United Nations published this video item, entitled “Sudan, Marine Biodiversity, Counter-terrorism & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (19 June 2023)” – below is their description.
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Sudan
Marine Biodiversity
Counter-terrorism
UNSCO
Libya
Ukraine
Yemen
Uganda
South Sudan
Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
Teaching
Financial Contribution
SUDAN
The High-Level Pledging Conference for the humanitarian response in Sudan and the Region has just wrapped up. In his remarks, the Secretary-General warned that the scale and speed of Sudan’s descent into death and destruction is unprecedented, and without strong international support, Sudan could quickly become a locus of lawlessness, radiating insecurity across the region.
Mr. Guterres noted that in little more than two months, two million people have been forced from their homes. Close to half a million people have already crossed borders into neighbouring countries. He underscored that the only way to end this crisis is through a return to peace and the restoration of civilian rule through the transition to democracy.
We will update you on the total funding announced today, as soon as possible.
Also, speaking at the event, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, warned that needs and operating costs are soaring. He announced an additional allocation of $22 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to keep urgent humanitarian operations going.
And just to flag that the World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered emergency food assistance to more than one million people in Sudan in the six weeks since operations resumed on 3 May.
MARINE BIODIVERSITY
This morning, Member States adopted an agreement aiming to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction which cover over two-thirds of the ocean.
The Secretary-General commended the adoption of the agreement and said it “pumped new life and hope to give the ocean a fighting chance.”
The Agreement will be open for signature here at Headquarters for two years from 20 September this year, the day after the 2023 SDG Summit. [pause due to a technical problem] It will enter into force after ratification by sixty States. The Secretary-General urges all States to spare no effort to ensure that the Agreement enters into force and calls on them to act without delay to sign and ratify it as soon as possible.
COUNTER-TERRORISM
This morning, the Secretary-General also spoke at the third High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism agencies of Member States.
He reminded participants that terrorism affects every region of the world and preys on local and national vulnerabilities and the instability of political, economic and security systems.
Through the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, the Secretary-General said, the UN is providing practical, coordinated support to Member States, and helping countries implement the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
He highlighted four areas of focus to build on progress achieved so far.
First, he said, — we must continue strengthening the central tool in our efforts: the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Second, the Secretary-General added, we must focus on the most effective approach to ending this menace – and that is prevention.
Third, he said human rights must be at the heart of our work and can be the greatest weapon we have in fighting terrorism.
And the Secretary-General concluded with a call for adequate financing of our work.
The third Counter-terrorism week continues until Friday.
Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=19%20June%202023
United Nations YouTube Channel
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