23 NOVEMBER 2020
The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
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Questions and Answers
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Question: Okay. Thank you. The Palestinian Authorities are clamping down on those critics of going back to the security coordination with Israel. The latest, they arrested Nizar Banat — Banat, his last name is B‑a‑n‑a‑t — for issuing a YouTube video criticizing the Authority. They also called for questioning a broadcast — young female, not well‑known radio producer also for questioning. So, there are a number of statements issued to criticise that, including the Euro‑Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and others.
Do we expect a statement from the… Mr. Mladenov or from any other UN agency?
Spokesman: I’m not aware of the particular case, but what I can tell you, clearly, from our standpoint, is that people should be able to express their political opinions freely and free from any harassment or intimidation.
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Question: Hi, Steph. Do you have any update on the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) situation and shortage of funds?
Spokesman: No. That’s a good question. I… strangely enough, I was thinking about it over the weekend and forgot to ask. So, we’ll try to get you something later today or tomorrow.
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For information media. Not an official record.
Document Sources: Secretary-General, United Nations Department of Global Communications, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Subject: Assistance, Refugees and displaced persons, Security issues
Publication Date: 23/11/2020
URL source: https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/db201123.doc.htm