Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
Good afternoon, everyone.
**Ebola
Valerie Amos, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, and David Nabarro, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Ebola, presented the latest overview of the UN system and partners’ requirements for the Ebola response in Davos today. The financial needs for the first six months of 2015 amount to $1.5 billion. Almost $500 million is already available and the appeal is now to fund the gap of $1 billion.
The resources made available and spent during 2014 contributed to the decline in new cases of Ebola in the three most affected countries. Specific results include almost 2,000 beds providing people with care, 255 burial teams ensuring safe and dignified burials and 11,800 contact tracers identifying more and more contacts. The work is not yet over. Our goal must be to get to zero cases and there is a long way to go, so continued financial and political support is needed. There is no room for complacency.
**Lord’s Resistance Army
In a statement we issued yesterday afternoon, the Secretary-General welcomed the transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague of senior Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Dominic Ongwen. The Secretary-General said that Mr. Ongwen’s transfer to the ICC marks an important milestone in accountability, with the first LRA commander being brought before the Court. It is a step forward in efforts to bring justice to the thousands of victims of LRA violence in Uganda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic over the past 28 years. He calls on the LRA to immediately disarm and demobilize, cease attacks and release all those abducted.
**Security Council
Jeffrey Feltman, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, briefed the Security Council on Burundi this morning, saying that the country has made substantial progress, overcoming formidable challenges since the end of the civil war. Mr. Feltman said that organizing peaceful and credible elections is one of the most pressing challenges facing Burundi this year. He said that the 2015 elections present Burundians with the opportunity to further strengthen peace consolidation efforts undertaken since the Arusha Accord.
He said it is critical that the electoral process be managed in an inclusive manner, with integrity, impartiality and independence. Burundians, regardless of party affiliation, must be free to exercise their civil and political rights, including their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. And he added that it is the responsibility of the Government to prevent violence without impinging on the people’s rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and that people committing unlawful acts of political violence must be prosecuted without delay.
Mr. Feltman will also brief the Security Council this afternoon, on Ukraine.
**Democratic Republic of the Congo
The UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO, says that it is concerned by the repeated unrest — and by the violence of the past few days — following the debate in the Parliament over the draft electoral law.
The Mission deplores the loss of life among demonstrators and law enforcement officers. It appeals to all sides to refrain from acts of violence and looting and calls on them to preserve the hard-won peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. MONUSCO is also calling on the authorities to preserve political space and freedom of opinion. There’s more information in the transcript of the Mission’s weekly press conference.
**Darfur
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that more than 18,000 people have been newly verified as displaced in El Fasher, Shangil Tobaya, Tawila and Um Baru areas in North Darfur, according to humanitarian partners.
Over 2,200 of those displaced people are sheltering beside the African Union-United Nations mission in Darfur (UNAMID) site in Um Baru in North Darfur. People continue to arrive at the site seeking shelter and protection. The humanitarian office says that aid organizations are on the ground providing assistance, including health care and household items.
Some 200 people have also arrived in the UNAMID site in Sortony, reportedly fearing attacks on villages in the area. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that access to the isolated area continues to be a challenge for humanitarians, but that efforts are under way to carry out a rapid assessment and deliver humanitarian assistance. The Office also says that aid agencies aren’t able to access those displaced in the Jebel Marra area and assess their needs due to ongoing hostilities.
**Auschwitz
This morning, the Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson, spoke at a special event to mark the seventieth anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp. This comes ahead of next week’s observation of the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. The Deputy Secretary-General stressed the need to reflect on how we can better prevent and protect our world from becoming, once again, the setting for horrific crimes that took place during the Holocaust, as well as in Cambodia, Rwanda and Srebrenica. He added that genocide can only happen when we ignore the warning signs and are unwilling to take action. His remarks are available on our website.
**Madagascar
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that it is running out of funds to fight locust infestation in Madagascar — a serious plague that could recur during the upcoming rainy season. The agency has appealed for an extra $10.6 million to avoid the resurgence of locusts which could pose a serious food security challenge for 13 million people. So far, more than $28.8 million has been mobilized to fund the joint FAO and Government anti-locust programme. More information is available on FAO’s website.
