The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq reports that the deteriorating situation in Mosul and surrounding areas continues to cause more displacement. UNICEF reports that at least half of the people displaced, an estimated 250,000 of them, are children. Many need water and sanitation support, immunization against polio and measles, and protection services.

Speaking at the Asia Society, the Secretary-General presented his priorities for the way forward in Syria: end the violence; protect the people and their human rights; start a serious political process; hold accountable perpetrators of serious crimes; conclude chemical weapons destruction; and address the conflict’s regional dimensions.

The Secretary-General is concerned by recent court decisions in Egypt, particularly the confirmation of death sentences for 183 people and the sentencing of journalists to lengthy jail terms. The proceedings clearly appear not to meet fair trial standards, particularly those resulting in the imposition of the death penalty, and are likely to undermine prospects for long-term stability.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq released new casualty numbers today saying that more than 1,000 people have been killed in June so far. At least 757 people were killed and nearly 600 were injured due to the conflict in Nineveh, Diyala and Salah al-Din Provinces. The number includes verified summary executions and extrajudicial killings.

The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan briefed the Security Council today on the elections in that country. He said that the way the two presidential candidates and the country’s leadership manage the events that are unfolding will be vital to Afghanistan’s unity and stability.

The Secretary-General, at the African Union Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, today, said the United Nations will remain by the Union’s side as it develops and implements its agenda on peace, human rights, and sustainable development. Africa’s transformation will be a revolution in agricultural productivity.

The UN Refugee Agency says at least 45 people have been killed this week in the Central African Republic and scores wounded in new violence and reprisal attacks in and around Bambari. The violence displaced thousands, with tensions hampering humanitarian access, amid threats and theft of stock and equipment.

In a statement we issued yesterday, the Secretary-General expressed his grave concern at the deepening crisis and the rising number of civilian casualties in Iraq. He called on all parties to stop the persecution of civilians based on religion or ethnic background, and reminded them of their legal obligation and moral responsibility to prevent any violence against civilians.

The Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Iraq expressed his regret that the newly elected Council of Representatives was unable to reach an agreement on naming a Speaker today. He called on all political leaders to set aside their differences and elect a Speaker during the next session next week.

The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process condemned the reported murder of a Palestinian boy in Jerusalem. He said that the perpetrators of such acts must be brought to justice, and called on all sides to do all they can not to worsen an already tense atmosphere.