Good morning, good morning colleagues.
Welcome to this press briefing of the Information Service in Geneva on Friday 5th of February.
I will start straight away with a a short announcement from our colleagues who are organising following the mid the Libya process.
As you may have seen from the note that we distributed last night, dated today, 5th of February, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya announces that it has received 4 lists of candidates for the positions of the three member President, Presidency, Council and of Prime Minister, which were submitted by the specified deadline and with the required number of endorsements, has stipulated in this election mechanism adopted by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum on 19 January.
Anne Smith is encouraged by the robust participation in this process and the diversity represented in the composition of the lists.
In the Note 2 correspondent that we sent you last night, you have the name of the various candidates under the various lists.
The Forum is convening now in Switzerland, as you know, close to Geneva.
The required selection threshold is 60% of valid votes.
Should no list reach this threshold, a second round will be held to vote on the two lists which obtain the highest number of votes in the first round.
The threshold for the second round is 50% + 1 of the valid votes.
We expect to be able to give you results of this vote in the afternoon and also details on the press events that we hope we will be able to held this afternoon.
So you'll get more from us today.
So I would like now to, I've got other announcements, but I'll, I'll give priority to the colleagues who are on the line.
Who So who has an announcement from ANG Ted Catherine.
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Would it be possible please to, to give us a bit in advance a heads up at least an hour or two, you know, to, to organise.
And also because, you know, sometimes they send some a press release is very late during the night.
So it, it would be nice if it, it will continue that day.
Look, indeed the the statement that I read was sent quite late in the night last night that I think it was after midnight.
That's why also I read it.
But I think I reckon you have it with a list of the names.
Otherwise we can send it again.
But do expect something in the afternoon, but late in the afternoon.
So I can already tell you it will not be early.
It may be the case that we have information before, but otherwise, yes, I can tell you already that we will probably send out something in the afternoon, not too early.
So don't don't don't expect something too early for this afternoon.
We will keep you as updated as soon as we have the information, Katherine.
But you know, these processes are not always easy and it's sometimes a little little bit of a last minute information that we can send out, but we will do our best to keep you abreast as quickly as possible.
Yes, Katherine, does it mean that it will be after 6:00 PM?
Because it's also question for news, you know, we have to organise.
It's possible, but we will confirm as soon as possible so that as you said, you can get organised.
I have a request regarding this Libyan talks, because, sorry, I can't hear you.
Yes, my question on the Libyan talks, I have seen Stefanie William speaking CNN International yesterday on YouTube because this day I noticed that well, we don't we are very tempted to get any reports from the talks.
We don't get anything but she's talking international media.
Can we not get any chance to that She's briefing Geneva based journalist regarding this talks, but she's instead of that she's talking the international media.
This is a question for for Jean, of course, for the communication people of Innsmail.
But what I can tell you is that this is the plan is that she speaks to you at the conclusion of the of the current process.
But for the other question, I'll, I'll refer to Jean.
OK, So I don't see other hands up for me.
So I just read you the announcement that came from Rolando on the Human Rights Council.
Rolando asked me to inform you that the Human Rights Council will hold an organisational meeting this Monday, 8th February at 10 AM to discuss his upcoming 46 regular sessions scheduled to take place from 22nd February to 23rd of March.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for states to announce initiatives they intend to take during the month long session and discuss the other procedural issues in connection with the session.
Monday's meeting will also provide an opportunity for the Council's new President, Ambassador Nazad Shamim Khan of Fiji to deliver her inaugural address in her new capacity.
The meeting is public and will be webcast.
Rolando will send you an immediate update later today with further details.
So this is what I had from Rolando and I don't see any hand up for this.
So let's turn to Marta from OHCHR for her briefing on the situation in Paraguay.
UN **** Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet is deeply concerned at recent reports in Paraguay regarding the disappearances of a 14 year old girl, Carmen Elisabeto Viedo Villalba, and the lack of progress in investigating the killing of 211 year old Milian Villalba and Maria Carmen Villalba.
According to available information, Carmen Elizabeth witnessed an operation carried out five months ago on two on 2nd September 2020 by the Paraguayan Joint Task Force against members of the ATP Group.
Carmen Elizabeth has reportedly been missing since early December, but her disappearances only came to light recently when her aunt Laura Villalbayala reported it.
