Abyei, Sudan, Australia & other topics - Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

Noon Briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
Abyei
Sudan
Sudan/Humanitarian
Oman
Secretary-General Travels
Australia
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Syria
Ukraine
Belarus
Central African Republic
Security Council
Global Refugee Forum
Guest Tomorrow
Financial Contribution

--------------------------------------

ABYEI

Following the attack on the UN peacekeeping logistics base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, on 13 December, which resulted in the killing of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injury of nine others while on duty with the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), this morning, a solemn ceremony was held at the Mission headquarters in Abyei to honour the six peacekeepers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their remains are being escorted back to Bangladesh.

The injured peacekeepers, who were evacuated from Kadugli to Abyei on 13 December, are being treated at UNISFA’s hospital. The Mission’s top priority is to ensure that everything possible is done to provide the necessary medical care for the injured.

The Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Robert Yaw Affram, visited Kadugli today to assess the situation and to engage with the peacekeepers on the ground and other relevant parties.

The Mission has taken all necessary steps to protect its personnel and facilities by reinforcing protection measures at the Kadugli logistics base to ensure their safety and is closely coordinating with relevant stakeholders to assess the situation.

SUDAN

On Saturday, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the horrific drone attacks that targeted the United Nations peacekeeping logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan. The attacks resulted in six fatalities and eight injuries – all members of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent serving in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

Yesterday, the Secretary-General spoke by phone with the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Mr. Muhammed Yunus, to express his condolences to the Government and people of Bangladesh and to convey his solidarity following this horrific attack.

In the statement, the Secretary-General underscored that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, and he reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians. Such attacks against peacekeepers are unjustifiable. There will need to be accountability.

SUDAN/HUMANITARIAN

Further on Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that the situation across the Kordofan region is rapidly worsening, with civilians facing mounting risks as hostilities intensify.

We are alarmed by reports that yesterday, a drone attack struck a hospital in the town of Dilling, in South Kordofan State, killing at least six people and injuring 12 others – that’s according to initial information from the UN Human Rights Office. Other reports indicate that medical personnel were among the injured.

OCHA reminds all parties that attacks on hospitals and health workers constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law. Medical facilities and civilians must be protected at all times, and those responsible must be held to account.

Meanwhile, in the east of Kadugli, the state capital of South Kordofan, artillery shelling was reported yesterday, posing further risks to civilians.

The escalating violence is driving new displacement. Our colleagues with the International Organization for Migration estimate that more than 1,700 people were displaced between Thursday and Saturday from several towns in South Kordofan.

The security situation also remains volatile in North Kordofan State, including in the state capital, El Obeid, where further attacks have been reported.

Despite the insecurity, we and our partners continue our efforts to provide life-saving assistance as funding and access allow. With the World Health Organization and national authorities conducting a cholera vaccination campaign in South Kordofan, Abu Jubeihah locality, it is essential that sustained access is facilitated and security is guaranteed.

Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon...