosque, homes, farmland and vehicles. OCHA has documented an average of six such attacks per day in 2026. Concerns over the risk of forced displacement of hundreds of Palestinians in eastern Jerusalem governorate intensified after the Israeli Finance Minister called for the rapid implementation of long-standing demolition orders against Khan al Ahmar. In Gaza, humanitarian partners have launched a pest-control campaign in over 1,700 locations, while warning that their efforts are limited by shortages and restrictions. Only half of all aid trucks from Egypt could offload at the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom Crossing in the first 18 days of May, based on data tracked by the Logistics Cluster. Overview The Occupied Palestinian Territory remains heavily fragmented; with people not allowed to move between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and movement within each of those areas further restricted by military divisions, physical barriers, and closed zones. Combined with ongoing violence, which keeps claiming civilian lives, these conditions are further deepening peopleโs humanitarian needs while making it both difficult and unsafe for them to access support. This past week saw new waves of displacement before previous ones had even ended, as attacks and threats once again forced people from their homes or shelters. For humanitarian partners, getting staff and the whole range of critical supplies to where they are needed remains extremely difficult. West Bank Across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, escalating settler violence, Israeli forcesโ operations, demolitions, displacement, and movement restrictions are increasingly heightening protection risks and disrupting Palestiniansโ access to essential services. Hundreds of Palestinians living in Area C of eastern Jerusalem governorate are at risk of forced displacement, with concerns intensifying after the Israeli Finance Minister instructed Israeli authorities to rapidly implement long-standing demolition orders against Khan al Ahmar. Bedouin community leaders reported high levels of fear and uncertainty among residents following the announcement. Khan al Ahmar is among 18 Bedouin and herding communities, comprising about 4,000 people, directly affected by the E1 settlement plan between East Jerusalem and Maโale Adumim settlement. Humanitarian partners have long warned that the E1 settlement plan would further fragment the West Bank, sever East Jerusalem from the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, heighten the risk of forced displacement of Bedouin communities, and have severe humanitarian consequences for Palestinians across the West Bank. Since 2009, OCHA has documented the demolition of about 550 structures in the 18 communities for lacking Israeli-issued building permits, which are difficult for Palestinians to obtain, including 175 donor-funded structures provided as humanitarian assistance. According to the Shelter Cluster, between 1 January and 30 April, partners reached over 9,300 households, comprising more than 40,300 people, across the West Bank with shelter assistance, targeting displaced families and others affected by conflict-related damage, escalating settler violence, the increasing risk of forcible displacement of entire communities, and deteriorating shelter conditions. Assistance included shelter repairs and rehabilitation; support to displaced families in meeting basic shelter needs; installation of protective measures such as fences, doors, and window mesh; cash assistance for rental support; and the provision of tents, plastic sheeting, bedding kits, kitchen sets, and clothing vouchers. To help Palestinian communities cope with displacement shocks and heightened insecurity, community-based psychosocial support remains the primary intervention modality, complemented by recreational and structured support activities as well as parenting sessions. On average every week, child protection partners provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to approximately 1,600 children, including about 80 children with disabilities, and more than 670 caregivers. Partners additionally reach a weekly average of about 380 children and 100 caregivers through awareness raising sessions, including explosive ordnance risk education. Over the past week, cash assistance as well as clothing and other in-kind assistance was provided to about 60 children and 12 caregivers to help address urgent needs and reduce exposure to negative coping mechanisms, while 35 children received case management support, including specialized referrals. Casualties and Escalating Settler Violence Between 12 and 18 May (the reporting period in this section), Israeli forces and settlers killed five Palestinians, including one child, while nearly 60 Palestinians, including six children, were injured across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. More than half of the injuries occurred during settler attacks, while the remainder were mainly recorded in the context of Israeli forcesโ search operations and other raids. During the same period, OCHA documented more than 50 Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians that resulted in casualties, property damage, or both, bringing the number of such attacks documented since the beginning of 2026 to over 870 across more than 220 communities โ an average of six attacks per day. Israeli forces shot and killed two Palestinian men while they were reportedly attempting to cross the Barrier. On 12 May, Israeli forces opened fire toward two Palestinians attempting to scale the Barrier near Dahiyat al Bareed, in Jerusalem governorate, killing a Palestinian man from Deir Qaddis village (Ramallah governorate) and injuring another. On 17 May, Israeli forces shot a Palestinian man near the Barrier in Beit Ula village, in Hebron governorate, under similar circumstances. He succumbed to his wounds the following day. Since 7 October 2023, when Israeli authorities revoked or suspended most permits issued to Palestinians to access East Jerusalem and Israel for work and other purposes, and as of 11 May, OCHA has documented the killing of 19 Palestinians and the injury of over 290 others who were reportedly attempting to cross the Barrier. On 14 May, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian child in Al Lubban ash Sharqiya village, in Nablus governorate and withheld his body. In a statement, the Israeli military said that soldiers had opened fire toward Palestinians near Road 60 after stones were thrown at Israeli vehicles traveling on the road. Elsewhere in the northern West Bank, on 16 May, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man at the entrance to Jenin Camp, which has remained a closed military zone since January 2025, reportedly while he was attempting to enter. In a large-scale attack across Sinjil, Jiljiliya and Abwein villages in Ramallah governorate on 13 May, Israeli forces and settlers shot and killed one Palestinian and injured 10 Palestinians. According to local sources and video footage, dozens of Israeli settlers raided the western area of Sinjil and nearby areas in Jiljiliya and Abwein villages, stealing Palestinian-owned livestock and other property. When residents attempted to retrieve stolen flocks, Israeli forces and settlers fired live ammunition, rubber bullets and tear gas canisters. In a statement, the Israeli military said forces had entered the area following reports that Palestinians had stolen sheep from a settlement outpost, and that troops responded with crowd-control measures and live fire after stones were thrown at them while exiting the village. Subsequently, on 16 May, 22 Palestinian Bedouin families, comprising 137 people including 81 children, in the area were forcibly displaced from the area following recurrent settler attacks and intimidation. The families had previously been displaced from three other communities in 2023 due to settler violence. The reporting period saw a concerning escalation in arson attacks targeting Palestinian property, especially in Ramallah and Hebron governorate, including incidents involving anti-Palestinian graffiti. In one incident, Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque in Jibiya village in Ramallah governorate. In Al Mughayyir and Burqa villages, also in Ramallah governorate, settlers set fire to agricultural land, burning olive trees and cultivated areas, with one fire spreading across about 10 dunums due to strong winds. In Wadi ar Rakhim community near Susiya, in southern Hebron governorate, Israeli settlers threw flammable materials toward a Palestinian home, setting fire to an external kitchen, damaging a parked vehicle, and causing damage to parts of the house. In addition to the arson attacks, Israeli settlers carried out multiple assaults on Palestinian homes and infrastructure across Ramallah, Nablus, Salfit and Hebron governorates. These included physical assaults against Palestinians, attacks on homes while families, including children, were inside, damage to water and electricity infrastructure, theft and vandalism of agricultural property, and the destruction of olive trees and fencing. In one incident in Hebron governorate on 17 May, a large group of settlers reportedly physically assaulted four Palestinians and damaged residential structures and personal property in Umm ad Daraj community near Saโir village. In Ramallah governorate, settlers from a recently established outpost near Ein โArik village reportedly raided homes, physically assaulted four Palestinians, vandalized water tanks and construction materials, and seized electric cables. A Palestinian-owned car torched in Jibiya village, Ramallah governorate, where Israeli settlers also set fire to a mosque and spray-painted Hebrew graffiti on its walls during one of more than 50 settler attacks documented across the West Bank during the week of 12-18 May 2026. Photo by OCHA. On 14, 15 and 16 May, during the annual Israeli โJerusalem Dayโ and accompanying โFlag Marchโ events, Israeli settlers and other Israelis, including Israeli officials, marched through the Old City of Jerusalem and several Palestinian neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem under protection by Israeli forces. Israeli forces erected barriers, restricted Palestinian movement