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PRESS ENCOUNTER BY SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES

MONDAY, 6 JANUARY 2020

The New Year has begun with our world in turmoil.
We are living in dangerous times.
Geopolitical tensions are at their highest level this century.
And this turbulence is escalating.
Even nuclear non-proliferation can no longer be taken for granted.
This cauldron of tensions is leading more and more countries to take unpredicted decisions with unpredictable consequences and a profound risk of miscalculation.
At the same time, we see trade and technological conflicts that fracture world markets, undermine growth and widen inequalities.
And all the while, our planet is on fire. The climate crisis rages on.
In many parts of the world, we see many people frustrated and angry. We see increased social unrest and growing extremism, nationalism and radicalization, with a dangerous advance of terrorism, notably in Africa.
This situation cannot go on.
I have been following the recent rise in global tensions with great concern.
I am in constant contact with leading officials around the world.
My message is simple and clear:
Stop escalation.
Exercise maximum restraint.
Re-start dialogue.
Renew international cooperation.
Let us not forget the terrible human suffering caused by war. As always, ordinary people pay the highest price. It is our common duty to avoid it.
Thank you.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE U.N. SYSTEM

MONDAY, 6 JANUARY 2020

Ghassan Salameh, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya, briefed the Security Council in closed consultations on Monday on the situation in the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Secretary-General renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Libya and a return to political dialogue by all parties. Any foreign support to the warring parties will only deepen the ongoing conflict and further complicate efforts to reach a peaceful and comprehensive political solution.
The Secretary-General reiterates that the continued violations of the Security Council arms embargo imposed by resolution 1970 (2011) and as modified by subsequent resolutions only make matters worse. Strict adherence to the embargo is essential for creating an environment favorable to a cessation of hostilities.
Condemning the intensified airstrikes and shelling in and around Tripoli, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya, Yacoub El-Hillo, said that attacks against schools, medical facilities and civilian infrastructure are a grave violation of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law and deprive the most vulnerable of their rights to education and medical care.
“These acts of violence against civilians, humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure are deplorable, and I condemn them in the strongest terms”, said Mr. El Hillo. "Unimpeded, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians must be guaranteed, to allow concerned authorities, the United Nations and humanitarian partners to provide life-saving work.”

Burkina Faso
The Secretary-General conveys his condolences to the families of those killed when a bus, carrying mainly students, hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the Mouhoun region of Burkina Faso on 4 January. He wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. The Secretary-General reaffirms the continued support of the United Nations to the people and Government of Burkina Faso as they continue to work to restore peace and stability in the country in the face of growing insecurity.

Venezuela
The United Nations remains concerned about the humanitarian situation in Venezuela and continues to increase its presence in the country. The UN and partners have reached over 1.1 million people with humanitarian assistance between July and September 2019.
In 2020, the United Nations and humanitarian partners will require an estimated $750 million to respond to the needs of the 3.5 million most vulnerable people in Venezuela.

Sulphur
The International Maritime Organization today announced that a global regulation that will reduce harmful sulphur oxide emissions from ships goes into effect today.
As of today, the global upper limit on the sulphur content of ships' fuel oil will be reduced to 0.50% (from 3.50%). The reduced limit is mandatory for all ships operating outside certain designated Emission Control Areas, where the limit is already 0.10%.
The new limit will mean a 77% drop in overall SOx emissions from ships, equivalent to an annual reduction of approximately 8.5 million metric tonnes of SOx. Particulate matter - tiny harmful particles which form when fuel is burnt – will also be reduced.
As a result, reductions in stroke, asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are expected. Cutting sulphur emissions from ships will also help prevent acid rain and ocean acidification, benefitting crops, forests and aquatic species.

Australia
The UNICEF office in Australia today offered its condolences to children and families affected by the unfolding bushfire crisis, acknowledging the selflessness, professionalism and dedication of first responders and others working on the ground.
UNICEF Australia has offered support to the Australian Government and the Red Cross and continues discussions as to how our expertise can be best utilised in collaboration with partners and in the best interests of children affected.
UNICEF said that children are always among the most vulnerable in circumstances such as these.
In many of these situations, UNICEF said that the influence of climate change is only making these scenarios worse and more enduring. It stressed that it is vitally important for children who have lived through disasters to return to normal life as quickly as possible.

Cambodia
The International Labour Organization (ILO) expressed its sadness and concern over the tragic collapse of a building in Cambodia’s coastal city of Kep on 3 January that resulted in the deaths of 36 workers and injuries to another 23.
The victims were working while the accident happened, making this the most fatal workplace accident in Cambodia in recent years and the second major tragedy of this type in less than seven months after a disastrous building collapse in Sihanouk Ville last June.
The ILO calls for greater attention to be paid to the risks that thousands of workers face every day and demands urgent action to improve safety and health in the workplace. It stressed that such risks need to be promptly addressed and prevented.
The ILO will continue to engage with its tripartite constituents – the government, employers’ and workers’ organizations – to improve the safety and health of workers and to implement safety measures that will help prevent such types of tragic accidents in the future.