Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

All right, good afternoon.

**Guests Today

In a very short while, we will be joined by Navid Hanif, who is, as you well know, the Assistant Secretary-General in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), as well as Steven Hill, the Assistant Secretary-General in the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA). Both of them will be in person. And Bill Hare, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Climate Analytics. He is joining us virtually, and I think I can see him online already. They will be here to talk to you about the launch of the Secretary-General's Sea-level Rise Report.

**Briefings Tomorrow

Also, programming note for tomorrow, at 11:30 a.m., we will start with LaNeice Collins, who will brief you here for the last time in her capacity as Spokesperson […] for the President of the General Assembly, and she will be here also to introduce Melissa Summers, who will be the Spokesperson for the incoming President of the General Assembly. I will be here at noon sharp, or close to it, and then at 12:30 p.m. Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont, Permanent Representative of France, will be here in his capacity as President of the Security Council for the month of September. For the briefing by the President of the Security Council, it will be in-person only, so if you want to ask questions, you will have to be here in person.

**Secretary-General's Travels/Kyrgyzstan

Our Secretary-General is in Bishkek, in Kyrgyzstan, today ahead of the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which will take place tomorrow. During his visit, he's already held a number of bilateral meetings with leaders from the region. He met with the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, congratulating him on Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship of the SCO. They discussed the strong cooperation between the UN and the Kyrgyz Republic, including on climate change, environment and socioeconomic development, as well as peace and security, in the context of Kyrgyzstan's upcoming membership of the Security Council, starting in 2027. They also discussed various regional developments.

He also had meetings with President [Emomali] Rahmon of Tajikistan and President [Shavkat] Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. Those readouts were shared with you. In the evening, he attended the official opening of the Sixth World Nomad Games.

He's already had a pull-aside meeting with the President of Türkiye, President [Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan, and tomorrow, we expect him to have more bilaterals; we'll share them with you as they happen. And tomorrow, of course, he will deliver remarks at the meeting of the SCO Plus. The Secretary-General's remarks will focus on the importance of multilateral cooperation, the need for collective action to address today's global challenges. We'll share those remarks with you in due course and any other updates we may receive.

**Deputy Secretary-General/Travel

Meanwhile, our Deputy Secretary-General is in Palau today, representing the Secretary-General at the fifty-fifth Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, which is taking place today and tomorrow. During her visit, she will engage with Pacific leaders, regional stakeholders and various members of the UN System to discuss Pacific Islands priorities, including sustainable development, climate change and ocean protection.

And also today, she participated in her own launch of the Secretary-General's Sea-level Rise Report alongside Peter Thomson, our Special Envoy [for] the Ocean. From there, Ms. [Amina Mohammed] will travel to Italy, where she will be in Rome to convene the fourth gathering on Artificial Intelligence and Human Development, which is, as you already know, a global series of high-level dialogues to examine how one of humanity's most transformative technologies is shaping human progress. She is also expected to meet with senior officials from the Government of Italy, as well as the Holy See and heads of UN agencies based in Rome.

**Libya

Turning to Libya, I can tell you that the Secretary-General welcomes the signing in Libya yesterday of an agreement addressing the first two milestones of the UN Support Mission in Libya's (UNSMIL) political road map. Those milestones are reconstituting the board of the High National Elections Commission; and addressing contentious issues in the legal framework for presidential and parliamentary elections. The agreement marks an important step in advancing Libya towards national elections and ending the transitional period. The Secretary-General calls on all relevant Libyan actors and institutions to engage in good faith to advance this agreement, which demonstrates that progress is possible through dialogue.

**Nepal

And, just in time, an update for you on Nepal and the ongoing response to the floods. Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that, as of this morning, national authorities in Nepal have confirmed 903 people dead and over 267 injured. More than 4,200 people remain missing. Over 10,000 people have been rescued so far, and that includes 252 foreign nationals. The Government of Nepal has more than 20,000 personnel deployed for search and rescue, and has declared a flood emergency in 15 municipalities, with 2 more designated as impacted.

