Palestine refugees in Syria are being killed, injured and displaced in greater numbers than ever. Amid reports that significant numbers of refugees may be trapped without adequate shelter near Aleppo, where intense fighting rages, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine appeals for a halt to the human suffering.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
The Secretary-General condemns the terrorist attack on the convoy of Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi in Damascus earlier today, which resulted in deaths and injuries. He expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes those injured a speedy recovery. He has consistently condemned all acts of terrorism, and says the targeting of civilians by anyone is unacceptable.
The Secretary-General has asked the head of the Syrian chemical weapons investigation team to visit New York for consultations on Monday. Because of serious allegations about possible chemical weapons use, the mission must be allowed immediate and unfettered access by the Syrian Government.
The Security Council today authorized the establishment of a United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. With up to 11,200 military personnel and 1,440 police personnel, its core task will be to support the political process. Authority will be transferred to it from the existing African force, AFISMA, on 1 July.
Jeffrey Feltman, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, told the Security Council this morning that it is a moment of increased risk and instability across the Middle East, with a need for quick and concerted action to address the humanitarian situation, both inside and outside Syria.
Strongly condemning today’s attacks on the French Embassy in Tripoli, Libya, the Secretary-General said the targeting of diplomatic missions and staffs was never justifiable. He reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to assist the Libyan Government and its people in building a democratic state based on the rule of law.
Jeffrey Feltman, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, visited the Central African Republic today and appealed for urgent efforts to establish security and stop abuses against civilians. He reiterated international calls for a full return to constitutional rule.
The Security Council today received an update on Syria from Joint Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi. Last night the Council, following yesterday’s briefings on Syria’s humanitarian situation, expressed the view that the escalating violence must end immediately and urged all parties to ensure safe, unimpeded access for aid organizations in all areas of the country.
The Security Council today was briefed by four senior UN officials – the Emergency Relief Coordinator, the refugee commissioner, and the envoys on sexual violence in conflict and children in armed conflict – on the humanitarian crisis in Syria. The Relief Coordinator appealed to the Council to act to end the brutal conflict, saying those working to assist the Syrian people ‘are losing hope’.
The Secretary-General is alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Central African Republic. He strongly condemns the Séléka movement’s acts of violence against the civilian population, and urges the de facto authorities to restore law and order throughout the country and to ensure the protection of civilians.