UN GENEVA PRESS BRIEFING

3 December 2024

Alessandra Vellucci, Director of the United Nations Information Service in Geneva (UNIS), chaired a hybrid briefing, which was attended by representatives and spokespersons for the World Health Organization (WHO), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), and the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC).

Syria: latest developments, human rights impact and health response

Jeremy Laurence, for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), conveyed High Commissioner Volker Türk's deep concern over escalating hostilities in northwest Syria since 27 November, worsening the plight of millions already suffering after nearly 14 years of conflict. OHCHR has documented multiple civilian casualties, including many women and children, caused by attacks from both Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and pro-government forces, with significant damage to civilian infrastructure such as health facilities, schools, and markets.

OHCHR was in the process of verifying deadly attacks impacting civilians. For example: on 29 November, four civilian men were killed reportedly because of multiple ground-based strikes by HTS hitting an area hosting the Aleppo university student dormitories in the Hamdaniyah neighborhood in the western part of the city of Aleppo. According to information gathered by the human rights office, all victims were university students and, following that, many other students fled the university complex. Additionally, on 1 December, 22 civilians were killed, including three women and seven children, and at least 40 others were injured reportedly because of multiple airstrikes by pro-government forces in Idlib. According to information received, multiple airstrikes hit a local market and five residential areas in the city. Most of the victims were in the streets near their homes and in the market at the time of the airstrikes. The air attacks also caused significant damage to civilian houses, shops, the local market, the Al-Hayat Mosque, and the Al-Fatih Elementary School.

OHCHR reminded all parties of their obligations and responsibilities under international human rights law and humanitarian law: civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, Mr. Laurence added. Even before half a million people fled across the border from the fighting in Lebanon in September, an estimated 16.7 million Syrians needed humanitarian assistance. Tens of thousands more people have been displaced since 27 November, and their situation was now critical as winter approached. Life-saving assistance was largely unable to reach the conflict zone. Hospitals and public health facilities in Aleppo were running at maximum capacity and had limited staffing and supplies.

The High Commissioner urged all parties to de-escalate, protect civilians and allow vital aid to flow through to those in need. OHCHR also called on third parties with influence to do everything in their power to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law, promote dialogue and to prevent this ongoing violence from exacerbating the suffering of the Syrian people and from further inflaming regional tensions, Mr. Laurence added.

Full statement here.

Christina Bethke, acting World Health Organization representative in Syria, speaking from Damascus, stated that the rapid escalation of violence in northwest Syria had caused significant loss of life and placed an already fragile healthcare system under immense strain, particularly in Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama. Over 16.7 million people in Syria required humanitarian aid, including 14.9 million in need of health services. The region was home to 3.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), with 2 million living in precarious camp conditions. Recent hostilities had displaced tens of thousands, further burdening vulnerable communities.

Syria's healthcare system, already debilitated by years of conflict, displacement, the 2023 earthquake, and chronic funding shortages, was now facing unprecedented strain, Ms. Bethke stressed. Prior to this crisis, only 58 per cent of hospitals and 36 per cent of primary health facilities were fully functional. In Aleppo, fewer than eight hospitals remained operational at minimal capacity, while Idlib’s largest hospital, among others, has ceased most services due to damage and insecurity. Since 27 November, over 70 health facilities across Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama have suspended operations, leaving countless patients without critical care.

WHO reported that referral hospitals were overwhelmed, with thousands of trauma cases in the past week alone. The ambulance system was collapsing, with only 86 functional ambulances in the northwest, projected to drop to 19 by year-end unless urgent funding is secured. Public health risks, including waterborne diseases like cholera, were rising due to overcrowded shelters, damaged infrastructure, and restricted movement. The ongoing crisis had reversed much of the progress made by WHO and partners over the past decade in strengthening Syria’s healthcare system, which included restoring diagnostic capacities, training health workers, and supporting critical facilities. The WHO funding gap, currently at 89%, severely hampers efforts to provide emergency trauma care, prevent disease, and restore essential services.

