Thank you for joining us here at the.
For this press briefing today, the 11th of February, we have.
Issues that we will brief you on today.
Immediately, we'll start off the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with our friend Jenslerk of OCHA, who has got an update on the situation, particularly.
Our colleagues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo tell us this morning that thousands of people are leaving the site for internally displaced people in and around Goma and moving to areas where there's no fighting.
Our field reporting indicate that more than 110,000 displaced people have left sites in Goma and started to move to villages in the Masisi, Ruchiro and near Agongo territories.
We have carried out humanitarian assessments in Ruturu last week and we will continue assessments this week in return areas to inform the humanitarian response there.
However, partners remain concerned by the 72 hour ultimatum given by the M23 representatives 2 days ago to displaced people, living insight and collective centres in Goma to to leave and return to their villages.
Yesterday, however, M23 issued a statement explaining that it and I quote, fully supports and encourages voluntary returns but does not compel anyone to return without firm security guarantees unquote.
We reiterate that all returns must be voluntary and take place on the safe, informed and dignified conditions in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Humanitarian partners are also alarmed by the ongoing but unplanned dismantling of sites for internally displaced people.
This situation leads to the loss of humanitarian infrastructure at the sites, including water facilities, health centres and cholera treatment centres, resulting in significant losses of humanitarian investments and reduced response capacities.
And I just want to remind you that later today, Point O le Marquis, who is the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and also Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will brief reporters virtually on the situation in the DRC.
And you can follow that briefing on UN Web TV Live later today.
We have questions for Jens on DRC.
On DRC yet, So let's maybe just check with.
I think there's another question, maybe Beza Anadolu.
It's also not on the DRC.
Sure there are no questions on DRC?
And maybe just taking this opportunity, of course, to reaffirm what the SG has been saying on the DRC.
Of course, the UN is working to support the Lowenda process, a peace process and of course prioritising protection of civilians as as Jens just referred to opening.
Humanitarian corridors to a sustainable.
Resolution of this conflict so.
Thank you very much for the.
I think we can now entertain other questions if.
So maybe it's starting off this is on for Yen's on another subject.
OK, let's start off with Emma in the room from.
And then we'll take your.
It's about Gaza and the quantity and variety of aid that's been entering.
Obviously, there's been a big scale up since the ceasefire, but I'm wondering if you're satisfied with the range of items that have been allowed to enter.
Is there any sign of policies preventing certain items from coming in, such as shelter items?
Let me let me give you and, and everyone what I have on that full visibility over the pipeline and ceasefire deal.
Compliance indicators should be available to the guarantors of the ceasefire deal.
And that is, as you know, Egypt, Qatar and the United States.
Under the conditions generated by this deal, the United Nations has been able to scale up humanitarian operations significantly, bringing in food, medical and shelter supplies, among others, which have enabled us to provide a range of critical services to people in need across Gaza and initiate repairs as well.
It is imperative that these conditions are retained, expand and made sustainable.
Remind you of a statement that we shared.
With you a short while ago, on behalf of the Secretary General on the situation.
In Gaza, through which he says, quote, we must avoid at all costs the.
Resumption of hostilities in Gaza that would lead.
I appeal to Hamas to proceed with the planned liberation of hostages next Saturday, and both sides must fully abide by their.
Commitments in the ceasefire agreement and resume serious negotiations in Doha for the second phase.
This was a statement we shared with you.
And of course, just to echo.
I mean, the needs are enormous.
Course, that doesn't mean that.
Enormous needs, and they remain so, of course.
This is where our priorities.
I presume this is also in Gaza, Nick.
Sorry to push you beyond your.
Just to address the specific point, the allegation.
Is there that housing or shelter equipment is not being allowed in synthesis?
Far started and can you confirm that?
I can confirm that we have been able to bring in shelter material during the ceasefire.
My colleagues already asked the question.
I also have a question on Yemen.
