The Secretary-General condemns today’s deadly terrorist attack in Mogadishu, Somalia. He reaffirms that such criminal acts will not diminish the strong resolve of the United Nations to continue supporting the people and Government of Somalia in their work to build peace and stability in the country.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
A United Nations report published today shows a record number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan, with 5,166 recorded killed or maimed in the first six months of 2016 — an increase of 4 per cent in total casualties compared to the first six months of 2015, and the highest half-year total since 2009.
Following the declaration of the state of emergency in Turkey, the Secretary-General issued a statement late last night urging the Turkish authorities to fulfil their promise to ensure constitutional order and international human rights law are fully respected.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that 2016 is on track to be the world’s hottest year on record. The organization says that that this trend underscores the need to approve and implement the Paris Agreement on climate change, and to speed up the shift to low carbon economies and renewable energy.
The Secretary-General issued a statement earlier today that detailed how Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) heralded a fundamental shift in Iran’s relationship with the 15-member body. He commended the country for implementing its nuclear-related commitments, as verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan reports harassment of its personnel and increased obstruction of its operations, including denial of flight clearances. It has also received deeply disturbing reports of sexual violence, including rape, by soldiers in uniform against civilians around UN House in the capital, Juba.
Marking Nelson Mandela International Day today, the Secretary-General urged everyone to do more to build a peaceful, sustainable and equitable world for all. Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson and United Nations Messenger of Peace Stevie Wonder attended a General Assembly commemorative event.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has expressed concern over further restrictions by Hungary leading to push-backs of people seeking asylum, as well as reports of the use of violence and abuse against them.
The World Health Organization today officially declared the elimination of yaws, as well as maternal and neonatal tetanus in India, the first country under the 2012 WHO neglected tropical diseases road map to eliminate yaws. Indonesia and Timor-Leste are now the only countries in the region with yaws transmission.
As violence escalates in and around Aleppo city, Syria, Yacoub El Hillo, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, and Kevin Kennedy, the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, say 200,000 to 300,000 people are now closer to the line of fire and at risk of besiegement since 7 July.