Our Resident Coordinator in Nepal, Lila Pieters Yahia, continued to lead our support for the Government-led response. Humanitarian agencies are now setting up a coordination hub in Nuwakot to strengthen planning and information sharing among partners on the ground. Access remains the biggest challenge. We are told that roads are usable only as far as Nuwakot, and that some sections of the Prithvi Highway are completely blocked. Power has been restored in two impacted districts, Dhading and Nuwakot and work continues in Rasuwa, which was the hardest hit by the floods.

As assessment of the situation continue, we are getting a clearer picture of what people need. Some 65,000 people require emergency water, sanitation and hygiene support. More than 22,000 children need protection, 2,600 children under five are expected to need treatment for severe wasting and around 10,500 pregnant and breastfeeding women need nutrition assistance. Nineteen schools have been damaged, nine of them completely destroyed, eight more being used to shelter displaced families. More than 10,000 school-age children need psychosocial support, and preliminary reports indicate that 107 children may have been separated from their parents or caregivers. Family tracing and reunification is now an urgent priority.

We and our partners are scaling up a response alongside the authorities. The World Food Programme (WFP) has dispatched nearly 80 metric tons of food, reaching some 9,200 people with enough to cover their needs for 15 days. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has moved therapeutic food for about 500 severely malnourished children. Fifteen emergency medical teams have been mobilized, 11 of them working in the field right now. Close to 400 people have received psychological first aid in Nuwakot, and more than 3,200 dignity kits have gone to women and girls.

**Ukraine

Turning to Ukraine, our humanitarian colleagues on the ground tell us that nearly 60 civilians were killed and 240 injured in attacks across the country over the weekend; that's what authorities are telling us. The Kyiv region, including the capital city, was the hardest hit, with drone strike on an ammunition depot triggering a powerful explosion that killed 38 people, including residents of a care facility for older persons, and injured 52 others, many of them children. Around 200 houses, as well as the care facility, were either destroyed or damaged. On the front lines, in the Kherson region, four people were killed, 60 others injured, and civilian casualties were also reported in the Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy and the Zaporizhzhia regions.

We join our Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, in reminding all parties that measures must be taken to protect civilians. Our humanitarian colleagues are responding following the attacks. In the Kyiv region, the World Health Organization (WHO) delivered medical supplies to hospitals treating the injured, while the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and several local NGOs, with support from UN agencies, provided mental health and psychosocial support, drinking water,and cash assistance.

We and our humanitarian partners continue to reach people affected by hostilities despite severe access constraints. On Friday, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) facilitated a humanitarian convoy to the front-line community of Sviatohirsk in the Donetsk region. They delivered medical supplies, hygiene kits, and other relief items to about 700 residents who remain in the area.

**Sudan

Turning to Sudan, our humanitarian colleagues warn that violence continues to endanger civilians and force thousands more people from their homes across the country. In Blue Nile, local authorities report that nearly 22,000 people may have been displaced in the past seven days due to escalating fighting in the locality of Geissan. Many are sheltering in schools or have fled to other areas, including towards the state capital.

In North Kordofan, attacks on Saturday on villages in the north-east and the north-west of the capital El Obeid, reportedly caused casualties and displacement, with reports that civilian property and livestock were looted. A day earlier, drone strikes in the eastern part of the city also reportedly caused casualties. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that increased insecurity in North Kordofan yesterday displaced some 450 people.

And in West Darfur State, civilians were reportedly killed and injured last Thursday when a drone strike hit a fuel market in a town near the border with Chad. The attack also damaged civilian property. And in South Kordofan, renewed fighting around two towns in recent days has also forced families to be displaced.

Meanwhile, our Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Denise Brown, said today that the detention of humanitarian personnel by non-State armed groups is unacceptable. In a statement, she warned that increasing numbers of aid workers are being detained, endangering humanitarian personnel, disrupting critical humanitarian operations. She called for their immediate and unconditional release. We once again call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, respect international humanitarian law, and allow humanitarian organizations to operate safely and independently.

**Occupied Palestinian Territory

Turning to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, we continue to remain very concerned about the impact on civilians because of the continued Israeli air strikes and other military attacks over the weekend in Gaza. We are particularly concerned about reports that a young boy was among the fatalities, and also one of the strikes damaged items at the Al Aqsa Hospital compound in Deir al Balah. Civilians, and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals of course, must always be protected. They should not be attacked or used for military purposes.

