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.
I have two statements to read out.
**Somalia
One on the ratification by Somalia of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: The Secretary-General welcomes the Government of Somalia's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, an important measure which binds the Government to ensure specific protections for all children in the country.
The Secretary-General views the Convention as the world's strongest commitment to promote and respect the human rights of children, including the right to life, to health, to education and to play, as well as the right to family life, to be protected from violence and from any other form of discrimination, and to have their views heard. Adopted in 1989, the Convention stands as the most widely ratified human rights convention, with 196 State parties.
The Secretary-General encourages the United States, the only State yet to ratify the Convention, to join the global movement and help the world reach the objective of universal ratification. He affirms the continuous support of the United Nations in these efforts.
**United States
And a statement on the shootings in Oregon: The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the mass shooting in Roseburg, Oregon, on 1 October. He conveys his sincere condolences to the families of the many victims and wishes a swift recovery to those wounded.
In the face of yet another tragedy of this kind, the Secretary-General expresses his strong hope that the United States, through the robust democratic process that characterizes it, will be able to take the necessary action to reduce the appalling toll in human life that gun violence is taking on American society. He notes that President Barack Obama has consistently demonstrated his commitment to address this scourge.
That statement should be online.
**Libya
The Secretary-General this morning spoke at a high-level meeting on Libya, and he warned that the violence of the past year and a half is leading Libya down a path of death, displacement and destruction.
He said that, for the first time since the revolution of 2011, Libyans have before them a negotiated, inclusive and workable political road map for the remainder of the political transition process. No agreement is perfect, he added, but this document will help Libya move beyond the chaos and towards the creation of a stable and democratic State with a clear legal framework.
The Secretary-General has instructed his Special Representative, Bernardino Len, to adhere to the agreed deadline of this General Assembly week to begin discussion on the formation of a new Government. Mr. Len has assured the Secretary-General that the participants at this morning’s meeting remain committed and will not go back on their word.
**Israel
In a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday, the Secretary-General condemned the brutal killing of two Israeli citizens in the West Bank that took place earlier that evening.
The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister discussed the regional situation, including the risks posed by incitement, violent extremism and terrorism. The Secretary-General noted the tensions on the ground in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and reiterated his call on both sides to prevent any escalation. In this regard, he referred to the Prime Minister's public commitment to maintain the status quo on the Holy Sites. The full readout is available online.
Nickolay Mladenov, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, also condemned the shooting attack. That statement is online.
**Central African Republic
Also, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, said today that he was extremely alarmed by the recent upsurge in violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) and by attacks on humanitarian premises.
He said that people in Bangui are living without the most basic necessities, because humanitarian NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and UN agencies cannot reach them.
He added that the situation is also deteriorating outside the capital, with movements of armed groups spreading panic among the population.
Across the country, more than 412,000 people have fled their homes. Some 2.7 million people, more than half the population, depend on humanitarian aid to survive.
Mr. O’Brien called on all those involved to end the violence and to allow the resumption of humanitarian assistance immediately. His full statement is online.
Meanwhile, the UN Mission in the country, MINUSCA, reports that the situation in the capital, Bangui, remained relatively calm but tense in the last 24 hours with sporadic looting activity.
MINUSCA peacekeepers, in collaboration with Operation Sangaris, have taken a robust posture in Kaga Bandoro, where a group of armed ex-Séléka was reportedly moving south.
The Mission continues to take measures to prevent a further deterioration of the situation in order to ensure protection of civilians and safe passage along key axis routes within the capital.
**Climate Change
You will have seen, in a statement we issued last night that the Secretary-General welcomed the submission of national climate action plans, or Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, by 147 countries, which account for over 85 per cent of global greenhouse emissions.
He said that the submission of these plans at the 1 October milestone provides a solid foundation for a universal and meaningful climate change agreement in Paris this December.
The Secretary-General welcomes these contributions as a positive first step and encourages all countries that have not already done so to submit them before the Paris conference. That full statement is online.
**Syria
On Syria, today the United Nations had to suspend its planned humanitarian intervention in Syria as part of the implementation of the ceasefire agreement on Zabadani, Madaya, Fua, and Kefraya due to the recent surge of military activities in the concerned areas.
Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said that the UN team and humanitarian partners had made all necessary preparations and were in place to immediately implement the humanitarian provisions of the agreement.
The Syrian population in these affected areas is waiting for this agreement to be implemented so that needed humanitarian assistance can be provided to end their long suffering.
The UN calls on all concerned parties to fulfil their responsibilities in the protection of civilians and reach the necessary understandings in order to implement this agreement as soon as possible. The UN reaffirms its commitment to the protection of civilians and remains ready to assist.
**Yemen
On Yemen, UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) said today that six months of unremitting violence in Yemen have left at least 505 children dead, 702 injured and 1.7 million at risk of malnutrition.
