Category: Africa Press Organisation – English

Source: United Nations – English

adam President, Excellencies,

I thank the Council for the opportunity to discuss the utter humanitarian catastrophe engulfing Sudan.

Eighteen months have passed since brutal fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

The suffering is growing by the day, with almost 25 million people now requiring assistance.

The people of Sudan are living through a nightmare of violence — with thousands of civilians killed, and countless others facing unspeakable atrocities, including widespread rape and sexual assaults.

In recent days, we have heard shocking reports of mass killings and sexual violence in villages in Aj Jazirah State in the east of the country. 

They are also enduring a nightmare of hunger — as more than 750,000 people face catastrophic food insecurity and famine conditions take hold in displacement sites in North Darfur, while millions struggle to feed themselves every day.

They are confronting a nightmare of disease — with cholera, malaria, dengue fever, measles and rubella spreading fast.

A nightmare of collapsed infrastructure — with vital health systems, transportation networks, water and sanitation systems, supply routes and agricultural production grinding to a halt.

A nightmare of displacement — the largest displacement crisis in the world, with more than 11 million people fleeing since April last year, including nearly 3 million who have crossed into neighbouring countries.

A nightmare of extreme weather — with nearly 600,000 people affected by heavy rains and floods this summer.

And Sudan is, once again, rapidly becoming a nightmare of mass ethnic violence, in particular with the dramatic escalation of fighting in El Fasher.  

Madam President,

We have consistently appealed to both sides to end the fighting and come to the negotiating table.

But instead of lowering tensions, they are escalating military action.

Meanwhile, outside powers are fuelling the fire.

We face the serious possibility of the conflict igniting regional instability from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa to the Red Sea.  

Resolution 2736 adopted earlier this year sent a strong signal.

But we need action on the ground.

The resolution requested me to make recommendations to protect civilians in Sudan, which I submitted to this Council last week.

Allow me to outline three key priorities. 

First — both sides must immediately agree to a cessation of hostilities.

Such an agreement should be translated into local ceasefires and humanitarian pauses — creating new avenues of dialogue, and laying the ground for a comprehensive ceasefire.

At the same time, diplomatic efforts must be intensified to finally bring an end to the conflict — including support to implement the commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

My Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is working around the clock with that objective.

He convened the parties in Geneva to enhance humanitarian access and strengthen the protection of civilians in Sudan.

And he supported the coordination of mediation initiatives, in collaboration with regional partners — in particular, the African Union’s High-Level Panel.  

I urge this Council to continue supporting his efforts, and encourage effective engagement with regional partners like the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, and other key ones. 

And I salute the efforts of the African Union and IGAD towards an inclusive Sudanese political dialogue, which would provide an important platform for civilians — including women — to speak out about the importance of ending the war and lend their voices towards a peaceful and democratic future.

Which brings me to my second point — civilians must be protected.

We need this Council’s support to help protect civilians in line with human rights and international humanitarian law — including the parties’ own commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

The parties to the conflict bear the primary responsibility to ensure the protection of civilians and come to the negotiation table.

I am horrified by the Rapid Support Forces’ continued attacks against civilians in El Fasher and surrounding areas, which include displacement sites where famine conditions have been confirmed.

And I am also horrified by reports of attacks against civilians perpetrated by forces affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces in Khartoum, and by continuing mass civilian casualties due to apparently indiscriminate airstrikes in populated areas.

The perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable.

And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms must have space for documenting what is happening on the ground.

Civil society and journalists must be able to do their jobs safely, without fear of persecution and attacks.

The direct or indirect flow of weapons and ammunitions into Sudan, which continue to fuel this conflict, must cease immediately.

Diverse Sudanese voices, human rights organizations and others have called for stepped up measures — including some form of impartial force — to protect civilians.

These calls are a reflection of the gravity and urgency of the situation facing civilians in the country.

At present, the conditions do not exist for the successful deployment of a United Nations force to protect civilians in Sudan.

The Secretariat stands ready to engage with the Council and others on the range of operational modalities that can meaningfully contribute to the reduction in violence and the protection of civilians.

This may require new approaches that are adapted to the challenging circumstances of the conflict.

Troisièmement, l’aide humanitaire doit pouvoir être acheminée.

Malgré les difficultés persistantes en matière d’accès et de financement, l’ONU et ses partenaires ont apporté une aide humanitaire à près de 12 millions de personnes entre janvier et septembre de cette année.

Cela va de l’eau potable, des systèmes d’assainissement et des abris, aux soins de santé et à l’éducation, en passant par la nutrition d’urgence. 

Mais c’est loin d’être suffisant.

Une grande partie des personnes assistées n’ont pu recevoir de l’aide qu’une seule fois.

Plusieurs régions où les besoins sont les plus urgents restent totalement inaccessibles.
Il est impératif de garantir un accès humanitaire rapide, sûr et sans entrave par toutes les voies nécessaires – au-delà des frontières et à travers les lignes de conflit.

La réouverture du poste frontière d’Adré représente une étape importante – et ce poste doit rester ouvert.

J’exhorte les parties à faire en sorte que davantage d’aide vitale puisse être acheminée vers les zones les plus démunies et par les voies les plus efficaces.

