HotSpots H2O, August 15: UN Security Council Highlights Link Between Conflict and Famine
The Global Rundown
The UN Security Council called on the UN Secretary-General to provide early warning when a conflict could lead to famine. India and Pakistan move closer to resolving a dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty. Residents slowly return to Mosul, Iraq, despite the city’s destruction. Aid agencies prepare for post-election violence in Kenya, which may be aggravated due to recent drought. Militants looted and burned a refugee camp in Central African Republic, forcing thousands to seek shelter at a nearby hospital.
“Everything’s still a mess – we have nothing. No water, no electricity – we need the essentials.” Ziad al Chaichi, a resident of West Mosul, in reference to the ruins of the Iraqi city. The government recaptured Mosul from IS last month, but much of the city is destroyed and a handful of militants still remain. Despite these conditions, residents are gradually returning to the war-torn area. Reuters
By The Numbers
7 Number of aid “hotspots” identified in Kenya, stocked with food and other amenities, in preparation for post-election violence. The election results were released over the weekend and prompted a wave of hostile protests, leaving 24 dead so far. Some worry that the violence will be exacerbated by the country’s ongoing drought. Reuters, Washington Post
10,000 Number of displaced people seeking shelter at a hospital in Batangafo, Central African Republic after militants attacked a nearby refugee camp. Armed groups looted and burned the camp in a series of violent attacks that left 24 people dead. Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres is working to provide water and sanitation services to the refugees. Reuters
Science, Studies, And Reports
The UN Security Council emphasized the link between conflict and famine in a recent statement, calling on the UN Secretary General to provide early warning when a conflict could lead to famine. The statement referenced the severe food shortages facing 20 million people in war-torn Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, and north-east Nigeria. UN News Centre
On The Radar
The latest round of India-Pakistan water talks ended amicably, signaling that the ongoing dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty may end soon. The dispute centers on the construction of two Indian hydroelectric power plants which Pakistan alleges violate the treaty. Another round of talks will take place next month. The Economic Times
Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter
