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.

**Guest

Alright good afternoon, in a very short while, or as soon as you are done with me, we will be joined by our guest María José Torres, who's as you know the UN Resident Coordinator in Colombia. She will be able to brief you on the ongoing response by the UN to the devastating earthquake that hit Colombia earlier this month.

**Guests - Monday

And then on Monday, we will be joined by Navid Hanif, the Assistant Secretary-General in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs; Steven Hill, Assistant Secretary-General in the Office of Legal Affairs; and also Bill Hare, the Chief Executive Officer of Climate Analytics. They will be here to brief you on the Secretary-General's report on Sea-Level Rise. You will get embargoed copies I think probably tomorrow, if not a bit earlier. The report is actually rather interesting. It looks at a lot of social and legal issues having to do with Sea-Level Rise and how it impacts some of the most vulnerable countries in the coming years.

**Asia Floods

I'll start with the ongoing response by the UN to the floods in Asia. As of today, we are told by authorities that more than 500 people have been confirmed dead, that's what local authorities in Nepal are telling us, hundreds remain missing. Officials say that scores of people have been injured and over 3,700 have so far been rescued.

Our Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, said today that humanitarians are moving at speed to save lives, with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and partners from the World Health Organization (WHO), World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and various NGOs assisting national authorities in Nepal to deliver urgent, life-saving support.

In Nepal, our UN Resident Coordinator, from whom you heard yesterday, Lila Pieters Yahia, is leading our support for the Government-led response. Earlier today, she and UN colleagues visited the Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot, one of the flood-affected districts. She was able to see first-hand the massive destruction, where early assessments show that about 11,000 hectares of land and 45 kilometres of roads have been damaged. That visit was cut short by a new flood alert while the team was on the ground. As you know there are more risks of floods coming.

In that district, over 1,000 people are sheltering at five known displacement sites, but these are preliminary figures, and we are working to confirm the locations of people displaced in other localities and districts. Despite the damaged roads and landslides that continue to block access, we are starting to get a better sense of what our immense needs of the population. Our partners working on food security estimate that at least 20,000 households across the Nuwakot and Rasuwa Districts may need food assistance.

Over 50,000 people require emergency water, emergency sanitation and emergency hygiene support. Partners working on nutrition estimate that some 17,000 children, 1,500 pregnant and breastfeeding women, and 9,000 adolescents need immediate nutrition support. At least 23 schools in those districts will need to be rehabilitated.

We and our partners are working alongside the authorities in Nepal to scale up distributions of food, shelter, healthcare and other critical supplies. Tom Fletcher, said that he remains in close contact with our teams in the region as well as Chinese and Nepalese authorities, having also expressed our commitment to support operations in China if requested to do so.

**Trip Announcement/Kyrgyzstan

I will share with you a travel update for the Secretary-General, he will be travelling to Kyrgyzstan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Summit, which will take place in Bishkek from 31 August to 1 September. On the sidelines of the Summit, the Secretary-General will hold meetings with Sadyr Zhaparov, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, he will of course, we expect him to have bilaterals with other leaders attending the meetings, and we will share those readouts with you as they happen.

On Tuesday, he will deliver remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization-Plus Meeting. In those remarks, the Secretary-General is expected to emphasize the value of cooperation between the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He will also address other topics, including recent developments in the Middle East. He is expected back in New York on Wednesday evening.

**UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)

And from South Sudan, our colleagues at the UN Mission there today paid tribute to the two fallen Ethiopian peacekeepers, as you recall, they lost their lives when their convoy was ambushed in Jonglei State on 24 August. At the ceremony, the Head of the peacekeeping Mission, Anita Kiki Gbeho, honoured their courage, their dedication, their commitment to protecting civilians. She described their service as embodying the highest ideals of UN peacekeeping. Meanwhile, seven other members of the patrol who were injured in the attacks are currently receiving medical care, and we of course wish them a speedy recovery. As you recall in the statement, the Secretary-General called for a thorough investigation, so that those responsible can be held to justice.

**Ukraine

Turning to Ukraine, our colleagues at OCHA tell us that attacks and hostilities continue to take a heavy toll on civilians, disrupting essential services and damaging vital aid. Authorities say attacks across the country between yesterday and the early hours of this morning killed at least 12 civilians and injured more than 65 others. Front-line regions were especially hard hit. Attacks damaged homes and other civilian infrastructure, and strikes on energy facilities caused power outages in several regions.