Nous avons besoin que le personnel humanitaire puisse se déplacer dans tout le pays rapidement et en toute sécurité.

Et nous avons besoin de fonds.

Notre appel de fonds pour l’aide humanitaire — à hauteur de 2,7 milliards de dollars — n’est financé qu’à 56 pour cent, et le niveau de financement du Plan régional d’intervention en faveur des réfugiés est encore plus insuffisant.

J’exhorte les donateurs à accroître leurs contributions et assurer un financement souple.

Dans le même temps, je rends hommage à l’héroïsme des nombreuses initiatives soudanaises visant à fournir une aide vitale et salvatrice sur le terrain.

Les plus de 700 salles d’intervention d’urgence au Soudan sont un exemple admirable d’action humanitaire de proximité.

Par leur engagement, ces femmes et ces hommes nous montrent une autre facette du Soudan – le meilleur de l’humanité, dans un pays qui endure aujourd’hui le pire.

Leur mobilisation devrait être une source d’inspiration pour nous tous.

Madame la Présidente,

Comme je l’ai souligné dans le rapport présenté à ce Conseil, il est temps d’agir – d’agir avec détermination – en faveur de la paix pour le peuple soudanais.

Je vous remercie.

****
[all-English]

Madam President, Excellencies,

I thank the Council for the opportunity to discuss the utter humanitarian catastrophe engulfing Sudan.

Eighteen months have passed since brutal fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

The suffering is growing by the day, with almost 25 million people now requiring assistance.

The people of Sudan are living through a nightmare of violence — with thousands of civilians killed, and countless others facing unspeakable atrocities, including widespread rape and sexual assaults.

In recent days, we have heard shocking reports of mass killings and sexual violence in villages in Aj Jazirah State in the east of the country. 

They are also enduring a nightmare of hunger — as more than 750,000 people face catastrophic food insecurity and famine conditions take hold in displacement sites in North Darfur, while millions struggle to feed themselves every day.

They are confronting a nightmare of disease — with cholera, malaria, dengue fever, measles and rubella spreading fast.

A nightmare of collapsed infrastructure — with vital health systems, transportation networks, water and sanitation systems, supply routes and agricultural production grinding to a halt.

A nightmare of displacement — the largest displacement crisis in the world, with more than 11 million people fleeing since April last year, including nearly 3 million who have crossed into neighbouring countries.
A nightmare of extreme weather — with nearly 600,000 people affected by heavy rains and floods this summer.

And Sudan is, once again, rapidly becoming a nightmare of mass ethnic violence, in particular with the dramatic escalation of fighting in El Fasher.  

Madam President,

We have consistently appealed to both sides to end the fighting and come to the negotiating table.

But instead of lowering tensions, they are escalating military action.

Meanwhile, outside powers are fuelling the fire.

We face the serious possibility of the conflict igniting regional instability from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa to the Red Sea.  

Resolution 2736 adopted earlier this year sent a strong signal.

But we need action on the ground.

The resolution requested me to make recommendations to protect civilians in Sudan, which I submitted to this Council last week.

Allow me to outline three key priorities. 

First — both sides must immediately agree to a cessation of hostilities.

Such an agreement should be translated into local ceasefires and humanitarian pauses — creating new avenues of dialogue, and laying the ground for a comprehensive ceasefire.

At the same time, diplomatic efforts must be intensified to finally bring an end to the conflict — including support to implement the commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

My Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is working around the clock with that objective.

He convened the parties in Geneva to enhance humanitarian access and strengthen the protection of civilians in Sudan.

And he supported the coordination of mediation initiatives, in collaboration with regional partners — in particular, the African Union’s High-Level Panel.  

I urge this Council to continue supporting his efforts, and encourage effective engagement with regional partners like the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, and other key ones. 

And I salute the efforts of the African Union and IGAD towards an inclusive Sudanese political dialogue, which would provide an important platform for civilians — including women — to speak out about the importance of ending the war and lend their voices towards a peaceful and democratic future.

Which brings me to my second point — civilians must be protected.

We need this Council’s support to help protect civilians in line with human rights and international humanitarian law — including the parties’ own commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

The parties to the conflict bear the primary responsibility to ensure the protection of civilians and come to the negotiation table.

I am horrified by the Rapid Support Forces’ continued attacks against civilians in El Fasher and surrounding areas, which include displacement sites where famine conditions have been confirmed.

And I am also horrified by reports of attacks against civilians perpetrated by forces affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces in Khartoum, and by continuing mass civilian casualties due to apparently indiscriminate airstrikes in populated areas.

The perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable.

And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms must have space for documenting what is happening on the ground.

Civil society and journalists must be able to do their jobs safely, without fear of persecution and attacks.

The direct or indirect flow of weapons and ammunitions into Sudan, which continue to fuel this conflict, must cease immediately.

Diverse Sudanese voices, human rights organizations and others have called for stepped up measures — including some form of impartial force — to protect civilians.

These calls are a reflection of the gravity and urgency of the situation facing civilians in the country.

At present, the conditions do not exist for the successful deployment of a United Nations force to protect civilians in Sudan.

