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.
**Secretary-General’s Travels
The Secretary-General arrived in Madagascar a little earlier today, where he was received by the President. This afternoon, he met with representatives of civil society, as well as UN staff stationed in Madagascar.
This morning before leaving Mauritius, the Secretary-General visited two UNESCO World Heritage sites linked to the history of slavery in Mauritius: Aapravasi Ghat, which testifies to indentured servitude in the nineteenth century, and Le Morne Cultural Landscape, where runaway slaves formed a small settlement.
Just to let you know that the Secretary-General will be in Madagascar until tomorrow night and then will travel on to Portugal. In Lisbon, he is scheduled to meet with the President, [the] Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister. He will be back in New York on Friday afternoon.
**Deputy Secretary-General
The Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson, spoke on behalf of the Secretary-General today at the high-level plenary on international peace and security convened by the General Assembly.
Stressing that the number of civil wars has tripled in the past 10 years with some 125 million people today in need of humanitarian assistance, the Deputy Secretary-General said that prevention; inclusive, long-term political solutions; and solid partners are critical in ensuring that the UN is better fit for addressing the current global security threats.
He highlighted the UN’s full commitment to its reform agenda and urged Member States to champion the change, including through engagement, oversight and investment both politically and financially.
**Sudan
The Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Marta Ruedas, has today condemned the reported shooting and killing of six civilians, including two children, by armed people in Sortony, in North Darfur, close to a site for people recently displaced by fighting in the Jebel Marra area. We also expect a press release from the Mission there, condemning the attack.
Increased hostilities between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Abdul Wahid faction of the Sudan Liberation Army, since early this year, have forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes to other areas in the Darfur region, including Sortony.
In Sortony, humanitarian workers have been providing assistance, including emergency food aid, for an estimated 20,000 internally displaced people, as well as water and sanitation, health, nutrition and education support. Water provision is a major concern, as water trucking from Kebkabiya has been interrupted since 7 May.
**Kenya
Our colleagues at UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) say that they have taken note with profound concern of the recent announcement by the Government of Kenya of its intention to end the hosting of refugees, citing economic, security and environmental burdens.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Interior said the Government had disbanded the Department of Refugee Affairs and was working on a mechanism for the closure of Kenya’s refugee camps — a move that could impact as many as 600,000 people.
UNHCR stressed that Kenya has played an extraordinary role over many years as one of the world’s frontline major refugee hosting nations, and that inevitably this has had many consequences for the country and its population.
It is for those reasons that the Agency has been a prominent advocate for robust international support for Kenya.
UNHCR is calling on the Government to reconsider its decision and to avoid taking any action that might be at odds with its international obligations.
**Turkey
From our colleagues at the Human Rights Office: they say that reports that more than 100 people burned to death in shelters that were surrounded by Turkish military must be investigated independently. This was a statement from the High Commissioner issued in Geneva today.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein expressed his concern about alleged violations committed by Turkish military and security forces in south-east Turkey over the past few months.
The High Commissioner urged the Turkish authorities to give independent investigators, including UN staff, unimpeded access to the area to verify the veracity of these reports.
**Myanmar
Our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs say that, over last weekend, an estimated 1,600 people left their villages in Shan State following heightened tensions between armed groups in the area.
Local authorities and the Myanmar Red Cross Society have distributed some relief items. An inter-agency team of UN and NGO (non-governmental organization) humanitarian staff is today travelling to the areas for an assessment of humanitarian needs.
**Pesticides
I also want to flag today new guidelines released by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce the damage done by pesticides.
In industrialized countries, highly hazardous pesticides may no longer be permitted or subject to strict use limitations, but they often remain widely available in developing countries.
And even hazardous products that still are permitted can cause severe problems as small-scale farmers in developing countries often do not have, or use, the necessary protective gear. More [about the] guidelines online.
**Migratory Birds
Besides being Tuesday, does anybody know what day today is?
It is World Migratory Bird Day — isn’t that nice, migratory birds?
The Convention on Migratory Species announced the creation of Intergovernmental Task Force on Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds in the Mediterranean, composed of Governments and the European Commission.
The Secretary-General said that he fully supports the global campaign dedicated to celebrating this natural wonder and raising awareness about the threats these birds face, from habitat destruction to pollution and climate change. More information online.
**Press Conferences
In a few minutes, I will be joined by Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), Gyan Chandra Acharya. He will be here to brief you on the forthcoming Midterm Review of the Istanbul Programme of Action, which will take place in Antalya, Turkey, from 27 to 29 May.
**Questions and Answers
Mr. Klein?
