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.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
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.
The latest information we have received from the Government of the Philippines is that the number of people affected by Typhoon Haiyan stands at nearly 12 million, of whom 920,000 are displaced. The Government also reports that 4,460 people have died in the disaster.
Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos visited Tacloban in the Philippines today and saw the devastation left in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan; tens of thousands of people are in the open and in destroyed buildings, and medical facilities, food, clean water and sanitation are still widely unavailable.
The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, arrived in the Philippines today to see first-hand the massive destruction left in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. She said millions of families have had their lives torn apart and voiced concern that thousands of people who need help have not yet been able to receive assistance.
Speaking by telephone, the Secretary-General offered the Foreign Minister of the Philippines condolences for those impacted by Typhoon Haiyan, reaffirming the United Nations support and solidarity. Valeria Amos, Emergency Relief Coordinator, who is being dispatched to the Philippines, will join the Foreign Minister and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to launch the Typhoon Haiyan Action Plan tomorrow.