Libya, Afghanistan, ECOSOC & other topics - Daily Briefing (23 June 2021)

The United Nations of Earth reporting on this issue: "Libya, Afghanistan, ECOSOC & other topics - Daily Briefing (23 June 2021)"
The topics: Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Highlights: - Secretary-General - Libya - Syria - ECOSOC - Madagascar - Afghanistan - Central African Republic - Peacekeeping - Myanmar - Refugee Resettlement - Widows’ Day - Press Encounters SECRETARY-GENERAL The Secretary-General arrived in Brussels this morning. He spoke to the press alongside the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, a short while ago. He expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation for the European Union – and the European Commission’s support for the work of the United Nations. As we see the rise in populism, racism, xenophobia, and other forms of hatred, Mr. Guterres said that he counts on the European Union to be at the forefront of the battle for what he described as the values of the Enlightenment. Following this, the Secretary-General engaged in a conversation with the College of Commissioners of the EU. They discussed a wide range of topics, including climate, sustainable development and pandemic recovery. It was agreed to hold these exchanges on a more regular basis. LIBYA The Secretary-General also spoke, but this time via a pre-recorded message to the opening of the Berlin II Conference on Libya which took place in Berlin. He told the gathered participants that the full implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement is of paramount importance to consolidate peace in Libya. He added that he was encouraged by the continued investment in confidence-building measures by both sides.  The Secretary-General said the UN is committed to supporting the Libyan Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism and that the initial group of UN ceasefire monitors will be deployed to Tripoli soon.  He said that we must put an end to all foreign interference, including the full withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya. He also urged Libyan and external parties to agree on a comprehensive plan, with clear timelines, to achieve this goal, which the UN Mission stands ready to support. The Secretary-General urged Libya’s House of Representatives to clarify the constitutional basis for the elections and to adopt the necessary legislation. But he also urged the interim executive authority to provide support, including financial resources, to the High National Electoral Commission. Noting the humanitarian challenges, the Secretary-General called on Member States to support the Humanitarian Response Plan which requests $189 million to support the most vulnerable and that is just 21 per cent funded.  Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight


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