The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the mass shooting in Roseburg, Oregon, on 1 October. He conveys his sincere condolences to the families of the many victims and wishes a swift recovery to those wounded.

In the face of yet another tragedy of this kind, the Secretary-General expresses his strong hope that the United States, through the robust democratic process that characterizes it, will be able to take the necessary action to reduce the appalling toll in human life that gun violence is taking on American society. He notes that President Barack Obama has consistently demonstrated his commitment to address this scourge.