and access, including to Al Aqsa Mosque, and facilitated the marches throughout the Old City and surrounding areas. During the events, settlers assaulted Palestinians and damaged Palestinian-owned property, including shops and homes, while chanting anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian slogans. In Silwan neighbourhood, settlers physically assaulted and injured a 16-year-old Palestinian boy with a metal stick, causing facial fractures, while in the Old City two Palestinian shop owners were injured after settlers attacked their stores and sprayed them with pepper spray. According to local sources, Israeli forces also physically assaulted and arrested at least 20 Palestinians during the three-day events. Demolitions and Displacement During the reporting period, Israeli authorities demolished four homes and 20 agricultural and livelihood-related structures for lacking Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. Overall, 19 structures were demolished in Area C and five in East Jerusalem, resulting in the displacement of five households comprising 26 people, including nine children, of whom 15 people were displaced in East Jerusalem and 11 in Area C. Eighteen of the 19 structures demolished in Area C were agricultural or livelihood-related structures, including 12 structures demolished in a single incident on 13 May in Area C of Al Marwaha area of Beit Hanina, on the Jerusalem side of the Barrier. During the incident, the Israeli Civil Administration, accompanied by Israeli forces, demolished animal shelters, caravans, and storage and sales facilities for construction materials, in addition to surrounding fences, affecting seven Palestinian households comprising 41 people, including 23 children. The demolition resulted in significant financial losses, as affected families were unable to remove most materials and equipment prior to the operation. Since the beginning of 2026, about 71 per cent of the approximately 400 structures demolished in Area C for lacking Israeli-issued building permits have been agricultural, livelihood-related, or water and sanitation structures. Humanitarian Impacts of Raids and Movement Restrictions During the reporting period, OCHA documented more than 40 raids and other operations by Israeli forces across the West Bank, involving house searches, mass detentions, temporary home evacuations, and movement restrictions, disrupting access to livelihoods, education and essential services and heightening fear and distress among affected communities. In multiple governorates, including Tubas, Salfit, Jenin and Nablus, Israeli forces carried out prolonged raids involving large-scale house searches, temporary takeover of Palestinian homes for military use, detentions, and reported physical assaults. In one raid on 17 May in Burin village, home to about 3,000 Palestinians southwest of Nablus city, Israeli forces closed all entrances to the village for nearly 19 hours, reportedly after alleging that stones had been thrown at Israeli vehicles. The closure disrupted movement and access to work and education, forcing shops to close and leading some schools to postpone exams and suspend classes. Separately, Israeli settlers, reportedly from nearby settlement outposts and often accompanied by Israeli forces, carried out repeated attacks against homes in Burin village during the reporting period. At least two attacks included attempted break-ins, damage to property, and physical assaults against residents. In one of these attacks on 13 May, a 13-year-old Palestinian girl was reportedly struck on the head with a stick by an Israeli settler while her family attempted to protect their livestock during an attack on their home. She was treated at the scene by Palestine Red Crescent Society paramedics. Moreover, about 100 students attempting to reach a Palestinian school in the H2 area of Hebron city through As Salaymeh (160) checkpoint were reportedly subjected to repeated delays and restrictive measures imposed by Israeli forces, including demands to present birth certificates and, in some cases, be accompanied by a parent. On 11 May, 103 students were unable to reach the school altogether. Similar restrictions and delays were again reported on 14 and 18 May, disrupting studentsโ access to education. For key figures and additional breakdowns of casualties, displacement and settler violence between January 2005 and March 2026, please refer to the OCHA West Bank March 2026 Snapshot. Gaza Strip The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, with many displaced families continuing to shelter in overcrowded tents, schools, or damaged structures due to the lack of safe alternatives. Access to essential services also remains severely constrained, including limited availability of clean water and inadequate waste management systems that are unable to effectively address growing public health risks, including the spread of pests and rodents. Many residential areas across Gaza remain unsafe and exposed to recurrent strikes, shelling, and shooting incidents in or near populated areas. Ongoing insecurity and access constraints are disrupting some humanitarian and communityโbased