Special Representative for Libya Martin Kobler is in Tripoli, Libya – his first visit to the country since the Presidency Council’s arrival in the capital last week. Mr. Kobler met with Prime Minister-designate Fayez al-Sarraj, members of the Presidency Council and representatives of the Grand Tripoli municipalities.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
Nickolay Mladenov, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said today that the United Nations has been informed by Israel of its decision to suspend the private importation of cement into Gaza, following allegations that a substantial amount had been diverted from its intended legitimate beneficiaries.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) released its latest casualty figures today, saying that a total of 1,119 Iraqis were killed and another 1,561 injured in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict throughout the country in March. The overall casualty figures are up from February.
The Secretary-General is shocked by new deeply disturbing allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse in the Central African Republic involving UN and non-UN personnel and local armed groups. The High Commissioner for Human Rights says major efforts are underway to investigate the charges and care for victims.
The Secretary-General opened in Geneva the High-Level Meeting on Global Responsibility Sharing for the Syrian Refugees, stressing the need for an exponential increase in solidarity. If properly managed, resettling refugees is a win-win for everyone, he said, calling on all States to step up efforts.
The Secretary-General’s task force to review the functioning of the Office of the President of the General Assembly issued a report today resulting from charges made against the world body’s former president and others. Recommendations include greater transparency on staffing and outside contributions.
During the Security Council’s open debate on the role of women in conflict prevention and resolution in Africa, United Nations high-level officials say experience shows that actively engaging them and civil society in early diplomatic initiatives improves the chances of helping to prevent and resolve conflicts.
The Secretary-General says the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia’s ruling today of former Serbian President Radovan Karadžić, who has been convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity, sends a strong signal that all those in positions of responsibility will be held to account.
Thirteen trucks of badly needed emergency relief items from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reached south-western Yemen, marking the first time a UNHCR convoy made it all the way from Aden to Tiazz governorate. Distribution is starting this week for 500 displaced people, returnees and local families.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the terrorist bombings today in Brussels. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and expresses his solidarity with the people and Government of Belgium.