A makeshift camp houses Tigrayans displaced in the region, where lack of humanitarian access has been a major concern since the conflict erupted. (International Rescue Committee via AP)

❗Geneva humanitarian forum opens with warning of difficulties facing sector. Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW) kicked off on Monday with a warning from humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock that this year may be just as tough as 2020. Speaking at the opening of the annual HNPW, Lowcock called on the sector to rise to the challenge. The next three weeks of virtual sessions will cover topics ranging from access to Tigray in Ethiopia to the international frontline response to the Beirut Port explosions.

🌍 Stories from Syrians outside Syria. A decade of conflict has brought countless stories of terror, loss and grief suffered by the people of Syria. But there are also stories of hope. Three young Syrians living in countries around the world share theirs with us.

🇦🇫 Time for a more representative peace in Afghanistan. Following the announcement that all US troops will leave Afghanistan by 11 September 2021, the future facing the country is uncertain. Two journalists explore the possibility of a peace process that could finally offer Afghans a say in their own destiny.

Demonstrators run for cover during an anti-coup protest in Mandalay, Myanmar, 19 April. (EPA / Stringer)

Myanmar military increasing efforts to keep truth from getting out, says UN expert. Special rapporteur Tom Andrews says the junta’s crackdown on journalists and information is “not working” and the world isn’t buying their “propaganda” that they are exercising restraint against protesters. His words coincided with recent reports that security forces had used violence against demonstrators celebrating last week’s formation of a "shadow government" made up of anti-coup protesters and ethnic minority leaders.

(Hussein Ben Mosa / IOM 2020 via AP)

Tragedy in the Central Mediterranean. The UNHCR said the tragic event last week underscored the need to expand search and rescue operations across the Central Mediterranean, where 290 people have lost their lives so far this year.

📍22 April | Multilateralism in the 21st century. What shape will multilateralism take over the course of the coming years, and what challenges and opportunities will it face as the global geopolitical order evolves? These are some of the questions that will be debated during an event to mark the International Day of Multilateralism in Geneva on 24 April, streamed on UN Web TV.

📍29 April | The climate crisis and humanitarian need. Climate change is a major driver of humanitarian need, alongside conflict and the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the resilience and adaptability of communities living with climate emergencies and related insecurities, they are being hit hard. What can be done to support the most vulnerable?

The GS Monthly Digest will bring you a selection of our top stories of the month, including opinion features. A lean format with essential reads, every first Wednesday of the month.