Gaza Conference, Yemen, Sudan & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (11 June 2024)

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

Highlights:

Gaza Conference
Yemen
Yemen / Migration
Sudan
Abyei
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Haiti
Security Council
Children
International Day of Play
Financial Contribution

GAZA CONFERENCE
Good afternoon everyone. The Secretary-General spoke earlier today at the High-Level Meeting on Gaza that is taking place in Jordan.
He highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and said that at least half of all humanitarian aid missions are denied access, impeded, or cancelled due to operational or security reasons.
He told leaders attending the conference that it is high time for a ceasefire, along with the unconditional release of the hostages.
The Secretary-General underscored that the only way forward is through a political solution that opens a path to sustained peace, based on two states, Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace and security, on the basis of the pre-1967 lines and the relevant United Nations resolutions, previous agreements and international law, with Jerusalem as capital of both states.
Martin Griffiths, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, also spoke in Amman and he said that all crossings must be open and functioning at full capacity. Entry requirements for humanitarian supplies and personnel must be streamlined.
Safe, conducive and enabling conditions for humanitarian aid workers have to be ensured for the effective reception and provision of aid to civilians in need throughout Gaza, and the UN Flash Appeal for Gaza must be fully funded, he added.
After Jordan, the Secretary-General is scheduled to be in Geneva where he will attend meetings this week to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). While in Geneva, he will also address the Council of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

YEMEN
While in Amman, the Secretary-General called for the immediate release of all United Nations staff held in Yemen by the de facto Houthi authorities, following the detention of 13 of the Organization’s personnel.
He said that this is an alarming development that raises serious concerns about the Houthis’ commitment to a negotiated solution to the conflict. The United Nations condemns all arbitrary detention of civilians, he added.
He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN personnel.
The Secretary-General’s call came as he met with his Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, in Jordan. They discussed recent developments in Yemen, including an escalating crackdown on civic space by the de facto authorities.
Volker Türk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, today also urged the de facto authorities in Sana’a to immediately and unconditionally release the detained staff, as well as other individuals detained in relation to their affiliation with the UN, international NGOs or other actors supporting humanitarian activities.
He categorically rejected the outrageous allegations against UN staff and said he is deeply worried about the conditions in which they are being held. He added that it is crucial that the de facto authorities ensure that those detained are treated with full respect for their human rights and dignity and that they can contact their families. Access to the detained colleagues by the United Nations must be granted as soon as possible.

Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=11%20June%202024