Can Jin provide is if it's there any update on the situation regarding the detained stuff?
And also can you give us a better understanding of what suspension of operation?
Will do the humanitarian aid.
Talking Yemen, Sorry I missed.
The first part of your I said.
I had the same question on Gaza, but my colleagues already.
Asked I wanted to ask on Yemen.
I think Gunilla, you might have a.
Yeah, I just want to follow up on Gaza.
What Nick was saying that I'm trying to understand.
You have not been able to to bring in because I'm Hamas is making the argument that they've not been able to bring in, you know, material and aid and so forth and people have not been able.
To go back to their homes.
So could you just spell out a bit more?
You're not able to do or have not been able to do.
As as I said previously, the full visibility of the pipeline and the ceasefire deal and the compliance indicators should be available.
True, the guarantors of the ceasefire deal, which does not include the United Nations, but Egypt, Qatar and the USI also said that we have been able to scale up humanitarian operations significantly with with food, medical and gel supply and and other aid during this ceasefire.
And we of course, reiterate and echo the voice is that it is imperative that this continues and can continue to be expanded and made sustainable.
Just make sure there are no further questions on Gaza in the room, I think.
Maybe Jan Jan Herberman online Do you have a?
For Jens or yes, it's on Gaza.
That you're not the spokesperson of UNRWA, but I.
On UNRWA and their operations last.
Us that UNRWA keeps on delivering aid supplies and it keeps on operating.
And in the West Bank and I was wondering.
Could you please bring us up to?
What's the current situation?
Are they still operating at?
What's the latest after the?
Yeah, no, it's indeed a a valid question.
It's also very correct as you said that I'm not spokesperson for UNWA.
So either we will need to get an update for them or invite Juliet back to to the briefing.
I think that's that's indeed, you know, wise.
Juliet's been very generous with her time briefing you here for the last few briefings and of course as.
We've been saying ad nauseam.
Is is irreplaceable and Palestinians trust Unruh, so their vital work that they're.
Doing remains, but we'll need to.
Juliet directly, please do so, but we'll try to get you updates on their vital work that they're doing further.
Questions on Gaza before we turn to Yemen.
I'm just wondering if there are any restrictions on dual use items at this stage?
In terms of restrictions on entry imposed by the Israeli authorities, I will refer to to the Israeli authorities.
Think we've now exhausted these questions on Gaza, so if you're.
To take a question on Yemen before before I go back to you base, I just.
Colleagues of a statement that we shared with you.
Last night, in fact, just after 6:00 PM last night.
Concerning the pause of UN operations in the Sada government of Yemen, I mean this.
Was announced last night.
And this was this decision was taken following the detention of eight.
A couple of weeks ago, including six work, 6 people working for the Sada government.
Impacted our operations heavily.
And the secretary general has.
Instructed the Agency's funds and programmes of the UN, in the absence of the necessary security conditions and guarantees to pause all operations and programmes in Sada government in Yemen.
Obviously, this is a testament to the very precarious situations our colleagues work in, in in Yemen and, of course in other places.
But Beza, if I could ask you to repeat your question for Yens.
I was asking if there is.
Any update on the detained UN self?
Also, how will the powers?
Will affect the current humanitarian assistance in the country.
I I think on the first part of your question, Rolando has just read out what we can say about that.
We are are looking into as we speak what the, what the, the, the, the impact of of this recent stop in in particular will have on our operations in Yemen.
No, I mean I don't really have further details, Beza colleagues.
I mean, all I can say is that we.
We obviously call for the unconditional, the the release of all of our colleagues held in in Yemen.
Provide further details as as they develop.
Throughout the day perhaps?
James, can you just tell us before the pause, what was the volume?
I don't have that off the top of my head.
Of course, that is something we would look at.
We would need that for comparison to see what has what has happened to estimate the impact.
So we're looking into it.
I can't, I can't get, but I just don't have that off the top of my head, OK.
