The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
Good morning, everyone.
**Pakistan
The Secretary-General has left New York for a previously scheduled trip to Pakistan, where he is expected to arrive on Tuesday morning. During his visit, he will have meetings in Islamabad with senior government officials, including with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. He will also meet with President Asif Ali Zardari.
The Secretary-General was last in Pakistan in 2022, when he visited regions impacted by the devastating floods. This time, he will again visit the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), where he will see first-hand the progress Pakistan has made in strengthening its preparedness and resilience since the floods.
In Islamabad, the Secretary-General will visit the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, otherwise known as UNMOGIP.
The visit will also be an opportunity for the Secretary-General to discuss Pakistan’s diplomatic and mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, including its constructive role in supporting negotiations between the two countries.
The Secretary-General is expected to be back in New York on Thursday.
**Afghanistan
And in nearby Afghanistan, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, concluded her visit to Afghanistan today, following meetings with the de facto authorities, civil society representatives, women leaders and Afghan female UN personnel.
In her meetings with de facto authorities, Ms. DiCarlo reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to advancing the Doha process. She noted progress in its two working groups on counter-narcotics and private sector and emphasized the importance of translating dialogue into further practical results for the Afghan people. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement.
Ms. DiCarlo conveyed Member States’ concerns about the situation of women and girls, particularly girls’ access to education. She emphasized that progress on women’s and girls’ rights would advance the country’s development. Ms. DiCarlo also raised the restrictions affecting Afghan female United Nations personnel.
The Under-Secretary-General highlighted the challenges facing Afghanistan, including socioeconomic pressures, climate change and natural disasters. She affirmed the United Nations’ readiness to assist Afghans returning from the neighbouring countries. In her meetings with civil society representatives and women leaders, the Under-Secretary-General recognized their vital contributions to communities across Afghanistan.
**Deputy Secretary-General’s Travels
The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, arrived in Fiji today to participate in the preparatory meeting for COP 31 (Pre-COP) on behalf of the Secretary-General. Emphasizing the urgent science behind the 1.5°C degree limit and the economic necessity of a rapid energy transition, she stressed that protecting the climate is fundamentally about protecting people, their lives, livelihood, sovereignty, culture, identity and rights.
During meetings with senior government officials, the Deputy Secretary-General commended Pacific leaders for their multigenerational leadership to secure their blue economy and island homes.
Tomorrow, she is traveling to Tuvalu alongside leaders for a one-day visit, as part of the Leaders’ Meeting, to see first-hand the risk of sea level rise and amplify global attention onto the existential threats to low-lying atolls.
**Ethiopia
From Ethiopia, we are deeply concerned by growing reports of civilian casualties, including among displaced people, amid ongoing insecurity in the north of the country.
Yesterday in the Tigray region, a UN agency warehouse, as well as facilities and warehouses belonging to local and international non-governmental organizations, were looted in Tigray. Humanitarian supplies, including food, seed, fertilizers and water pumps, were lost in the incident.
Humanitarian personnel, premises and assets must never be targeted and must be protected at all times. We are encouraged that telecommunications and electronic banking services resumed in most of Tigray yesterday, after more than a week of disruption. This will help people better access essential services and facilitate humanitarian operations.
Plans are under way to resume deliveries of aid, including food and health support into Tigray, as well as in the Afar Region.
**Sudan
Turning to Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says it is alarmed by continued violence, rising displacement and worsening food insecurity. In the Kordofan region, drone strikes continue to kill, injure civilians and disrupt humanitarian operations.
In South Kordofan, an aerial attack on 3 October hit two World Food Programme (WFP) contracted trucks in the town of Dilling, killing one driver and damaging food supplies. The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, called the targeting and killing of colleagues delivering humanitarian aid in Sudan unacceptable, stressing that this must stop.
The World Food Programme strongly condemned the attack and said that the contracted trucks were en route from Dilling to Kadugli and clearly marked as humanitarian vehicles. Additional details regarding the circumstances of the incident, including the extent of the damage to the food cargo, are still being collected.
The World Food Programme called for a prompt and impartial investigation into this incident and for those responsible for any violations to be held accountable. This latest attack comes only one day after a WFP truck struck an explosive device in Dilling, South Kordofan, after delivering life-saving food assistance. WFP urged all those involved in the hostilities to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure the safe and unimpeded movement of humanitarian personnel and cargo.
In North Kordofan, UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) says one child was killed and 12 others injured in a drone strike in El Obeid on 1 October.
Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that fighting in Blue Nile State continues to drive people from their homes. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that more than 10,000 people were displaced within the state between 26 September and 4 October.
