This morning, the Secretary-General participated in the launch of a new campaign called “Rio+20: The Future We Want”. He stressed the importance of sustainable development in addressing the numerous challenges the world faces. He also addressed the Peacebuilding Fund’s high-level stakeholders meeting.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the violence in Egypt during the last few days, particularly in Cairo. He deplores the loss of life and the many injuries, and calls on the transitional authorities to guarantee the protection of human rights and civil liberties for all Egyptians, including the right to peaceful protest.
The Secretary-General is in Bali today, where he addressed the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business and Investment Summit, urging private sector leaders to support global efforts to improve women's and children's health.
Citing the situations in Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, Yemen and Syria, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos says there has been an alarming escalation in several crises in recent weeks, affecting millions and reducing access of humanitarian actors.
In Bangkok today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Prime Minister that the United Nations stands ready to do everything possible to help Thailand respond to and recover from the heavy floods. Mr. Ban saw first-hand the impact of the floods by helicopter and met with people who were evacuated from inundated areas.
A statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the escalation of rhetoric between the Government of Sudan and the Government of South Sudan, particularly in regard to cross-border support of rebel groups and incursions into one another’s territory.
The Secretary-General arrived in Bangladesh yesterday evening. This morning, he met with the Foreign Minister and senior Government officials before opening the Climate Vulnerable Forum with the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. He told participants that climate change is a global problem requiring a global solution.
This morning, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hervé Ladsous, briefed the Security Council on his recent trip to Sudan and South Sudan. He stressed that the only course of action available is to recommit to a peaceful negotiated settlement of outstanding issues and to an immediate de-escalation of tensions.
The Secretary-General, reporting to the General Assembly on the G-20 Summit in Cannes, said that the repercussions of the Greek crisis and the threat of contagion to other Eurozone economies had dominated the event. His message to leaders was nonetheless consistent: Do not overlook the most vulnerable people.
The Secretary-General today told the Security Council that protection of civilians in armed conflict situations requires: compliance with humanitarian law; compliance by non-State actors; appropriately resourced peacekeepers; better humanitarian access to those affected; and stronger accountability.