In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo today, the UN Mission there launched its unarmed unmanned aerial vehicles. Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, said it was the first time that the United Nations deployed such an advanced technological tool in peacekeeping operations.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
The Secretary-General has been closely following events in Ukraine. He appeals to all parties to act with restraint, avoid any further violence and to uphold the democratic principles of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. He encourages dialogue in pursuit of agreement on the country’s path forward.
As we enter the third week of the emergency response to Typhoon Haiyan, the World Food Programme is extending its reach to those in need. In the past two weeks, the World Food Programme has dispatched more than 4,000 tons of rice and more than 100 tons of high energy biscuits for distribution by partners.
The Secretary-General announced this morning that the Geneva Conference on Syria will take place on Wednesday, 22 January. He said all parties must begin now to take steps to help it succeed, including the cessation of violence, humanitarian access, the release of tetainees and the return of Syrian refugees to their homes.
The Secretary-General, in his latest report on the Central African Republic, says that there is an urgent and growing need to address the crisis before it spirals out of control. He is particularly concerned that inter-communal tensions might lead to uncontrollable sectarian violence with untold consequences.
United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos ended a three-day visit to the Philippines today. The Government estimates that 13.25 million people have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan, including some 5.4 million children. Funding for the humanitarian appeal launched last week is at nearly 43 per cent, or $129 million.
The Secretary-General congratulates the people of Nepal on the Constituent Assembly election. The turnout shows their determination to further the peace process. The Constituent Assembly will have the historic responsibility to complete a new constitution, building upon the impressive gains made so far.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the terrorist bombing near the Iranian embassy in Beirut which killed at least 23 civilians, including reportedly one Iranian diplomat, and injured over a hundred others. He urges all Lebanese parties to act with restraint and to support the security forces, as they seek to prevent further terrorism.
Earlier today, the Secretary-General visited Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and said it is not simply a register of atrocities, but also a repository of courage and hope. Nothing can truly prepare a person for a visit to the epicentre of evil, he said. “We need to reaffirm that we will never forget.”
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said that it is seriously concerned about violent clashes in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, earlier this week. It said police were seen beating individuals and shooting live ammunition and rubber bullets at close range. The Office is urging authorities to launch a prompt and thorough investigation.