Thanks Jens, so much trust.
Once we have those details.
Any further questions for Jens on?
Before we release Yens No.
Well thank you very much Yens for.
Christian from WHO to call him to the stand?
Have an addition, colleagues, to the agenda.
I don't see William Spindler in the room, but in addition to the agenda that we shared with you, we.
Have an additional item on.
So over to you, Christian.
Thank you very much, Rolando.
Very happy to present here.
Doctor Andrea Elbavi, He's the W Jo lead for the.
W Jo, Cancer control programme on talking about childhood.
Cancer Today we already issued a press release this.
Morning, I hope you should have all.
Received it and maybe a second.
Already speaking, you also have.
2nd announcement we made.
Front conference today finally again with the DG.
O'clock DG Press Briefing.
So it's not in person, it's a virtual press.
Good morning, good afternoon.
But no child with cancer should die because they lack access to essential medicines.
Today, on the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day, WHO and Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital are delighted to share a groundbreaking announcement.
The first set of countries are now receiving medicines through the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines.
This marks the beginning of a global movement to provide children with cancer the medicines that they need, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.
Mongolia and Uzbekistan have already received their initial shipments, and in the immediate future, Ecuador, Jordan, Nepal and Zambia are set to follow.
This milestone is possible because in December 2021, WHO and Saint Jude announced A partnership to transform the market for childhood cancer medicines by increasing access, by providing greater predictability, and by offering quality assurance.
Jude has made a 200 million U.S.
dollar investment to launch the platform providing medicines free of charge to countries in this pilot phase.
This indeed is the largest financial commitment ever made for childhood cancer medicines globally and we are very proud to partner with Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, which has been at the forefront of childhood Cancer Research and treatment for over 60 years.
And by collaborating with UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organisation Strategic Fund, which are responsible for procuring and distributing the medicines, this innovation has now become a needed beacon of hope for families around the world.
Each year around 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer and tragically most of these children live in resource limited countries where medicines are either unaffordable or unavailable.
This disparity has led to an estimated 70% of children in these settings succumbing to cancer.
This is in contrast to **** income countries where survival is 80% or higher.
The platform is now set to close this gap, building on the successful implementation of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer.
Our goal is ambitious but achievable, that is, to reach 50 countries and provide medicines to treat 120,000 children with cancer in the next five to seven years.
The Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines is not a donation programme.
It is a joint venture with governments, hospitals and local stakeholders and it represents the potential of global collaboration to improve the lives of those affected by cancer in communities everywhere.
Bringing together governments, the Pharmaceutical industry, non governmental organisations, we are working to ensure that no child is left behind.
Every child, no matter where they are born, deserves a fighting chance against cancer and together with the global platform, we are ensuring that this vision is now becoming a reality.
Doctor Bowie, we have a question in the room here.
First row Cristiano at the German news agency.
Question is, is there any?
Danger that this programme might be curtailed or affected by the US ban on WHO, basically on withdrawal.
At this point, there is no ****** that this platform will be impacted by the government, the US government decision.
For the questions in the room I we have.
One online Gabriella Sotomayor El proceso Gabby.
My question question is on.
There's a there's a lot of of good.
Things that you mentioned today, but Mexico is not, is not.
Cancer is the first cause of death of children between 5 and 14 years.
1600 Kids they died because of.
Of cancer and the government.
Last government and this.
Government, they are not buying enough medicines for the for the children.
The decisions of Mexican government.
Related to children with cancer.
You are right to raise as a starting point that childhood cancer is increasingly a leading cause of death for middle and and **** income countries and this is for children of the age of 5 to 14.
So governments are increasingly paying attention.
The challenge has been that the market has been unstable, unpredictable, which puts governments in a disadvantaged position when trying to understand the needs of children with cancer and how best to purchase the medicines from a quality assured manufacturer or supplier.
