HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING BY FARHAN HAQ,
DEPUTY SPOKESMAN FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
MONDAY, 22 OCTOBER 2018
 

DRC
The Secretary-General is outraged by the continued killing and abduction of civilians by armed groups in the Beni area of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He condemns Saturday's killing of at least 11 civilians, including one boy, as well as the injury and abduction of several more during an attack on the town of Mayongose on the outskirts of Beni.
The Secretary-General is also deeply troubled by reports that on Friday, 19 October, two Congolese health workers helping to combat the Ebola outbreak in North Kivu were killed in Butembo when armed militia attacked the Congolese army unit to which they were attached.  
The Secretary-General calls on all armed groups to immediately cease attacks against civilians and ensure humanitarian access to populations in need. He reiterates, in particular, his support to civilians in areas affected by Ebola and insecurity.
 
SG TRAVEL
Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will travel to Washington, D.C. to have meetings with US officials. In the afternoon, he is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.
We expect him back in New York on Wednesday.
 
JAMAL KHASHOGGI
You will have seen that over the weekend, we issued a statement saying that the Secretary-General was deeply troubled by the confirmation of the death of Jamal Khashoggi. He extends his condolences to Mr. Khashoggi’s family and friends.
The Secretary-General stresses the need for a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Khashoggi’s death and full accountability for those responsible. 
 
DSG
The three-day UN World Data Forum opened today in Dubai, bringing together over 1,500 people from national statistical offices, the private sector, international organizations and civil society groups. They are aiming to find innovative solutions for better data on migration, health, gender and other areas of sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Secretary-General said that, with accurate, representative, inclusive and disaggregated data, we can understand the challenges we face and identify the most appropriate solutions for sustainable development.
She noted that better data can also provide benefits in a range of other areas, including helping to save lives and livelihoods through disaster preparedness and early warning systems, as well as allowing women to learn about laws to protect them from discrimination,
The Deputy Secretary-General stressed that we urgently need to bridge important gaps, pointing to how funding remains limited and to the need for political, technical and advocacy support in all areas. 
 
DARFUR
This morning, the Head of the African Union-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), Jeremiah Mamabolo, briefed the Security Council by video teleconference on the situation in Darfur. He reported that the Mission has embarked in earnest on its reconfiguration and drawdown, and is in the process of relocating its headquarters from El Fasher to Zalingei.
Mr. Mamabolo noted that the current security situation in Darfur remains relatively calm and peaceful, with the exception of pockets in the Jebel Marra area where armed conflict between Government and rebel forces continues. However, UNAMID has recorded an increase in tensions between herders and farmers, mainly internally displaced people and returnees, over land and resources.
He also highlighted humanitarian challenges in accessing some Jebel Marra localities due to ongoing armed clashes and heavy rains and said it would be important for the Government of Sudan, UNAMID, the UN Country Team and the international community to seriously address human rights concerns.
 
CAR
Our colleagues in the UN Mission in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA, report that the Special Criminal Court of the Central African Republic held its inaugural session today in Bangui.
The event signaled the formal commencement of investigations by the Court, which is expected to play a leading role in ending a prevailing culture of impunity in the country for serious international crimes, in particular those committed against civilians.
The Special Criminal Court is a national court, with a number of international magistrates and court personnel embedded in the institution. In accordance with its mandate, MINUSCA, with the UN Development Programme and other partners, have supported the Court’s operationalization.
 
MYANMAR
Over the weekend, you will have seen that we issued a note to correspondents at the conclusion of the most recent visit by the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, to the country.
During her visit for 10 to 20 October, she met with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other government and military leaders, as well as with representatives of ethnic armed organizations, local and religious leaders, and others.
The Envoy stressed that accountability and inclusive dialogue are the two pillars for national reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of credible fact-finding.
She urged the Government to undertake a public campaign for zero tolerance for discrimination, and expressed her appreciation for the authorities’ willingness to engage with her closely.
Also on Myanmar, the Resident Coordinator there, Knut Ostby, expressed his condolences today after a fire at an internally displaced persons camp in Rakhine -- which killed six people and left 800 people without shelter. Most of the victims were Rohingya who have been confined to camps since 2012.