**Mali
The UN Mission in Mali, MINUSMA, says that it used force in response to a heavy vehicle-mounted machine gun fire directed at its troops and towards the town inhabited by civilians yesterday in Tabankort, in the north of the country. The vehicle belonged to the Mouvement national de libération de l’Azawad — the MNLA. Before engaging, MINUSMA fired warning shots at the vehicle which were unheeded. In accordance with its mandate to protect civilians, its personnel and its assets against imminent threat, MINUSMA then targeted the vehicle, disabling it.
Following tensions in Tabankort since the beginning of the month, the Mission has repeatedly reminded all armed groups of their obligation to respect the ceasefire agreement they signed on 23 May 2014. The United Nations reiterates its call to all parties to immediately cease hostilities and respect their ceasefire commitments. MINUSMA also reports that public demonstrations have taken place in Ber and Kidal since yesterday to protest the Mission’s action in Tabankort. The demonstrations have now ended.
**Syria
The United Nations and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent completed their delivery of humanitarian supplies to the Al Wa’er neighbourhood of Homs City in Syria yesterday, delivering the remaining 10 trucks of relief supplies targeting 75,000 people. The first two parts of the convoy reached the area on 15 and 18 January. In addition to planned supplies, 743 cartons of baby milk were delivered, in direct response to urgent needs identified on 15 January. The UN had not been able to deliver aid to Al Wa’er since early November.
**Questions from Tuesday
Yesterday, Stéphane [Dujarric] was asked about the status of an investigation by the UN Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). I can tell you that MINUSTAH confirms that the investigation has been completed and the report is now being reviewed by the Mission’s leadership. Appropriate actions have been taken on the initial recommendations for improvements in compliance with established operational procedures. At the same time, the concerned individuals have been suspended from operational duty and the Member State concerned has been informed about the investigation.
We were also asked about a Board of Inquiry report into a helicopter crash last year in South Sudan. We were informed that the draft report is currently in the last stages of being finalized.
And then in response to a question asked at yesterday’s noon briefing about a witness for the Commission of Inquiry on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), what we can say is that we are aware of reports related to the testimony of one witness of the Commission of Inquiry on the situation of human rights in the DPRK. This Commission of Inquiry is an independent body established by the Human Rights Council, and therefore we cannot speak on its behalf. However, we understand that this witness is one of the more than 300 witnesses heard by the Commission. It is important to bear that in mind. What is important is that the patterns of violations documented by the Commission are based on many testimonies and corroborated by other information. We encourage the DPRK authorities to engage with the international community to improve human rights and the living conditions of its people. We reaffirm the United Nations’ strong commitment to help the DPRK towards that end.
**Press Conferences
For press conferences, following this briefing, at 12:30 p.m., there will be a press conference here by members of the Commission of Inquiry on the Central African Republic. Then at 1:15 p.m., Jean-Victor Nkolo, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, will be here to brief.
And then tomorrow at 11:15 a.m., there will be a briefing in this room by Harlem Désir, French Minister of European Affairs, and Michael Roth, German Minister of State for Europe.
Whoever’s on that phone, turn that one off. Yes, Masood?
**Questions and Answers
Question: Yeah. Farhan, maybe this question was asked of you yesterday, but this is about the human rights in Myanmar. One of the Myanmar priests, this monk, said about the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner, the United Nations rapporteur a “whore” and particularly referring to when she asked that the minorities and they should be given more rights in Myanmar. Do you have any reaction to that?
Deputy Spokesman: Yes. Actually, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein, did remark on this today. He said that the sexist, insulting language used against the UN’s independent human rights expert on Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, by an influential monk during Ms. Lee’s official visit to the country is utterly unacceptable. It’s intolerable for special rapporteurs to be treated in this way. The High Commissioner for Human Rights called on religious and political leaders in Myanmar to unequivocally condemn all incitements, including this abhorrent personal attack against a UN‑appointed expert. Yes, Olga? Sorry. Yes, Anna? Sorry.
