This is the News in Brief from the United Nations.
UN Syria Envoy warns of potential ‘perfect storm’ in Idlib
The UN Special Envoy for Syria has warned of what he called a possible “perfect storm” in Idlib due to the potential military escalation in the area.
Staffan de Mistura said the lives of nearly 3 million people could be at stake.
He spoke to journalists in Geneva on Thursday:
“I don’t have any specific information about any imminent attack. But I do have eyes and information regarding preparations and build-ups and messages and declarations. And the fact that while we are talking, two of the main guarantors — in this case, Turkey and the Russian Federation — are trying and we hope will succeed in avoiding the worst-case scenario.”
Russia and Turkey, together with Iran, are guarantors of a 2017 deal which outlines de-escalation zones in Syria.
Cholera cases in Yemen on the rise
Humanitarians are working to avoid a large-scale resurgence of cholera in Yemen.
More than 2,300 people there have died since April 2017 in the most serious outbreak of the diarrhoeal disease on record.
The UN reports that 120,000 suspected cases have been reported in the country so far this year, with the number of infections increasing in recent weeks.
Nearly 400,000 people in high-risk areas have been vaccinated against the illness.
Cholera is caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. It can kill within hours if left untreated.
Top UN officials conduct missions to Mali
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix will undertake a visit to Mali, starting this Friday.
He is set to meet with staff at the UN mission in the country, as well as with Government representatives and others.
Meanwhile, a senior humanitarian official with the global organization continued her visit in the West African country.
Ursula Mueller, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, has met with displaced people in Bankass.
She also travelled to Mopti, in central Mali, where nearly 1 million people currently require humanitarian assistance.
Dianne Penn, UN News.
