United Nations published this video item, entitled “Myanmar & other topics – Daily Briefing (1 Feb 2021)” – below is their description.
Daily Press Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General.
– Myanmar
– Libya
– Somalia
– Ethiopia
– Central African Republic Humanitarian
– Central African Republic – Peacekeeping
– Honour Roll
MYANMAR
We issued a statement yesterday evening in which the Secretary-General strongly condemned the detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the State Counsellor, as well as President U Win Myint and other political leaders, and that was obviously on the eve of the opening session of Myanmar’s new Parliament.
Mr. Guterres expressed his grave concern regarding the declaration of the transfer of all legislative, executive and judicial powers to the military. These developments represent a serious blow to democratic reforms in Myanmar.
The Secretary-General stresses that the 8 November 2020 general elections provided a strong mandate for the National League for Democracy, reflecting the clear will of the people of Myanmar to continue on the hard-won path to democratic reform.
Mr. Guterres urges the military leadership to respect the will of the people of Myanmar and adhere to democratic norms, with any differences to be resolved through peaceful dialogue. All leaders must act in the greater interest of Myanmar’s democratic reform, engaging in meaningful dialogue, refraining from violence and fully respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Christine Schraner Burgener, remains actively engaged on the issue. She has spoken to Myanmar interlocutors outside the country. She is trying to connect with leaders in Naypyitaw, the capital, but communications with the Myanmar capital are very difficult at this moment.
For her part, the High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said that she is gravely concerned about the situation in the country, echoing the Secretary-General’s call for the military leadership to respect the outcome of the elections.
She is also alarmed by reports that at least 45 people have been detained – including parliamentarians under confinement – she called for their immediate release and noted that there are also disturbing reports of journalists being harassed or attacked.
Meanwhile, our colleagues in the UN country team on the ground in Myanmar are also following the situation closely with deep concern, especially in light of the need to prevent and respond to the ongoing pandemic.
They are working to ensure that the recent events do not adversely impact the most vulnerable people in Myanmar. The UN team has supported Myanmar’s COVAX application, as well as the national COVID-19 and vaccination plans by assessing the country’s readiness and mapped the cold chain capacity.
Myanmar has so far received 1.5 million doses of vaccine under a programme that started last week. Some 70,000 healthcare workers have been vaccinated so far in 14 states and regions.
The team in the country has repurposed nearly $100 million to address the impact of the pandemic, including to protect the most vulnerable groups.
LIBYA
Stephanie Williams, the acting Special Representative for Libya, opened the new session of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Switzerland today. She told participants that the decision to hold national elections on 24 December is a commitment which must be honoured at all costs.
She noted that on Saturday, the UN Mission had published a list of candidates nominated for the positions of the Presidency Council and Prime Minister.
She added she was encouraged by the high number of nominations that were put forward. She welcomes the diversity represented by the pool of candidates who are drawn from all political parties and social components of the Libyan society.
SOMALIA
The Secretary-General strongly condemns yesterday’s deadly terror attack against the Hotel Afrik in Mogadishu, which resulted in several casualties.
He extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.
The Secretary-General reiterates the support and solidarity of the United Nations with the people and Federal Government of Somalia in their pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous future.
For his part, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative on the ground, James Swan, said he is appalled by this reprehensible and senseless attack on a venue frequented by innocent civilians.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=01%20February%202021
United Nations YouTube Channel
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