Across the country, nearly 10 million children — 80 per cent of the country’s under-18 population — need urgent humanitarian assistance. More than 1.4 million people have been forced to flee their homes.
Even before the conflict, the nutrition situation was dire, as Yemen produces less than 10 per cent of its food needs and relies heavily on imported food. But the escalation of the fighting has caused food insecurity to spiral and malnutrition to spike. UNICEF has more details on its website.
**Iraq
The UN Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) released its periodic report on casualties: a total of 717 Iraqis were killed and another 1,216 were wounded in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict last month.
Ján Kubiš, the Head of the UN Mission, remains deeply concerned by the ongoing violence and the high rate of ensuing casualties.
**UNHCR
A note from UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees): they say that despite the windy autumn weather affecting sea crossings from Turkey in recent days, the number of refugees and migrants arriving in Greece continues to climb and is expected to reach the 400,000 mark shortly.
It said that Greece remains by far the largest single entry point for new sea arrivals in the Mediterranean, followed by Italy with 131,000 arrivals so far this year. The total is close to 530,000 of people having crossed the Mediterranean this year.
UNHCR said that the continuing high rate of arrivals underlines the need for the fast implementation of Europe's relocation programme, jointly with the establishment of robust facilities to receive, assist, register and screen all people arriving by sea.
It is also concerned that the lack of reception capacity in Greece could seriously jeopardize the relocation programme agreed [upon] by the European Council, as eligible refugees have nowhere to stay while awaiting relocation.
**Tajikistan
Also from Geneva, the UN Human Rights Office said today that it is concerned about an increasing risk of human rights violations connected with the recent banning of the Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan, as well as the arrest and detention of more than a dozen of its members last month.
**Non-Violence
And I forgot to mention: the Secretary-General spoke this morning at a special event marking the International Day of Non-Violence, which is also the birthdate of Mohandas Gandhi.
Today, at a time of escalating conflicts, rising extremism, massive displacement and rapidly growing humanitarian need, the Secretary-General said that Mr. Gandhi’s dedication to non-violence remains an example to us all.
**Press Conferences
On Monday at 12:30 p.m., the President of the Security Council for this month, Ambassador [Román Oyarzun] Marchesi of Spain, will be here to brief you on the programme of work.
**Questions and Answers
Spokesman: Carole?
Question: Stéphane, on Syria, we heard the foreign minister say at the General Assembly that they are joining the Staffan de Mistura talks. What's the latest on that? When will they start? And he mentioned that he understood the talks to be non-binding, and basically an exchange of ideas. Doesn't that strike you as a strange starting point — to say, basically, we don't take it seriously?
Spokesman: No, I wouldn't interpret that as taking it not seriously. I think the fact that he said publicly they would come, I think, is to be seen as positive. These discussions are part of the thematic groups that Mr. de Mistura has organized around different pillars and, you know, they are a start or a restart to moving the political process along. I think as we see the violence continuing in Syria, I think it should encourage the international community to redouble its efforts and refocus on the political process. I'll get you a date… I'll get you a date as soon as I'm off this podium.
Sam and then Matthew?
Question: On Yemen, there was a resolution passed of the Human Rights Council this morning. It doesn't include language for a human rights mission of the sort that the High Commissioner called for. There was another resolution that basically was dropped from the Netherlands. Does the SG have any comment on this? Does he think they should have done something else?
Spokesman: You know, obviously, we are fully supportive of the High Commissioner's position. This is a decision taken by Member States. What is important for the Secretary-General is that at the end there be full accountability for what has happened in Yemen, including the killings of many, many civilians.
Question: Just if I can follow up, does he feel what was passed today would do that, what you just described?
Spokesman: I think what I'm saying to you in the end, we will have to see what has passed… what impact what is passed… what impact the resolution will have and obviously what may come further down the line. Mr. Lee?
Question: Sure. I want to ask you in South Sudan there are now reports both sides, both the Government and the UN opposition groups are saying that the fighting has restarted in Unity State. Given that there is a UN mission there, what does the Mission say about whether the peace deals are being implemented or not?
Spokesman: I don't have an update for today for the Mission. Also, the IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority for Development) reports, the IGAD monitors who are responsible for monitoring the ceasefire, they put their reports online, but I don't have an update from the Mission today.
Question: I heard your statement you had from MINUSCA (United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic) about looting, et cetera, in Bangui, and yesterday one of the ministers of Central African Republic, in a stake-out with Mr. [Hervé] Ladsous, called it a coup, said what's taking place in Bangui is a coup. I did see in the UN use of that language in Burkina Faso. Does the UN believe that what is taking place in Bangui is a coup or not a coup?
Spokesman: I think if that position had been held, we would have stated it. Obviously, we're focused on reducing the level of violence.