In Kherson, an attack critically damaged the city's combined power and heat plant. All heat and power-generating equipment at the facility has been destroyed, that's what the national energy operators are telling us, that raises serious concerns over heating and electricity over the coming Winter. Separately, an attack in the Kyiv Region hit a UNICEF-contracted warehouse, destroying humanitarian supplies intended for children and families.

UNICEF says the loss will hamper the delivery of vital assistance, particularly with another difficult Winter approaching. This is part of a wider pattern, with at least six warehouses belonging to humanitarian operations, including UN agencies, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and NGOs, impacted by attacks in Ukraine in this month

We are especially concerned about the war's impact ahead of Winter and are already preparing to ensure that people in need get essential supplies as the colder months approach. We reiterate, once again, the Secretary-General's condemnations of large-scale missile and drone attacks by the armed forces of the Russian Federation in urban centres in Ukraine. The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned by continued escalation of this conflict, including onto the territory of the Russian Federation itself.

He also reiterates his call for an urgent de-escalation, leading to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire; for a just, sustainable and for comprehensive peace, in line with international law, including the Charter of the Organization and relevant United Nations resolutions.

**Security Council/Haiti

Just a programming note, this afternoon at 3 p.m, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office in Haiti, as well as Indrika Ratwatte, the Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, will brief the Security Council on Haiti.

**Lebanon

Meanwhile, this morning, excuse me, our colleague, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, and Jean Arnault, the Officer-in-Charge of the UN Special Coordinator's Office in Lebanon, briefed Security Council members in closed consultations on Lebanon.

Meanwhile, on the ground, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that new hostilities in the south of Lebanon are taking a steep toll on civilians as they have been. Despite the continued insecurity, people continue to make their way home, with around 820,000 people having returned to their communities over the last few months, including nearly 90 per cent of the people who were displaced in the South Governorate. However, some 330,000 remain displaced across Lebanon.

Humanitarian access remains a major challenge, particularly south of the Litani River. Access constraints are hampering humanitarian teams from reaching some of the communities and delaying assessments, monitoring, the restoration of essential services and the delivery of food assistance.

We continue to stress that unimpeded access to people in need is essential to sustain humanitarian assistance and support recovery, particularly as families return to areas where insecurity, damaged infrastructure, limited services make it that much harder for them to even start to rebuild their lives.

**Occupied Palestinian Territory

And heading south to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that they are worried about the impact of ongoing air strikes and other attacks across the Gaza Strip, amid reports of civilian casualties and damage.

Today, UNICEF says that four children, aged 2 to 16, were reportedly killed over the past days in separate Israeli strikes, including one who died of wounds sustained last week. These attacks also destroyed humanitarian supplies and damaged critical water infrastructure. Civilians and civilian objects, including humanitarian facilities and infrastructure, must always be protected.

Yesterday, an explosive munition detonated about 30 metres from a UN convoy returning with fuel from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing, as it crossed the so-called "Yellow Line" in Gaza. Thankfully, no casualties, with the explosion causing a minor mechanical issues involving one of the vehicles in the convoy.

We and our partners are working across Gaza to address the risks posed by an unexploded ordnance. We are assessing and marking hazards, educating people on safety measures and referring those affected for support. But, the authorizations needed to bring in the needed equipment and remove explosive ordnance still has still not been granted by the Israeli authorities.

**Venezuela Earthquake

And you will hear about the Colombia earthquake from our colleague, but I want to give you a quick update on our efforts in Venezuela, where we are continuing to support people impacted by the disaster. To date, 107 organizations have reached more than 360,000 people with food assistance, healthcare and water and sanitation services.

At the same time, our humanitarian colleagues are monitoring the impact of recent tropical storms and flooding across the country, including in the capital, Caracas. Some of the affected areas are also hosting families displaced by the earthquakes. The floods have killed six people, damaged homes and infrastructure, and disrupted basic services.

Humanitarian needs remain significant in communities affected by the earthquakes. However, our colleagues from OCHA remind us that the Humanitarian Response Plan for Venezuela is only 43 per cent funded. Additional resources needed to sustain relief efforts and support recovery in the months ahead.

**Norway

I do expect a more formal statement but I did want to take the opportunity of the briefing to state that the Secretary-General is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway, that took place earlier today in Norway. The late king will be remembered for his engagement for children's welfare, the environmental issues, his support for diversity and calls for generosity.