Miel Bayela was arrested on 23rd December, accused of several offences.
She has been detained in a military facility.
Since then, credible new testimonies have emerged, according to which Carmen Elizabeth was injured during the 2nd September operation but fled when Lilian and Maria Carmen were apprehended alive.
This evidence contradicts the Paraguayan government's official account that the two year the 211 year olds were killed in a clash with the Joint Task Force.
Important evidence have been lost.
The bodies of Lillian and Maria Carmen were immediately buried and the clothes they were allegedly wearing when they were killed back the street.
When their bodies were subsequently exhumed, the Paraguayan authorities confirmed that both girls had been killed by multiple gunshots.
However, the girls bodies were quickly reburied and called for independent forensic study.
Instead, the Para Wayan authorities brought charges of association with terrorism against the girl's mothers and against their aunt Laura Villa.
The **** Commissioner calls the Para Wayan authorities to ordinally search for the missing girl, Carmen Elizabeth, and in light of the new witnesses, accounts about the capture and killing of the other two girls.
But Chalet urges the Para Wayan authorities to conduct a prompt, independent and effective investigation into the many unanswered questions surrounding their deaths.
These include determine why a full forensic examination was not carried out before they were buried, nor was allegations had emerged suggesting they might have been summarily executed.
Such an investigation should also examine why important evidence was destroyed.
An independent forensic study should instead be carried out.
The **** Commissioner also calls on the Paraguayan authorities to provide information regarding Laura Bielgas Ayala's current situation and ensure she's granted her full rights in accordance with international law, including access to a lawyer and the right to receive family visits.
That's more details on the briefing note.
Thank you very much for that.
Let me see if there's any question for you.
I don't see any hand up on this or not the subject, Katherine.
I don't have a question for you, Marta.
Alessandra, I'm back to you because during the time that Marta took the floor, WHO announced a press conference at 5 O clock.
Please could you make sure that Libya is not going to organise an event at the moment when we will be with WHO?
Will do Katherine, thank you very much for letting me know and we will really do our best for you not to have to split yourself into to follow the two press conferences.
Thank you very much for the for the information.
Really, Mark, I see no, no hands up for you.
So thank you very much for this briefing.
I'll turn on my, to my right, Jens, you have a briefing note and an announcement, right?
Yes, Alessandra, that's, that's correct.
And apologies, I'm a, I'm a bit late.
So let me go back in the programme that was sent to you with the advisory that I have.
It's a, it's a mission advisory.
I, I just want to read a bit from that because as you know, we don't have that many missions these days on in, in the field because of COVID-19, of course.
So next week from Monday, Ramesh Raja Singham, who is our assistant secretary general and interim for Humanitarian Affairs and deputy emergency relief coordinator, will be in for Kina Faso.
He aims to draw international attention to the deteriorating situation in large parts of the country that are caused mainly by non state armed groups and inter criminal violence and the need to sustain a robust, robust humanitarian and development response, you know, at large scale.
Humanitarian emergency is unfolding in Burkina Faso, where rising in security and conflict over the past two years have provoked the world's fastest growing displacement crisis with more than 1,000,000 people driven from their homes.
Humanitarian needs have increased sharply and a record 3.5 million people will need humanitarian assistance this year.
The humanitarian problems in Burkina Faso have been further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
I will send you the advisory with the contact details for the spokesperson travelling with him after the briefing.
Let me then go to the the other item on Ethiopia.
3 months into the conflict in Tigray in northern Ethiopia, the humanitarian response remains severely constrained and inadequate, and the main reason for that is simply that we cannot reach most of the people in need and also that we have not received the clearances yet to move the necessary staff into Tigre in the 1st place.
An increasing amount of humanitarian cargo has been mobilised, but without staff and access, they won't reach the people who need it the most, especially in rural areas.
The needs observed on the ground are dire and growing for about 2.3 million people.
That includes those who needed assistance before the conflict.
But access remains for the most part limited to people living in the towns along the main roads from the regional capital McKellar toward Shira, which are controlled by federal government forces.
Access to the countryside is mostly blocked for both UN agencies and NGOs and no humanitarian assistance is taking place in non government control areas and that is mainly down to lack of clearances from the authorities.
At the same time, more than 70 humanitarian staff are still waiting in Addis Ababa, ready to move into Tigre to resume distribution of aid and take off up coordination tasks.