The Secretariat stands ready to engage with the Council and others on the range of operational modalities that can meaningfully contribute to the reduction in violence and the protection of civilians.

This may require new approaches that are adapted to the challenging circumstances of the conflict.

Third — humanitarian aid must flow.

Despite continued access and funding challenges, the United Nations and our partners reached about 12 million people with humanitarian assistance between January and September of this year.

From water, sanitation and shelter — to health care, education and emergency nutrition.

But huge gaps remain.

Many of those reached have been assisted just once.

Some of the areas of most severe needs remain cut off entirely.

Rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured through all necessary cross-border and cross line routes.

The re-opening of the border crossing at Adre was an important step — and it must remain open.

I urge the parties to allow more life-saving aid to flow into areas of greatest need through the most efficient routes. 

We need humanitarian workers moving around the country rapidly and safely.

And we need funding.

Our humanitarian funding appeal of $2.7 billion is only about 56 per cent funded, and coverage of the Regional Refugee Response Plan is even lower.

I urge donors to step up with additional flexible funding.

At the same time, I pay tribute to the heroism of the leaders of the many Sudanese-led initiatives providing vital and lifesaving assistance on the ground.

Sudan’s over 700 Emergency Response Rooms are an inspiring example of grassroots humanitarian action.

Through their work, they are showing us another side of Sudan — the best of humanity in a country enduring the worst of it.

We can all draw inspiration from their example.

Madam President,

As outlined in my report to this Council, it is time for action — decisive action — for peace for the people of Sudan.

Thank you.

*****
[all-French]

Madame la Présidente, Excellences,

Je remercie le Conseil de me donner l’occasion d’évoquer ici la catastrophe humanitaire majeure qui frappe le Soudan.

Dix-huit mois se sont écoulés depuis que de violents affrontements ont éclaté entre les Forces armées soudanaises et les Forces d’appui rapide.

Les souffrances s’aggravent de jour en jour, et près de 25 millions de personnes ont aujourd’hui besoin d’aide.

La population du Soudan est plongée dans le cauchemar de la violence : des milliers de civils ont été tués, et un nombre incalculable d’autres personnes sont victimes d’atrocités sans nom, notamment de viols et d’agressions sexuelles à grande échelle.

Ces derniers jours, nous avons entendu des informations choquantes faisant état de massacres et de violences sexuelles dans des villages de l’État d’Aj Jazirah, dans l’est du pays. 

Elle est aussi plongée dans le cauchemar de la faim : plus de 750 000 personnes sont en proie à une insécurité alimentaire catastrophique, et la famine s’installe dans les sites de déplacés du Darfour septentrional, tandis que des millions de personnes luttent chaque jour pour trouver de quoi s’alimenter.

Elle est plongée dans le cauchemar de la maladie : choléra, paludisme, dengue, rougeole et rubéole se propagent rapidement.

Elle est plongée dans le cauchemar de l’effondrement des infrastructures : les systèmes de santé essentiels, les réseaux de transport, les systèmes d’assainissement et d’approvisionnement en eau, les filières de ravitaillement et la production agricole sont à l’arrêt.

Elle est plongée dans le cauchemar des déplacements : nous assistons aujourd’hui à la plus grande crise de déplacement de population au monde, puisque plus de 11 millions de personnes ont fui depuis avril de l’année dernière, dont près de 3 millions ont gagné les pays voisins.

Elle est plongée dans le cauchemar des conditions météorologiques extrêmes : cet été, près de 600 000 personnes ont été touchées par des pluies torrentielles et des inondations.
Et une fois encore, le Soudan est en passe de sombrer dans le cauchemar des violences ethniques de masse, notamment dans le contexte de l’escalade tragique des combats à El-Fasher. 

Madame la Présidente,

Nous avons appelé maintes fois les deux parties à mettre fin aux hostilités et à s’asseoir à la table des négociations en vue d’apaiser les tensions.

À l’heure où nous parlons, nous assistons au contraire à une escalade de l’action militaire.

Dans le même temps, des puissances extérieures jettent de l’huile sur le feu.

Ce conflit risque fortement de déstabiliser l’ensemble de la région, du Sahel à la mer Rouge en passant par la Corne de l’Afrique. 

La résolution 2736, adoptée en début d’année, a envoyé un signal fort.

Il est toutefois nécessaire d’agir sur le terrain.

Dans cette résolution, le Conseil m’a demandé de formuler des recommandations en faveur de la protection des civils au Soudan, recommandations que je lui ai présentées la semaine dernière.

Permettez-moi de souligner trois priorités essentielles. 

Premièrement, les deux parties doivent immédiatement s’entendre sur une cessation des hostilités.

L’accord qui en résulterait devrait se traduire par des cessez-le-feu locaux et des pauses humanitaires, qui permettraient d’ouvrir de nouvelles pistes de dialogue et de jeter les bases d’un cessez-le-feu global.

Dans le même temps, les efforts diplomatiques doivent être intensifiés pour, enfin, mettre un terme au conflit – notamment en soutenant la mise en œuvre des engagements pris dans la déclaration de Djeddah.