Question: Thank you, Farhan. I wanted to ask about the capture of Japanese by Da’esh, where two Japanese hostages, Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa, were pictured just the way the Americans or Britons were previously pictured; and this was done in response to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s promise with visiting Middle East that he will provide that… will provide $200 million to help Iraqi Government and also refugees from Syria, from Iraq, from Lebanon and everywhere. So it turns out this sends a horrible message. And they are demanding the same amount, $200 million. It sends out a horrific message that whoever tries to help these people, help this region against Da’esh, they are going to pay a very high price. And though Japan’s Government said that they were not going to give in to terrorists’ demands, the situation is still horrific, and hopefully something is done to save these people’s lives in the first place. How UN is going to address this whole situation? Is anything being done? Is it being discussed? And also, one of these young men, Kenji Goto, is a journalist, and this raises the issue of journalists and their safety in the world; because it looks like journalism is become one of the worst, one of the most dangerous professions in the world now. And while when military people are captured, at least they have the means to protect themselves, while the journalists have only their pens. It might be argued that it’s the most important, powerful weapon. So is something going to be done to also protect journalists better in the world that we’re living in today?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, on your second point, we certainly do call on all Governments and all parties to conflicts to do what they can to protect journalists. We certainly hope that all measures are taken to make sure that freedom of expression and freedom of the media will be safeguarded. Regarding the case of these two people, as Stéphane said yesterday, we call upon the Da’esh to release all those that it’s holding unconditionally and immediately. And we continue to hold to that call. Yes? No, no, you can go.
Question: Thank you. Maybe my question is bit old, but if I may, I can ask again. During 2014 and until now, the situation in Syria and ISIS and recently terrorist attack in Paris, I was wondering how many Islamic leaders have contacted Secretary‑General and condemned terrorist attacks which are happening under name of Islam?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, as you know, terrorism has no particular religion. Yes, there have been terrorist attacks perpetrated by Muslims, by Muslim extremists, as well as by other religious groups. The Secretary‑General has been in touch with leaders, and it’s been very clear with all of the leaders that he’s been in contact with, their condemnation of terrorism in all of its forms. And he does try to hold all leaders to their commitments to make sure that terrorism is not supported or financed in any way. And, of course, regarding the question of religion, we also have other initiatives in place including the Alliance of Civilizations, designed to broaden tolerance and understanding amongst the faiths of the world. Yes, Matthew?
Question: Sorry. My question was, has there any leaders been in contact Secretary‑General yet?
Deputy Spokesman: He’s been in contact with any number of leaders. This is not a specific topic of discussion, but it is something that comes up in his various contacts with leaders. Yes, Matthew?
Question: Reports show that rhetoric and military activity in the issue involving Ukraine is intensifying again. Does the Secretary‑General have a response to this?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, you’ve seen the statement we issued on Ukraine over the weekend, and we hold to the sentiments of that statement. The Under‑Secretary‑General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, will be briefing the Security Council on Ukraine and you’ll have an update at that point on where we stand there. Yes?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. Yesterday you released a statement about the LRA commander transferred to ICC. And the Secretary‑General said that he commends this action and says this is important step for accountability and it will bring justice to thousands. And you know, a couple of weeks ago and this Court… the same Court opened an investigation against Israel in the Palestine Territory. And is Ban Ki‑moon also commended this activity and how he’s… how he sees this, and also Israel urge all other countries, the member countries to the Court, not to pay their fund to this Court. How does Secretary‑General assess this situation?
Deputy Spokesman: Regarding the overall situation of the Court, which, as you know, is an independent body, we do encourage Member States to live up to their treaty commitments to the Court and ensure that it can go about its work. Regarding the question of the Palestinians, I believe, just to clarify that the Court itself has made clear that this is the preliminary stages. It’s not an investigation, but a preliminary look at the situation. Yes?
Question: Sure. I wanted to ask you about this… the event in Mali where you said that the, I guess, Dutch attack helicopter disabled this vehicle. It said that at least five individuals were killed. Is it… what has the UN done to find out how many people were in the car or around the car killed? What do you think of the 300 protesters? I understand you say the protest ended, but basically, people were saying they want the UN to leave and… and relatedly, on the answer you gave on Haiti, I want to know what has MINUSTAH done to track down or to look into people actually injured by the videotaped firing into the crowd of demonstrators?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, that update we gave you was what we have at this stage. Like I said, that report is still being reviewed for follow‑up activity. We’ll provide any further details on the question of that incident in Haiti as we get them. Regarding the question of the situation in Mali, I’ve given basically the details that we have about this. The demonstrations, like I said, have now ended, and regarding… and regarding the question of the disabling of the vehicle, like I said, first, before anything else happened, MINUSMA did fire warning shots. But the vehicle proceeded and they had… they were compelled ultimately to act in order to protect both civilians and the assets of the Mission.
