The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic condemned today repeated attacks against its peacekeepers. A United Nations convoy was attacked in Dekoa area yesterday, and another between Grimai and Sibut three days earlier. Five peacekeepers were hurt.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) today welcomed the release of 21 of the so-called Chibok schoolgirls who were captured by Boko Haram. UNFPA has prepositioned counsellors to provide emergency psychosocial support to the girls and reproductive health care for those who need it.
The General Assembly designated António Guterres to be the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations this morning. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated his successor and said that Mr. Guterres is perhaps best known where it counts most — on the front lines of armed conflict and humanitarian suffering.
The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement that the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army will begin formal negotiations on 27 October in Ecuador. This is a source of encouragement to the Colombian people and all those involved in supporting a peaceful and comprehensive end to conflict.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said today that a major health campaign is under way in the Lake Chad Basin area to vaccinate over 41 million children against polio, which re-emerged after two years with no recorded cases.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is extremely concerned by reports of horrific violence against civilians in Yei, Central Equatoria. The Mission calls on the authorities to grant it and humanitarian partners immediate, unfettered access to the area and on all parties to cease hostilities.
The Secretary-General said the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos this morning provides needed hope to the Colombian people. He encouraged the parties to the 29 August ceasefire agreement to conduct a pragmatic dialogue and pledged the United Nations support for the peace process.
The United Nations Disaster Assessment Coordination team and the Government of Haiti hope to conduct a joint assessment with other humanitarian partners today after Hurricane Matthew left widespread destruction, flooding and at least 350,000 people in need of immediate assistance in the southern part of the country.
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has reported that tensions persisted in Bangui following intercommunal clashes yesterday that killed at least six people and wounded 14. Peacekeeper patrols have intensified in sensitive areas of the city.
The Secretary-General spoke to the European Parliament in Strasbourg this morning as it approved fast-track legislation for the Paris Agreement on climate change. He is grateful for the European Union’s support and leadership for the accord.