The Secretary-General told Uruguay’s Parliament yesterday that people in the Middle East and North Africa are raising their voices in a once-in-a-generation moment for freedom and democracy. He said he had again urged Syria’s President to protect his people, respect their rights, listen, and facilitate refugee returns.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
Reporting to the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay says the information received by the fact-finding mission on Syria reflects a dire human rights situation. The alleged breaches of basic rights on such a broad scale require a thorough investigation and full accountability.
The United Nations Mission in Sudan reports that the intensive bombing by the Sudanese Armed Forces in the past week is continuing in the surroundings of Kadugli and Kauda, in Southern Kordofan. The Mission is extremely concerned about a bombing campaign which often appears to be indiscriminate, causing huge suffering to civilian populations and which endangers humanitarian assistance.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the Secretary-General expressed alarm at the escalation of fighting in Southern Kordofan, Sudan, which has left thousands homeless. He called on all concerned to cease hostilities and provide their full cooperation to the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).
the Secretary-General welcomes the “Kampala Accord” signed yesterday concerning Somalia, which will enable the Transitional Federal Institutions to work constructively in the interest of the Somali people. He calls on the Somali parties to act resolutely to complete the outstanding transitional tasks.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned the Syrian authorities’ unrelenting violent crackdown on peaceful protestors across the country. She called it “utterly deplorable for any Government to attempt to bludgeon its population into submission, using tanks, artillery and snipers”.
The Secretary-General addressed the General Assembly’s meeting on HIV/AIDS this morning. He said that, from its birth, the campaign against AIDS was much more than a battle against disease. It was a cry for human rights. It was a call for gender equality. It was a demand for the equal treatment of all people.
At the Security Council’s meeting today on the impact of HIV/AIDS on peace and security, the Secretary-General said that whenever AIDS is part of the equation, the UN strives to be part of the solution. He urged all to address the dangerous link between AIDS, the drug trade, sex trafficking and abuse of women.
The Secretary-General is alarmed at the escalation of violence in Syria, which has reportedly left at least 70 killed over the past week alone, bringing the total casualties since mid-March to over 1,000 dead, many more injured and thousands arrested.
The Secretary-General has been taking part in events in Rome to mark the 150th anniversary of Italian unification. This morning, he attended a military parade, along with many foreign dignitaries, and later at an official dinner he is expected to offer a toast on behalf of the international community, highlighting Italy’s strong support for the United Nations and paying tribute to Italy’s contribution to art and culture.