Mon Envoyé personnel, Ramtane Lamamra, travaille sans relâche à cette fin.

Il a réuni les parties à Genève en vue de trouver des moyens d’améliorer l’accès humanitaire et de renforcer la protection des civils au Soudan.

Il a également participé à la coordination des initiatives de médiation, en collaboration avec les partenaires régionaux, en particulier le Groupe de haut niveau de l’Union africaine. 

Je demande instamment au Conseil de continuer d’appuyer les travaux de mon Envoyé spécial et d’encourager l’établissement d’un dialogue efficace avec des partenaires régionaux tels que l’Union africaine, l’Autorité intergouvernementale pour le développement, la Ligue des États arabes et d’autres acteurs clés. 

Je salue l’action menée par l’Union africaine et l’IGAD en vue d’instaurer un dialogue politique ouvert à toutes les parties au Soudan, qui offrirait aux populations civiles – y compris aux femmes – une tribune importante pour plaider en faveur de la fin de la guerre et faire entendre leur voix pour un avenir pacifique et démocratique.

Ce qui m’amène à mon deuxième point : les civils doivent être protégés.

Nous avons besoin du soutien de ce Conseil pour protéger les civils, dans le respect des droits humains et du droit international humanitaire et conformément aux engagements que les parties elles-mêmes ont pris dans la Déclaration de Djedda.

Il incombe au premier chef aux parties au conflit de garantir la protection des civils et de s’asseoir à la table des négociations.

Je suis horrifié par la poursuite des attaques perpétrées par les Forces d’appui rapide contre des civils à El-Fasher et dans les zones environnantes, où se trouvent des sites de déplacés qui connaissent aujourd’hui une situation de famine.

Je suis également horrifié par les informations faisant état d’attaques contre les populations civiles commises par des forces affiliées aux Forces armées soudanaises à Khartoum et par les pertes civiles considérables que des frappes aériennes menées semble-t-il sans discrimination continuent de provoquer dans des zones peuplées.

Les auteurs de violations graves du droit international humanitaire doivent être amenés à répondre de leurs actes.

Les mécanismes nationaux et internationaux de surveillance et d’enquête en matière de droits humains doivent disposer de l’espace nécessaire pour documenter ce qui se passe sur le terrain.

La société civile et les journalistes doivent pouvoir faire leur travail en toute sécurité, sans craindre de subir des persécutions ou d’être la cible d’attaques.

Le flux direct ou indirect d’armes et de munitions vers le Soudan, qui continue d’alimenter ce conflit, doit cesser immédiatement.

Diverses voix soudanaises, des organisations de défense des droits humains et d’autres acteurs ont appelé à un renforcement des mesures — y compris sous une certaine forme de force impartiale — pour protéger les civils.

Ces appels reflètent la gravité et l’urgence de la situation à laquelle sont confrontés les civils dans le pays.

À l’heure actuelle, les conditions ne sont pas réunies pour permettre le déploiement d’une force des Nations unies chargée de protéger les civils au Soudan.

Le Secrétariat est prêt à engager le dialogue avec le Conseil et d’autres parties sur l’ensemble des modalités opérationnelles qui peuvent contribuer de manière significative à la réduction de la violence et à la protection des civils.

Cela pourrait nécessiter de nouvelles approches adaptées aux circonstances difficiles du conflit.

Troisièmement, l’aide humanitaire doit pouvoir être acheminée.

Malgré les difficultés persistantes en matière d’accès et de financement, l’ONU et ses partenaires ont apporté une aide humanitaire à près de 12 millions de personnes entre janvier et septembre de cette année.

Cela va de l’eau potable, des systèmes d’assainissement et des abris, aux soins de santé et à l’éducation, en passant par la nutrition d’urgence. 

Mais c’est loin d’être suffisant.

Une grande partie des personnes assistées n’ont pu recevoir de l’aide qu’une seule fois.

Plusieurs régions où les besoins sont les plus urgents restent totalement inaccessibles.

Il est impératif de garantir un accès humanitaire rapide, sûr et sans entrave par toutes les voies nécessaires – au-delà des frontières et à travers les lignes de conflit.
 
La réouverture du poste frontière d’Adré représente une étape importante – et ce poste doit rester ouvert.

J’exhorte les parties à faire en sorte que davantage d’aide vitale puisse être acheminée vers les zones les plus démunies et par les voies les plus efficaces.

Nous avons besoin que le personnel humanitaire puisse se déplacer dans tout le pays rapidement et en toute sécurité.

Et nous avons besoin de fonds.

Notre appel de fonds pour l’aide humanitaire — à hauteur de 2,7 milliards de dollars — n’est financé qu’à 56 pour cent, et le niveau de financement du Plan régional d’intervention en faveur des réfugiés est encore plus insuffisant.

J’exhorte les donateurs à accroître leurs contributions et assurer un financement souple.

Dans le même temps, je rends hommage à l’héroïsme des nombreuses initiatives soudanaises visant à fournir une aide vitale et salvatrice sur le terrain.
Les plus de 700 salles d’intervention d’urgence au Soudan sont un exemple admirable d’action humanitaire de proximité.