activities, while aid workers continue to report significant access impediments in areas where Israeli authorities require humanitarian teams to coordinate their movements with them. Between 16 and 17 May, humanitarian partners recorded the displacement of more than 150 families from eastern Khan Younis and eastern Gaza city. Affected families said they fled because of tank movements or bombing. Forty of the newly displaced families have been identified by partners as requiring emergency assistance as they fled with only what they could carry, and a response by multiple partners has been initialized. Simultaneously, Israeli strikes continued to be reported during the reporting period, affecting residential areas and makeshift shelters. In one incident on 18 May, an airstrike hit Jabalya Camp, reportedly damaging 35 familiesโ tents and tarpaulins and displacing dozens of them. Data by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza indicates that between 12 and 20 May, 24 Palestinians were killed, five bodies were retrieved, two died of wounds, and 159 people were injured. This brings the overall reported casualty toll since the announcement of a ceasefire agreement on 10 October 2025 to 881 fatalities and 2,621 injuries, according to MoH. Severe shortages of engine oil continue to disrupt critical water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services across the Gaza Strip. The WASH Cluster estimates that approximately 7,000 litres are required every month and lifeโsaving activities are increasingly curtailed. Key infrastructure is already affected, as demonstrated by the shutdown of the Sheikh Radwan stormwater lagoon in Gaza city on 11 May to preserve generator lifespan after prolonged operation. Water and wastewater levels have since risen significantly, raising the risk of flooding in the coming weeks and posing serious public health threats, according to the WASH Cluster. At the same time, solid waste management continues to rely on temporary dump sites located near active displacement sites. Humanitarian partners report that displaced families are increasingly affected by skin infections and other illnesses, as rats and insects enter shelters and contaminate food. While efforts are ongoing to improve sanitation and pest control, more sustainable responses require restored access to Gazaโs sanitary landfills near the perimeter, where Israeli forces remain deployed, as well as the entry of debris removal machinery and other critical supplies such as trucks, compactors, loaders, containers or personal protective equipment. To address pest infestations, WASH Cluster partners and local organizations, in coordination with the United Nationโs Development Programme (UNDP), have launched a response plan targeting over 1,700 locations across the Gaza Strip on 17 May. It involves spraying, rodent control, and awareness raising activities. The supplies for the campaign โ 3 tonnes of rodenticides and 3,000 litres of pesticides โ were brought into Gaza last week by UNDP. Partners indicate that a full response to rodents and pests requires the Israeli authorities to facilitate access to Gazaโs landfills where waste can be safely disposed of and approve requests to bring into Gaza items necessary for the removal of debris and the clearance of explosive ordnance โ as well as inputs necessary to keep that equipment running. According to the Site Management Cluster (SMC), some 1,600 displacement sites across Gaza are currently hosting about 1.7 million people, or 354,480 households. This is based on non-exhaustive data collected through in-person visits or โ in some cases โ phone interviews, between 3 February and 10 May. Nearly 88 per cent them reside in makeshift sites, while others are accommodated in collective centres or scattered locations. Population movements over the preceding month indicate largely localized displacement patterns, with most sites reporting no significant change, though some continue to experience inflows and outflows. Incoming Supplies Kerem Shalom and Zikim remain the only operational entry points for humanitarian and commercial goods into Gaza. Between 11 and 17 May, offloading rates were 81 per cent across all corridors, with every other truck from Egypt still unable to offload at the Israeli crossings along Gazaโs perimeter, based on data tracked by the Logistics Cluster; this does not include bilateral humanitarian donations or the private sector. On the commercial front, according to the Chamber of Commerce and other humanitarian partner market assessments, prices remained elevated but generally stable with fresh products continue to show the greatest volatility. The Cash Working Group (CWG) continues to advocate for an increased number of commercial trucks entering Gaza to support market recovery, a reduction in fees applied to essential commodities, and a more appropriate balance between essential and nonโessential items being imported to better meet priority needs and stabilize markets. Between 7 and 20 May, the United Nation Office for Project Services (UNOPS) took into Gaza more than 2.1 million litres of diesel petrol into Gaza and distributed just over 