The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned today that rising ethnic rhetoric, hate speech and incitement to violence against certain ethnic groups in South Sudan could result in mass atrocities if not reined. He urged President Salva Kiir and other leaders to condemn the incitement and defuse tensions.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
As the United Nations turns 71 today, Mayor Bill de Blasio issued a proclamation this morning declaring 24 October as UN Day across New York City and recognizing the Organization “for the indelible impact it has made in our great city and our world”.
The Secretary-General urged all parties concerned to extend their full cooperation with the Syria Board of Inquiry, which will begin its work on 24 October to ascertain facts of the incident involving a United Nations–Syrian Arab Red Crescent relief operation in Urum al-Kubra, Syria, in September.
Humanitarian partners continue aid deliveries to devastated areas in Les Cayes, in Haiti and access to remote communities is improving. On Wednesday, the World Food Programme distributed more food to affected families and the World Health Organization and partners brought medical kits to the remote village of Randell.
For the first time since 25 September, an inter-agency humanitarian convoy is on its way to deliver much-needed aid to Duma, a besieged town in East Ghouta, in rural Damascus. The convoy is carrying food, health, water and other emergency supplies for 35,000 people.
Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, announced a plan for the resumption of a Cessation of Hostilities, which would enter into force 19 October. The Special Envoy had received assurances from all Yemeni parties to their recommitment to the April Cessation of Hostilities agreement.
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.
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.