Par leur engagement, ces femmes et ces hommes nous montrent une autre facette du Soudan – le meilleur de l’humanité, dans un pays qui endure aujourd’hui le pire.

Leur mobilisation devrait être une source d’inspiration pour nous tous.
 
Madame la Présidente,

Comme je l’ai souligné dans le rapport présenté à ce Conseil, il est temps d’agir – d’agir avec détermination – en faveur de la paix pour le peuple soudanais.

Je vous remercie.

Source: United Nations – English

he plight of Palestinian civilians trapped in North Gaza is unbearable. Just in the past few weeks, hundreds of people have been killed, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, and more than 60,000 others have been forced to flee yet again, many fearing not being able to return. 
 

The Secretary-General is shocked by the harrowing levels of death, injury and destruction in the north, with civilians trapped under rubble, the sick and wounded going without life-saving health care, and families lacking food and shelter, amid reports of families being separated and many people detained. 

Repeated efforts to deliver humanitarian supplies essential to survive – food, medicine and shelter – continue to be denied by the Israeli authorities, with few exceptions, putting countless lives in peril. The postponement of the final phase of the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza is putting the lives of thousands of children at risk.

The Secretary-General warns that the widespread devastation and deprivation resulting from Israel’s military operations in North Gaza – especially around Jabalya, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun – are making the conditions of life untenable for the Palestinian population there. This conflict continues to be waged with little regard for the requirements of international humanitarian law. 

The Secretary-General underscores that the parties to the conflict must respect and protect civilians, including humanitarian workers and first responders whose vital work must be facilitated and protected – not impeded and jeopardized.

In the name of humanity, the Secretary-General reiterates his calls for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and accountability for crimes under international law.  
 

Source: United Nations – English

ollowing the attacks overnight by the Israel Defense Forces on targets in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the continued escalation in the Middle East. All acts of escalation are condemnable and must stop.
 
The Secretary-General urgently reiterates his appeal to all parties to cease all military actions, including in Gaza and Lebanon, exert maximum efforts to prevent an all-out regional war and return to the path of diplomacy.
 

Source: United Nations – English

strong>Download the video:  https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+8+Oct+24/3271915_MSG+SG+SAHEL+AND+LAKE+CHAD+08+OCT+24.mp4

Excellencies, friends,

I thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for convening this vital event.

The Sahel and Lake Chad Basin regions have immense potential: rich in cultures, with vibrant youth populations, and endless possibilities for renewable energy – all valuable building blocks for sustainable development.  

However, the area also faces profound challenges: from violence and terrorism, to the climate crisis.

This year floods swept through the lives of around five million people.

Across the regions we see crises of hunger, crises of hope, and crises of displacement.

The Sahel is home to over seven and a half million people driven from their homes, including two million refugees. Over thirty million require humanitarian assistance.

The United Nations is on the ground, supporting governments and communities to provide food, healthcare, education, and shelter.

But we need more support.

Our humanitarian response plans are around forty percent funded.

I sincerely thank all those that have contributed for their generosity. This will save lives and livelihoods. But I also ask countries to dig deeper to help fund our response plans in full.

And I urge action to move beyond aid, and tackle the root causes of crises:

Addressing poverty and inequality, particularly among women and girls;

Adapting to climate change;

Promoting peace and democracy;

And urging parties to end hostilities, protect civilians and ensure full humanitarian access.

The United Nations is eager to work with communities, countries, humanitarian partners, Multilateral Development Banks, and international funds, to deliver change. 

Together, let’s renew our resolve to help forge a path to a more secure, prosperous, and dignified future for the people of Sahel and Lake Chad.

Thank you.
 

Source: United Nations – English

ownload the video: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergr…

The message of today’s Emissions Gap report is clear:

We are teetering on a planetary tight rope.

Either leaders bridge the emissions gap, or we plunge headlong into climate disaster – with the poorest and most vulnerable suffering the most.

This report shows annual greenhouse gas emissions at an all-time high – rising 1.3 per cent last year.  They must fall 9 per cent each year to 2030 to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the very worst of climate change.

Current policies are taking us towards a catastrophic 3.1 degrees Celsius temperature rise by the end of the century.

As this report rightly puts it, people and planet cannot afford more hot air.

The emissions gap is not an abstract notion.  There is a direct link between increasing emissions and increasingly frequent and intense climate disasters. 

Around the world, people are paying a terrible price.

Record emissions mean record sea temperatures supercharging monster hurricanes;

Record heat is turning forests into tinder boxes and cities into saunas;
 
Record rains are resulting in biblical floods.

Today’s report shows affordable, existing technologies can achieve the emissions reductions we need to 2030 and 2035 to meet the 1.5 degree limit.

But only with a surge in ambition and support.

The upcoming United Nations climate conference – COP29 – must drive progress in two ways. 

First, COP29 starts the clock for countries to deliver new national climate action plans – or NDCs – by next year. 

Governments have agreed to align these plans with 1.5 degrees.

That means they must drive down all greenhouse gas emissions and cover the whole economy – pushing progress in every sector.

And they must wean us off our fossil fuel addiction: showing how governments will phase them out – fast and fairly; and contributing to global goals to accelerate renewables rollout and halt and reverse deforestation.