2 million litres of diesel (including from stocks brought in before that period) in support of humanitarian operations. The UN is only able to confirm the entry of supplies tracked by UN 2720. For breakdowns of those, see the online UN 2720 Mechanism Dashboard. For a detailed account of the latest humanitarian operations in Gaza, see Annex 1 below. Funding Annexes Annex 1: Humanitarian Operations in the Gaza Strip by Cluster Read more This section covers 11 to 17 May unless otherwise specified. Food Security As of 18 May, partners provided general food assistance to 122,000 households (440,000 people) as part of the May monthly distribution. Each family receiving two parcels, one 25-kilogram flour bag and 2.5 kilograms of high energy biscuits, covering 75 per cent of the minimum caloric needs โ the same as in April. Additional caloric needs are still covered through other modalities. As of 13 May, partners continued preparing and serving about 1 million meals every day through 103 kitchens and to almost 1,800 different locations. While these efforts remain critical, partners have scaled down cooked meal production due to funding constraints and rising operational costs. As the same time, responders are seeking to diversify assistance modalities, to include more cash and livelihood support. Humanitarian partners continue to support bread production through subsidized bakeries, community ovens, and partnersโ own baking facilities, producing at least 300 metric tons of bread daily โ about 36 per cent of the Stripโs estimated bread needs. More than 35 commercial bakeries are involved in these efforts, alongside flour distributions by partners and bilateral government actors to help families bake bread at home. As of 17 May, 28 subsidized bakeries were producing approximately 130,000 two-kilogram bread bundles per day, with about 80 per cent sold at a subsidized price of 3 NIS (US$0.85) through 168 contracted retailers and the remaining 20 per cent distributed free of charge to over 300 shelters and community sites. Meanwhile, under the โdiesel-onlyโ model, five private bakeries supported with free fuel by humanitarian partners resumed operations late April and have gradually increased production, despite ongoing challenges related to high fuel, spare parts, and engine oil costs. A few examples of what is still needed: Scaling up home gardening requires strengthened technical support, including real-time advisory channels, the use of organic compost, seed-saving practices, and the provision of seedlings to improve germination rates. Proper site assessments are also essential to ensure feasibility, taking into account water and soil quality, available space, and safe access for households. At a broader level, restoring local food production depends on the timely and unrestricted entry of agricultural inputs through commercial and humanitarian channels, alongside enabling local importers to directly source and import the materials needed to restart and sustain production at scale. Water, Health and Sanitation (WASH) Fifty-four partners provide approximately 24,000 cubic metres of water per day to people in more than 2,000 locations, as 74 per cent or all households in Gaza rely on such deliveries. Between 4 and 17 May, UNICEF distributed 15,343 hygiene kits, 2,448 dignity kits, and 7,350 jerry cans benefitting almost 116,000 people. A few examples of what is still needed: Generator and vehicle spare parts and consumables โ including engine oil, air filters, and tires โ are urgently needed, alongside emergency repair kits for the Israeli Mekorot and UAE water pipelines as well as water pipes of various sizes. Additional priorities include reverse osmosis units, spare parts and accessories for existing systems, and solid waste compactors, as well as access to landfills near Gazaโs perimeter to ease pressure on temporary dump sites in southern Gaza. Health Between 11-17 May, partners supported the medical evacuation of 59 patients, including six children, to Egypt via Rafah Crossing, alongside 87 caregivers. Partners provided medical consultations, with reportable diseases accounting for 21.4 per cent of the consultations across 181 reporting sites. Increasing trends were observed in skin diseases, acute watery diarrhea, and bloody diarrhea, while acute respiratory infections declined, likely reflecting seasonal variation. Environmental surveillance results for March and April 2026 confirmed all samples negative for Poliovirus, marking 12 consecutive months without detection; in line with WHO guidance, the outbreak may be considered over pending Poliovirus Outbreak Response Assessment (OBRA) desk review. A risk assessment for rodent-associated diseases remains ongoing. Partners completed a training on infection prevention and control (IPC) and isolation protocols for over 400 clinical staff across five major hospitals, as well as more than 100 environmental cleaners and emergency medical services personnel. A few examples of what is still needed: Water testing equipment and liquid chlorine supplies are lacking in hospitals, primary health-care centres, and medical points because of administrative impediments from