Sudan, Myanmar, Mali & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (29 October 2021)

The United Nations of Earth reporting on this issue: "Sudan, Myanmar, Mali & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (29 October 2021)"
The topics: Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Highlights: - Secretary-General’s Travel - Sudan - Myanmar - Mali - Water and Climate - World Cities Day - Senior Personnel Appointment - Hybrid Briefing Monday - Financial Contribution SG TRAVEL The Secretary-General arrived in Rome this morning where, tomorrow, he will join the G20 annual summit. He spoke to reporters a few hours ago, and he said that we are at a pivotal moment for our planet. On the eve of COP26 in Glasgow, he said, all roads to success go through Rome. But let’s be clear, he added - there is a serious risk that Glasgow will not deliver. He urged the G20 to show the solidarity that people want and that our world so desperately needs — and this begins by rebuilding trust and credibility. On vaccines, the Secretary-General called for support to the strategy presented by the World Health Organization, and coordination among Member States for the implementation of this strategy.  On climate, he stressed the need for a meaningful increase of adaptation in climate finance to the benefit of countries of the developing world, Small Island Developing States and African countries, which are now suffering the impacts of climate change more than anywhere else. He also emphasized that we must create conditions to allow for an effective reduction of emissions in this decade. The full transcript of his press remarks is online. Later in the day, the Secretary-General held a series of bilateral meetings with the Italian hosts of the G20, including President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Mario Draghi. He congratulated Italy for its presidency of the G20. SUDAN While speaking to the press in Rome today, the Secretary-General was asked about the situation in Sudan. He repeated his strong condemnation of the coup and the need to re-establish the transition system that was in place. The Secretary-General noted that a demonstration has been planned for tomorrow, and he urged the military to show restraint and not to create any more victims. People must be allowed to demonstrate peacefully, he said. MYANMAR As the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener approaches the conclusion of her tenure, she reiterates her strong appeal for unified international action in preventing further escalation of the current crisis, which has already affected regional peace and security. The security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Chin State, as well as in Sagaing and Magway regions has been deteriorating in the past few weeks and the reported incidents have echoed harrowing acts committed during 2017 “clearance operations” in Rakhine State. As more troop build-up and advancements in these areas continue to be reported, the Special Envoy stresses violence and impunity must end. Ms. Schraner Burgener reiterates the importance of a peaceful solution through inclusive dialogue. However, engagement and dialogue, she urges, must be pursued alongside a genuine will to seek a political solution and compromise, to not be instrumentalized, and to not allow for abuses to be perpetuated in tandem as we are seeing unfold again. MALI This morning, the head of the UN Mission in Mali, El-Ghassim Wane, briefed the Security Council by VTC and expressed his appreciation for the Council’s visit to the country last week. Turning to the issue of security, he said the situation on the ground remains extremely challenging, as the Mission is confronted by increased insecurity in northern, central and now southern Mali; as well as a worrying humanitarian situation, with 4.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and some 400,000 people displaced. In this context, Mr. Wane said, the Peacekeeping Mission is overstretched. He added that this is why the Secretary-General recommended an increase in operations, including additional assets such as attack and utility helicopters. But, the Special Representative said, the situation cannot be purely military. Addressing insecurity also requires a political response. The Transition has reached a critical stage and it is critical that Mali’s partners work closely with the Malians to facilitate a consensus, both on reforms and on the conditions for the proper holding of elections, Mr. Wane concluded. Prior to the meeting, the Council also voted on a resolution to protect education in conflict and to extend the mandates of the UN Missions in Western Sahara and Colombia. Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight


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