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 Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
Good afternoon.
**Yemen
The Secretary-General just spoke earlier today to Khaled Mahfoudh Abdullah Bahah, the Vice President and Prime Minister of Yemen. In his phone call, the Secretary-General emphasized the importance of the need to fully operationalize the humanitarian pause and added that he has mobilized the whole UN humanitarian system to support the Yemeni people. He also restated that that there is no military solution to this conflict and that, to that end, he would soon convene a meeting of Yemeni parties in a third country, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2216 (2015).
From the ground, our humanitarian colleagues and partners on the ground used the first 24 hours of the humanitarian pause in Yemen primarily to re-supply, pre-position stocks and carry out response. Mobile medical teams travelled to affected areas in Amran, Hajjah and Hudaydah. Food distributions continued for more than 33,000 people in Hajjah, with distribution of other items starting in Amran and Hajjah, as well. Activities will expand in the coming days.
Two ships carrying 420,000 litres of fuel for humanitarian operations have docked in Hudaydah since 9 May. The fuel is being distributed to 50 humanitarian partners to support life-saving operations. Partners estimate that operations require 5 million litres of fuel every month. In the days before the pause in fighting began, conditions in Aden continued to deteriorate, with seven out of eight districts experiencing heavy clashes and random shelling daily. There is also a complete breakdown in basic services in addition to a lack of food and water.
**Iraq
Back here, Ján Kubiš, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, briefed the Security Council this morning for the first time in his new role. He said that while major differences of opinion and approaches exist, there is a general consensus on the need for unity and cooperation among all Iraqi society to successfully deal with Iraq’s common enemy, the Da’esh. He said that in his meetings with Iraq’s political representatives, he heard the clear message that a military solution will not be enough to defeat Da’esh, and that the Government of Iraq must also restore the confidence of disaffected communities that they will assume a share in governance and fair participation in society.
Meanwhile, Valerie Amos, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, also briefed the Council on the humanitarian situation in Iraq, saying that the number of Iraqis requiring humanitarian assistance has grown to more than 8.2 million people — an increase of 3 million people in the past five months. She expressed concern about the well-being of millions of Iraqis who live in areas outside of Government control. Yet, funding shortfalls are restricting our ability to provide services, with only 8 per cent of the $1.2 billion required for this year having been received so far. A new humanitarian response plan is expected to be launched next month.
**Afghanistan
Meanwhile, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has strongly condemned yesterday’s killing of at least 17 civilians in two separate attacks, for which the Taliban has claimed responsibility. UNAMA’s Human Rights Director, Georgette Gagnon, said that such deliberate attacks may amount to war crimes. The Mission highlighted that international humanitarian law, which binds all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan, including the Taliban, prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian locations. More is on UNAMA’s website.
**Syria
From Geneva, the Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, met today in Geneva with senior officials from the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom to discuss how to help Syrians in moving towards launching a political process. He also received the envoy of the Syrian National Coalition of Opposition and Revolutionary Forces, Haitham al-Maleh, who delivered a letter from the Coalition explaining and elaborating his organization's position on the way to resolve the conflict in Syria. Mr. de Mistura encouraged continued contribution by the Coalition to the Geneva Consultations.
The Special Envoy also discussed perspectives on a political solution to the Syrian conflict with Syrian activist Samir al-Taqi, currently the General Director of the Orient Research Centre in Dubai. At the end of the day's meetings, Mr. de Mistura said that today's rich discussions with Syrian and international interlocutors were another stark reminder of a shared sense of urgency to help Syrian people reach a political solution to the end the conflict.
**Maternal Health
Meanwhile, back here, the Secretary-General will shortly attend a high-level luncheon for his “Every woman, every child” initiative. And by “here”, I mean in New York, not in this building. He is expected to say that we have a unified vision to end all preventable maternal, newborn, child and adolescent deaths. The Secretary-General will also say that we have a passion to improve the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents within a generation. The “Every woman, every child” [initiative] has helped us build this momentum, creating a global community, working under one umbrella, contributing to these outcomes. But, the Secretary-General will caution, this progress is fragile, and our work under the health MDGs [Millennium Development Goals] remains unfinished. He will call for continued accelerated action to sustain these gains. His full remarks will be available as soon as they are delivered.