The largest economies – the G20 members, responsible for around 80 per cent of all emissions – must lead. I urge first-movers to come forward.

Second, finance will be front and centre at COP29. 

Developing countries urgently need serious support to accelerate the transition to clean energy and deal with the violent weather they are already facing. 

COP29 must agree a new finance goal that unlocks the trillions of dollars they need. And provides confidence it will be delivered.

We know the price of climate inaction is far greater.

This would require a significant increase in concessional public finance, that can be complemented by innovative sources, such as fossil fuel extraction levies.

The COP29 outcome must also send clear signals, to drive action on debt relief and reform of the Multilateral Development Banks to make them bigger and bolder.

Today’s Emissions Gap report is clear: we’re playing with fire; but there can be no more playing for time.

We’re out of time.

Closing the emissions gap means closing the ambition gap, the implementation gap, and the finance gap.

Starting at COP29.

Thank you.
 

Source: United Nations – English

xcellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
 
I am grateful to participate in the 16th BRICS Summit. 
 
Collectively, your countries represent nearly half of the world’s population.
 
And I salute your valuable commitment and support for international problem-solving as clearly reflected in your theme this year.
 
But no single group and no single country can act alone or in isolation.
 
It takes a community of nations, working as one global family, to address global challenges.
 
Challenges like the rising number of conflicts.
 
The devastation of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss…
 
Rising inequalities and lingering poverty and hunger…
 
A debt crisis that threatens to smother plans for the future of many vulnerable countries… 
 
The fact that fewer than one-fifth of the Sustainable Development Goals are on-track…
 
A growing digital divide, and a lack of guardrails for artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies…
 
And a lack of representation and voice for developing countries at global decision-making tables. From the Security Council to the Bretton-Woods institution and beyond. This must change.
 
September’s Summit of the Future offered a roadmap for strengthening multilateralism, and advancing peace, sustainable development and human rights.
 
I see four areas for action.
 
First — finance.
 
Today’s international financial system is not offering many vulnerable countries the safety net or level of support they need.
 
The Pact for the Future calls for accelerating reform of the international financial architecture that is outdated, ineffective and unfair.
 
And it includes a commitment to move forward with an SDG Stimulus to change the business model to substantially increase the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to developing countries.
 
To recycle more Special Drawing Rights…
 
To restructure loans for countries drowning in debt…
 
And to mobilize more international and domestic resources, public and private, for vital investments in developing countries.
 
Next year’s Conference on Financing for Development and the Summit on Social Development are two milestones to carry these efforts forward.
 
We must also recognize the importance of South-South cooperation.
 
It doesn’t replace the commitments and obligations of developed countries.
 
But it is providing a growing contribution to supporting developing countries in overcoming obstacles to reaching the SDGs. 
 
Second — climate.
 
Every country has committed to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
 
That requires dramatic action to reduce emissions now — with the G20 in the lead.
 
COP29 is just weeks away. 
 
That starts the clock for countries to produce new Nationally Determined Contributions plans with 2035 targets that are aligned with the 1.5 degree goal.
 
COP29 must deliver an ambitious and credible outcome on the new climate finance goal.
 
Developed countries must also keep promises to double adaptation finance, and ensure meaningful contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, which was not the case when it was created.
 
Third — technology.
 
Every country must be able to access the benefits of technology.
 
The Global Digital Compact commits to enhanced global cooperation and capacity-building.
 
It includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of Artificial Intelligence to give every country a seat at the AI table.
 
It calls for an independent international Scientific Panel on AI and initiating a global dialogue on its governance within the United Nations with the participations of all countries.
 
And it requests options for innovative financing for AI capacity-building in developing countries.
 
And fourth — peace.
 
We must strengthen and update the machinery of peace.
 
This includes reforms to make the United Nations Security Council reflective of today’s world.
 
The Pact for the Future includes important steps on disarmament — including the first multilateral agreement on nuclear disarmament in more than a decade — and steps that address the weaponization of outer space and the use of lethal autonomous weapons.
 
Across the board, we need peace.
 
We need peace in Gaza with an immediate cease-fire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, the effective delivery of humanitarian aid without obstacles, and we need to make irreversible progress to end the occupation and establish the two state solution, as it was recently reaffirmed once again by a UN General Assembly resolution.
 
We need peace in Lebanon with an immediate cessation of hostilities, moving to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701. 
 
We need peace in Ukraine. A just peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.
 
We need peace in Sudan, with all parties silencing their guns and committing to a path towards sustainable peace.
 
Those were the messages I have delivered to the High-Level segment of the General Assembly in September in New York. Unfortunately, they remain valid here and now.
 
Everywhere, we must uphold the values of the UN Charter, the rule of law, and the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States. 
 
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
 
The Summit of the Future charted a course to strengthen multilateralism for global development and security.
 
Now we must turn words into deeds and we believe BRICS can play a very important role in this direction.
 
Thank you.

Source: United Nations – English

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Monsieur le President, Excellencies, Friends of Lebanon,

I welcome this initiative by President Macron and underscore our commitment to realizing the aims of this conference and supporting the people of Lebanon.