Israeli authorities. For more information, see the online Heath Cluster Dashboard. Shelter Between 11 and 17 May, partners provided 14,429 households with shelter and non-food assistance through in-kind and cash-based modalities. Assistance included 14,936 bedding items, 3,173 bedding kits, 2,922 tarpaulins, 1,114 sealing-off kits, and 839 clothing kits. The Rapid Joint Distribution Mechanism supported 55 households with emergency shelter and essential household items, including 10 packages of tents and non-food items and 45 sealing-off kits. Partners installed 115 emergency shelters in Gaza and Khan Younis using Shelter Cluster Emergency Shelter Kit designs and specifications. A few examples of what is still needed: More essential household items are needed, as available stocks are merely enough to support fewer than 3,400 additional households. Administrative impediments imposed by Israeli authorities should be lifted along with restrictions on shelter items. For more information, see the Shelter Cluster website. Protection Between 11 and 17 May, 11 protection partners delivered lifesaving and protection-related services to almost 11,000 people: Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), including psychological first aid and individual and group counselling, was provided to 8,259 people; Legal aid and legal awareness support was provided to 219 people; Referrals and case follow-up were provided to 232 people; Other support was provided to 341 persons with disabilities; Group psychosocial support sessions were provided to 350 people; Mine action and explosive ordnance risk education were provided to 168 people; Relief was distributed to 1,265 people; Staff-care activities were conducted for 25 responders. During the same period, partners offered services to 146 returnees from Egypt; since the reopening of the Rafah border and as of 14 May, 2,429 returnees have been assisted, including 885 currently receiving follow-up protection services. Protection monitoring activities continued through eight focus group discussions and 130 key informant interviews across 16 neighbourhoods, reaching 1,155 people. A few examples of what is still needed: It is critical to address the psychological distress affecting staff members, alongside persistent fuel shortages, rising transportation costs, cash flow constraints, and the limited availability of essential materials and spare parts. For more information, see the online Protection Cluster dashboard. Child Protection Between 11 and 17 May, partners: provided MHPSS services to over 4,000 children and approximately 1,500 caregivers. Services included structured psychosocial support sessions, recreational and resilience-building activities, art and drama interventions, individual counselling, Psychological First Aid, parenting support, and community-based psychosocial programmes. conducted child protection awareness and community-based protection activities for another 4,700 children and caregivers through awareness sessions, risk mitigation activities, positive parenting sessions, safety mapping exercises, and community outreach across shelters, camps, schools, and displacement sites; provided individual case management support to 56 newly identified high-risk children, while continuing follow-up for more than 3,000 active child protection cases involving children without parental care, highly distressed children, and children exposed to violence, neglect, exploitation, family separation, and unsafe living conditions. conducted 135 follow-up contacts for unaccompanied and separated children to assess wellbeing, care arrangements, and protection concerns; A few examples of what is still needed: Additional funding and operational support are needed to sustain high-risk child protection case management, MHPSS services, outreach activities, and child-friendly spaces, many of which face disruptions. Partners also require increased fuel, transportation, and operational supplies to maintain home visits, referrals, and follow-up activities, particularly in underserved and newly displaced areas. Additional trained case workers, MHPSS specialists, accessible safe spaces, and psychosocial materials are also needed to respond to growing protection concerns among children and adolescents across Gaza. Mine Action UNMAS conducted 36 explosive hazard assessments in support of debris removal and other partner activities, and three inter-agency missions. Partners conducted explosive ordnance risk education activities, reaching almost 3,480 people between 10 and 14 May. Since the October 2025 ceasefire announcement, 109 accidents have been recorded, leading to 265 Palestinians injured and 49 killed. Emergency Telecommunications Between 11 and 17 May, ETC continued close collaboration with UNDSS on the Communications Plan, providing final technical inputs with completion expected by 31 May. Coordination also continued with PRCS and ICRC to support technical recovery of the damaged VHF network in Gaza, building on earlier VHF coverage assessments conducted along the Gaza cityโZikim route. A few examples of what is still needed: Despite progress, connectivity in Gaza remains severely constrained, limiting humanitarian coordination. The VHF network remains only partially functional due to security constraints and limited technical capacity.
