Lesotho

On Thursday morning, 12 December, the Secretary-General travelled from South Africa to Lesotho.

In Syria, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that he United Nations and its partners continue to support the response there as the security situation permits. Health care across the country continues to be disrupted against the backdrop of a fluid security situation.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to Parliament of Lesotho, in Maseru today:

At least 68 journalists and media workers have been killed in the line of duty so far this year, according to a report published today by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Over 60 per cent were working in countries in conflict, the highest percentage in over 10 years.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, today announced an additional $2 million from the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund to address the deteriorating situation in that country, bringing the total allocation to $12 million so far.

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the bicentenary of the founding of the Basotho Nation, in Lesotho, today:

Flooding continues to worsen across Chad, with nearly 1.5 million people now impacted. Chadian authorities, UN agencies and partners are providing urgent aid, and the UN Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator has increased the allocation of the Central Emergency Response Fund to support the response from $5 to $8 million.

The new Permanent Representative of Lesotho to the United Nations, Matete Nena, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres today.

Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland said he is appalled by the terror attack in central Israel on Thursday, which killed 3 Israelis and injured several others. Such attacks hinder prospects for a peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis and must be condemned.

World Braille Day, on 4 January, aims to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people.  COVID-19 has revealed how critically important it is to produce essential information in accessible formats.