The United Nations Mission in Sudan reports that the intensive bombing by the Sudanese Armed Forces in the past week is continuing in the surroundings of Kadugli and Kauda, in Southern Kordofan. The Mission is extremely concerned about a bombing campaign which often appears to be indiscriminate, causing huge suffering to civilian populations and which endangers humanitarian assistance.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
In a statement issued over the weekend, the Secretary-General expressed alarm at the escalation of fighting in Southern Kordofan, Sudan, which has left thousands homeless. He called on all concerned to cease hostilities and provide their full cooperation to the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).
the Secretary-General welcomes the “Kampala Accord” signed yesterday concerning Somalia, which will enable the Transitional Federal Institutions to work constructively in the interest of the Somali people. He calls on the Somali parties to act resolutely to complete the outstanding transitional tasks.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned the Syrian authorities’ unrelenting violent crackdown on peaceful protestors across the country. She called it “utterly deplorable for any Government to attempt to bludgeon its population into submission, using tanks, artillery and snipers”.
The Secretary-General addressed the General Assembly’s meeting on HIV/AIDS this morning. He said that, from its birth, the campaign against AIDS was much more than a battle against disease. It was a cry for human rights. It was a call for gender equality. It was a demand for the equal treatment of all people.
At the Security Council’s meeting today on the impact of HIV/AIDS on peace and security, the Secretary-General said that whenever AIDS is part of the equation, the UN strives to be part of the solution. He urged all to address the dangerous link between AIDS, the drug trade, sex trafficking and abuse of women.
The Secretary-General is alarmed at the escalation of violence in Syria, which has reportedly left at least 70 killed over the past week alone, bringing the total casualties since mid-March to over 1,000 dead, many more injured and thousands arrested.
The Secretary-General has been taking part in events in Rome to mark the 150th anniversary of Italian unification. This morning, he attended a military parade, along with many foreign dignitaries, and later at an official dinner he is expected to offer a toast on behalf of the international community, highlighting Italy’s strong support for the United Nations and paying tribute to Italy’s contribution to art and culture.
Every day, an estimated 2,500 young people are newly infected with HIV, according to a new UN inter-agency global report on HIV prevention. The report finds that people between the ages of 15 and 24 accounted for more than 40 per cent of new infections among adults over the age of 15 in 2009.
The Secretary-General is travelling to Rome, Italy, from this evening until 3 June. He will meet with the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano; the Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini; as well as attend events to mark the 150th anniversary of Italian unification.