PRESS BRIEFING
BY MONICA GRAYLEY,
SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PRESIDENT DENNIS FRANCIS
United Nations Headquarters, New York
9 October 2023
Video: https://tinyurl.com/3s2pzvpc
Good afternoon, everyone.
I have a few notes for you today. Let’s get started.
PGA APPEALS FOR IMMEDIATE END OF VIOLENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
The President of the General Assembly, Mr. Dennis Francis, has asked for an immediate cessation of violence in Israel and in Gaza after the attacks on 7 October against Israel.
The PGA is appalled by the kidnapping of civilians and called for an immediate release of all people who were taken hostages.
He urges all parties and key actors to exercise maximum restraint and engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and to protect civilians. He stresses that international law must be fully respected.
The attacks by Hamas on Saturday resulted in an escalation that left hundreds dead and scores more wounded, in Israel and in the State of Palestine.
The PGA joins the Secretary General in stating, unequivocally, that violence is not a viable path forward; it offers neither sustainable peace nor prosperity for any involved. This is a path that has proven to lead only to more bloodshed, more conflict, and more tragedy. In most cases these are innocent citizens – women, men and children – who are paying the price.
President Francis calls for all parties to exercise maximum restraint, and for all stakeholders to engage in diplomatic discussions to de-escalate the situation, to protect civilians, and to chart a path to a two-State solution that offers peace, progress and prosperity for all.
Shortly after the assault by Hamas, on Saturday morning, President Francis issued a statement, on his account on the social media platform X, strongly condemning the attack and expressing condolences to the families of people who lost their lives. The PGA also supports efforts by the UN and its partners to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to people in Gaza.
PRESIDENT FRANCIS EXPRESSES SOLIDARITY WITH VICTIMS OF AFGHANISTAN EARTHQUAKE
The General Assembly leader has called on the international community to stand with the Afghan people after the 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Herat Province, on Saturday.
Media reports indicate that at least 2,000 people lost their lives in the disaster.
Mr. Dennis Francis expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and a speedy recovery to those injured.
The President is deeply concerned about the impact of the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan which hit a region of the country that has already suffered from the consequences of conflict, drought and food insecurity.
The President expresses his solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and joins the calls to scale up emergency humanitarian assistance as aid workers are searching for survivors. He stresses that early action in situations like this is crucial to save lives and provide essential services for those affected.
GA TO ELECT NEW MEMBERS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Tomorrow, 10 October, at 10 AM, the General Assembly will hold the election for new members of the Human Rights Council.
PGA Dennis Francis will chair the meeting in accordance with the rules of procedure of the General Assembly.
After a short introduction, Member States will cast their vote in a secret ballot. President Francis will then announce the results of the election. No statements from Member States are expected.
In order to be elected to the Council, each candidate must have at least 97 votes, which is the absolute majority of votes required.
The 15 elected members will serve for a period of three years i.e. from 2024-2026.
There are 4 vacant seats for the African region and 4 candidates: Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Malawi.
The Asia-Pacific States have 4 seats and 4 candidates: China, Indonesia, Japan and Kuwait.
In the group of Eastern European States there are two vacant seats and 3 candidates: Albania, Bulgaria and Russian Federation.
On Latin American and Caribbean States: there are 3 vacant seats and 4 candidates: Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Peru. The last group of Western European and Other States, has two seats and two candidates: France and Netherlands.
More information on our website: https://www.un.org/en/ga/78/meetings/elections/hrc.shtml
PGA’s AGENDA:
Mr. Francis received the Permanent Representative of Barbados, H.E Mr. François Jackman before addressing the Fifth Committee and Second Committee in separate meetings. He also received the SG’s personal envoy for Mozambique, Mr. Mirko Manzoni. As we speak, the PGA is receiving in his office the Ombudsman of the International Institute Ms. Gaby Schwarz. Later today, the PGA will take part in a video conference with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the
Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel. Late afternoon, President Francis will hold a meeting with the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix.
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