WHO urged all parties to ensure the protection of health workers and facilities, respect humanitarian law, and provide unhindered access to aid, Ms. Bethke pronounced. Donors were called upon for urgent funding to scale up responses, while media and the international community were urged to amplify the plight of Syrians and advocate for action. Despite the challenges, WHO and its partners remained committed to delivering humanitarian assistance to those most in need, but this relied on immediate support and sustained access. The world must not turn away from Syria’s unthinkable humanitarian crisis. Ms. Bethke added.

Alessandra Vellucci, for the United Nations Information Service at Geneva, referred to comments made on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres in which he expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in northwest Syria. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, adherence to international humanitarian law, and a return to the UN-facilitated political process in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015). Syria remained a major humanitarian crisis, with 16.7 million people in need of aid, over 7 million internally displaced, and recent arrivals of more than half a million refugees from Lebanon. The worsening winter conditions were expected to exacerbate the situation. Syrians, enduring nearly 14 years of conflict, deserved a peaceful future. The Secretary-General urged all parties to engage constructively with the EU and his special envoy for Syria to devise a comprehensive solution to the conflict, aligning with Security Council directives.

Responding to a question, Ms. Bethke noted that prior to the outbreak of the recent escalation, the UN in Aleppo had around 300 national staff and 25 international staff based in Aleppo. All UN agencies had identified their critical staff that they would like to keep in Aleppo and were also planning to relocate both the family members of those staff who stayed behind, as well as other non-critical staff, both international and national. On another question, she noted that prior to the outbreak of these hostilities, there was a 89 per cent funding gap, and the overall health sector humanitarian response plan was only around 21 per cent funded.

Responding to another question, Mr. Laurence of OHCHR noted that a significant number of civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure had been reported, but officials were cautious about labeling incidents as war crimes pending further verification. Specific examples included attacks on a school, a mosque, and markets—all protected under international humanitarian law. Mr. Laurence, responding to another question, emphasized that focusing on the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure was OHCHR's priority.

Ms. Bethke of WHO, responding to further questions, noted that the conflict had devastated health care facilities in Aleppo and other affected areas. Prior to 27 November, 42 hospitals and 67 primary health care centers were partially or fully operational. Currently, only eight hospitals were functioning at minimal capacity. Efforts to restart services were hindered by security and access issues. Medical teams had been able to assist minimally, and there was a gradual effort to restore health services where possible. On another question, Ms. Bethke noted that since the conflict began in 2011, an estimated 50 to 70 per cent of Syrian medical professionals had left the country, severely impacting the health care workforce.

Jens Laerke of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), responding to other questions, emphasized that the United Nations and its NGO partners faced significant obstacles in delivering aid due to active hostilities, road closures, and security risks. Established coordination mechanisms, including cross-border operations from Türkiye, were in place to address urgent needs, particularly in Idlib and surrounding areas. Despite these efforts, operations in some regions remained on hold due to insecurity.

Georgia: Human rights update

Jeremy Laurence, for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), drew attention to a statement issued yesterday by OHCHR on the events taking place in Georgia. Last night, the protests continued in the capital, Tbilisi, and police forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators in front of the parliament building. OHCHR reiterated the call by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Georgian authorities to respect and protect the rights to freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly. The use of unnecessary or disproportionate force against demonstrators and media workers was extremely worrying. Any use of force by security personnel had to remain an exception and comply with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, precaution, and non-discrimination. All Georgians from across the political spectrum should be able to express their views about the future of their country freely and peacefully, Mr. Laurence added.

Responding to questions, Mr. Laurence of OHCHR noted that the High Commissioner, in his statement yesterday, addressed the use of force by police in the capital, Tbilisi. He also emphasized the need for protesters to conduct their demonstrations peacefully. Mr. Laurence highlighted reports indicating that, at times, rocks, fireworks, and bottles had been thrown at security forces, and damage had been inflicted on the Parliament building, as outlined in the press release.

Mexican journalist

Responding to a question concerning a journalist from Mexico who had received severe death and assault threats, Jeremy Laurence, for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR),emphasized that such threats were abhorrent and undermined press freedom. Authorities were urged to ensure journalists' safety. Further information was requested to follow up on the case.

