United Nations published this video item, entitled “Myanmar, Mali, Libya & other topics – Daily Briefing (15 February 2021)” – below is their description.
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Myanmar
– Mali
– Libya
– Yemen
– Afghanistan
– Somalia
– Guinea
– U.N. Resident Coordinators
– Financial Contributions
MYANMAR
A statement was issued yesterday on Myanmar. In it, the Secretary-General said he is deeply concerned about the situation in the country, including the increasing use of force and the reported deployment of additional armoured vehicles to major cities.
He calls on Myanmar’s military and police to ensure the right to peaceful assembly is fully respected and demonstrators are not subjected to reprisals. Reports of continued violence, intimidation and harassment by security personnel are unacceptable.
Ongoing arrests of political leaders, government officials, civil society actors and media representatives are deeply concerning, as are the restrictions on the internet and communication services. They must not be disrupted to ensure the right to freedom of expression, which includes access to information.
The Secretary-General reiterates his call on Member States collectively and bilaterally to exercise influence regarding the protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Myanmar.
The Secretary-General reaffirms the unwavering support of the United Nations to the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of democracy, peace, human rights and the rule of law.
The Secretary-General calls on the military authorities urgently to allow the Special Envoy, Christine Schraner Burgener, to visit Myanmar under agreeable conditions and to assess the situation first-hand.
Ms. Schraner Burgener spoke again this morning with the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Soe Win, to amplify the Secretary-General’s statement overnight and to again press for a visit under agreeable conditions.
The Special Envoy will maintain this channel for frank and open dialogue so long as she assesses that it provides space for reversing the current situation and upholding the will of the people of Myanmar.
Democratic institutions and processes need to be upheld and the Special Envoy continues to stress to the military that it must refrain from violence and fully respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
In her advocacy, Ms. Schraner Burgener has reinforced that the right of peaceful assembly must fully be respected and that demonstrators are not subjected to reprisals.
She has conveyed to the Myanmar military that the world is watching closely, and any form of heavy-handed response is likely to have severe consequences.
MALI
This weekend, a statement was issued in which the Secretary-General condemned the complex attack by unidentified armed elements against a temporary operating base of the United Nations Integrated Stabilization Mission for Mali in Kerena, in the Douentza region. The attack, which took place on 10 February, resulted in the wounding of 27 Togolese peacekeepers and the death of one peacekeeper.
The Secretary-General expressed his deep condolences to the family of the victim, and to the people and Government of Togo. He wished a full recovery to those injured.
The Secretary-General also emphasized that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute a war crime. He called on the Malian authorities to spare no efforts in promptly holding to account the perpetrators of this heinous attack.
LIBYA
Last week, the Special Envoy for Libya, Ján Kubiš, conducted his introductory calls with key Libyan interlocutors, including the President of the High Council of State, the Deputy President of the Presidency Council, and the Minister of Interior. He acknowledged their work to achieve progress in political, economic, and security files and thanked them for their active participation in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum.
Special Envoy Kubiš also spoke to General Khalifa Haftar to discuss developments and priorities, in particular in the security file, where he welcomed the General’s support to the implementation of the ceasefire.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=15%20February%202021
United Nations YouTube Channel
Got a comment? Leave your thoughts in the comments section, below. Please note comments are moderated before publication.
