This is the News in Brief from the United Nations.
Afghan ceasefire chance for ‘a life of peace’
The Afghan Government’s announcement of a conditional ceasefire with the Taliban, for the upcoming Eid, has been welcomed by UNAMA, the UN Assistance Mission in the country.
In July, a UNAMA report revealed that the first half of 2018 has been the deadliest for Afghans since the Mission began reporting casualty numbers in 2009.
Tadamichi Yamamoto, the head of UNAMA, urged warring parties to seize all opportunities for a negotiated end to the conflict so that all Afghans can enjoy the life of peace they so desperately want and need.
If it holds, this will be only the second ceasefire between the two sides to be respected since the conflict began almost 20 years ago.
Displaced Syrian families return home
Thousands of Syrian families in the south-west of the country have been returning to their homes, says the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA.
The news comes in the wake of the Syrian Government’s recapturing of the majority of territory in the region.
However, over 50,000 people are believed to still be displaced, and there’ s an ongoing need for humanitarian assistance and protection services.
OCHA called for sustained Government access and approvals to enable the UN and its partners to continue providing life-saving assistance to those in need.
UN Staff pay tribute to Kofi Annan
Following the sudden passing of Kofi Annan, condolence books have been opened at UN duty stations worldwide, allowing staff to record their own thoughts and memories of the former Secretary-General.
According to a statement on his Twitter account, Mr. Annan died peacefully after a short illness on Saturday. He was 80.
The UN flag remains at half-mast at UN duty stations, and a wreath-laying ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Organization’s New York Headquarters this Wednesday.
You can find many articles, audio features and videos about Mr. Annan’s life and legacy on our website, news.un.org.
Conor Lennon, UN News.