Some partners, however, including both UN and NGO Staffs, have arrived in McKellar and are receiving clearances for further travel outside of McKellar, but far from enough.
This is essential at this time.
Economic activity, electricity, communication and basic services remain largely disrupted.
Integrate, especially in rural areas where 2/3 of the population live.
Lack of food and markets is reported as the conflict broke out during harvest season, leaving crops unharvested.
Key supply routes to tea grade are still cut and malnutrition among the population was already on the rise because of COVID-19 and the desert locust situation.
I will send you a link to the to the full situation report which is online just after that.
Yes, for this two points.
I'm turning to the journalist now to see if there's any question.
Lisa, you have the floor.
Thank you, Alessandra, and good morning, Jens.
Yeah, I have questions for you.
And also I see that Baba is online.
I'd like to bring him into this conversation please, because I think we need a little more information about the situation in Tea Grey.
First of all, you no doubt are in doubt in, excuse me, in touch with the government.
What excuses did they give you for blocking aid to them?
And then in in your what, what you were talking about the aid, does that also include aid to the refugee camps?
This is where the Eritrean refugees are located.
Perhaps this is something that Baba can also get involved in.
And for you, Baba specifically, the **** Commissioner came out with a rather strong statement regarding Eritrean troops in Ethiopia and that they should go back home.
If, if you could perhaps elaborate upon that kind of a situation and whether abductions of Eritrean refugees are indeed taking place and they're being sent back to Ethiopia.
I'm sorry for the complexity of all of this.
And not only Babar is on the line, but also Paul Dillon for IOM and Thompson Ferry for WFP.
So if other colleagues in the humanitarian field wish to speak, just raise your hands.
Yes, I'll start with you.
And I fully subscribe to analysis that this is a very complex situation as as I mentioned, cargo is less of a problem coming in.
We have seen food coming in, in recent times and and that is being warehoused in Mckelly.
The, the, the problem is, as you mentioned, access both to getting into Tigray in the 1st place and also getting from Mckelly and into the, into the countryside where, where most of the people in need are.
Of course, I would leave it to the Ethiopian authorities to, to reply directly to your question.
But what I can say is that the United Nations has encouraged that recent **** level visits have resulted in productive exchanges with the Ethiopian authorities and they do understand the potential for further deterioration should humanitarian needs continue to go unmet.
And we look forward to making progress on the assurances received at the highest levels.
And I will leave it to to about to speak to the refugees.
Thank you Papadi, you have the floor.
Indeed, as it was mentioned by Jens, the situation is extremely grave integrate and hundreds of thousands of people need life saving assistance, including Eritrean refugees, many of whom have been caught in, in, in the in, in in the crossfire, especially when we look at the two Eritrean refugee camps in in the northern parts of of Tigray.
While there has been some progress on excess unit, CR calls for the process of permissions to be improved to overcome unnecessarily delays.
There's still time to access address the escalating humanitarian crisis before the needs become so acute that it is more it is much more difficult to respond.
And indeed, Lisa, the **** Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi concluded his trip this Monday.
He met the highest officials in the country, including the Prime Minister, but also refugees in in one of the refugee camp, my any camp.
So this is one, one of the four refugee camps.
And he met refugees, including those refugees who have recently arrived from the 2 northern camps of Shimel Bay and Hitsad Hitsad.
And so those two camps in the north were caught in the conflict.
Especially at the beginning of the operation, it was clear, it was very clear from the interaction that the **** Commissioner had with these refugees that they have had traumatic experiences and they expressed fear for the future.
The refugees went through some difficult time.
Some said they had resorted to eating leaves because there was no other food available.
They also spoke about infiltration of armed actors in the camps of killings, abductions and also some forced return to Eritrea at the hands of Eritrean forces presents in in the area.
Others reported that the sum of refugees has had chosen themselves to return to Retria given the insecurity prevailing in the area.
So **** Commissioner conveyed these reports to the to the leadership in Addis Ababa and also making the case for urgent access to those refugees who are who are still in, in inside the grey.
But we have no access to them.
We're talking about some 20,000 Eritrean refugees who are living in those two northern camps, but since then have been dispersed because of of the conflict.
And I see that Lisa has a follow up.
Yes, I do have a follow up, Babar, specifically with the refugee camps you mentioned 20,000 refugees in 2 northern camps.
