Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Secretary-General
– Covid-19
– Syria
– Ethiopia
– Niger
– Mali/Burkina Faso/Niger
SECRETARY-GENERAL
Tomorrow at 6:30 at the New School, the Secretary-General will deliver a major speech on gender equality, entitled “Women and Power.” The speech will highlight areas where the power balance needs to shift, such as in political representation, inclusive economies, the digital divide, climate, and conflict.
COVID-19
In a joint statement, the World Health Organization and the World Tourism Organization said they are working in close consultation, as well as with other partners, to assist States to ensure that health measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 are implemented in ways that minimize unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade.
The tourism sector is fully committed to putting people and their well-being first, but the two agencies pointed out that the response needs to be proportionate to the public health threat, based on local risk assessments, and in line with WHO’s overall guidance and recommendations.
International cooperation will be key to ensure the tourism sector effectively contributes to the containment of COVID-19.
SYRIA
The situation in Idlib is increasingly dire following an increase in hostilities in the last 48 hours, that’s according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Airstrikes have been reported yesterday in 19 communities and shelling in ten villages in Idlib and Hama. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the hostilities.
At least 21 civilians, including five women and nine children, were reportedly killed by airstrikes as well as ground-based attacks. The strikes also hit and damaged educational and medical facilities, including several that were serving as shelter for displaced people. Idlib Central Hospital was among the facilities reportedly damaged yesterday.
The UN continues to seek ways to expand the ongoing humanitarian response on the ground, including by expanding the capacity of cross-border mechanism to accommodate up to 100 trucks per day.
Needs on the ground, however, continue to outstrip the humanitarian community’s capacity to respond.
The most urgent need remains an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians.