Noon briefing of 25 October 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING

BY MARTIN NESIRKY, SPOKESPERSON FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

TUESDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2011

INDEPENDENT U.N. BODY ON LIBYA URGES STRONG FOUNDATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, RULE OF LAW

• The UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on Libya called on the Libyan authorities on Tuesday to ensure that the new State is built on a strong foundation of human rights and the rule of law.
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• Judge Philippe Kirsch, the chairperson of the Commission, said that it is extremely important that the National Transitional Council (NTC) and all armed groups in Libya ensure that all detainees under their control are treated with respect for their human rights, in accordance with international standards. He urged all armed forces to refrain from revenge killings and the arbitrary repression of Libyans and foreigners.
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• Asked about investigations into the deaths of Muammar Qadhafi and others, the Spokesperson said that the Commission of Inquiry urges the NTC and the future interim authorities to undertake independent, impartial and transparent investigations into all allegations of violations of the rights of detainees in their custody, and if they deem it necessary, recommends that they seek the support of the international community.
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• He added that the Commission is encouraged by recent public announcements by NTC leaders that they will undertake investigations into the deaths of some of the detainees, according to Judge Kirsch.
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• The Spokesperson added that accountability lies in the first instance with the national authorities.

LIBYA: U.N. HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR VISITS SIRTE

• The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya, Georg Charpentier, was in Sirte on Monday. His visit opens the way for joint technical assessment missions both there and to Bani Walid, and those missions will be completed in the next two days.
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• Mr. Charpentier said that immediate priorities for response include the restoration of electricity and water services, the rapid clean-up of explosive remnants of war and the rehabilitation of housing for returning residents.
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• He also expressed his concern for the safe return of civilians to Sirte and the importance of national reconciliation following the end of hostilities.

U.N., EL SALVADOR CALL FOR FUNDS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

• The United Nations and the Government of El Salvador launched a Flash Appeal on Tuesday for nearly US$16 million to assist 300,000 people affected by the floods for the next six months.
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• The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that key priorities include emergency shelter; the delivery of water, sanitation and hygiene services; meeting immediate food needs; and access to healthcare.
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• Access to affected areas is difficult because many roads are blocked by debris or isolated by flooding and landslides.
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• Reports say that elsewhere, more than half a million people have reportedly affected in Guatemala alone by the flooding, which has also hit Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Mexico.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

SECRETARY-GENERAL TO TAKE PART IN MEETING ON UPCOMING G-20 SUMMIT: On Tuesday afternoon, the Secretary-General will participate in an informal meeting of the General Assembly, in which France will brief the Member States about the forthcoming Group of 20 Summit.

SECURITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE, DARFUR: On Tuesday morning, the President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Judge Hisashi Owada, briefed the Security Council in a private meeting. The Under-Secretary-General for Peace-Keeping Operations, Hervé Ladsous, will brief the Council on Tuesday afternoon in open session on the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), followed by consultations.

U.N. MIDDLE EAST ENVOY TO ATTEND QUARTET MEETING: Asked who would represent the United Nations at the Quartet’s meeting in Jerusalem this week, the Spokesperson said it would be held at the envoy level, with Robert Serry, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO), representing the United Nations.

U.N. NOTES RE-TRIAL OF MEDICAL PERSONNEL IN BAHRAIN: Asked about Bahrain, the Spokesperson noted there was to be a re-trial of medical personnel who had been tried in that country earlier, and he said that the United Nations would follow that.

Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

United Nations, SA-1B15

New York, NY 10017