The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over Afghanistan’s Supreme Court decision to affirm the death sentence given to five people. The Office said that although the crimes are horrible, it remains concerned about that lack of due process and the failure to comply with national and international fair trial standards.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
The World Health Organization reports that the total number of cases in the Ebola outbreak is at 6,263 and 2,917 deaths. World leaders are meeting today to contain and stop the spread of the virus, treat the infected, ensure essential services, preserve stability and prevent outbreaks in other countries.
The Secretary-General welcomes the release of the Turkish men, women and children who had been held captive by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) since 11 June 2014. He reiterates his call for the release of all hostages in the region and reminds parties that kidnapping is a gross violation of human rights and humanitarian law.
The Secretary-General has asked the General Assembly for its support in defeating Ebola, having confirmed that $1 billion would be needed over the next six months. He also announced the establishment of a UN mission, combining the World Health Organization’s strategic perspective with strong logistics and operational capacity.
During the Security Council’s meeting this afternoon on Ebola, the Secretary-General announced the creation of a UN mission to respond to the epidemic and its consequences. The situation remains extremely serious, as per the latest estimates, the total number of cases in West Africa exceeds 5,000.
The Secretary-General has warmly welcomed the announcement by the United States Government to provide assistance in the global response to Ebola. Calling for more such aid, he stressed that Ebola is not just a health crisis, but had grave humanitarian, economic and social consequences.
The situation of the United Nations Disengagement Force on the Syrian side and the area of separation has deteriorated severely as armed groups have made advances in the area of UNDOF positions, posing a direct threat to the safety and security of the UN peacekeepers along the Bravo line and in Camp Faouar.
United Nations Humanitarian Chief Valerie Amos arrived in Iraq yesterday as part of a four-day mission to the country. Ms. Amos met the President of Iraq in Baghdad and the Kurdish Minister of the Interior. She assured the Minister that the United Nations will continue to support Iraq’s efforts to help displaced people in the governorate.
Earlier today the 45 United Nations Disengagement Observer Force peacekeepers who had been detained were handed over at Position 80 in the Golan Heights. After crossing over to the Bravo side at Position 37B, they were taken to Camp Faouar to undergo medical attention. Initial reports have confirmed they are in good condition.
The Secretary-General, speaking at the General Assembly’s meeting to mark the International Day against Nuclear Tests, voiced regret that the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty has still not entered into force, 18 years after opening for signature.