Meanwhile, we and our humanitarian partners in Gaza continue preparing for the rainy season. Over the weekend, municipalities in Gaza informed our colleagues that they had mapped the needs related to flood risks in hundreds of localities across Gaza. However, humanitarian partners warn that efforts to support people ahead of the winter are hampered by insufficient funding, limits on the approval and volume of items entering Gaza and shortages of engine oil, spare parts and heavy machinery, as we have been telling you repeatedly. Efforts are also constrained because of most of Gaza's land remains inaccessible, including areas that are less vulnerable to flooding and that could be used to set up tents.

Turning to the West Bank, our colleagues on the ground say that settler-related violence continued over the weekend, with incidents involving theft, arson, vandalism and attacks and confrontations in multiple areas, resulting in property damage and injuries. On Saturday, Israeli settlers stoned a house in Qusra village, less than half a kilometre from where three families have been isolated following the establishment of a new settlement outpost a few weeks ago.

Just outside of Ramallah, our colleagues have reported three consecutive days of attacks by Israeli settlers, escorted by Israeli security forces. Here alone, attacks have injured a dozen Palestinians and sometimes prevented the movement of people and vehicles, including ambulances, to both getting in and getting out.

**Lebanon

Heading north to Lebanon, our colleagues at United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continue to observe extensive Israel Defense Forces (IDF) activity inside the country. In recent days, peacekeepers have recorded significant IDF artillery activity across the mission of our area of operations, across the Blue Line and at sea, as well as troop deployments, engineering works and position maintenance.

Also, our UNIFIL colleagues reported unguarded ammunition stockpiles in Sector East, possibly originating from an IDF firing position. Peacekeepers also secured unexploded ordnances found in Sector West, before handing it over to a disposal team. Despite all of this, between Thursday and Sunday, UNIFIL facilitated nine humanitarian missions, eight in Sector West and one in Sector East.

Separately, Jean Arnault, the Special Coordinator ad interim for Lebanon, just completed his visit to New York. As you know, he briefed the [Security] Council in closed consultations. He also met with representatives of Lebanon, Israel, members of the Security Council and regional countries. In his interactions with Member States, Mr. Arnault emphasized the major security and humanitarian and economic challenges facing Lebanon, including the need to ensure a substantial international presence in the southern Lebanon following the end of UNIFIL's mandate, to help avoid a security vacuum.

He's now back in Beirut, where he will continue to engage with Lebanese parties. He will also continue to outreach to regional and international stakeholders in a position to contribute, in particular, to the strengthening of the Lebanese Armed Forces as a key actor in safeguarding Lebanon's internal stability, Lebanon's independence and Lebanon's territorial integrity.

**Ebola/Rwanda

Quick update on Ebola, and from Rwanda, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that we and our partners continue to support the Government-led efforts to strengthen preparedness for Ebola. While no confirmed cases have been reported, Rwanda remains at risk due to its proximity to the affected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and continued cross-border movement of people.

WHO is working with national authorities to strengthen information-sharing and support facilities across the country. Risk communication and community engagement activities are ongoing in 11 high-risk areas. More than 20,000 front-line personnel and over 10,000 community members have been reached with information on Ebola transmission, symptoms, prevention, treatment and the reporting of suspected cases. In July, Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, allocated $2 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to help Ebola preparedness in [Rwanda].

**International Day for People of African Descent

And today we mark the International Day for People of African Descent, observed this year under the theme "Expand the Human Rights of People of African Descent". This year's discussions examine reparatory justice through the return of cultural artefacts, the human rights situation of youth of African descent, and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. In his message, the Secretary-General says we recognize the enormous contributions of the people of African descent across politics, government, science, the arts, culture, innovation and so much more. He also recalls the work still needs to be done towards ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights, equality and opportunity.

**Accreditation

As a reminder, every September here, there is a high-level week. Every September, we remind people that there is an extra accreditation needed, if you do not already have a UN accreditation. So, for all of you who have colleagues coming in, who are not accredited, today is the last day to register. Of course, if you have your existing UN Pass, you don't need an extra pass.

