Speaking at the Summit for Peace and Security in Africa, the Secretary-General said that the recent violence in the Central African Republic is another reminder that we must act now. He also said that the world mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela, whose profound legacy will continue to guide the United Nations.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
The Secretary-General strongly condemned the terrorist attacks against Yemen’s Ministry of Defence, calling on all stakeholders to cooperate with the investigation into the matter. He stressed that the only path to a stable, prosperous and democratic country was through the ongoing peaceful and all-inclusive National Dialogue Conference.
This afternoon, Sigrid Kaag, Special Coordinator of the Joint Mission of the UN and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, will update Security Council members on the Mission’s work in Syria. Afterwards, Ms. Kaag intends to speak to reporters at the Security Council stakeout.
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.
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.