Throughout his reign, King Harald embodied Norway's deep commitment to international solidarity and cooperation that is reflected in his country's steadfast partnership with the United Nations and its enduring commitment to peace and multilateralism. The Secretary-General conveys his deepest condolences to His Majesty King Haakon VIII, as well as to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Norway.

**Statelessness Convention

And our colleagues at Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) remind us that this weekend marks the sixty-fifth anniversary of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. At least 4.5 million human beings worldwide are known to be stateless or of undetermined nationality, but millions more remain invisible in official data.

Statelessness is more than the absence of a nationality. It can mean being unable to obtain necessary government documents, attend school, access healthcare or work legally. It can also prevent people from registering the birth of their children, marrying, owning property, opening a bank account, or just travelling freely. Today, 82 States are party to the Convention. However, UNHCR stresses that legal commitments must be matched by concrete action and calls on States to protect stateless people, provide pathways to nationality, and reform discriminatory nationality laws.

**International Day against Nuclear Tests

Tomorrow is the International Day against Nuclear Tests. In his message, the Secretary-General says that this Day reminds us of the devastating consequences of nuclear testing. A time to reflect on the victims and survivors of nuclear testing, whose lives, lands and descendants have been scarred by nuclear explosions. The world must never witness another nuclear explosion.

**International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

And on Sunday, we mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. This year also marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, which is the only universal treaty specifically dedicated to preventing and eradicating enforced disappearances. Twenty years after the Convention's adoption, enforced disappearances continue to occur in every region, which makes universal ratification and full implementation that much of a priority. Before we turn to Colombia, I will entertain some questions. Edie.

**Questions and Answers

Question: Thank you, Steph. On UNIFIL [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon], we know that the Secretary-General presented three options to the Security Council, but that was before the Lebanese Government asked to extend UNIFIL's mandate. What is the Secretary-General's reaction to that request from the Lebanese Government?

Spokesman: It's clear that circumstances on the ground have changed. As much as that is the case, UNIFIL continues to operate under its mandated activities, as you know, because I talk about it almost every day, under very, very difficult circumstances. We will be guided by the ongoing discussions in the Security Council and whatever solution Security Council members come up with in their wisdom. But, we continue to follow their guidance. But, I think that most importantly, our blue helmeted colleagues and the civilian members of the mission continue to proudly fulfil the mandate given to them by the Security Council. Murad.

Question: Thank you, Stéphane. The Jerusalem Post reported that the Secretary-General admitted in an interview with Financial Times that many of UN human rights, rapporteurs, have gone out of control totally, specifically regarding on Israel. Could you clarify that?

Spokesman: I think it's a misreading of what the Secretary-General said. What he said in the interview, and I think people should look at the video, is that he can't speak for the entirety of the UN system. Many in the UN structure are independent of the Secretariat and therefore totally out of the Secretariat's control… out of the Secretary-General's control. The point that he was making is about the process, not about the content or the output of the work of the Special Rapporteurs. They are, and it's in their name, independent. Therefore, they are independent of him, they're independent of the Secretariat. And as we've said here, we don't control what they say, nor should we, because they are named through very specific circumstances through the Human Rights Council. What is clear and what we have been saying here for a long time is that Special Rapporteurs are a critical cog in the international human rights machinery. They play a very important role. There are a lot of Special Rapporteurs with very different mandates. They are often, in many cases, the only voice that talks independently about human rights in many cases. And we call on countries to support their work. Gabriel.

Question: Thank you, Steph. A brief follow-up on that. In some quarters, there's the criticism of the Secretary-General that he does not forcefully defend Special Rapporteurs when the rapporteurs come out with a report that might be viewed in some quarters as controversial. What's the view of the Secretary-General when it comes to standing up in defence of their work?

Spokesman: We defend their right to speak. We defend their right to work. We will always do so. But, given their independence, it is not for the Secretary-General to say, "we like what this rapporteur says, we don't like what this rapporteur says", right? They're independent. Their strength is in their independence.

Question: And on a separate note, a follow-up on the UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] facility training centre. Do you have an update on the status of that?

Spokesman: The status, unfortunately, hasn't changed because of the de facto situation on the ground. Thank you. Madam?

Question: USAID yesterday put out a report, and President [Donald J.] Trump retweeted the report by this organization, that it identifies more than 100 employees of UNRWA as having participated in the 7 October 2023 massacre inside Israel. Please, the Secretary-General's reaction to this?

