Today is World Environment Day, and the theme this year is “Connecting People to Nature”. It highlights the vast benefits that humanity gains from clean environments, including food security, better health and climatic stability. The theme also encourages people simply to get back outdoors.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
Speaking to reporters in Saint Petersburg, Russia, today, the Secretary-General said that climate change is undeniable, and added that climate action is unstoppable. He urged all the Governments around the world to stay the course and to remain committed to the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The Secretary-General’s report “Reinvigorating the AIDS Response to Catalyse Sustainable Development and United Nations Reform” was presented today at the General Assembly. The Deputy Secretary-General, in presenting the report, said that “the AIDS pandemic is far from over”, and stressed that countries “need to do a better job of reaching young women and adolescent girls”.
The number of suspected cholera cases in Yemen has risen by 10,000 to a total exceeding 65,000 in the past 72 hours, UNICEF reports. In just one month, more than 500 people have died, including over 100 children. These numbers are for verified cases only, and the actual figures could be much higher, UNICEF cautions.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is appealing for urgent safe passage and admission for 41 Syrian refugees stranded in dire circumstances on the remote Algerian-Moroccan border since 17 April. Both Algeria and Morocco consider the group not to be in their respective territory.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said today that it is concerned by the recent prosecution, arbitrary arrest, detention and ill-treatment of men perceived to be gay in Indonesia. In the past two months, more than 150 men were reportedly arrested in Aceh, Surabaya and Jakarta and subjected to public humiliation.
The Secretary-General spoke today at the Security Council’s open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. He noted that despite efforts, civilians continued to bear the brunt of conflict around the world, and outlined three clear ways to improve their protection.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, expressed serious concern today at the mass hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons that began 38 days ago and has yet to be resolved. He is especially alarmed by reports of Israel’s punitive measures against the hunger strikers.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the horrific terrorist attack in Manchester last night, and expresses his profound sympathy and solidarity with the people and Government of the United Kingdom. He hopes that those responsible for this despicable attack will be swiftly found and brought to justice.
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned following the military escalation at the Brak al-Shati air base in southern Libya. He calls on all parties to exercise restraint and restore calm, and said that the continued insecurity in the country is a reminder that there is no military solution.