Question: Sure. But I guess my question is — and I understand what you said about that — but does the UN, when it fires, you know, missiles from an attack helicopter, check to see how many people were killed, even if it feels that the shooting was legitimate, and how many has it counted in this case?
Deputy Spokesman: As a matter of course, yes, we try to determine what the effects of all these actions have been. And we’ll try to accumulate information on that. Yes, Masood?
Question: A follow‑up on the situation as well, as far as journalism is concerned. Has there been any update on the journalists incarcerated in Egypt? Because Mr… over there, you referred to, on record for pardoning them? Do you have any update on that?
Deputy Spokesman: You’ve heard what we’ve said on that. This is an issue we raised on a number of levels, including that of the Secretary‑General and of his senior aides. So we have taken this matter up with the Government of Egypt. And we’ll see what progress is being made. You’re right that there have been some indications that there might be a change, but we’ll have to see what happens on the ground in Egypt. Yes, in the back?
Question: Thank you. Farhan, yesterday, the UN stated that ISIS in Iraq is executing, especially, educated women. And I would like to understand, were these… if you know this, if these women were chosen especially and simply because they were educated, or they… there were different charges and they happened to be educated women?
Deputy Spokesman: I would refer you to the information that was issued by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. They put out some details on this. There are a number of different charges that have been levelled against these women, but what’s disturbing is the pattern by which educated women seem to have disproportionately been facing charges in these so‑called sharia courts, courts where the standards by which the rule of law is applied do not seem in any way to be in conformity with international norms. So we have a number of concerns about the sharia courts, but certainly the ways in which women, and particularly educated women, seem to have been disproportionately targeted is a major concern. Anna?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. I wanted to ask, innocent Turkish teenager Berkin Elvan, who has died. He was 15 years old. He went out for bread for his family and he got caught up in a demonstration and he was hit by tear gas canister which was shot by the Government and he fell into coma and he died. Unfortunately, human rights violations has been going on… has been ongoing… they have been ongoing thing in Turkey and Human Rights Watch has reported unprecedented things happening there. And actually his mother, Gulsum Elvan, stated that “God did not take my son. It was Recep Tayyip Erdogan.” Do you have any comments on this? And is UN going to address this ongoing and very painful issue?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, first of all, I need to get details on that specific incident. So before I’d have any real comment, I’d have to know what the details are. But as you know, our general point of principle is that Governments must be able to allow peaceful protests and, therefore, people who are participating on the streets in demonstrations should not be harmed in any way. Yes?
Question: Sure. I want to ask about Sudan and also Burundi. In Sudan, the Deputy Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, Youssef al‑Kordofani, has been quoted that he now expects… or the Government expects the UN to name a new country representative to replace Mr. Ali al-Za’atari and also Ms. Yvonne Helle. I want an update from you, I guess. Both were ordered to leave the country and apparently some extension was arrived at. What’s the status of the… does the UN intend to keep these two officials within Sudan? Are they moving to appoint somebody else? And what’s the response to the Government’s call to appoint somebody else?
Deputy Spokesman: Our position on this matter has not changed since the last time you’ve checked on that. Mr. Ali al-Za’atari continues to serve as the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, and we continue to be in touch with officials of the Government of Sudan regarding the case of these two people.
Question: And Ms. Helle, are he and Ms. Helle still in the country? Or where are they?
Deputy Spokesman: Ms. Helle was not in the country at the end of the last year. But we, of course, continue to assert her right to be in the country. Yes?
Question: I wanted to ask this because I’m not sure Mr… I’ll be able to ask Mr. Feltman. In his briefing to the Council about Burundi, he had said, you know, there was this dispute about the Electoral Observation Mission which the Secretary‑General had praised its opening and then the Government boycotted the ceremony. He said that now the UN has signed the Status of Mission agreement and, quote, “We expect the Government to do so soon.” Since the Government said publicly a number of things it disagreed with, basically the role of the UN in certifying a winner, has this been resolved? Is that the basis of the… I guess I wanted to know the basis of the statement and sort of where things stand between the Government and this UN mission.
Deputy Spokesman: I have nothing to add to what he said. His point was that on our side, we have now signed on to the Status of Mission agreement and we do expect that they will do so, as well.
Question: Okay. But nothing has changed in the UN’s understanding of its role there to get them to sign? That’s my question.
Deputy Spokesman: Our understanding remains as it was. Have a good afternoon, everyone.