**Mali
From Mali, the Head of the UN Mission in the country, Mongi Hamdi, said he was encouraged after the Coordination des Mouvements de l’Azawad, or CMA, initialled the Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement today in Algiers. Initialling does not equate to signing, but it is a positive step in the right direction. The Malian Government, the coalition of armed groups "Platform" and members of the international community will sign the draft agreement in Bamako tomorrow. Mr. Mongi called on all parties to the process to persevere in their efforts in order to demonstrate their commitment to peace to the Malian population and the international community.
**Central African Republic
From the Central African Republic, more than 300 children, including several under 12 years old, have been released from armed groups following a UNICEF [United Nations Children’s Fund]-facilitated agreement by the groups’ leaders to free all children in their ranks. Three separate ceremonies were held today near the town of Bambari during which 357 children were released by anti-Balaka militias and the ex-Séléka armed group. UNICEF and partners have begun to provide psychosocial support and reunify the children with their families, and will be supporting their reintegration into their communities. Today’s events represent the single largest release of children associated with armed groups in the [Central African Republic] since violence erupted in 2012. More information on UNICEF website.
**South Sudan
From South Sudan, as the main planting season begins, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is accelerating its efforts to get vital seeds, tools and other materials to some of the country’s most vulnerable farmers. In the last few days, almost 100 tons of inputs have been flown from Juba to local airstrips. The FAO plans to reach over 175,000 food-insecure farming families in Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei States by the end of May.
So far, one flight was able to land in Unity State before the conflict forced partners and UN agencies to suspend activities. The current wave of fighting comes at a crucial time for farmers who have depleted their food stocks and have only the next few weeks to plant. Also on South Sudan, as you know this afternoon, the Security Council will hear from Ellen Margrethe Løj, the Head of the UN Mission in [South Sudan] (UNMISS), and she will speak to you at the stakeout after that. And I believe she will also be my guest tomorrow here.
**Nepal
Just a quick update from Nepal: the UN Children’s Fund today warned that children in Nepal are facing an unprecedented emotional toll as they deal with the devastating consequences of two major earthquakes in two and a half weeks. The Deputy Representative in Nepal for UNICEF, Rownak Khan, said that we cannot underestimate the psychological impact on children of these repeated powerful tremors. For its part, the World Food Programme (WFP) has mounted a massive response to meet the needs of the survivors of the earthquakes, but says it is desperately short of funds to continue its operation. To date, WFP has distributed food to more than 1 million people in six districts, but is racing against the clock to deliver assistance before the monsoon starts.
**Malawi
I would also like to flag a study published yesterday by our colleagues at the World Food Programme (WFP) on the impact of hunger on the economy of Malawi. The study estimates that child undernutrition cost Malawi 10.3 per cent of its GDP [gross domestic product] in 2012. Particularly detrimental are the consequences of stunting which occurs when children miss out on critical nutrients while in the womb and in the first two years of life. More information on WFP’s website.
**Vanuatu
Almost lastly: the Humanitarian Coordinator for Vanuatu, Osnat Lubrani, said today that, two months after tropical cyclone Pam struck the country, humanitarian efforts continue as the response gradually shifts to reconstruction and recovery. More than 21,000 people have received emergency supplies to date of safe drinking water, and more than 26,000 people have benefited from the repair of water supply systems. Nearly 60 per cent of the Flash Appeal is funded.
**Free & Equal Campaign
Our colleagues at the UN Human Rights Office today launched a new video as part of its ongoing Free & Equal campaign against homophobia and transphobia. The new video is available online and is being screened throughout the day in Times Square. It celebrates the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (LGBT) to families and local communities around the world. The video features people filmed in their workplaces and homes, including the Secretary-General. The musician Sara Bareilles has lent her song "Brave" as the video’s soundtrack.