Country: Sudan Source: UN Children's Fund Please refer to the attached file. Highlights Health services remained a critical lifeline, with over 130,000 women and children accessing primary healthcare services across conflictโaffected areas in March, despite insecurity and access constraints, alongside targeted mobile and integrated outreach in hardโtoโreach locations to respond to ongoing cholera, measles, dengue and malaria risks. Nutrition needs continued to surge, with 24,500 children admitted for severe acute malnutrition treatment in March and over 825,000 children screened, reflecting expanded outreach and early detection efforts in highโpriority, famineโrisk localities. WASH interventions reached over 650,000 people with access to safe drinking water, helping reduce outbreak risks in overcrowded displacement settings through chlorination activities and rehabilitation of water systems, alongside continued sanitation and hygiene promotion in hotspot areas. Despite these efforts, the 2026 HAC appeal remains critically underfunded, with only 16 per cent of requirements met, severely constraining the scaleโup and continuity of lifeโsaving services and leaving millions of children at heightened risk. [...] SITUATION OVERVIEW AND HUMANITARIAN NEEDS Sudan continues to face severe humanitarian challenges driven by protracted conflict, shifting frontlines, mass displacement, and recurrent disease outbreaks. As control lines continue to shift across the countryโs 18 states, the dynamics of the operating environment remain volatile, with humanitarian needs intensifying in conflictโaffected areas, displacementโhosting locations, and returnee areas. While the overall internal displacement has decreased to approximately nine million people5 , largely due to voluntary returns, there is persistent and active conflict that continues to displace people in Darfur and Kordofans. Children remain disproportionately affected, accounting for 55 per cent of all internally displaced persons. At the same time, return movements have accelerated, with 3.8 million documented returnees6 , majority (84 per cent) returning from within Sudan and 16 per cent from abroad. Despite the overall reduction in the overall magnitude of displacement, recent hostilities continue to trigger new and localized waves of movements, particularly in Kordofan, Darfur and Blue Nile, regions that have endured decades of protracted conflict. From late October 2025 to March 2026, more than 135,000 people7 were newly displaced across the Kordofan states, while over 13,000 people8 were displaced in Blue Nile State in March alone, primarily from Kurmuk and Geissan localities. With hostilities ongoing, further displacement is expected. Renewed fighting along key routes to Dilling and Kadugli has reintroduced significant access constraints, severely limiting humanitarian reach and the delivery of life-saving assistance to affected populations. Protection risks are escalating as the conflict becomes increasingly characterised by indiscriminate attacks and damage to civilian infrastructure. Shelling and drone strikes continue to result in civilian casualties and the destruction of essential services, including health and education facilities. Recent attacks on El Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur9 and on a secondary school and primary healthcare centre in Shukairi village10 , White Nile State, underscore the growing severity of violations against civilian infrastructure and the erosion of safe access to basic services. Food insecurity in Sudan constitutes one of the most severe nutrition crises globally. Recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Acute Food Insecurity (IPC-AFI) analyses estimate that over 60 percent of the population (24.6โ28.9 million people) are experiencing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3+), including more than 6 million in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and over 750,000 in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) with famine conditions confirmed in Al Fasher (North Darfur) and Kadugli (South Kordofan). Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) highlights persistent risk of famine in greater Darfur and Kordofan, particularly in areas experiencing siege-like conditions. An estimated 3.6 million children under five11 are projected to be acutely malnourished in 2026, driven by protracted conflict, displacement, limited access 2 to humanitarian services, and the risk of famine in the most affected areas. The Federal Ministry of Health has declared the end of the cholera outbreak following six consecutive weeks without reported casesโan important milestone. However, public health risks remain high, with multiple disease outbreaksโincluding measles, diphtheria, dengue, hepatitis E and malariaโcontinuing to circulate widely. These risks are further exacerbated by overcrowding, poor water and sanitation conditions, and limited access to healthcare, particularly in displacement settings.