Press Briefing

• The UN Secretary-General expressed concern over the reported detention of political and civic actors in Uganda, specifically highlighting cases where the whereabouts of some individuals remain unknown. • The Secretary-General emphasized that the rights to liberty, security of person, and freedom of expression—including media independence—are legally enshrined in Uganda’s own Constitution. • This intervention underscores the international community's focus on human rights violations and the erosion of democratic freedoms within the country.

• The humanitarian crisis in Haiti is worsening, with the International Organization for Migration reporting over 2,600 people displaced in Artibonite following clashes between armed groups last week. • UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need to strengthen regional diplomacy and accelerate sustainable development to ensure global peace and dignity. • The Secretary-General announced the appointment of Mohamed Yahya of Somalia as the new Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator.

• UNICEF released a report revealing that 1.1 billion children—nearly half the global youth population—are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards. • These environmental threats are critically endangering the health, education, and overall survival of children worldwide. • Separately, Special Envoy Hans Grundberg briefed the Security Council on diplomatic efforts in cities including Riyadh, Muscat, and New York to resolve the conflict in Yemen.

• UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated $10 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to combat food insecurity and famine risks in Somalia. • The funding arrives as humanitarian partners report that many newly displaced families have lost their belongings and tents, forcing them to rely on relatives and friends. • To address these urgent needs, humanitarian teams have activated a joint UN-run response mechanism designed to provide rapid support to families affected by sudden crises.

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, 2026. • This landmark agreement serves as the world’s first international labour standard specifically designed for work performed via digital labour platforms. • The convention establishes essential rights for all workers in the sector, focusing on fair remuneration and the provision of social protection.

• UN partners in Gaza reported a significant decline in food aid as of May 31, with 80 kitchens delivering 678,000 meals daily, down from 1.5 million meals provided by 170 kitchens in mid-March. • UN official DiCarlo urged parties to return to diplomacy and good-faith negotiations, reiterating the Secretary-General’s demand for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire. • Acting Assistant Secretary-General Indrika Ratwatte briefed Council members on the ongoing situation in Ukraine, identifying it as one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.

• Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis triggered by U.S. sanctions and exacerbated by hurricanes and other natural disasters. • The crisis has disrupted critical infrastructure, including water, sanitation, and food production, leading to the postponement of over 100,000 surgeries. • This situation represents a humanitarian emergency as essential healthcare and basic services are failing across the country.

• UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed released a report detailing the impact of the UN development system's efforts through 2025. • Key achievements include providing food aid to 121 million people, measles vaccinations to 191 million children, and social protection to 84 million individuals. • The report highlights a significant long-term health impact, noting that 500 million additional people have accessed essential health services since 2018.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met to establish a new strategic roadmap focusing on trade, counter-terrorism, and technology. • The briefing also covers domestic concerns, including reports of multiple murders and planned violence in Telangana, as well as ongoing failures by the National Testing Agency (NTA). • In the opinion section, Surjit S Bhalla criticizes the BJP's economic management, arguing that political success in West Bengal may lead to dangerous complacency regarding necessary policy reforms.

Newspaper broke embargo on confidential briefing note about the royal couple’s movements five days before they arrived in Melbourne for their Australia visitThe Daily Mail’s “aggressive” approach to reporting on Prince Harry and Meghan’s Australian visit has “irreparably damaged” the Sussexes’ ability to brief press ahead of trips, Guardian Australia has been told.The Daily Mail broke the embargo by publishing the royal couple’s movements five days before they landed in Melbourne, despite that information being strictly non-publishable until they arrived. Continue reading...