Question: Yes. Last Friday, Secretary of State John Kerry, said in a commencement address that students need to be prepared for a borderless world. I’d like to know whether the Secretary‑General would agree with that assessment, using that phrase “borderless world”. And, just for the record, I’m not referring to the migratory birds here. So just want to make that clear. [laughter]
Spokesman: You could tie it into the day… the special day that today is. Listen, I haven’t seen the Secretary of State’s address, but what is clear and I think the Secretary‑General has stated many times is that, in today’s world, we face problems that know no borders, whether it’s issues of climate change, of terrorism, issues of development. We need… we work in a world where borders matters less, and the only way that countries can face these challenges is to work together through the United Nations.
Question: Steph, I think preceding the UNHCR statement that you shared on Dadaab and Kakuma, the DSG (Deputy Secretary-General) seemed a bit confused yesterday about what the implications were for these refugees, whether they were going to be sent back to Somalia, or to South Sudan, or whether this is sort of an internal government issue. What is the Secretary‑General’s position on the closing of these camps? Because that seems to be what the Kenyan Government is saying. And their main concerns appear to be that these camps are breeding grounds for Al Shabaab militants that then attack citizens in Kenya. What’s the UN’s understanding of that claim, and how are you assisting them to figure this out?
Spokesman: I think we… the contacts being had are between the Government and UNHCR, because, obviously, UNHCR is in the lead in dealing with issues relating to refugees and dealing with these issues of these camps. It is clear… and no one would disagree… that Kenya has shown a great amount of solidarity in hosting 600,000 people. I think what UNHCR is trying to do is find out exactly what the Government is planning to do, because, obviously, right now we don’t have that many details. But any such decision cannot be taken in haste when you’re talking about the lives of 600,000 people, who are living as refugees in camps.
Question: I’ve seen figures that Kenya’s been hosting these camps for something like 25 years. I mean, I think it speaks directly to this safety report… I think “Safety and Dignity”, it was called, yesterday’s release. I mean, this is a current example of how the humanitarian community around the world needs to… here’s an example of what this report seeks to address. I mean, I’m surprised that it’s taken you guys so long to sort of get clarity on what’s going on here…
Spokesman: Well, I think… [inaudible] Again, the contacts are being had at the local level, as I understand it, in Nairobi between UNHCR and the Government. I think the fact that Kenya has been generously hosting these communities for so long also speaks to the point of the difficulty in solving a lot of the regional crises, whether it’s Somalia or even South Sudan, where we see so quickly after independence, the country dived back into conflict, creating, again, mass displacement. And I think the Secretary‑General’s message to the leaders in South Sudan could not have been clearer: to put the interests of their people ahead of anything else. Luke? Yeah, I’ll get you, Matthew.
Question: I guess a follow‑up on Kenya, pair of questions. The first, just a point of clarity: Does the UN have any ability to prevent the closure of refugee camps in a country like Kenya?
Spokesman: No, the UN has no physical ability to prevent the Government from doing what it wants to do. I think what UNHCR’s message is that also that Kenya has obligations under… under the refugee… 1951 Refugee Convention, but we’re also, I think… it’s also a matter of ensuring that people don’t… other Member States in the international community doesn’t leave Kenya to take care… to carry the financial burden that it has alone.
Question: My second part, assuming this proceeds, that these closures go ahead: How can a country close a refugee camp in a way that is consistent with human rights?
Spokesman: I think with great difficulty.
Question: Sure. Thanks. I wanted to ask… I mean, I’d wanted to ask about what the Secretary‑General… I mean the Deputy Secretary‑General’s answer was yesterday, because he seemed to say that they’d gotten a briefing in the morning and that there was… it was just a reorganization. And there’s a written order in which the Kenyan Government says the time… the host has decided that the hosting of refugees has come to an end, unquote. So it’s pretty clear.
Spokesman: Again, as I said, the issue is being dealt with by UNHCR, who’s clearly in the lead, and I think they’re trying to get a little bit more clarity.
Question: But just to understand, I guess, how the Executive Office is working here, like, was that based on a briefing? He said we heard earlier today that everything… that… that it was a merely a matter of reorganization. Like, who did they hear from, and… and what explains that?
Spokesman: You know, I think the bottom line is that this issue is being dealt with… is being dealt with in Kenya on an urgent basis, and that’s… I really have nothing else to add to it.
Question: Do you have anything on the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo)? I was asking about Mr. [Moise] Katumbi. And there was a court appearance yesterday. Some of his supporters were arrested. What has MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) been doing and what’s the response to it? [inaudible]
Spokesman: I think nothing… nothing specific on that appearance. I think the Secretary‑General’s message would be, yet again, as he said himself in Kinshasa not too long ago, is that there is a need for a… to create a political atmosphere that allows for the peaceful demonstration, the peaceful… and for elections where people’s voices are heard. Go?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Do you have any comment on this coming visit of Barack Obama to Hiroshima, which was announced this morning? Do you think this may help to… help the nuclear disarmament?