Meanwhile, food insecurity is on the rise as funding cuts disrupt essential services. The International Rescue Committee warned last week that it has been forced to reduce support for more than 473,000 people across Sudan.
The outlook is grim across Darfur, where below-average and uneven rainfall are adding to already severe humanitarian needs. Our partners working on food estimate that 7.1 million of the 9.1 million people expected to need food assistance during the final quarter of this year could face gaps in support. Nutrition surveys also continue to show emergency levels of acute malnutrition across much of the region.
OCHA once again calls for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and for rapid, flexible and sustained funding so people in need can receive aid across Sudan.
**Occupied Palestinian Territory
Turning to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) tells us that aid workers continue to support Palestinians across the West Bank ahead of the olive harvest season, a key period for the economy there.
Humanitarian organizations have provided farmers with electric harvesters, saws, scissors, ladders and harvesting sheets; that’s to speed up picking and mitigate the impact of attacks on livelihoods.
Attacks are already under way. In the village of Deir Abu Mash’al, near Ramallah, Israeli settlers have entered Palestinian groves almost every day since 25 August. They have harvested and damaged Palestinian trees, stolen crops, carried out arson attacks, physically assaulted Palestinians and prevented them from safely accessing the groves.
Over the weekend, Palestinian residents decided to start harvesting, even though the season has not officially begun, in the hope this will reduce losses and insecurity.
Our food security partners say that 76 per cent of families across the West Bank report declining income in the first quarter of the year and more than 60 per cent of them are struggling to cover their monthly expenses.
In the second quarter of the year, our food security partners supported the cultivation of crops in 1,600 cases, among other interventions.
Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, our humanitarian partners warn that strikes continue in populated areas, with reports of civilians being killed and injured over the weekend.
Israeli authorities suspended the entry of cargo into Gaza today and announced a similar suspension on Wednesday. They cited security concerns linked to the commemoration this week of the events of 7 October 2023.
**Lebanon
Turning to Lebanon, our peacekeeping colleagues report that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continues to observe Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ground activities, as well as daily violations of Lebanese airspace and territorial waters. Peacekeepers also recorded several air strikes across the Mission’s area of operations.
While the number of airspace violations recorded between Thursday and Sunday decreased compared to the previous week, the number of projectiles fired increased to 365 during the same period. On Saturday, peacekeepers reported to the Lebanese Armed Forces the presence of approximately 50 abandoned jerrycans, believed to contain explosive material, in Ett Taibe, in Sector East.
Meanwhile, through its liaison mechanisms and in coordination with our humanitarian colleagues, UNIFIL facilitated seven humanitarian missions across its area of operations between Thursday and Sunday.
**Yemen
We welcome the release of one United Nations colleague who had been detained by the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen.
As you know, the Secretary-General has called for the release of all detained UN personnel and other humanitarian personnel in Yemen.
The United Nations will continue to pursue every possible avenue to secure their immediate and safe release, including through engagements with the Houthi de facto authorities.
And also from Yemen, our colleagues at the UN Human Rights Office say that since the start of August, at least 46 civilians have been killed, 24 of them children. More than 130 others have been injured, including 84 women and children.
Our humanitarian partners also report damage to civilian infrastructure, including homes and farms, as well as health, water and education facilities.
Meanwhile, people continue to flee their homes. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that more than 180,000 people have been displaced so far.
OCHA continues to assess people’s needs and the impact of the hostilities.
**Ukraine
From Ukraine, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) tell us that attacks over the weekend and into this morning continued to cause civilian casualties and damage to essential infrastructure across the country. The regions of Kharkiv and Sumy were particularly affected. Attacks also affected civilians in Kyiv city and the regions of Kyiv, Donetsk, Kherson, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Mykolaiv and Odesa.
Our humanitarian colleagues note that repeated attacks damaged the capital Kyiv’s Northern Bridge, temporarily disrupting public transport. In the region of Odesa, an attack on a civilian vessel killed one crew member and injured three others.
Our humanitarian partners and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society provided emergency repair materials, hot meals and drinks and psychosocial assistance.
Meanwhile, local authorities report that last month, nearly 24,000 people, including over 1,800 children, were evacuated from front-line areas of the region of Donetsk, supported by our partners. Humanitarian operations themselves remain exposed to attack. Yesterday, a drone strike damaged two evacuation vehicles of a local NGO. Thankfully, no one was injured.
OCHA says that in July and August, at least three humanitarian workers were killed and 18 injured.
**UN Refugee Agency
A quick update from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, has concluded a seven-day visit to Mexico, Peru and Venezuela.
