Noon Briefings

The Secretary-General addressed the Security Council’s open meeting on women, peace and security today, and he said that women’s participation in conflict prevention and resolution remains low. This has to change, he said, adding that he is determined that the UN system should lead by example.

The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution this morning which ended specific measures on the no-fly zone and protection of civilians in Libya, as of one minute before midnight on the last day of October. The Council also welcomed recent positive developments in Libya, but also expressed grave concern about continuing reports of reprisals, arbitrary detentions, wrongful imprisonment and extrajudicial executions.

This morning, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya, Ian Martin, briefed the Security Council, telling them that Muammar and Motassim Qadhafi were mistreated and killed in circumstances which require investigation. Such killings were contrary to the orders of the National Transitional Council, and he welcomed their announcement of an investigation.

The UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on Libya called on the Libyan authorities today to ensure that the new State is built on a strong foundation of human rights and the rule of law. Judge Philippe Kirsch, Chairperson of the Commission, urged all armed forces to refrain from revenge killings and arbitrary repression of Libyans and foreigners.

In his message to mark United Nations day, the Secretary-General says that, just days from now, the human family will welcome its 7 billionth member. And he says we should unite, 7 billion strong, in the name of the global common good. And, on this special day, never has the United Nations been so needed.

Wrapping up a 5-day mission in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos said it was clear that a large number of children there are stunted, and warned that chronic malnutrition will have long-term implications for generations to come even if drastic action is taken today. She said the international community must not turn its back on the people of that country.

The Secretary-General said today marks an historic transition for Libya, but added that this is only the end of the beginning. The road ahead will be difficult and full of challenges. All combatants must lay down their arms in peace. This is the time for healing and rebuilding, for generosity of spirit — not for revenge.

The Secretary-General this morning addressed the Security Council on the topic of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. He noted that a forthcoming United Nations assessment mission will examine the scope of the threat, as well as the capacity of Benin and of the West African subregion to ensure maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Secretary-General welcomed the recent Israeli-Palestinian prisoner exchange agreement, and views today's releases as a significant humanitarian breakthrough. In the aftermath, the Secretary-General hopes that more far-reaching steps will be taken to end the closure of Gaza and enable reconstruction.

In an address to the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Bern, Switzerland, the Secretary-General noted that Governments everywhere are confronting huge budget deficits. But the biggest challenge is not a deficit in budget; it is a deficit of trust. People are losing faith in Governments and institutions to do the right things.