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.
**Appointment
I will start off with a senior personnel appointment: today, the Secretary-General is announcing the appointment of Michael Keating of the United Kingdom as his new Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, known as UNSOM.
Mr. Keating will succeed Nicholas Kay of the UK, who will complete his assignment at the end of the year. The Secretary-General is grateful for Mr. Kay’s dedication, courage and excellent leadership of UNSOM over the past two and a half years, a critical period for Somalia’s political transformation.
Mr. Keating brings to this position extensive experience in supporting political and peacebuilding transitions, as well as leading complex humanitarian and recovery programmes in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa. And we congratulate Michael on his appointment. A biography of Mr. Keating is available in my office.
**Secretary-General’s Travels
The Secretary-General just landed back in New York a short while ago, after participating in the seventh summit of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (otherwise known as ASEAN) and the United Nations in Malaysia that took place yesterday.
In Malaysia, he congratulated the leaders gathered for the ASEAN-UN summit on the signing of the inspiring ASEAN Community Vision 2025, which he said [should] be carried out in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals. At the same time, he stressed that there can be no sustainable development without climate action. He applauded the progress achieved before the Paris Climate Change Conference, as more than 166 countries have now submitted national climate plans, but added that more needs to be done to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees.
The Secretary-General also spoke at the ASEAN East Asia summit yesterday, where he welcomed the recent Trilateral Summit that brought together leaders of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. He also welcomed the recent family reunions on the Korean peninsula and expressed his hope that both sides will expand their engagements through dialogue. All of his remarks and readouts of the number of bilaterals he had were made available to you over the weekend.
**Deputy Secretary-General’s Travels
The Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson, will travel to Bern, Switzerland, later today. In Bern, he will participate in the Annual Democracy Forum, co-hosted by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance and the Government of Switzerland. He will also meet with the Swiss Refugee Council and hold bilateral meetings with Government officials.
On 26 November, the Deputy Secretary-General will travel to Vaduz, Liechtenstein, for an official visit to attend the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Principality of Liechtenstein’s UN membership. He will be back in the office on Monday.
**Palestinian People
The Deputy Secretary-General again, Jan Eliasson, spoke at an event today marking the Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, and he said that, more than one year since the last ruinous conflict in Gaza, security and hope in Gaza and in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, remain at a very low point.
The Deputy Secretary-General condemned the recent stabbings, shootings and other attacks that have caused immense suffering among Israelis and Palestinians alike.
He said that it is abundantly clear that Palestinians feel deep frustration over an occupation that has lasted 50 years. Similarly, Israelis strongly fear for their security. The lack of a political horizon to achieve the two-State solution seriously increases the risk of the situation spiralling out of control. His remarks are available in my office.
**Libya
Over the weekend, the Secretary-General’s new Special Representative for Libya, Martin Kobler, was in the country, meeting with Libyan parties in Tobruk and Tripoli. He met with the Foreign Minister, as well as with the Second Vice President and members of the House of Representatives.
During a press conference in Tobruk, Mr. Kobler stressed the urgent need to move forward with a vote on a Government of National Accord as soon as possible. He reiterated the importance of peace, security and prosperity for the Libyan people.
Mr. Kobler is currently in Rome, meeting with Italian officials there. His full remarks are available on the UN Mission’s website.
**Central African Republic
The UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) says that two people were reportedly killed in clashes between anti-Balaka and ex-Seleka in the capital’s 3rd and 5th districts yesterday.
Mission-escorted convoys were also attacked in the Boali area in three separate incidents yesterday without casualties.
Furthermore, the Mission’s positions were fired upon by armed groups over the weekend in Bangui’s 2nd, 3rd and 5th districts with no casualties reported.
**South Sudan
From South Sudan, our humanitarian colleagues say that the situation there continues to deteriorate.
Humanitarian agencies report that an estimated 7.5 million people are now food insecure and an unprecedented malaria outbreak is affecting nearly all the states in South Sudan.
Over 2.3 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the conflict began.
Meanwhile, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Eugene Owusu, has strongly condemned the armed robbery of the Nile Hope NGO (non-governmental organization) compound in Juba on Friday in which aid workers were held at gunpoint and significant assets were taken.