We do so in the context of a region that is reeling, and Lebanon in utter turmoil.

The past year has brought daily exchanges of fire across the Blue Line.

We are gravely concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians on both sides of the Blue Line – but we must recognize that the conflict has recently taken on an entirely different nature and scale.

Each day that passes only deepens the misery and suffering of people in Lebanon.

Since last October, over 2,300 people have been killed in Lebanon, and at least 50 in Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan.

More than half of the deaths in Lebanon have occurred since the dramatic escalation in Israeli strikes on 23 September.

Many of those killed were children and women.

More than 1.2 million people have been displaced or affected in Lebanon.

And in the last year, more than 60,000 have been displaced in Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan.

We see continued intense aerial bombardment by Israel in densely populated areas in Lebanon – including Beirut – and ground incursions across the Blue Line … as well as ongoing missile, drone and rocket attacks by Hizbullah into Israel.

An immediate ceasefire is needed now – along with meaningful steps towards full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701.

The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected.

Civilians must be protected.

Civilian infrastructure must not be targeted.

Obligations under international law must be upheld.

I urge friends of Lebanon to support the ongoing humanitarian response efforts, including by providing rapid funding of the Lebanon Flash Appeal.

I call on Lebanon’s leaders to take resolute steps towards ensuring fully functional state institutions to address the country’s pressing political and security challenges.

And I encourage partners to strengthen their support for those state institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, which are a vital part of a secure – and peaceful – path forward.

I salute the brave women and men of our peacekeeping force in Lebanon — UNIFIL – and the UN family across the country, who are striving to implement their mandates in such challenging conditions.

Let me be clear: Attacks against UN peacekeepers are completely unacceptable.

They are in breach of international law, against international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime.

I also pay tribute to humanitarian workers working to help communities in dire need.

Excellencies,

We know what is happening in Lebanon today is not an isolated phenomenon.

We had the abhorrent terror attacks by Hamas on October 7th and the taking of hostages.

Since then, Israeli military operations in Gaza have caused death and destruction at a speed and scale beyond anything in my years as Secretary-General.

We have seen the impacts from Syria to Iraq to Yemen.

Now we see the growing threat of a major conflagration between Israel and Iran that would upend the entire region.

We need a ceasefire in Lebanon – as we need a ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate release of all hostages.

Escalation after escalation is leading to the unimaginable for the people of the region – including the people of Lebanon for whom we have all come together today.

Let us show our solidarity with action to ease the suffering and push for peace.

Thank you.
*****
Monsieur le Président, Excellences, Chers amis du Liban,

Je salue cette initiative du Président Macron et je souligne notre engagement à réaliser les objectifs de cette conférence et à soutenir le peuple libanais. 

Nous le faisons dans le contexte d’une région en pleine tourmente, et d’un Liban totalement bouleversé. 

L’année écoulée a été marquée par des échanges de tirs quotidiens de part et d’autre de la Ligne bleue. 

Nous sommes gravement préoccupés par la sécurité et le bien-être des civils des deux côtés de la Ligne bleue – mais il faut reconnaitre que le conflit a récemment pris une tout autre nature et dimension. 

Chaque jour qui passe ne fait qu’aggraver la misère et la souffrance du peuple libanais. 

Depuis octobre dernier, plus de 2 300 personnes ont été tuées au Liban, et au moins 50 en Israël et dans le Golan occupé par Israël. 

Plus de la moitié des décès au Liban sont survenus depuis l’escalade dramatique des frappes israéliennes le 23 septembre.

Un grand nombre des personnes tuées étaient des enfants et des femmes. 

Plus de 1,2 million de personnes ont été déplacées ou affectées au Liban. 

Et au cours de la dernière année, plus de 60 000 personnes ont été déplacées en Israël et dans le Golan occupé par Israël. 

Nous observons des bombardements aériens intenses et continus menés par Israël dans des zones densément peuplées du Liban – y compris Beyrouth – et des incursions terrestres à travers la Ligne bleue… ainsi que des attaques continues de missiles, de drones et de roquettes du Hezbollah vers Israël. 

Un cessez-le-feu immédiat est nécessaire – accompagné de mesures significatives vers la pleine mise en œuvre des résolutions 1559 et 1701 du Conseil de sécurité. 

La souveraineté et l’intégrité territoriale de tous les pays doivent être respectées. 

Les civils doivent être protégés. 

Les infrastructures civiles ne doivent pas être prises pour cible. 

Les obligations en vertu du droit international doivent être respectées. 

J’exhorte les amis du Liban à soutenir les efforts humanitaires en cours, notamment en finançant rapidement l’Appel éclair pour le Liban. 

J’appelle les dirigeants libanais à prendre des mesures résolues pour assurer le bon fonctionnement des institutions de l’État afin de relever les défis politiques et sécuritaires urgents du pays. 

Et j’encourage les partenaires à renforcer leur soutien à ces institutions étatiques, y compris les Forces armées libanaises, qui sont une composante vitale dans la construction d’un avenir sûr et pacifique.

