The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
On May 7, Administrator Samantha Power spoke with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the dire humanitarian crises in Sudan, Gaza, Burkina Faso, and Haiti. Administrator Power urged the Secretary-General to continue to push the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (SAF) to facilitate humanitarian access to populations facing catastrophic food insecurity. Administrator Power and Secretary General Guterres agreed that, as an urgent priority, the SAF must open the border crossing between Chad and Darfur to allow UN agencies to deliver life-saving food, nutrition, and health assistance to millions of Sudanese on the brink of famine. They discussed the importance of resuming political talks as soon as possible and the vital role regional actors have in pressing the warring parties to the negotiating table.
Administrator Power also thanked Secretary-General Guterres for the tireless efforts of UN staff in Gaza working at great personal risk around the clock to save lives and alleviate suffering. They expressed concerns over the humanitarian impacts of Israeli military operations in Rafah, in particular the dire conditions of displaced Palestinian civilians and the necessity of reopening the southern Gaza crossings to allow humanitarian aid to move into Gaza and reach the population in need. Administrator Power reiterated the U.S. commitment to advocate for the protection of aid workers and Palestinian civilians and to urge the Government of Israel to implement their commitments to address dire humanitarian needs in Gaza.
On Burkina Faso, Administrator Power and Secretary-General Guterres expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation. They agreed to continue advocacy with the transitional government to allow humanitarian access to blockaded communities currently cut off from vital aid.
The Administrator and Secretary-General Guterres discussed continued commitment to the Haitian people and support for partners on the ground providing lifesaving food, health, protection, water, sanitation, and health assistance to vulnerable Haitians.
Finally, Administrator Power and Secretary-General Guterres discussed tackling lead exposure as an outsized development opportunity for an issue that affects one in two children in low- and middle-income countries and kills 1.6 million people each year.