The Secretary‑General has established a United Nations Board of Inquiry to investigate several incidents in which death or injuries occurred at, and/or damage was done to, United Nations premises in Gaza between 8 July and 26 August. It will also review incidents in which weapons were found at those sites.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
In Geneva, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stressed the impact of the Ebola crisis on essential health services in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. In the past three months, UNICEF has shipped almost 3,000 metric tonnes of life-saving supplies, including protective equipment and essential medicine.
Following today’s Supreme Court ruling in Libya regarding its Parliament, the UN Support Mission in Libya underscored the need for all to act responsibly and not take actions that would escalate the existing polarization or lead to a further deterioration of the security situation.
The Secretary-General welcomes the mission by the Presidents of Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal to Ouagadougou today to join mediation efforts by the joint United Nations, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States delegation. He reiterates his call for inclusive dialogue to continue and encourages all parties to reach an agreement for a peaceful, civilian-led transition in Burkina Faso as soon as possible.
The Head of the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response was in Liberia today, the last leg of his visit to the most affected countries. The Chairs of the Peacebuilding Commission Configurations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone yesterday discussed the crisis’ potential impact on State institutions and political stability.
The Secretary General condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack that took place yesterday on the Pakistani side of the Wagah border crossing with India.
The Secretary-General appointed a 13-member High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations, with José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste as Chair. The panel will assess peacekeeping and political missions and identify emerging needs of the future.
The Secretary-General is greatly concerned by the deteriorating situation in Burkina Faso and saddened by the loss of life due to recent events. He calls on all parties to refrain from violence and exercise calm. His Special Representative for West Africa, Mohammed ibn Chambas, will visit the country tomorrow.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan reports continued heavy fighting between the Sudan People's Liberation Army and Opposition combatants. The Mission expresses its concern that hostilities continue in violation of the 23 January Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities and the 9 May Agreement between President Kiir and Dr. Machar.
The Secretary-General said that he understands certain anxieties in Lebanon about the scale of the Syrian refugee presence. He stressed the continuing importance in managing the refugees in accordance with international humanitarian standards, and added that easing the situation is essential to Lebanon’s continued stability.