New Head of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development

Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona, Director of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), noted that she had recently taken up her new role as UNRISD Director adding that she was the first Latin American woman in this role. She emphasized her commitment to social justice, human rights, and inclusive development, which aligned with UNRISD's mission. She highlighted the importance of evidence-based policy, drawing on her experience as United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, and underscored UNRISD's role in driving systemic change and shaping global agendas like the SDGs and Financing for Development.

UNRISD stood out as an autonomous United Nations institution dedicated to social development research, tackling inequality and injustice for over 60 years, Ms. Sepulveda added. Its independence enabled it to address critical issues freely. With a global network of over 400 researchers, half from the Global South and nearly half women, UNRISD amplified diverse voices to create inclusive solutions. The Director expressed eagerness to collaborate with the media to translate research into impactful stories, making inequality and social justice resonate globally. She invited engagement, emphasizing UNRISD’s accessibility at the Palais des Nations.

Announcements

Babar Baloch, for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), noted that UNHCR's Pledging Conference 2024 was currently taking place at the United Nations Office at Geneva, and was expected to run to 1 p.m. today; afterwards a press release would be issued. Donors will pledge support to UNHCR's 2025 Global Appeal, which outlined the agency's operations, needs, and programs worldwide. The appeal sought 10.248 billion USD in funding to assist forcibly displaced and stateless people in 136 countries. It provided a comprehensive overview of UNHCR's expectations for 2025, detailing the budget required to address these needs and the planned actions to deliver critical support.

Hannah Copeland, for the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), announced that in the lead-up to International Volunteers Day, 24 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide were honoring the 31 IFRC volunteers and staff killed in 2024 while performing humanitarian duties. This year marked the deadliest on record for local humanitarian workers, underscoring the urgent need to protect those who risk their lives to assist others, she noted.

A “Protect Humanity” event would be held on 4 December at IFRC headquarters in Geneva, featuring remarks from the Secretary-General Jagan Chapagain and a Geneva Red Cross volunteer, and a tribute to the fallen colleagues, whose names would be read aloud amidst a backdrop of candles and emblems. Approximately 250 attendees were expected. The event aimed to raise awareness of the need for humanitarian protection. Visual and audiovisual materials were available on request, Ms. Copeland added.

Alessandra Vellucci, for the United Nations Information Service at Geneva, announced that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, would hold a press conference on Monday, 9 December, at 10:30 a.m. This was an end-of-year press conference to highlight key human rights developments.

The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was examining this morning the review of the report of Armenia, and would review Greece this afternoon, and Kenya tomorrow afternoon and Thursday morning.

The Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families had opened its 39th session yesterday and was concluding this morning its review of the report of Benin and will begin this afternoon the review of the report of Egypt; this would be followed by reviews of Peru and Seychelles, Wednesday, and Thursday, respectively.

Ms. Vellucci for UNIS drew attention to the message of the Secretary-General for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, being observed today, through which he emphasized the need for leadership by persons with disabilities amid global crises and persistent discrimination. Mr. Guterres called for action to correct these injustices, referencing commitments in the recently adopted Pact for the Future and the upcoming Social Development Summit. Events marking the day included a commemoration at the UN in New York and a panel discussion in Geneva on "Neurodiversity at Work," focusing on disability inclusion and sustainable employability, taking place at 12:00 p.m. in Room 23.

Additionally, statements for the International Day of Banks, International Volunteer Day, and World Soil Day were shared ahead of their observance tomorrow, Ms. Vellucci added.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

- UNRISD - Karima Cherif with Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona, Director UNRISD: Recent appointment of Ms. Carmona as new director of UNRISD

- UNHCR - Babar Baloch: UNHCR Pledging Conference 2024

- IFRC - Hannah Copeland: Upcoming International Volunteers Day - IFRC Protect Humanity event

TOPICS

- OHCHR - Jeremy Laurence:
1. Syria – latest developments, human rights impact
2. Georgia

- WHO - Margaret Harris with Christina Bethke, acting WHO representative in Syria (From Damascus): Outbreak of conflict in Northwestern Syria and the WHO/health response