The new, two-minute video, is entitled “Faces” and is being released just three days ahead of the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, which is 17 May, this Sunday. The Secretary-General has repeatedly spoken out in favour of equality for LGBT people. His participation in the video underscores the importance of allies in the struggle to overcome centuries of prejudice and discrimination. The video is available to see at the www.unfe.org.
**Honour Roll
And today, we say thank you to our friends in Abuja, as Nigeria has paid its dues in full, becoming the eighty-sixth Member State to do so. You’re paying attention today. That's good. All right. I've had enough. Mr. Abbadi?
**Questions and Answers
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. The situations in Burundi continues to be a very serious one. Violence continues. And is the Secretary‑General concerned about the situation possibly evolving into an ethnic conflict once more? And what specific steps does he recommend beyond… to prevent that, beyond calling on the parties to preserve peace and stability?
Spokesman: Obviously, it's a situation where the Secretary‑General and his senior staff are following with great concern. It's been the topic of discussions, especially this morning; we've spent quite a lot of time on it. Mr. [Said] Djinnit, who is briefing the Council… we've also asked him to brief you at some point. It won't happen today, but it will happen in the next coming days… has been in touch with various parties on the ground. Phone calls will be made, as well, to parties on the ground and to leaders in the region. The general message for all is an appeal for calm, an appeal to avoid violence. And it needs to be said that, you know, those who participate in violence, who participate in ethnic‑based violence will have to be held accountable. The situation on the ground remains very fluid, as we have seen. Mr. Djinnit currently is in Nairobi. I know he's trying to get back into Bujumbura. And we're continuing to follow throughout the day. I had expected an update by now, but something may come in before the end of the briefing. Yes, sir?
Question: Sorry. Thank you, Stéphane. The truce in Yemen has been violated by the Saudis twice so far. Any comment or reaction?
Spokesman: You know, I think this was… the general message that we've put out is the need to operationalize this pause. That was a message the Secretary‑General delivered in his phone call to the Vice-President of Yemen. It's a message we are putting out to all parties. I think we… the pause, from what we have seen, has not been fully implemented, but there are enough lulls for us to pre-position and initiate the distribution of aid. So, obviously, we would like to see a full implementation of the pause, but we are able to conduct some work, even with the violations that we've seen. Young lady in the back in the orange and then Abdel Hamid, then Evelyn, then Matthew?
Question: Thanks. Kanya de Almeida from IPS. I was just wondering whether there was any comment on the boat found in the Andaman Sea by the Secretary‑General, and specifically the fact that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that soon the boat full of 100 people could be hundreds of corpses.
Spokesman: In fact, your timing, I must say, is perfect because I was just handed a statement on this very issue. The Secretary-General is concerned about the crisis evolving in the Andaman Sea and Straits of Malacca, where several thousand people are believed to be stranded on smugglers’ boats. He is alarmed by reports that some countries may be refusing entry to boats carrying refugees and migrants. The Secretary-General urges Governments to ensure that the obligation of rescue at sea is upheld and the prohibition on refoulement is maintained. He also urges Governments to facilitate timely disembarkation and keep their borders and ports open in order to help the vulnerable people who are in need. The Secretary-General has taken note of the efforts to organise a regional summit and calls on all leaders of Southeast Asia to intensify individual and collective efforts to address this worrying situation and tackle the root causes, which are often human rights violations. In this regard, he reminds States of their obligations under international law; he emphasizes the need for a timely, comprehensive, rights-based, and effective response. Abdel Hamid, then Evelyn? Then Matthew.
Question: Is the Secretary‑General aware of the development regarding an Iranian humanitarian ship sailing towards Yemen without the consent of the recognized Yemeni Government? And they are threatening… and the Saudis are threatening too that they will intercept this ship and the Iranian speaker of the house said they will not allow…
Spokesman: Sure. I think we… Abdel Hamid, I hear your question. We're very much aware. I think we've talked about it here in the briefing. What I can tell you is that Iran is among those Member States who have offered humanitarian assistance to Yemen and the United Nations has accepted the offer of Iran to supply assistance to the UN in Djibouti. We're not aware of any requests from Iran that the UN facilitate the docking of a ship from Iran in Yemen with humanitarian supplies. I think the general message on this particular case, but also much, much more broadly, is that humanitarian aid is most effective when it is coordinated. The UN and its partners are doing just that. We would encourage all countries to deliver aid through the UN mechanisms. As I mentioned earlier, we're already on the ground doing quite a lot. Also, in these crises, it is best to send funds, but when we do have in‑kind contributions, we also take them and put them in through our coordinated system. Yes?
