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International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists final
Published 3 years, 4 months ago
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**International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists
Today is the Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists. In his message to mark the Day, the Secretary-General reminds us that a free press is vital to a functioning democracy, to expose wrongdoing, to navigate our complex world, and to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As we mark the tenth anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, the Secretary-General calls on governments and the international community to take the necessary steps to protect our journalists, to end a common culture of impunity and to enable journalists to do their essential work.
And a quick note to add that UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) report on the safety of journalists is out on the agency’s website.
Okay. Once more with feeling. Right? What? Yeah. I’ll do the first one last… because… all right. Somebody clearly joined us.
**Black Sea Grain Initiative
You saw a bit earlier today we issued a statement in which the Secretary-General warmly welcomes the announcement from the Russian Federation on its resumed participation in the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative to facilitate the safe navigation for exports of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizer from Ukraine. He is grateful for the diplomatic efforts of Türkiye and thanks the UN Coordinator, Amir Abdulla, and his team for their work in keeping this vital food supply line open.
The Secretary-General continues his engagement with all actors towards the renewal and full implementation of the Initiative, and he also remains committed to removing the remaining obstacles to the exports of Russian food and fertilizer.
**Secretary-General’s Travel
Speaking of the Secretary-General, he is, as we speak — hopefully — in the air on his way to New York, and we expect him back later this afternoon.
As you know, he was in Algiers yesterday, where he addressed the opening session of the League of Arab States summit. In his remarks he said he looks forward to continuing our work together with the League of Arab States to address the challenges across the region and to advance peace, sustainable development, and human rights. Turning to the issue of climate, the Secretary-General said that COP27 (twenty-seventh Conference of Parties) in Sharm el-Sheikh will be another vital opportunity for restoring trust between developed and developing countries. His remarks are online and shared with you.
**Democratic Republic of the Congo
Quick update from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where, as we mentioned before, renewed fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group has forced thousands to flee their homes in Rutshuru Territory in North Kivu.
Many of those displaced have been living in schools, hospitals, churches, and other sites, although the majority are living with host families.
Despite severe access constraints, humanitarian workers have started helping displaced people in Nyiragongo territory, providing them with water and health care. Our partners were also able to distribute food to some 50,000 people.
More than 180 unaccompanied children have been identified and assisted by child protection workers, while some 2,000 others are receiving psychological support.
The needs still exceed present capacities, especially in the south of Kayna health zone in Lubero territory, which was already home to some 50,000 displaced people.
The most urgent needs include water, hygiene and sanitation, as well as essential household items, shelter, food, health care and protection.
For its part, the peacekeeping mission in the country [United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)] continues to
Today is the Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists. In his message to mark the Day, the Secretary-General reminds us that a free press is vital to a functioning democracy, to expose wrongdoing, to navigate our complex world, and to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As we mark the tenth anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, the Secretary-General calls on governments and the international community to take the necessary steps to protect our journalists, to end a common culture of impunity and to enable journalists to do their essential work.
And a quick note to add that UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) report on the safety of journalists is out on the agency’s website.
Okay. Once more with feeling. Right? What? Yeah. I’ll do the first one last… because… all right. Somebody clearly joined us.
**Black Sea Grain Initiative
You saw a bit earlier today we issued a statement in which the Secretary-General warmly welcomes the announcement from the Russian Federation on its resumed participation in the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative to facilitate the safe navigation for exports of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizer from Ukraine. He is grateful for the diplomatic efforts of Türkiye and thanks the UN Coordinator, Amir Abdulla, and his team for their work in keeping this vital food supply line open.
The Secretary-General continues his engagement with all actors towards the renewal and full implementation of the Initiative, and he also remains committed to removing the remaining obstacles to the exports of Russian food and fertilizer.
**Secretary-General’s Travel
Speaking of the Secretary-General, he is, as we speak — hopefully — in the air on his way to New York, and we expect him back later this afternoon.
As you know, he was in Algiers yesterday, where he addressed the opening session of the League of Arab States summit. In his remarks he said he looks forward to continuing our work together with the League of Arab States to address the challenges across the region and to advance peace, sustainable development, and human rights. Turning to the issue of climate, the Secretary-General said that COP27 (twenty-seventh Conference of Parties) in Sharm el-Sheikh will be another vital opportunity for restoring trust between developed and developing countries. His remarks are online and shared with you.
**Democratic Republic of the Congo
Quick update from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where, as we mentioned before, renewed fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group has forced thousands to flee their homes in Rutshuru Territory in North Kivu.
Many of those displaced have been living in schools, hospitals, churches, and other sites, although the majority are living with host families.
Despite severe access constraints, humanitarian workers have started helping displaced people in Nyiragongo territory, providing them with water and health care. Our partners were also able to distribute food to some 50,000 people.
More than 180 unaccompanied children have been identified and assisted by child protection workers, while some 2,000 others are receiving psychological support.
The needs still exceed present capacities, especially in the south of Kayna health zone in Lubero territory, which was already home to some 50,000 displaced people.
The most urgent needs include water, hygiene and sanitation, as well as essential household items, shelter, food, health care and protection.
For its part, the peacekeeping mission in the country [United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)] continues to