This is the latest in a string of violent incidents affecting aid agencies. In October alone, humanitarian partners reported 32 cases of attempted or successful robbery, burglary and looting, including 15 in Juba, the capital, alone.
**Haiti
In Haiti, over the weekend, Sandra Honoré, the UN Special Representative in the country, condemned recent violence in the country.
She called on all to avoid any use of violence, intimidation or defamation, and to guarantee that the right to demonstrate peacefully and freedom of opinion are protected. Her full statement is on the MINUSTAH (United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti) website.
**Disasters
A new UN-backed report has found that in the past 20 years, 90 per cent of major disasters have been caused by nearly 6,500 recorded floods, storms, heatwaves, droughts and other weather-related events.
The five countries hit by the highest number of disasters are the United States, China, India, Philippines and Indonesia.
The report found that since the first climate change conference in 1995, more than 600,000 people have died as a result of weather-related disasters, with an additional 4.1 billion people having been injured, left homeless or in need of emergency assistance.
You can read the full report on the website of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR).
**Migration
The World Health Organization (WHO) today is holding a high-level meeting in Rome, bringing together health ministers and others, to discuss how to improve health care for refugees and migrants.
The meeting aims to find a common approach and joint action for meeting the needs of these vulnerable groups.
Related to this, in a joint statement, WHO, UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) said that given the unprecedented influx of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants to Europe, there must be an effective response requiring the strengthening of health systems to ensure that these people have access to the health care they need.
In doing so, the statement stresses, the principles of equity, solidarity, human rights and dignity must be followed.
**Nepal
Also on a refugee-related note, UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have announced that in the past eight years, 100,000 Bhutanese refugees have moved from camps in eastern Nepal to eight countries to start new lives.
Australia, Canada, Denmark, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom joined the United States in welcoming refugees, many of whom had spent nearly 20 years in refugee camps, hoping to one day return to Bhutan.
The High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, and the Director of the IOM, William Lacy Swing, have welcomed the close cooperation between their agencies, the Nepalese government and the resettlement countries that made it happen.
Also on Nepal, you will have seen that on Friday afternoon we issued a statement in which the Secretary-General underlined his growing concern over the blocking of essential supplies on the Nepal-India border.
**Egypt
Also related to refugees, I was asked by one of your colleagues a bit earlier today about the incidents that took place in Egypt. I can tell you that the Secretary-General is deeply troubled by reports of the killing of five Sudanese refugees and the [wounding] of six others near the Egyptian-Israeli border. This comes a week after reports that 15 Sudanese refugees were shot dead and 8 injured by Egyptian security forces in the Sinai on the Egyptian-Israeli border. The Secretary-General urges the Egyptian authorities to launch a full investigation in order to shed light into these tragic events, ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence of these events.
**Republic of Korea
As we mentioned over the weekend, the Secretary-General learned with sadness of the passing of Kim Young-sam, former President of the Republic of Korea. He expresses his deepest condolences to the people of the Republic of Korea, especially to Kim Young-sam’s family and loved ones.
The Secretary-General pays tribute to President Kim’s major contribution to the Republic of Korea’s peaceful transition to democracy.
**Press Conferences
As soon as we are done here, there will be a briefing by UN-Women to launch the fifth edition of the Global Media Monitoring Project.
Tomorrow, also regarding UN-Women, my guest will be UN-Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. She will brief on the launch of “16 Days of Activism”, an international campaign to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world. The campaign starts from 25 November, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, which, as you know, is Human Rights Day.
**Questions and Answers
And voilà, that’s it. Edie?
Question: Thank you, Steph. One clarification and one question. Clarification: When are you expecting the Secretary‑General to release his long‑awaited report on violent ex… combating violent extremists? I thought he said that it was going to be in December.
Spokesman: It will be probably early next year.
Question: And, secondly, now that a certain amount of time has passed since the attacks in Mali, can you tell us exactly what role the UN did play and whether the UN is taking any additional action now in the event of… I mean in the aftermath of these attacks?
Spokesman: Sure, I think, as I mentioned on Friday, the UN supported the Malian operation by providing perimeter security during the siege of the hotel and during the operations. We also assisted with mobile medical equipment, as well as forensic teams. Currently, the UN has offered its services and its support to the Malian authorities to assist in the investigation, and, as we speak, on the ground in Bamako, the UN has joined Malian police and security services in night patrols around the city. And that’s been taking place since Saturday. Masood, then Matthew?