Spokesman: Look, this is an issue that has come up over and over again. What is clear is that we have no tolerance for anyone working for the UN, also supporting and working for terror, right? UNRWA has shared for many years, and continues to do so, the list of all its staff members working in the different places it operates. So, the UNRWA staff members in Jordan, all that list is shared with the Jordanian authorities. The list of UNRWA staff members working in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, working in Gaza, are shared with Israel. We don't run a security service. We rely on the Israeli authorities and other authorities to tell us if there's a red flag. If you'll recall more than, time flies, more than two years ago, as soon as Israel gave us information about a number of UNRWA staff, they were let go. There have been other cases. I think UNRWA has been acting, whenever they're given information, they've been acting on it.

Question: A follow up… it states that USAID will forward this case of at least - I can't say how many - but this case will be taken to the justice… the Department of Justice here in the United States to bring criminal charges to those accused please your reaction.

Spokesman: Look, I haven't seen the full report but I can tell you we are willing and open to cooperate obviously with the US Government and others on these issues while staying in full respect of the privileges and immunities of the Organization. Yes, please.

Question: Thank you, Steph. So, six months into the US-Iran war, but both sides still say diplomacy is possible, but the negotiation has not resumed any substantial way. So, in the Secretary-General's view, what's preventing the talks from restarting?

Spokesman: Look, this is a sad marker of six months of this ongoing conflict. We again stress that the only solution to this is a diplomatic solution. And we urge both the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to engage in meaningful negotiations. We are very supportive of the efforts that we've seen by the mediators of Qatar, of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, all these countries at different times. And the Secretary-General has been very much staying in touch with them. What is clear and what continues to be concerning for the Secretary-General is the devastating humanitarian and economic consequences of this conflict, notably for civilians in the region who have different times had been bombarded, who've had civilian infrastructure been destroyed. But, as we've said here from this podium many times, also from the economic impact globally on food supplies, we've had numerous experts speak to you about food supplies, humanitarian goods that can't go in, fertilizers that have been limited, the rise in the price of energy, which has devastating impact on those economies that can least afford to absorb that shock. The Secretary-General's personal envoy for this conflict, Jean Arnault, remains available and remains in contact to assist the parties and mediators in reaching a durable solution. Madam?

Question: Thanks, Steph. Carrie from RFI. Can you tell us a little bit how is the mechanism of the Strait of Hormuz going on? Is it halted already or is it still going on? Is it still being negotiated? What are the main obstacles right now?

Spokesman: Those discussions led, the task force that the Secretary-General established led by Jorge Moreira da Silva [Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services of UNOPS], he continues his discussions. As we've said here, the mechanics of establishing such a task force already, it could be deployed fairly quickly. What we need, obviously, is the green light from all those countries involved, and Jorge continues to be in contact with them. Gabriel, then I think we'll go to the screen.

Question: I'll make it quick because I know we have a guest. Just a follow-up on UNIFIL Steph. I know the Secretary-General gave his three options or the recommendations to the Security Council about three months ago, give or take. In terms of timing, I know you don't want to put a timeframe on it, but how soon is the Secretary-General expecting a decision by the Security Council given the mandate winds down?

Spokesman: Well, you know, the clock is ticking, right? Every time a mission winds down, there are things that need to happen, right? I mean, they are, this is, I mean, it, It's all embarrassing to be talking about this in the middle of a conflict, but there are people whose jobs are impacted, right? There are supplies, there's contingent-owned equipment, there's real estate. All of that stuff needs to be dealt with. And so, we would hope that the Security Council comes up with a way forward for us soon. Okay, Abdelhamid if I see you, I assume you have a question and then we'll go to our guest.

Question: Yes, thank you I have two questions, first… the first, [Haaretz] two days ago issued a very strong report about Israel recruiting thugs and gangsters in Gaza to create havoc in the area where there are Palestinians with the aim of expelling them from their homes, as a plan for eviction. Do you have any comment on that? If you have any detailed information.

Spokesman: I will share with you a number of reports that were done by humanitarian colleagues in that regard. Your second question?

Question: My second question, in the town of Madama near Nablus, settlers have been videotaped smashing a monument carrying the names of Palestinian martyrs from that village. Do you have any comment on that?

Spokesman: I haven't seen that particular event, but we've spoken quite clearly about the issue regarding the continued violence of Israeli settlers.