In Mexico, he welcomed the Government’s continued commitment to refugee protection and inclusion and saw first-hand how partnerships with the private sector are helping refugees access jobs and rebuild their lives.
In Peru, he met President Keiko Fujimori and discussed inclusion, solidarity and durable solutions, including the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Venezuelans.
And in Venezuela, Mr. Salih met President Delcy Rodríguez to discuss earthquake recovery, the return and sustainable reintegration of Venezuelans, and a renewed road map for cooperation. He also visited La Guaira, the state hardest hit by the June earthquakes, where he reviewed recovery efforts and support for affected communities.
**New Resident Coordinator — Egypt
The UN Development Coordination Office informs us that, following host Government approval, the Secretary-General has appointed our friend Gianluca Rampolla del Tindaro of Italy as United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt. He took up his post on 4 October, which is yesterday.
With more than 25 years of experience in development cooperation, humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding, including as United Nations Resident Coordinator in Venezuela and Papua New Guinea, he will serve as the Secretary-General’s representative for development in Egypt.
He will lead the United Nations country team in support of national priorities, helping bring the UN system together to advance sustainable development and improve the lives of people across the country. His full biography is available online.
**International Days
Today is World Habitat Day. In a message for the Day, the Secretary-General underscores that adequate housing is the foundation of dignity, security and opportunity, yet more than 3 billion people are denied this universal human right. He pointed out that investing in adequate housing and transforming informal settlements reduces poverty, tackles inequality, builds climate resilience and fosters peaceful and inclusive societies.
The Secretary-General called on all to treat housing as a public good and build a world where everyone has a place to call home.
And today is also World Teachers’ Day, and this year’s theme is “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures”.
That’s it for me. Are there any questions? Yes?
**Questions and Answers
Question: Thank you very much. Regarding the Secretary-General’s trip to Pakistan and his upcoming discussions on Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Iran and the United States, can you give us a little more colour on what is expected? And is he going with any concrete proposals or recommendations to Islamabad for either side, the US or Iran or possibly Pakistan?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, what he wants to do is keep himself up to date about what the mediation efforts are, and he will discuss ways forward about that. Obviously, he’s been in touch with all of the mediation countries. He also, as you know, has been in touch with the Egyptians, with the Qataris, and he will continue with those efforts. Yes, Mr. Arora?
Question: Thank you. My name is Deepak Arora from New Delhi, India. Yesterday, our Foreign Minister spoke about the ineffectiveness of UN. He said UN has grown from 51 to almost four times. And the current board of management is not effective board. It’s not able to deliver. For example, the conflicts in Gulf, in Ukraine, or let’s say COVID, you know, or in some African countries. But he’s also said beautifully that while criticizing the UN, status of the UN, he said we need a better UN. We don’t need no UN. The idea is not to throw away the UN, but to fix the UN. He said that. So, what are the views — because he recently, on 28 September, on the last day, he met the Secretary-General also. If you could also give us a readout of what all discussed and India’s impact, because obviously India is seeking a seat in the Security Council.
Deputy Spokesman: Well, the Secretary-General himself has been on record about exactly the topic that you mentioned, that as the United Nations has expanded, it also needs to make sure that its own Security Council is expanded and more reflective of the membership as a whole. So, that is something he has talked about. He’s talked about, in particular, the need for African representation among the permanent members of the Security Council. But these are all steps, ultimately, under the United Nations Charter that can only be accomplished by the Member States themselves. And regarding the Secretary-General, as you’re aware, he did meet with the Foreign Minister, and he discussed issues of mutual concern with him last week. But he certainly has been very appreciative of Israel’s support for the work of the United Nations. And also, he’s been kept up to date about its leadership at this stage of the BRICS grouping of nations.
Correspondent: Just a follow-up.
Deputy Spokesman: Sure.
Question: Follow-up. Of course, we know what you said about the Secretary-General’s position, but there are a few players who are resisting these reforms. So, what do you have to say on that?
Deputy Spokesman: From our standpoint, all we can really do is emphasize to nations what the need for reform is. Obviously, we don’t control the Governments of Member States. And the Charter makes it very clear that it’s the membership itself that is responsible for any amendments to the United Nations Charter. So, it is in their hands, but all we can do on that is encourage them to move forward and, in essence, warn them of the consequences of inaction.
Question: If some of the members are resisting, that means the gridlock would remain.
Deputy Spokesman: That is something that we could not change. Again, the Charter makes it very clear that it’s the Member States, including the members of the General Assembly and the members of the Security Council, who have a say in Charter reform. It’s not our role, it’s their role. Yes, Benno?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. So, there was a suspected plague outbreak in Russia after a lab incident in Siberia. Do you know anything about this as of now as an assessment of that situation?