**Financial Contribution

Lastly, we have a quiz for you today. Chris, are you ready? This country has the world's longest national anthem, taking around six minutes to sing. And in 2030, this country will celebrate the 100^th anniversary of its first World Cup football win. [Uruguay.] Yes, Namo, very good. I know, that's right, we didn't start with the World Cup. Anybody know how the anthem is called? Orientales, la Patria o La Tumba. So, we thank our friends in Montevideo, who sent us a check for $2,517,307, and we appreciate each one of those. All right, speaking of appreciation, Edie, please.

**Questions and Answers

Question: […] Is the United Nations preparing an appeal for Nepal to deal with the ongoing impact of this terrible disaster?

Spokesman: Yes, I have no doubt an appeal is being prepared. Obviously, before issuing an appeal, we need to have a full assessment and a needs assessment of what is actually needed, what we need the money for. So, as soon as we have an update on that, I will share it with you.

Question: And this weekend saw a revival of military action between the United States and Iran. Does the Secretary… with impact on US facilities in the region and in Iran itself, does the Secretary-General have any comment on this revival of military action?

Spokesman: I mean, the resumption of exchange of fire between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran is very regrettable, to say the very least. We'd had about a month of relative calm. Again, the Secretary-General urges everyone to show maximum restraint. He encourages a return to diplomatic activity, to diplomatic talks that would lead to a settlement, to help restore stability and confidence in the region. And I'll leave it at that for now. Yes, Namo?

Question: Thank you. On the meeting that the Secretary-General had with President [Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan of Turkey, did he raise the… did he talk about the Kurdish peace process? And did he encourage him on, you know, finding a quick, bringing that to a quick solution? Thank you.

Spokesman: I don't have a full readout. I know it was not a formal meeting but a pull aside, so being a little different. Just the two of them talking. As soon as I have some sort of readout, I will share it with you. I know that our principled position on the Kurdish peace process is, as we said, we're supporting it and encouraging its full implementation. Kirsten, welcome back.

Question: Thanks, Steph. Yes, I'm wondering if the Secretary-General is aware of the proposed or the visa restrictions that are due to go into effect on 15 September that will impact international journalists. Is he aware of this? Is he concerned that this could impact coverage - not only of the United States, but of the United Nations, given it limits journalists to 240 days and many journalist' organizations are very concerned about the impact that this will have on journalists?

Spokesman: Look, of course, countries have the right to decide on visa policies. But, we would hope that we see here in our host country a policy that allows for the maximum amount of international journalists to cover, including to cover the UN. Yes?

Question: Thank you, Steph. There is lots of misinformation following the Nepal-China flooding, particularly in the Chinese-language media. For example, the BBC said that China censored the footage of the Chinese port… border port being devoured in a matter of seconds. Interpretation is that China is trying to… China is concerned about instability in Tibet and also, for example, Reuters said that China failed to provide early warning to Nepal, but the fact is that the glacier break that led to the flooding happened in Nepal. What does the Secretary-General have to say on this rampant misinformation?

Spokesman: We're not in a position to fact-check the work of journalists worldwide. What I can tell you is that, especially in disaster settings, the flow of accurate information is paramount. Yes, please?

Question: Thank you. Italian media yesterday mentioned the chance that the Italian Premier, Giorgia Meloni, won't take part in the General Assembly. Do you know anything about this? And does the Secretary-General have any comment on that?

Spokesman: No, we haven't gotten confirmation from all delegations as to who will be the head of the delegation. We, of course, understand that each Member State, each Head of Government or Head of State has different scheduling priorities. We always hope for the highest possible representation during each General Assembly, but I don't have any specific confirmation on the Italian side.

Question: Is there like a deadline for…?

Spokesman: No, there's no… Unlike accreditation for media, heads of states and Heads of Government are able to show up and get a ticket at the door, so to speak. Thank you. All right. Any questions online? Okay. I'll ask you to be patient for two seconds while we're joined by our guests, who hopefully are in the back.