Question: Yeah. Steph, can you confirm whether this rigorous vetting process of the Syrians reported in The New York Times today, in which the United Nations is involved, is that basically what the Syrian refugees go through?
Spokesman: All refugees go through a vetting process before resettlement that involves UNHCR and other agencies. You can talk to UNHCR to see what more details they can share with you. Matthew?
Question: So that… they are meetings the requirements that are being asked for by the Americans…
Spokesman: Well, you know, obviously, the whole process of resettlement of refugees is a partnership. It’s a partnership between the United Nations, bet… with the International Organization of Migration, the countries of origin, where the camps are, and the resettlement countries. I mean, I think, as I just said, having to do with Bhutanese refugees, some of them spent 20 years in camps before being resettled, it is done in partnership with those countries. We work with the national authorities in all the resettlement countries to ensure that their requirements are met and to ensure the safety… obviously, also, to ensure the rights and the dignity of the refugees. I think what we have seen in somewhat elevated rhetoric in many countries is an increasing… in language where people talk about discrimination and, I think, disrespect for refugees and migrants, who themselves are fleeing… who sometimes spend decades in camps and are fleeing horrendous conditions of violence. I think what is clear is there can be no discrimination on the basis of religion, ethnicity, or any other factor when it comes to resettlement of refugees. But, again, the resettlement of refugees is not done by force. It is a partnership between relevant UN and international agencies and the countries that have accepted refugees. Mr. Lee?
Question: Sure. I wanted to ask you, on Burundi, in Burundi, the Government has suspended and frozen the bank accounts of a number of civil society organizations, including the one run by Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, who you’ve spoken about from this podium before. What’s the UN’s response to basically shutting down civil society and…?
Spokesman: I think it’s clear that every society needs a healthy civil society, needs room for civil society. The Secretary‑General has spoken out on that repeatedly. As for Burundi, Mr. [Jamal] Benomar is arriving in Burundi today, or as we speak. He will have meetings there, which we hope to be able to report back [to] you. And this is part of the mandate given to the Secretariat by the Security Council to report back, which we will in due course.
Question: And I don’t know if you’ll comment on this, but this morning, the Obama administration announced targeted sanctions on those contributing to the ongoing crisis in Burundi, unquote. Do you think that’s a useful move?
Spokesman: I haven’t seen that report.
Question: Can I ask [inaudible]?
Spokesman: Yes, go ahead.
Question: I just wanted to ask if the Secretary‑General’s options requested by the Security Council are coming along? When do you think he might…
Spokesman: Sure. If I recall, the resolution 2248 asked us to report back in 15 days. We’ll… We’re looking at… we hope to… we’ll see if… you know, we rarely do things before, but obviously, we won’t do it after. This is part of Mr. Benomar’s trip and his consultations he’s having in the Great Lakes region. Abdelhamid?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. I think we went through the same argument last year, Stéphane, and I want to go through it again this year. I want to know why the activities of the International Day of Palestinian… solidarity with the Palestinian people has not been announced the day before or the same day. So before you answer, I went to DPI (Department of Public Information) to ask who is responsible. They said it’s not the Spokesman problem. The Spokesman should receive an announcement. This morning, DPI told me the Spokesman had received. I have a copy of it. And there is an art exhibit which should be open at 6:00. It’s very important to even mention the title of the exhibit. Also, you told me on Friday that we might have it on “Week Ahead.” I looked at “Week Ahead”. You have International Television Day, and you have the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, but nothing about the International Day of Palestinian…
Spokesman: You know, I…
Question: Now, why… I just need an explanation.
Spokesman: I understand. I flagged what I was given. The Deputy Secretary‑General represented the Secretary‑General at the events today. If something had been sent to me, I have not received it. We… I can check with my DPI colleagues.
Question: So the… this statement, which I have a copy of it, which talks about the exhibit… photo exhibit…
Spokesman: I’m not… Abdelhamid, you know, again, we can go this…
Question: No, I just need to understand… [inaudible]
Spokesman: I don’t want to make light of your concerns. I hear what you’re saying. I don’t hide anything in terms of what I’ve been given. Yes, sir?