Spokesman: The Secretary‑General very much welcomes the decision by the US President to visit Hiroshima when he goes, I guess, next… later this month or soon when he goes on his trip to Asia. I think, for the Secretary‑General, one of the enduring lessons of Hiroshima is the need to abolish nuclear weapons once and for all. Nuclear weapons… nuclear disarmament is one of the pressing and noble goals of the United Nations.
Correspondent: May I follow up?
Spokesman: You may, Carole.
Question: [inaudible] From your statement, can we infer that he’s hoping that Obama will make some statement on denuclearization?
Spokesman: I think we would hope that the visit is again a message, a global message, on the need for nuclear disarmament, which is something the Secretary‑General has been calling for. We don’t know what the President will say nor… he will say what he has to say, but that’s the… that’s it. Nizar, then Mr. Abbadi?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Recent reports coming from Turkey speak about white phosphorus being used against Kurdish towns and villages. Do you have any observers there or any reports about that to confirm such attacks?
Spokesman: I do not. I do not have any information.
Question: On the situation in Syria, where does Staffan de Mistura stand now? Is he going to call this month for reconvening of Geneva talks? And also, how does he view the attacks carried out through Turkey across the border into areas like Khan Tuman and Al‑Eis, which… Al‑Eis attacks by terrorist groups happened during the negotiations. And now the support is blatant by Turkey and Saudi Arabia, Adel Jubeir comes every now and then and says [Bashar al] Assad has to step down by force or by…
Spokesman: I hear your… [inaudible] Thank you for your statement. I hear your question. Mr. [Staffan] de Mistura is continuing his round of consultations. Obviously, we would like to see greater adherence to the cessation of hostilities. I think when he’s ready to announce a next round, he will do so, but he’s continuing to take the temperature of various partners. Mr. Abbadi?
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Yesterday, the Chairman of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous people said that indigenous people have been impacted increasingly by war and violence and… over resources and land. And he wants them to be equal participants in peace plans and conflict resolution. How can that be accomplished?
Spokesman: Well, I think the… you know, I think that is sort of the gist of… this is one of the things the Secretary‑General highlighted in his message to the Forum is the fact that these communities have been impacted. I think, for any peace resolution, you need to have the greatest amount of participation from the community. So I don’t think the Secretary‑General would disagree with that statement. Mr. Lee, then Nizar?
Question: One that… this is… was… I meant to ask you yesterday, but it seemed… it seemed to end kind of abruptly. Was the Secretary‑General aware of the… the DPRK’s (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) detention of BBC journalists as they were leaving after this… many foreign journalists had been invited to cover this conference. And upon their leaving, they were interrogated for eight hours. What’s his response to that?
Spokesman: I think the… you know, we’ve all seen these reports, and the Secretary‑General’s always clearly stood for freedom of the press and for Governments to respect that freedom.
Question: Yesterday, I’d asked you about the sort of new configuration of some of the same individuals that were involved in the previous Ng Lap Seng configure… entities. You said you’d be happy to look into it. Have you looked into the… [inaudible]
Spokesman: The model UN that you mentioned, it was sponsored by the Mission of Grenada. They are the ones who booked the General Assembly hall. I would refer your questions to the Permanent Mission of Grenada. The Secretary‑General did not address and was not present at that event. I think they may have used a generic message that the Secretary‑General sends to all model UNs.
Question: The group that I asked you about was called Global Governance for UN SDGs, and he’s pictured in front of their banner. And it’s an organization that has many of the same individuals on its board, and also that Model UN, for what it’s worth, was founded by Frank Lorenzo, which doesn’t… I’m just… I guess I’m wondering… [inaudible] When you say you urge others to do the screening, what… who is in charge of screening the events that the Secretary‑General goes to? [inaudible]
Spokesman: This is… as I said, the Secretary‑General did not attend the event, and I would infer… I would move your questions to the Mission of Grenada.
Question: But you’re still… I’m asking about Global Governance. It’s a different group.
Spokesman: You should talk to them. Nizar?
Question: On Yemen, how do you view the cessation of hostilities and the entrance of the American troops into the theatre of operations in the south? [inaudible]
Spokesman: For us, the focus continues to be on the political dialogue, which the Special Envoy is continuing to lead. The various groups, we understand, are meeting. The delegations are staying in Kuwait, and we would hope that that focus remains on the political track.
Question: What’s your opinion about the aerial bombardments, which is continuing everywhere, and yesterday Amran 11 people were killed…? [inaudible]
Spokesman: The Secretary‑General and his envoy have repeatedly called for a cessation of hostilities, including aerial bombardments. Evelyn?
Question: Do you have any update on Aleppo? I know that the truce has been extended, but some reports say fighting is raging.
Spokesman: No, no… no particular updates. We’re continuing to monitor the situation. Thank you. I’ll get our guest.