UN Secretary-General António Guterres is convening informal talks to address Cyprus’ division. In Lebanon, UNIFIL reports persistent violence and unexploded ordnance poses risks to civilians. Meanwhile, the IOM has expanded an aid hub in Chad to assist 220,000 individuals amid the Sudan crisis.

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has initiated a renewed effort to resolve the longstanding division of Cyprus. Informal discussions among leaders of the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities are scheduled for March 17, with participation from guarantor nations Greece, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom at the UN office in Geneva. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, with ongoing UN involvement in peacekeeping since 1964, through the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Efforts for reconciliation were attempted previously, including a notable 2017 meeting that ultimately failed. Mr. Guterres reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating discussions last October. The upcoming informal meeting aims to foster meaningful dialogue regarding the path forward for Cyprus, emphasizing the UN’s dedication to supporting all Cypriots moving forward.

In southern Lebanon, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported increased gunfire and military activity from Israeli forces in their operational area. The Lebanese Army, with UN support, has been deployed in over 100 locations, particularly between the Litani River and the Blue Line. The recent conflict has resulted in significant amounts of unexploded ordnance in the region, threatening civilian safety; UNIFIL continues demining efforts to address this issue.

Further, humanitarian missions have been conducted successfully, with UNIFIL facilitating over 60 missions since hostilities ceased, assisting displaced populations. Additionally, 31 arrests have been made related to a February attack on a UN convoy, highlighting the need for accountability in these incidents.

In Chad, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) have significantly expanded an aid hub to support up to 220,000 additional people amid the Sudan crisis. This enhancement aims to bolster cross-border humanitarian operations, addressing the urgent needs stemming from the displacement of millions due to ongoing conflict in Sudan. Notably, approximately nine million individuals in the Darfur region require immediate assistance.

The expansion of the Farchana hub will improve collaborative efforts among NGOs, development agencies, and governmental bodies, ensuring a more effective response to the escalating humanitarian situation. IOM has already made strides in reaching over 82,000 people in Darfur with essential aid and aims to further scale up its operations in the coming months.

In conclusion, significant diplomatic and humanitarian developments are occurring in Cyprus and Lebanon, with renewed attempts to join Cypriot communities in talks and ongoing peacekeeping efforts by the UN in Lebanon. The humanitarian landscape is also evolving, particularly in Chad, where expanded operations aim to alleviate the pressing needs caused by disastrous displacement in Sudan. Each of these initiatives reflects a commitment to peace and support for affected populations.

Original Source: news.un.org

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