The United Nations Mission in Mali reports that an attack by unidentified assailants on the Mission’s observation post south-east of the base has left three peacekeepers dead and three others injured. The Mission condemns the attacks and is determined to continue supporting the peace process and protecting civilians.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
The Secretary-General is encouraged by progress in the implementation of the peace accord in Colombia, especially the recent delivery to the United Nations Mission of the first 30 per cent of the arms of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People's Army (FARC-EP).
The Secretary-General strongly condemned the terrorist attacks on the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and the Parliament (Majlis) building in Tehran today. Expressing hope that those responsible be brought to justice, he called on all countries to work together in fighting terrorism while upholding universal rights and values.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warns that without additional funds, some 60,000 Syrian refugee families will be cut from basic and life-saving cash assistance programmes in Lebanon and Jordan as early as July. UNHCR urgently needs $116 million in Lebanon and $71 million in Jordan.
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.
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.