Question: You just mentioned the Secretary‑General will start inviting people to a third country. Is that third country Geneva… I mean, the City of Geneva? And in that case, is Tehran invited to attend that conference?
Spokesman: I think Geneva has often hosted multi‑lateral discussions. When we're ready to announce where they are, we will. The Yemeni parties will be invited, and I think as we get more details as to the regional players, we will share them. Evelyn, then Matthew?
Question: Thank you, Steph. The… who is sponsoring the “Every woman, every child”? Is that the UN Foundation?
Spokesman: They are very much involved, as it is a coalition that involves only the UN, the private sector and the UN Foundation.
Question: I see. Secondly, who is the main actor on the homophobia day film and celebration? Is that human rights…?
Spokesman: Human rights office.
Question: Because it doesn't go through the GA [General Assembly], does it?
Spokesman: No, it's… I… you know, it's a good question whether it's an official GA day. Our… my colleague Charles Radcliffe at the human rights office here in New York can give you a little more background.
Correspondent: It's quite courageous. There are at least 76 and probably more UN members that criminalize homosexuality.
Spokesman: I think the Secretary‑General has made his position on that very clear.
Correspondent: No, I'd say it's quite courageous. I'm questioning… I doubt it would pass the GA.
Spokesman: We can check. Mr. Lee, and then we'll go to the back.
Question: Two questions on peacekeeping. The first is on Burundi. Given that a member of the military declared himself in control, and whether or not you call it a coup, I wonder, what is the procedures for… where countries are troop‑contributing countries and there are reports also within Burundi of splits in the military, some siding with the former or current president and some not. What is the impact and what is the… what does DPKO [Department of Peacekeeping Operations] do in these circumstances?
Spokesman: If I'm not mistaken, there are about 800 Burundian troops serving in various UN peacekeeping missions. We can get you the exact number. I think they continue to serve and they continue to serve well. I think the situation in the country as to who is in charge and what is a de facto Government is as yet unclear, so we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Question: Who is DPKO’s interlocutor in Burundi at this time?
Spokesman: At this point, it's not an issue of whom DPKO is talking to. I think our efforts right now are being led by Mr. Djinnit, and as I said, the situation on the ground continues to be fluid and not quite clear.
Question: Okay. And the other one I wanted to ask, I'd asked you yesterday about… it seems that whatever Mr. Tony Banbury said is part of the UN's response to these… the concerns about immunity, about the rapes in the [Central African Republic], so I'd asked you if there was a transcript. And I guess I couldn't… I looked at the transcript of this. I didn't hear a yes or no. But, I want to ask you specifically about something that he said, which is that he said that the UN wants those engaged in this behaviour to "rot in jail". I just wonder, definitely accountability is one thing, but is it a UN position that, in fact, prisons are… should be used for people to rot in them? Is that a…?
Spokesman: I think…
Correspondent: And I'd like the transcript.
Spokesman: I think… he gave interviews.
Correspondent: Seems like it's one interview.
Spokesman: It's a… I think that quote is more of a colloquialism, which I would translate to mean that people should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Question: But, was this a single interview or was this a sit‑down thing that was transcribed?
Spokesman: This was interviews.
Question: Right. Do you provide a transcript…?
Spokesman: I don't provide transcripts of interviews that you may have with other people.
Question: Right. Is this a one‑on‑one interview or not?
Spokesman: Matthew, I can't be responsible for what parties you're invited to or not invited to.
Correspondent: I'm saying, if questions are asked in this room about the UN's position on rape and if the answers are given off camera to a select group…
Spokesman: I think, Matthew… I think, Matthew, you are able to ask as many questions as you want here. It is responded to on behalf of the United Nations by myself. You're free to talk to other people. In the back?
