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
I will start off by announcing that I don’t have an announcement on Yemen, which you were all expecting.
But I can tell you that the Secretary-General's Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed is continuing his intensive efforts to convene the Geneva consultations as soon as possible. He is currently in Oman today and is set to go on to Doha tomorrow, as he continues to iron out details concerning the Geneva meetings. I say this and I actually mean it: we do hope to make an announcement soon, but I won’t define what soon means. But I would like to get something out there.
Meanwhile on the humanitarian front, UNICEF reports that 149 children have been killed and another 290 injured due to the conflict in Yemen since mid-March. More than a million people were displaced throughout Yemen from 26 March until the end of May. Half of the new displacement occurred in three governorates alone; Hajjah, Al Dhale’e and Ibb. Displacement is expected to increase further over the coming weeks if the conflict continues.
The displaced are among over 20 million people who now need some form of humanitarian assistance in Yemen.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (OCHA) says that there has been a 1.4 million metric ton shortfall in fuel imports in the last three months. Only 2 per cent of pre-crisis fuel imports have entered Yemen since late March. Nationwide fuel shortages have contributed to the quadrupling of fuel prices and doubling of food prices in some areas.
Meanwhile, between 20 April and 31 May, at least 69 cases of dengue fever have appeared in Aden, although figures could be higher, as the disease is endemic in Yemen.
**Burundi
On Burundi, I know we have been asked about a letter from opposition parties.
I can tell you that we have taken note of the letter from several opposition parties in Burundi regarding the role of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region as Facilitator for the dialogue.
The Secretary-General affirms of course his full confidence and support to Mr. Djinnit’s work and commends him for his tireless efforts in working with all parties and the regional leaders on the situation in Burundi.
The Secretary-General very much believes that it is urgent for the Burundian parties to reach an agreement on establishing conditions for free, fair, inclusive and peaceful elections and calls on the Burundian parties to cooperate urgently towards this end with the UN, the African Union, the East African Community (EAC), as well as the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
The Secretary-General also reiterates his urgent call to Burundian leaders from across the political spectrum to place peace and national reconciliation above partisan interests and to steer Burundi peacefully through this challenging period.
**Ukraine
As you will have seen, earlier today, Jeff Feltman this morning briefed the Security Council on the situation in Ukraine.
He said that since the Council met last on Ukraine in March, while the situation in the east remains tenuous, we now have some grounds for hope. The ceasefire continues to largely hold in most parts of the conflict zone; the number and pace of casualties have generally slowed.
Importantly, Mr. Feltman said, the political process aimed at full implementation of the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements is finally under way. The full implementation of the Minsk accords is indispensable for leading eastern Ukraine and the country as a whole out of this crisis.
And he said that the UN is gravely concerned over continued, almost daily deadly clashes, the use of heavy weaponry, the laying of minefields on both sides of the contact line, the reported continued presence of foreign mercenaries on Ukrainian soil, and reported flows of heavy weaponry into eastern Ukraine, all of which run contrary to key provisions of the Minsk accords.
His full remarks are available in my office.
**Central African Republic
As you will have most likely noted earlier today, our colleagues at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva said, regarding the Central African Republic, that they are deeply concerned that more than 15 months after being informed of very disturbing allegations of the enforced disappearance of at least 11 people, including five women and one child, by troops from the Republic of Congo, their whereabouts remain unknown. A full and transparent investigation has not been conducted by responsible authorities inside or outside the country.
According to numerous testimonies from local witnesses interviewed by human rights staff, in March of last year, 11 people were arrested after an exchange of fire between the anti-Balaka armed group and the Congolese contingent of the African led peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic, which was known as MISCA.
The 11 individuals were detained at the MISCA base at the time and disappeared since then. Testimonies suggest they may have been killed and buried in the area. Victims’ families lodged official complaints to the gendarmerie in May of last year but there is yet to be an effective investigation.
Our colleagues in Geneva urge the relevant authorities, including the Government of the CAR, the African Union and the Republic of Congo, to ensure without further delay an impartial, effective and transparent investigation.
The High Commissioner himself is sending a team from Geneva to the Central African Republic to look into possible further measures to address human rights violations.
He has been engaging directly with States which provided troops that are the subject of serious allegations, requesting more information about the steps they have taken to investigate those allegations, and urging prosecution of anyone found to have committed crimes.
**Nigeria
Also, on Nigeria, the High Commissioner for Human rights also urged today the new Administration of the Nigerian President to take measures to bring to justice perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses, whether non-State or State actors, following interviews with individuals rescued from towns previously [held] by Boko Haram.