Question: Does Mr. Secretary‑General have any comments on recent attacks by Russia and the Syrian Government forces on the Turkmen‑populated areas in North Western Syria? Because nearly 2,000 Turkmens are said to left to Turkey in the past three days and is there risk of more displacements?
Spokesman: I think the Secretary‑General has said repeatedly since the start of the military operations in Syria by outside parties, especially air campaigns, that everything should be done to avoid any damage… any casualties to civilians, that it should be done within international law or avoid any…
Correspondent: [Off mic, inaudible]
Spokesman: I’m sorry. Thank you… or avoid any civilian casualties and that ensure that everything to be done within the confines of international law.
Question: Are you aware of any risk of more displacement [inaudible]
Spokesman: It’s clear that continuing violence, whether it come from the air or from the ground, is only increasing the risk of massive displacement. Yes, sir?
Question: Thank you. There is news about… that the Turkish Prime Minister asked the Security Council to have… hold a meeting about this matter, about the attack against Turkmen in Syria. Has the… will… have there been any correspondence like this to the Secretariat to raise the issue?
Spokesman: I understand a letter was sent to the Presidency of the Council, so you should address your questions to them.
Question: As far as Secretariat, nothing…
Spokesman: My understanding is it’s a request for a meeting of the Security Council. Oleg?
Question: Thanks, Stéphane. On Libya, as I understand, the new SRSG visited Tobruk, but did he go to Tripoli? Did he meet GNC (General National Congress) representatives… did he plan to do that?
Spokesman: I think… I just shared with you the meetings that he had. I don’t have anything else to add.
Question: Follow‑up, was there any follow‑up conversation between Ban Ki‑moon and the GNC head after what happened to Bernardino León?
Spokesman: There was not that I’m aware. Yes, sir?
Question: Yeah. Stéphane, do you have any information on this 6.2 earthquake in the… in Pakistan and part of India-occupied Kashmir? [inaudible]
Spokesman: I do not. I do not. Carole, then Matthew?
Question: Do you have an update on Christopher Ross’ travels to North Africa?
Spokesman: No, nothing that what we’ve… we’ve announced. We’ll see if we can squeeze a little bit more for you.
Question: I want to ask about Bangladesh and something about the Democratic Republic of Congo. I mean, in Bangladesh, there were this pretty high‑profile executions of two opposition leaders. Many people are saying it will lead to violence, and I’m wondering, does the UN have any response, comment on it?
Spokesman: Obviously, the Secretary‑General… we’ve all seen the executions that took place over the weekend of two people. I think it’s clear that the Secretary‑General opposes the use of the death penalty in all circumstances and has called for those countries that continue to use it to at least initiate a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
Question: All right. But no… I mean, I know that there… previously there was some DPA (Department of Political Affairs) interaction with Bangladesh.
Spokesman: That’s what I have.
Question: Okay. I wanted to ask… this is kind of a specific question, but I’ve been contacted by and have seen the documents of a number of UN contractors in Lubumbashi in the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo), who have publicly protested pretty loudly about not being paid for months by OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) in Lubumbashi and Katanga. They’ve held demonstrations. There’s photographs of them now living outside the OCHA compound, but they’ve gotten no response at all. And the excuse they were given for… they delivered maize and roofing. They were told it’s because of Umoja that they couldn’t be paid. Now they’re told all their money’s been taken and they should just keep living outside the camp. What is the UN’s response to this?
Spokesman: My understanding is that OCHA has met with representatives of the provincial authorities to keep them updated on the situation and that UNDP’s (United Nations Development Programme) legal office, which administers OCHA staff in the field, has begun an investigation process into the situation.
Question: But, I mean, I guess what… they’re living outside the camp.
Spokesman: That’s what I have.
Question: Is it an impact of Umoja?
Spokesman: I… I can’t speak to it. I don’t know.
Question: Is there a timeline for resolving it?
Spokesman: I don’t know. Abdelhamid?
Question: Thank you. Mr. Stéphane, do you know who will represent the Secretary‑General tonight at 6:00 p.m. in the opening…
Spokesman: I believe it’s the Deputy Secretary‑General, but I will double‑check.
Correspondent: Okay. Thank you.
Spokesman: If it’s not the case, I will let you know. [He later said that Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman would represent the Secretary-General.]
Great. I will let our friends from UN-Women come in.