Question: You may already have addressed this, but the Secretary‑General was in Moscow, I believe, on 9 May, along with the Chinese President and Angela Merkel, and of course, the Russian President. Did he have any statement about the commemoration of the victory over Nazism in [the Second World War]?
Spokesman: There were readouts put out of his meeting with President… with President [Vladimir] Putin, and it was part of the trip announcement that we made, and you can refer to that. Ann?
Question: Yes. In commemorating all victims of the Second World War, Estonian Ambassador, Margus Kolga, made a statement recently on behalf of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, in which he stated that the Baltic States could not be among the founders of the UN, as they had been occupied first by Soviet and by Nazi and then again by Soviet troops. In commemorating the seventieth anniversary of the UN, does the UN Secretary‑General support giving equal coverage to all the victims of Nazi and Soviet occupation regimes, rather than just playing up fascism, which some UN Security Council members seem to do?
Spokesman: I think the Secretary‑General has honoured all of the civilians who have been killed in the tragic conflict of the Second World War. Abdel Hamid. Then Matthew.
Question: Yesterday, Stéphane, Iraqi militias, or what is called Popular Mobilization [Forces], which is basically Shiite, stormed into the densely populated Adhimiya neighbourhood, which is mostly Sunnis. They destroyed mosques and they confiscated Islamic endowment. Is there a statement… is the Secretary‑General aware of what happened there? And even… I just asked Mr. Kubiš about it…
Spokesman: I will find out. I have not heard those reports. Mr. Lee?
Question: Sure. I wanted to ask… actually I will ask one thing first. Two press freedom… one is the statement by the new Special Adviser on Yemen where he calls for the media to be helpful. I saw it last night when it was put out. Can you put a little gloss on that, in terms of what is he exactly asking the media to do? As a media member, I'd like to get my marching orders.
Spokesman: I don't think he was giving you marching orders. I think what we have seen in conflicts… areas where there're often conflicts based on belonging to certain communities, ethnic groups, that sometimes there is such thing as hate media and messages that are not positive and do not push towards a peaceful resolution. So, that would be my sense of what he meant. It is… unfortunately, I can't give the media marching orders.
Question: Sure. Thanks a lot. And one just… I'm just going to say, since you said this thing about the party, I have no desire to party with Mr. Banbury. I just want to know what he said about the UN's position on rapes. So I’m fine. That said, that question is about this case in South Korea that's been bouncing around for some time, the businessman Mr. Sung, who committed suicide, but mentioned the Secretary‑General's name soon before he did it. And there's a new article in the Korea JoongAng Daily, which says that Mr. Ban's nephew Ban Joo-hyun, the manager of a New York‑based real estate firm, is somehow involved in this case. And it cites him providing a forged letter for the Qatar Investment Authority, saying a building in Viet Nam was going to be built when it wasn't. And I just wonder… I would assume that your office is aware of this. What is the… is any of this true? For example, is his nephew involved in this real estate deal? Does his nephew deny providing a fraudulent Qatari investment fund letter…?Spokesman: I think the… This does not… this does not involve the Secretary‑General. He has nothing to do with this issue, and he has nothing to do with his nephew. And I think you… I really have nothing else to add.
Question: I guess I'm only asking because it only has connection to possible politics, countries, the commonwealth fund — do you deny it?
Spokesman: I understand… I think… Clearly, the Secretary‑General is not involved in any of this. I would like to… oh. Yes. I would like to say have a good weekend. But, go ahead.
Question: I just want to clarify. You said that the Secretary‑General had offered his condolences to all of the victims of [the Second World War] or all of the civilian victims of [the Second World War]?
Spokesman: I think the Secretary‑General and I think the world mourns all who have died as a result of the horrendous violence during the Second World War. Evelyn?
Question: In Valerie Amos's statement when she talks about rape and so forth by the… by ISIS [Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/Sham] or Da’esh, is she talking about the Yazidis or are they an equal opportunist rapist? Do you know specifically…?
Spokesman: I would have to check the statement. You may want to talk to Claire Doyle in Valerie's office. But I… yeah. Okay. Have a good day.