More information on the Geneva website.
**Libya
From Libya, the UN Support Mission in the country (UNSMIL) announced today that the next round of Libyan political dialogue sessions will commence on the 8th of June — that is next Monday — in Morocco.
Participants will discuss a new draft of the political agreement based on the latest inputs from the parties. The mission has urged Libyan stakeholders to engage in the forthcoming discussions in a spirit of reconciliation and compromise, as well as with determination to reach a political agreement to bring peace and stability to Libya.
The Mission has also reminded all parties that there can be no military solution to the current conflict.
Press release available on the website of the Mission.
**Iraq
I want to flag that the new Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Stephen O’Brien, will be travelling to Iraq for three days, starting this Sunday. He will review progress with the humanitarian response and is expected to meet displaced families and senior Iraqi and Kurdish officials.
The humanitarian situation in Iraq is dire as we have been flagging here almost daily. Nearly 3 million Iraqis have been displaced since last January and more than 8 million people need assistance across the country. Aid agencies urgently need access to vulnerable people in need, as well as funding for critical relief work.
The visit will also focus on how the UN and humanitarian partners can best support the Government of Iraq in providing assistance and protection for all the people in need.
**Middle East
You will have seen yesterday we issued a statement from the Secretary-General condemning the firing of rockets by militants from Gaza towards Israel.
**Bahrain
Just to flag another note from the Human Rights colleagues in Geneva. They say they are concerned about the harsh treatment of detainees at the Jaw Prison in Bahrain following a riot there in early March which was put down by security forces using rubber bullets, tear gas and shotguns, resulting in many injuries but no deaths. After the riot was quelled, the detainees were allegedly forced to spend 10 days in the open courtyard of the prison, before eventually being placed in two large plastic tents.
The Human Rights Office urges the authorities to conduct impartial, speedy and effective investigations and to ensure that any victims of torture or ill-treatment have access to appropriate remedies. It reminds the authorities in Bahrain there is an absolute prohibition of torture under international law.
**Republic of Korea
Just to flag that our colleagues in Geneva from the World Health Organization and the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare will conduct a joint mission following a recent outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (known as MERS-CoV) in the Republic of Korea.
The WHO team will be led by Assistant Director-General for Health Security Dr. Fukuda, and will be comprised of experts in various fields and who have handled such outbreaks in the Middle East.
So far, 36 cases of MERS have been reported in the Republic of Korea.
Based on current data and the World Health Organization’s risk [assessment], there is no evidence to suggest sustained human-to-human transmission in communities and no evidence of airborne transmission.
**South-East Asia
A couple of more things to flag: UNHCR is appealing for $13 million to help with the needs of new boat arrivals in South-East Asia, where thousands of refugees and migrants have been crossing the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
[It was] launched yesterday to beef up the Agency’s work on protection for the nearly 4,800 people from Myanmar and Bangladesh who have been disembarked from smugglers' boats in the last month.
In the latest incident earlier this week, more than 700 people — including 120 women and children who said they have been at sea for months — were landed in Myanmar's Rakhine State.
**Greece
UNHCR is also flagging that in Greece, they are stepping up their field presence in the eastern Aegean islands of Greece, where in recent weeks sea arrivals from Turkey have been averaging some 600 people a day. This is straining the limited — and in some cases non-existent — local reception capacities.
**Environment
In a message for World Environment Day, the Secretary-General has called on everyone to become more conscious of our ecological impact.
Noting that humanity continues to consume far more natural resources than the planet can sustainably provide, he warns that many of the Earth’s ecosystems are nearing critical tipping points.
**World Oceans Day
Next Monday is World Oceans Day, and this year’s theme is “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet”. This year’s celebration of World Oceans Day coincides with the first day of the 25th meeting of the States parties to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
A reception will be held here at Headquarters. The winners of the Annual World Oceans Day Oceanic Photo Competition will be announced and the winning photos will be projected in large format. A quartet of the UN Orchestra will also perform.
At sunset, the Empire State Building here in New York will be lit in the World Oceans Day colours of white, blue and purple, representing the different depths of the ocean. I did not know that.
More information on the UN World Oceans Day website.
**Noon Briefing Guest Monday
Monday, I will be joined Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, and the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Maman S. Sidikou. They will be here.
**Volunteer
Lastly, the UN Volunteer (UNV) programme is launching the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report 2015 today. The report focuses on ways volunteers help to make sure Governments worldwide are more accountable and responsible.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark will participate in the global launch of the report at 1:15 p.m. — that is in 16 minutes — in ECOSOC Chamber today.
**Questions and Answers
Spokesman: Khalas. Matthew.
