Top UN Court To Consider Ukraine Allegation Against Russia On Treaty Violations

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has agreed to hear claims by Ukraine related to the conflict in the east of the country, where Government forces have been fighting mostly pro-Russian separatists, for more than five years.

In an application to the Court filed in January, Ukraine alleged that Russia had violated its obligations under two international treaties on terrorism financing and racial discrimination.

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On the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)

NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS

A short while ago, UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Pierre Krähenbühl, informed the Secretary-General that he was resigning, effective immediately.

The Secretary-General thanked Mr. Krähenbühl for his commitment and constant dedication to UNRWA and to Palestine refugees. The Secretary-General reiterates his appreciation to UNRWA for their excellent work, which is essential to the well-being of Palestine refugees.

Christian Saunders was named Officer-in-Charge of UNRWA earlier today.

At this time, it is vital that Member States and other partners remain committed to UNRWA and the services it provides.

It is also critical for the international community to support the crucial work performed by the Agency in the areas of health, education, and humanitarian assistance, which is a source of stability in a volatile region.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

New York, 6 November 2019

 

 

 

On the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)

NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS

The Secretary-General has received an investigation report from the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) relating to allegations against UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Pierre Krähenbühl.

The preliminary findings of this OIOS report exclude fraud or misappropriation of operational funds by the Commissioner-General. There are, however, managerial issues that need to be addressed.

The Secretary-General has decided to place the Commissioner-General on administrative leave while those issues are further clarified so that a final determination can be made, and any appropriate action can be taken.

The Secretary-General has designated Christian Saunders to act as the Officer-in-Charge of UNRWA in the intervening time, effective today, 6 November.  Mr Saunders will lead the implementation of a management plan to strengthen the Agency, particularly in the areas of oversight and accountability.

The Secretary-General expresses his appreciation to UNRWA for their excellent and dedicated work, which is essential to the well-being of Palestine refugees. He calls upon Member States and other partners to remain committed to UNRWA and its services. It is critical for the international community to support the crucial work performed by the Agency in the areas of health, education, and humanitarian assistance, which is a source of stability in a volatile region.

New York, 6 November 2019

 

Note to Correspondents

In response to questions about US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

In response to questions from reporters, the Spokesperson has the following to say:

The United States of America notified the Secretary-General, in his capacity as deposit, its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement of 12 December 2015 on 4 November 2019.

The United States of America had signed the Paris Agreement on 22 April 2016 and expressed its consent to be bound by the Agreement by acceptance on 3 September 2016.

In accordance with the provisions of its article 28, paragraph 1, the United States of America could withdraw from the Paris Agreement as from today by giving written notification to the Secretary-General.

In a letter to the Secretary-General from Mr. Mike Pompeo, the United States Secretary of State, dated 4 November 2019, Mr. Pompeo indicated the following:

“This letter constitutes notification by the United States of America of its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.  Pursuant to Article 28, paragraph 2, of the Paris Agreement, the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement shall take effect upon expiry of one year from the date on which you receive this notification of withdrawal.”

According to Article 28, paragraph 2, of the Paris Agreement, the withdrawal of the United States will take effect on 4 November 2020.

New York, 4 November 2019

UNICEF urges governments to repatriate thousands of foreign children stranded in northeast Syria

The agency estimates nearly 28,000 children from more than 60 countries remain trapped in the region, mostly in displacement camps. This includes almost 20,000 from Iraq.

“Children, whether in the northeast or elsewhere inside Syria, must not be abandoned while the walls of war close in around them”, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said in a statement issued on Monday. More

Regional Cooperation and International Support Needed for Horn of Africa

The road ahead “will not be easy” for the Horn of Africa, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said on Monday, briefing the Security Council on her Joint Solidarity Mission with the African Union (AU) at the end of October.

“The foundations have been laid for a transition from peace to sustainable development”, she said, but building on these “will require unity and cooperation across the region and common ground internationally”. More

Coal addiction ‘must be overcome’ to ease climate change, UN chief says in Bangkok

The world’s addiction to coal “remains a major threat in relation to climate change and one of the messages in the summit will be very clearly that countries in these areas that are countries that are in one of the most vulnerable areas to climate change”, Mr. Guterres underscored.

The UN chief informed the press of a recently published report saying that climate change was causing ocean levels to rise much faster than previously forecasted. More