INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS
Today is the Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists. In his message to mark the Day, the Secretary-General reminds us that a free press is vital to a functioning democracy, to expose wrongdoing, to navigate our complex world, and to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
As we mark the 10th anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, the Secretary-General calls on governments and the international community to take the necessary steps to protect our journalists, to end a common culture of impunity and to enable journalists to do their essential work.
And a quick note to add that UNESCO’s report on the safety of journalists is out on the agency’s website.
BLACK SEA GRAIN INITIATIVE
You saw a bit earlier today we issued a statement in which the Secretary-General warmly welcomes the announcement from the Russian Federation on its resumed participation in the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative to facilitate the safe navigation for exports of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizer from Ukraine. He is grateful for the diplomatic efforts of Türkiye, and thanks the UN Coordinator, Amir Abdulla, and his team for their work in keeping this vital food supply line open.
The Secretary-General continues his engagement with all actors towards the renewal and full implementation of the Initiative, and he also remains committed to removing the remaining obstacles to the exports of Russian food and fertilizer.
SECRETARY-GENERAL TRAVEL
Speaking of the Secretary-General, he is, as we speak is in the air on his way to New York, and we expect him back later this afternoon.
As you know, he was in Algiers yesterday, where he addressed the opening session of the League of Arab States summit. In his remarks he said he looks forward to continuing our work together with the League of Arab States to address the challenges across the region and to advance peace, sustainable development, and human rights. Turning to the issue of climate, the Secretary-General said that COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh will be another vital opportunity for restoring trust between developed and developing countries.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Quick update from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where, as we mentioned before, renewed fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group has forced thousands to flee their homes in Rutshuru Territory in North Kivu.
Many of those displaced have been living in schools, hospitals, churches, and other sites, although the majority are living with host families.
Despite severe access constraints, humanitarian workers have started helping displaced people in Nyiragongo territory, providing them with water and healthcare. Our partners were also able to distribute food to some 50,000 people.
More than 180 unaccompanied children have been identified and assisted by child protection workers, while some 2,000 others are receiving psychological support.
The needs still exceed present capacities, especially in the south of Kayna health zone in Lubero territory, which was already home to some 50,000 displaced people.
The most urgent needs include water, hygiene and sanitation; as well as essential household items, shelter, food, health care and protection.
For its part, the peacekeeping Mission in the country continues to protect civilians and to work alongside the Congolese army to deter the M23 and other armed groups in eastern part of the country.
To do so, the Mission is maintaining multiple positions, where possible, in the zone of hostilities.
Following consultations with national partners, the Mission withdrew peacekeepers from its base in Rumangabo, in North Kivu province, an area where the Congolese army is no longer present.
Sadly, we have to report an incident against peacekeepers that took place yesterday. A crowd of people threw stones at a peacekeeping convoy, which was at an army checkpoint near a site for displaced people about 8km north of Goma. Two peacekeepers were injured and [at least] one mission vehicle was set on fire. Peacekeepers fired warning shots to ensure safe passage of the convoy. Our colleagues note that this type of violence and destruction of equipment limits the mission’s capacity to carry out its mandate to protect civilians and support the delivery of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Just north of the DRC in the Central African Republic, you saw that last night the Secretary-General welcomed the completion of the first trial of the Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic.
The UN Mission in that country reports to us it’s continuing efforts in support of national authorities to protect the population around the country. Over the past week, military peacekeepers conducted over 1,600 patrols, nearly 20 per cent more than the previous week. This included Operation Zangba, on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, that has now covered more than 280 kilometres over one month and is showing results.
This week, the peacekeeping mission repelled armed groups in Gbada in Basse-Kotto prefecture, seizing weapons and materiel. The operation is accompanied by the repairing of roads and bridges, as well as community engagement activities to improve ties with the population and better understand their problems.
Meanwhile, in Bangui, peacekeepers are continuing to patrol, providing convoy escorts to help secure the capital and its periphery. Peacekeepers also conducted medical camps this week in Bangui among other places and distributed 47,000 liters of drinking water benefiting 1,500 people.
HAITI
Moving on to Haiti. Our Human Rights colleagues say that at least 243 civilians were killed and another 198 injured in September and October.
Regarding cholera, the data collected by authorities shows a continued increase in the number of suspected cholera cases, with close to 3,400 cases recorded as of yesterday. The Pan American Health Organization continues to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health, while procuring medical supplies and equipment, including 300 additional beds to increase the capacity of the 15 currently functioning cholera treatment centers.
In October, UNICEF and the national water distribution authority distributed over 331,000 litres of safe drinking water at a site for displaced people. UNICEF and their partners have also reached over 11,500 households in Cité Soleil with cholera prevention communication. Our humanitarian and health partners also provided health care to 600 people, including 400 children across Cité-Soleil.
In the past few days, our colleagues at the World Food Programme carried out special food distributions in Cité Soleil, as well as in Cap-Haïtien and in Maissade in different departments. They reached close to 22,000 people, which is nearly double the total number of people reached since the fuel crisis began mid-September.
Finally, during the past week, the International Organization for Migration provided 29,000 non-food items to health partners working in cholera treatment centres.
LEBANON
Just a note from Lebanon, the International Support Group for Lebanon, which includes the United Nations, issued a statement today that notes with concern the continued lack of cooperation among Lebanese political actors that has precipitated a presidential vacuum. That vacuum comes at a time when Lebanon most requires quick and decisive action to address its dire economic, financial and humanitarian crises.
More than ever, the Support Group says, Lebanon needs fully functioning state institutions that can pursue comprehensive reforms with a strategic vision that generates substantive change for the public good.
It calls on the Members of Parliament to elect, without delay, a new President of the Republic who will unite the Lebanese people in the national interest.
BAN KI-MOON
Couple of notes to share with you, tomorrow there will be an event at 3:15 p.m. in the Dag Hammarskjöld Library, it will be done in partnership with City College of New York, and it is to launch the selected papers of former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
The collection of selected papers now available online provide a previously unseen look into the work and thoughts of our previous Secretary-General during his ten years in office. Mr. Ban will be there in person at 3:15 p.m. and he’ll be joined by the Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed will be there to open the event.
GUIDED TOURS
Lastly, big shoutout to our friends the tour guides today who are all in their own way spokespeople for this Organization. They celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the Guided Tours operations, the same day that the doors of the UN Headquarters in New York City were opened to the public in 1952.
To mark the occasion, an exhibit on the history and role of the tour guides as “Ambassadors to the Public” is on view in the UN Visitors Lobby. The UN Postal Administration has issued a special commemorative stamp sheet for purchase at the stamp shop.
A press release on the 70th Anniversary is being shared with you. Being a tour guide is a great formation for UN staffers.