Je salue les femmes et les hommes courageux de notre force de maintien de la paix au Liban – la FINUL – et la famille des Nations Unies dans tout le pays, qui s’efforcent de remplir leurs mandats dans des conditions si difficiles. 

Soyons clairs : les attaques contre les Casques bleus de l’ONU sont totalement inacceptables. 

Elles sont contraires au droit international, contraires au droit international humanitaire, et peuvent constituer un crime de guerre. 

Je rends également hommage aux travailleurs humanitaires qui s’efforcent de venir en aide à des populations en détresse. 

Excellences, 

Nous savons que ce qui se passe aujourd’hui au Liban n’est pas un phénomène isolé. 

Nous avons connu les abominables attaques terroristes du Hamas le 7 octobre et l’enlèvement des otages. 

Depuis, les opérations militaires israéliennes à Gaza ont causé des morts et des destructions à une vitesse et à une échelle dépassant tout ce que j’ai connu durant mes années en tant que Secrétaire général. 

Nous en avons vu les conséquences – en Syrie, en Irak ou au Yémen. 

Aujourd’hui, nous voyons la menace croissante d’une conflagration majeure entre Israël et l’Iran qui bouleverserait toute la région. 

Nous avons besoin d’un cessez-le-feu au Liban – tout comme nous avons besoin d’un cessez-le-feu à Gaza et de la libération immédiate de tous les otages. 

Escalade après escalade, la situation devient chaque jour plus inimaginable pour les populations de la région – y compris pour le peuple libanais, qui est au cœur de la réunion d’aujourd’hui. 

Montrons notre solidarité – agissons pour soulager les souffrances et faire avancer la paix. 

Merci. 

Source: United Nations – English

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The United Nations was built by the world, for the world.

Since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems.

Solutions that ease tensions, build bridges and forge peace.

Solutions to eradicate poverty, spur sustainable development, and stand up for the most vulnerable.  

Solutions that deliver lifesaving relief to people living through conflicts, violence, economic hardship, and climate disasters.  

Solutions that level the scales of justice and equality for women and girls.

Solutions that tackle issues that were unimaginable in 1945 — climate change, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and outer space.

In September, the General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.

Together, these milestone agreements will help ensure that the United Nations system adapts, reforms and rejuvenates, so it is fit for the changes and challenges around us and delivers solutions for all.

But our work will always be rooted in the timeless values and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and in the dignity and human rights of every person.

In today’s troubled world, hope is not enough.

Hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity and a thriving planet.

Hope requires all countries working as one.

Hope requires the United Nations.

On United Nations Day, I call on all countries to keep this beacon for the world, and its ideals, shining.

*****
L’ONU a été créée par le monde, pour le monde.

Depuis 1945, elle permet aux pays de faire cause commune pour trouver des solutions mondiales à des problèmes mondiaux.

Des solutions pour apaiser les tensions, jeter des ponts et bâtir la paix.

Des solutions pour éliminer la pauvreté, stimuler le développement durable et défendre les plus vulnérables.

Des solutions pour apporter une aide vitale aux personnes aux prises avec des conflits, des violences, des difficultés économiques et des catastrophes climatiques.

Des solutions pour offrir les mêmes chances aux femmes et aux filles et ainsi assurer l’égalité et la justice.

Des solutions pour aborder des questions inimaginables en 1945 : les changements climatiques, le numérique, l’intelligence artificielle et l’espace extra-atmosphérique.

En septembre, l’Assemblée générale a adopté le Pacte pour l’avenir, le Pacte numérique mondial et la Déclaration sur les générations futures.

Grâce à ces accords historiques, le système des Nations Unies pourra s’adapter, se réformer et se rajeunir, rester en phase avec les évolutions et les enjeux du monde qui nous entoure et apporter des solutions pour toutes et tous.

Notre action restera cependant ancrée dans les valeurs et les principes intemporels de la Charte des Nations Unies et du droit international, et dans la dignité et les droits humains de chaque personne.

Dans notre monde en proie à la tourmente, l’espoir ne suffit pas.

L’espoir passe par des mesures fermes et des solutions multilatérales en faveur de la paix, d’une prospérité partagée et d’une planète florissante.

L’espoir passe par une coopération entre tous les pays.

L’espoir passe par l’ONU.

À l’occasion de la Journée des Nations Unies, je demande à tous les pays d’entretenir cette flamme qui guide le monde, et de défendre ses idéaux.

Source: United Nations – English

he Secretary-General strongly condemns the terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries’ facilities in Ankara.  He expresses his deepest condolences to the victims and their families and wishes a speedy and full recovery to those injured.  The United Nations stands in solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Türkiye.

Source: United Nations – English

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I send my warm greetings to all participants and supporters at the United Nations Inter-Agency Games.

I am happy to see our UN family gather in beautiful Lloret del Mar.

These Games are more than a demonstration of your athletic abilities.
 
They embody the values of the United Nations – teamwork, integrity, and solidarity.

They showcase the diversity and camaraderie of our staff.

They inspire us to always give our best.

As the games begin, let us resolve to bring these qualities to our work to champion peace, human rights and sustainable development – for all.

Thank you, and I wish every success to the participants.