The Secretary-General condemns the terrorist attack at Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport. He stands firmly by Turkey and stresses the need to intensify regional and international efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
Following the signing of the Agreement on Bilateral and Definitive Cease Fire and Laying Down of Arms between the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP, a first group of 23 UN observers arrived in Bogota this week. They join an advance team of civilian staff already there preparing for the establishment of the mission.
The United Nations mission in the Central African Republic condemned the killing of a peacekeeper by unidentified armed men on 24 June in Bangui. His body was found at Bangui General Hospital. The mission also welcomed the release of six Central African policemen held hostages by armed men.
United Nations inter-agency convoys delivered life-saving assistance in Syria yesterday for 37,500 people in Jirud in rural Damascus to 22,500 in eastern Aleppo. The United Nations submitted a plan for approval by the Government of Syria that requests unconditional access to 1.2 million more in 35 besieged areas.
The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator informed the Security Council today that, since January, nearly 850,000 people in Syria have been reached and provided with aid by the UN and its partners, including some 330,000 of the 600,000 people living in besieged areas.
Following armed clashes on 21 June around the village of Thur in Central Darfur, initial reports say several people have been killed and an estimated 17,000 people have fled and sought refuge at a Sudanese Armed Forces site. An inter-agency assessment is planned for tomorrow, pending approval from the authorities.
The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, briefed the General Assembly via videoconference from Geneva about the political process, saying talks cannot proceed while Syrians are starving. Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O’Brien provided further details of ongoing efforts.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemned today’s attacks in Kabul and Badakhshan. The Mission reiterated its call for anti-Government elements to immediately cease all attacks in civilian-populated areas and any attacks deliberately targeting civilians.
The acting Humanitarian Coordinator in the Central African Republic joined humanitarian partners in the country today in condemning the recent upsurge in violence against civilians in Ouham-Pende Prefecture. He called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians.
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned over the continuing political uncertainty in Haiti. He urges all stakeholders to act responsibly in the interest of their country and people, including by refraining from any incitement or resort to violence.