Question: Sure. I have some other questions but I… yesterday I'd asked about these States that asked to meet with the Secretary-General about the Central African Republic sexual abuse allegations, and at least one of the States said this meeting is going to take place. [inaudible] I don't know if you can confirm that, 4:00.
Spokesman: I believe the meeting will take place later this afternoon. But I —
[overlapping talking]
Question: I was looking to — they said it but I was seeking confirmation before this briefing from your office. It's still not listed on its schedule, whereas like yesterday a meeting with ambassadors…
Spokesman: I'll check why it's not listed, but I believe it's happening this afternoon.
Question: Okay. And can we get some kind of a readout after it?
Spokesman: We can try.
Question: Is there a readout from the French general…
Spokesman: The French meeting yesterday: the Secretary-General thanked the French Chief of Defence staff for France's support in various UN peacekeeping missions and the work they've done, notably in UNIFIL, in Mali, in the Central African Republic. He did raise the issue of the allegations of sexual exploitation by French Sangaris troops. He expressed the hope that the French investigation currently done under way would be concluded as quickly as possible, and if people are found guilty, that they would be prosecuted. And that's basically…
Question: Something more substantive on this and that will be that. As you may or may not have seen, the Government Accountability Project, well known in the field of whistleblower protection, has issued a long analysis of the various flaws that it sees. But what I wanted to ask is: they raise what seem to be pretty good questions that I think can be answered outside of the investigation, which are what… what are the protocols if the UN becomes aware of sexual abuse by troops deployed under a Security Council resolution, as was the case, who is Kompass supposed to report to? Whose permission was he supposed to be seeking? And how much time is supposed to elapse before names and specifics for prosecution can be provide?
Spokesman: I —
Question: The reason I ask you is that there may be other cases out there.
Spokesman: I understand. I understand.
Question: So what are the rules?
Spokesman: I think — we are — I will take a look at the GAP letter. Obviously, this is part of the things that we are reviewing with — that the SG's external review will take a look at. It is, of course, incumbent, you know, that if UN staff witness abuse of children, sexual abuse, that they need to alert the proper authorities and take the necessary measures, as we've seen even just a few days ago with what happened in the Central African Republic with this one case we reported. So these are things that will be — that are being looked at.
Question: But in the interim, if people report and if they're in a grey zone and they report, are they going to be suspended or asked to be suspended?
Spokesman: No, people need to report up through the proper channels. George and then Evelyn.
Question: Quick question. I would just like to know the context of this problem with the Republic of Congo troops. These are troops from Congo-Brazza who are part of MISCA, which is an African Union force that is there in tandem with UN's…
Spokesman: No.
Question: …MINUSCA force and…
Spokesman: The —
[overlapping talking]
Spokesman: The Republic of Congo troops were there as part of MISCA, which is the African-led UN peacekeeping force, which was a precursor to the UN peacekeeping mission that we have now. So these were troops deployed obviously over an overall — with the overall blessing of the Security Council — but it was not a UN peacekeeping mission. It was an African Union peacekeeping mission with African Union troops. So the case that we're talking about in terms of the Republic of the Congo refers to that.
Question: Thank you.
Spokesman: You're welcome. Evelyn.
Question: Sorry. Couldn't find the button. Stéphane, back to the CAR, has the Secretary-General or anyone else been assured that all the accused perverts are out of the CAR?
Spokesman: I think we're in touch with the French and I think we have — I don't have that level of detail, but we have full trust that the necessary precautions have been taken.
Thank you, all. See you — go ahead, Matthew. Then we'll see you Monday.
Question: Hang on a sec. Sorry.
Spokesman: Just one. Choose. It's a tough choice. I know.
Question: Actually, I consider this is a follow-up. Yesterday I'd asked about the report on the Rohingyas not being registered in Bangladesh. I'm waiting on that, but there is also now: the law has been finalized, which says that women can be required to wait three years to have another child. This is something directed at reducing the population of Muslims in Myanmar. It's a pretty high‑profile law called the Population Control and Healthcare law that the US Government and many others have criticized. What's the UN's position on it?
Spokesman: I will take a look at that. I should have an answer on your first one.
Question: Can I keep asking until I get an answer?
Spokesman: Yes —
Question: I'm just saying —
Spokesman: Just go, go.
Question: On DRC, I wanted to ask to clear this up. There was an attack on the Goma Airport. And some people say that although the FIT — the Force Intervention Brigade could protect it, it didn't. Can you find out whether there was any UN involvement…
Spokesman: I'll find out.
Question: Thank you.
Spokesman: Have a good weekend.