Question: I wanted to ask you this, because in both the CAR stake-out and then after that at the Mali stake-out, particularly at the Mali stake-out, basically Mr. Ladsous and his spokesman could totally control the microphone in terms of what questions could be asked to other people, meaning the Foreign Minister of Mali. I want to know, what is the protocol? I understand, at this time of the year, there are these, kind of, hybrid stake-outs. Does the UN Secretariat control who gets to ask to the Foreign Minister of a country…
Spokesman: If there is a stake-out, people shout questions. If they want to shout question, they will. Erol?
Question: Stéphane, after this most crowded part of the [unintelligible] summits held, can you please in few words conclude what was… what is the conclusion of the summit on migration that the Secretary-General was organizing and with the great expectations of the summit?
Spokesman: I think I would refer you back to what the Deputy Secretary-General said himself at the stake-out at the conclusion of the meeting. I think it was a — it was a very powerful meeting, in which I think Member States were very clear on their positions, but I think all committed themselves and recommitted themselves to finding… to finding and implementing the right kinds of policies, to manage the inevitable flow of people that has happened through the ages, in a way that respects their dignity and their human rights.
Question: And is the Secretary-General somehow concerned in addition now, extra concerned with the Russian intervention into Syria as the main source of the reverse of peace that Mr. [Anthony] Lake put it before.
Spokesman: You know, I think I've been asked… I've spoken about this issue. What the Secretary-General has to say on air strikes by the Russians or by other members of the coalition is that everything should be done to protect civilians and that they be taken… done within the parameters of international humanitarian law and international law. And to refer to what I just said before, I think all of this increased military action should also force us to redouble our efforts to find a political solution. Carole and then Richard?
Question: I just want to get some clarity on the statement on gun control after the shooting in Oregon. Basically, is there growing concern at the UN at the number of victims, and is there anything the UN can do? Are there conventions that…
Spokesman: There is a treaty on small arms, a small arms trade treaty, but I think the Secretary-General is clear that he hopes that the US through its own democratic process will be able to take necessary action to reduce the appalling toll in human life that gun violence has taken in America. Mr. Roth?
Question: What is the condition, level of conditioning of you and UN staff as this week ends and how effective is it, do you feel…
Spokesman: How do I feel? What's my condition?
Question: Well, postgame. Is it effective having so many meetings, migration, Yemen, Somalia, education, Syria, on top of each other where the media could not follow — I guess, I'm asking, who is the mad man that schedules this? Is it productive or is it just groups coming in to speak? Does any work get done, in your opinion?
Spokesman: I think it is productive. Personally, I think this is the most intense General Assembly I've seen in the last 15 years in this building. I think when you start with a visit by the Pope to be followed within hours by the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, our road map to fight poverty for the next 15 years and then dive into the more political aspect of the General Assembly with the first visit in almost 10 years by Vladimir Putin, the first visit by a Chinese president, Angela Merkel, who, as far as I remember, has not been here for the last couple of years. I think these things are inevitable. You have 190… more than 150 leaders, Heads of State or Heads of Government, 193 Governments that are represented. It's a unique opportunity for them to discuss all of the issues that we face today, and there are quite a lot. It's hard on you. It's hard on the Secretariat. It strains everybody's resources, but in fact, it saves money. They are all here in one place at the same time, and I think it's probably good for the economy of the city, as well. I'll leave it at that. Mr. Lee?
Question: About these meetings. I just wanted to ask, get your response to this. There's an article in the Straits Times about stating… and I don't know if this was true because I didn't see it on the schedule… stating that the Secretary-General met with Park Geun-Hye seven times in four days that she was in New York. And using… the article goes on to say this may be some indication of him wanting to run for President of South Korea. I just wanted to stick on the facts. I saw his schedule and I didn't see anywhere…
Spokesman: They may have been in the same meeting seven times, but I would let you do that arithmetic, but it's not a… it's not a… what I'm saying, they may have been attending the same public meetings, the same conferences, the same side events, but there was no… excuse me, I’ll try to speak in English here. There were no… some of you are native… there were no seven bilaterals between the Secretary-General and the President of Korea.
Question: Okay. The write-up of the bilaterals that there was, the readout was pretty long. I don't know if it was the longest. I'll shift to this. I saw the Haiti with President [Michel] Martelly, and I noticed that the word cholera was nowhere in it. In all previous years since the outbreak, it's been in there. Was this in fact discussed, or does this indicate the Secretary General's belief that the issue is over?
Spokesman: I think the Secretary-General's position has been well laid out before. I have nothing else to share on the meeting besides the readout.
Question: And one last thing, there is a report in the press that the Pakistan's Permanent Representative turned over to the Secretary-General a so-called dossier of Indian interference in Pakistan. Is that true?
Spokesman: I don't know. I can find out. Thank you all.