United Nations published this video item, entitled “USA & Paris Agreement, Syria, Iraq & other topics – Daily Briefing (21 January 2021)” – below is their description.
Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– United States
– Iraq
– Syria/Humanitarian
– Syria/Independent Advisory Panel
– Security Council
– Guatemala/Honduras
– Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
– South Sudan
– Ethiopia
– Advisory Board
– Honour Roll
UNITED STATES
Yesterday afternoon, we issued a number of statements last night, responding positively to the decisions issued by the new United States President, Joe Biden.
The Secretary-General warmly welcomed President Biden’s steps to re-enter the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and join the growing coalition of governments, cities, states, businesses and people taking ambitious action to confront the climate crisis.
We look forward to the leadership of the United States in accelerating global efforts towards net zero, including bringing forward a new nationally determined contribution with ambitious 2030 targets and climate finance in advance of COP26 in Glasgow this year.
Yesterday, the US notified the Secretary-General of its acceptance of the Paris Agreement of 12 December 2015.
The US signed the Paris Agreement on 22 April 2016 and expressed its consent to be bound by the Agreement by acceptance on 3 September 2016, before withdrawing from the Agreement as of 4 November 2020.
A new instrument of acceptance of the Paris Agreement by the US was signed by President Biden on 20 January and deposited with the Secretary-General on the same day – that is, yesterday.
The Paris Agreement will enter into force for the US on 19 February 2021, in accordance with article 21 (3) of the Agreement.
The Secretary-General also welcomed the US’ stated re-engagement with the World Health Organization (WHO). Supporting the WHO is absolutely critical to the world’s efforts for a better coordinated response against COVID-19, the Secretary-General said. Now is the time for unity and for the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences.
With vaccines being a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19, the US joining and supporting the COVAX facility will give momentum to efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all countries.
Yesterday, the US formally informed the Secretary-General of the revocation of its notification of withdrawal of 6 July 2020 from the Constitution of the World Health Organization, which would have been effective, under certain conditions, on 6 July of this year. Accordingly, the United States remains a party to the WHO Constitution and, without interruption, a Member of the World Health Organization since 21 June 1948.
Lastly, we also welcomed the positive steps announced by the US administration relating to migration and refugees.
The Secretary-General looks forward to working with the new US administration to strengthen multilateral cooperation in these areas and hopes the US will join the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
IRAQ
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the deadly double suicide bombing targeting civilians at a market in Baghdad today. He expresses his deep condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Iraq and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.
The Secretary-General appeals to the people of Iraq to reject any attempts to spread fear and violence aimed at undermining peace, stability and unity. He calls on the Government to ensure that those behind these horrific crimes are swiftly identified and brought to justice.
The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support the people and Government of Iraq in their efforts to consolidate peace.
The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) said that such a despicable act will not weaken Iraq’s march towards stability and prosperity. They offer their sincere condolences to families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.
SYRIA/HUMANITARIAN
In a joint statement, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Imran Riza, and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Muhannad Hadi, have expressed serious concerns over the deteriorating security conditions at Al Hol camp, in the north-east.
Between 1 and 16 January, we received reports of the murders of 12 Syrian and Iraqi camp residents, including one woman Iraqi refugee. Another person was critically injured in a violent attack.
These disturbing events indicate an increasingly untenable security environment at Al Hol. They also jeopardize the UN and the UN’s humanitarian partners’ ability to safely deliver critical humanitarian assistance to its residents.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=21%20January%202021
United Nations YouTube Channel
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