I mean let's see, we began at the beginning of the conflict with 96,000 refugees in four camps.
So and I don't know if you have any information on the other two camps as well.
So I am assuming that people have abandoned the camps in, in, in, in mass massively abandoned the camps is is that the situation?
Are they generally emptied out?
And do you, I mean, what information do you have about them?
Besides the few that are eating leaves that you said, where have they gone and how are they surviving?
Do you know how many refugees there are in the camps still you have access to any of that?
In terms of the access for Unit CR and our partners to to the refugees, Eritrean Refugees Integrate, we do have access to two camps in the South.
One is My Annie and other is Adi Harush.
We lost access at the same point to all of the of the camps a few months ago since the start of of the hostilities.
So, but since January we have been able to return to the two camps in the South, but we have had no access to the two camps in the northern parts of the grave.
We estimate that some 1520 thousand refugees from those two camps are dispersed in areas where we do not have access.
Some 4000 of those have have have arrived to the 2 southern camps either on their own or they were transported by the the the authorities.
The issue was raised by the **** Commissioner in his meeting with the Prime Minister.
He called for access for Unit CR and our counterparts and and for effort to bring people away from those insecure areas to to be accelerated as we speak now we have a team ready.
You want to go to, to Michele, but we haven't got the clearances from the government to, to to visit Michele to do the assessment of internally displaced people and refugees.
Thank you for taking my question.
Yes, I was just wondering from your perception, is it the one of the reasons that the government is not allowing access is because the reality on the ground is that the federal forces control the towns but not the countryside?
And also regarding locusts, what is the current situation with the locusts?
Is the effect because of the previous invasion of locusts or is is is our locusts still currently a problem?
I know that the locusts did have a big impact on the agricultural production in the tea grey region.
I will I will dig up some some more information as to what what the situation is exactly there in terms in terms of of access.
As humanitarians, we need access everywhere regardless of who control the area.
And it is important that that that those who who has, if you like the finger on on on the bottom to either say go or stop into all these areas allow us to to go in.
I don't know exactly what the the thinking is part of the Ethiopian government.
Again, you'll have to to ask them.
But for us, and we are used to that.
We need access to all areas, including those that are not controlled by the government.
We operate on a on a clear principled basis of complete impartiality and neutrality in this conflict, in this conflict as in any other conflict.
And our sole purpose is to is to address the needs.
We first need to get in to assess exactly what the needs are so that we can get an operation going.
I see your hand is still up.
So do you have communications access to non federal government authorities?
And what I know is that we are of course, trying to speak to to everyone that we need to speak to in order to gain the access that is necessary.
Is there any other question for Jens Babar or the other colleagues online?
I just want to, I think it's we have we have gone through all the announcements.
I just wanted to remind you that the Conference on Disarmament should have this next public plenary meeting on next Wednesday, 10th of February at 10 AM, still under the presidency of Ambassador Mark Beck staying of Belgium.
And the the Committee on the Rights of the Child publicly concluded yesterday the works of it.
As we had already announced, even if the official closure is today, they have already closed yesterday.
I see body has a question, only a small question.
School will announce to the Collect on CM patch.
Yes, just I know, but this morning you had some issues at the entrance.
Just to remind everybody that a few weeks ago, we have sent out a note correspondent asking everybody to submit their request for the RE accreditation for the annual accreditation of this year.
I just remind everybody this is needed now if you want to come to the Palace.
And Real has done a great job.
They they've almost processed every, almost every request that had been submitted already.
We will hopefully finish this process very quickly.
Otherwise, yes, of course, we can't process it.
And Gabriella has a question.
Yes, thank you Lissandra, nice to see you Yeah, on on that what you said.
I I I did my process online I mean like last week and I didn't have a reply yet.
So do you think in this week, your next week or how long does it take?
Look, I, I know that real told me that they had process almost, I think 80% if not more of the of the accreditation requests.
So I'm sure you'll have an answer very quickly.
But I'll, I'll check with him.
OK, so I don't see any other hand up.
As I said, we will try and give you a heads up about the conclusion of the Libya process as soon as possible.
And above all, as Katherine underlined, try to organise the press event that we hope to have in the best possible way so that it doesn't conflict with other events and it's easy to for you to get to participate in.
And in the meantime, I wish you all a very good weekend and we'll come back to you very, very soon.
