Drones and drought are “closing in” on Sudan, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said on Tuesday, describing unprecedented attacks on the country’s infrastructure including by drones travelling up to 1,500 kilometres before hitting their target.

More than one in three women and girls worldwide – roughly 1.5 billion – live in so-called “climate hotspots”, where high exposure to hazards such as cyclones and droughts combine with insecure jobs and deep gender inequality.

With South Sudan just six weeks away from its first national elections since independence, the Security Council meets in New York Tuesday amid deepening political uncertainty and worsening violence. Ambassadors are expected to press for an inclusive process and credible polls, while civilians bear the brunt of fighting, hunger and displacement.