Deputy Spokesman: This is something, ultimately, for which the World Health Organization (WHO) will need access and information so that they can do the necessary follow-up.
Question: Was there any contact to the Russian Federation about it?
Deputy Spokesman: I think that’s something to ask our colleagues at the World Health Organization. Namo?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. Just one question on the ongoing offensive in Yemen. Does the Secretary-General have a statement about that? The internationally backed government is trying to retake areas from the Houthis. Thank you.
Deputy Spokesman: Well, you’ve seen the Secretary-General’s concerns that we’ve been expressing over the last weeks about the escalation in violence in Yemen. The Secretary-General has wanted the sides to de-escalate tensions, and he continues to want that. He does not believe the further militarization of the conflict, including involvement by the outside Powers, will be helpful. Yes, please. [He later added: The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the sharp escalation in fighting, which has intensified markedly in recent days. He condemns the continued Houthi cross-border attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Secretary-General urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and is following developments closely, including their impact on civilians. All parties must fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The Secretary-General calls on the parties to continue engaging constructively with the UN Special Envoy to reach a negotiated, inclusive political settlement.]
Question: Thank you very much. I would like to ask about Mr. Benjamin Davis, who has worked with the Food Agricultural Organization (FAO) for 26 years. I think on 30 September, he was terminated, allegedly over concerns about his neutrality as an international civil servant. Now, the issue is that Mr. Davis is challenging that decision through FAO’s own internal appeals process, and he’s saying that his termination was because of his advocacy on the situation in Gaza, including hunger. Now, given these two positions, does the Secretary-General have an assessment of this situation? And if so, what’s his position on the case?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, as for the case, any questions on the specific case need to be asked of the Food and Agriculture Organization, which is separate from us. As you pointed out, the process is going to be carried out through FAO and its bodies, and we will leave it in their hands. Regarding the larger question of advocacy for Gaza, of course, as you know, we, throughout the UN system, have been advocating about the needs of the people of Gaza. The Secretary-General has himself been very forthright on this. And as for the question of human rights and how they’re reflected in the work of the UN, the Secretary-General has made very clear in his call for action on human rights, and I quote, “Within the United Nations, human rights must be fully considered in all decision making, operations, and institutional commitments.” Nathan?
Question: Thanks, Farhan. So, my question is based on food security and the Ebola outbreak. So, I just want to ask, how is the United Nations preparing for the possibility that the Ebola outbreak and impacts of the El Niño-induced conditions could compound one another, particularly through food insecurity, displacement and pressure on health systems?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, any major health crisis can have impacts as well on food and how it’s harvested and distributed in the areas that are affected. So, that is something that’s been a concern and one of the reasons why we’re doing our best to make sure that the Ebola outbreak can be contained. Regarding the effects of El Niño and climate events, we have been trying to see what precise effects it does have on the food harvesting and other aspects of how food is grown and distributed. But this is something we are monitoring in all the countries that are affected by El Niño. Yes, Deepak, and then you in the back.
Question: Mr. Farhan Haq, thank you. The Secretary-General in his speech, on the opening speech on the first day of the high-level debate, he mentioned Africa as a candidate for UN Security Council. Now, it’s been two weeks since then. Is there any kind of some kind of understanding being reached as to which countries from Africa would compete to be on the Security Council?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, that again is a question to ask of Member States. Ultimately, they’re the ones who will take forward what these are. And you will have seen over these weeks of the General Assembly, the Member States themselves also put out their own speeches concerning what they want to see in terms of reforms of the United Nations, including of the Security Council. Yes, please?
Question: So, regarding the election in Brazil, does the Secretary-General have any comment on the statement by Flavio Bolsonaro that if elected, he would pardon his father? Jair Bolsonaro has been proven to have plotted a military coup in Latin America’s most populous democracy. Thank you.
Deputy Spokesman: At this stage, as you know, while the elections are under way, we will offer no comments about any of the candidates. Yes, last one.
Question: Thank you, Farhan. One question on this FlyDubai flight. I don’t know if you have answered this in the last two briefings. More details are coming up, and the flight could have been used as a bomb, like the way it was used at 9/11. So, what does Secretary-General have to say on this kind of the way it’s tilting, you know, that’s kind of civilians being used, an aircraft being used as a bomb to achieve their missions or targets?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, I don’t want to speculate on what might have happened. Obviously, we still need more information about what exactly transpired in the aircraft. But I would refer you to what we said last week. And again, we stand against any misuse of civilian aircraft and any acts of terrorism. Have a good afternoon.