The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon condemned the attack on a Lebanese army patrol that took place yesterday in Ras Baalbeck, which killed six soldiers and wounded another. He expressed his condolences to the families of those killed and to the people and Government of Lebanon.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
A new report issued today by the World Bank Group shows that the Ebola epidemic continues to cripple the economies of the three most affected countries — Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. According to the report, after growing rapidly for years and into the first half of 2014, they will post negative or contracted growth next year and lost income totalling more than $2 billion in 2014-15.
On World AIDS Day the Secretary-General, calling for a global effort to end AIDS by 2030, highlighted the progress made in people’s access to HIV treatment, reduction in new infections and prevention of infections among new-borns. In Paris, mayors from around the world signed the 2014 Paris Declaration to end AIDS in their cities by 2030.
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos had decided to resign her post, according to the Secretary-General. He called Ms. Amos a tireless advocate for people worldwide affected by disaster and conflict at a time when the global humanitarian system is particularly stretched.
The Secretary-General marked International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, urging everyone to help end the global disgrace of violence against women and girls, which affects one in three women worldwide and is present in every society globally.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the suicide attack on civilians in Afghanistan on 23 November. He expresses his deepest sympathies and his steadfast solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.
The Secretary-General and the Chief Executives Board of the United Nations system are meeting in Washington, D.C., to discuss how to coordinate efforts in the fight against the spread of the Ebola virus.
The Secretary-General said the more than $9 billion pledged at the Berlin Conference for the Green Climate Fund demonstrates Governments’ increasing understanding of both the benefits of climate action and the growing risks of delay. Such public finance is key to unlocking investments from private sources.
The Secretary-General told the Security Council’s open meeting this morning that the threat of foreign terrorist fighters and the scourge of violent extremism are security challenges that can also affect the stability and social fabric of communities, countries and regions. He called for a rights-centred approach to counter-terrorism. In a statement, the Security Council expressed concern that the threat of terrorism is expanding and intensifying.
The Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, abhorred the attack this morning on a synagogue in West Jerusalem, for which there can be no justification. He reiterated the urgent call on all sides to do everything possible to avoid further escalation in the already very tense situation there.