What this platform does is it creates A mechanism by which governments like Mexico can engage with partners, both UN agencies and with pharmaceutical companies to understand what are the products that can be available, what are the price points that can be achieved and to do so with the assurance that these medicines will be of **** quality.
It is the planning and the financing that this platform now brings stability into the market.
And we hope countries like Mexico will be able to avail themselves of this platform to make medicines available because, as you said, too many children are dying because these medicines are currently now not available in these contexts.
We have a few more questions for you online first in the room.
Bodies of the question, sorry, go ahead and body Phoenix TV.
Small questions, in your report, you have seen that you, you, you have been already delivered in Mongolia and Uzbekistan or something like that and you proposed to have delivering in several source countries, but why only the source countries?
And second question, are you come your Bureau is in France or in Marseille, something like that, was it?
Yeah, because you have last.
Past you have analysed were researching on the red meat.
Cancer or something like that.
Have you continuing for that or?
Thank you for the question.
I can speak to perhaps the second first.
The agency you're referring to is called the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is AWHO specialised research agency in France, in Lyon.
And so this is we work hand in hand with IARC.
This is a programme of work for WHO with our partners, Saint Jude Chosen's Research Hospital, which is based in the United States, as well as UNICEF and in the Americas the the Pan American Health Organisation, the Strategic Fund.
The question you raise on the countries is a very important one.
As I briefly mentioned, the ambition is to get to 50 countries in the next five to seven years.
In order to get to that, we initiated a process of communicating with governments both in eligibility and a selection criteria.
These criteria are available online.
They include aspects like government willingness, the existing collaboration with the government on procurement support.
And so we're very happy to announce that the first six countries are receiving medicines.
We're also quite excited to share with you that a next set of six countries will be on boarded this week as well.
So we do hope to scale up so governments around the world can avail themselves at this platform with the ambition that at least 50 countries can do so within the next five to seven years.
We have a few more questions for you online are Robin of AFP.
Two questions from me firstly.
Are you hoping that other.
Partners beyond Saint Jude.
Might might join the platform.
Secondly, these sorts of partnerships, is this a sort of?
Arrangement that WHO might be?
Looking to do more of in the future, especially given that the United States is pulling out of The Who.
So indeed, you're absolutely right.
In this immediate future, we are expanding partnerships.
From day one, we have relied on partnerships, particularly at a local level.
This is indeed a joint venture.
It is about platform partners, WHO, Saint Jude, UNICEF, Power Strategic Fund, partnering with country NGOs and of course, focusing through the Ministry of Health.
These are the eyes and ears of the platform.
We're responding to the needs of local partners at an international level.
You're right, there is a need and we are already engaging with critical partners like SIOP, the Society for International for Paediatric Oncology, the International Society for Paediatric Oncology with family groups like Childhood Cancer International and these are critical partners to the success of the platform.
We are expanding our partner network, bringing on board multiple stakeholders from different sectors, whether again it's from the private sector, from family and foundations and or from other key partners as it pertains to the broader ambition and the financing need.
These are areas where we work hand in hand with local governments to identify what are the priorities for countries.
And to do so, we make an investment in governments.
So when WHO, Saint Jude and our partners work at a country level, we offer governments A pathway to strengthen systems beyond access to medicines.
And in doing so, we build that partnership network to something that is sustainable in the longer term.
We have a question now from.
Spanish news agency Isabel.
You, you touched already.
You said a few words on this, but.
Have more clarity on what are the the criteria you you used for the eligibility of the countries that you choose, chose and and if you can mention.
The countries that will be.
Announced this week, because I suppose.
You already be chosen that.
So the there are two steps of the identification of relevant countries.
The 1st is the eligibility.
So as a starting point and I briefly mentioned this in the remarks, we are working with countries that have engaged through the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer.
This is an initiative that WHO had launched with Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital and now more than 300 different implementing partners around the world.
This initiative is about the broader capacities that are needed for childhood cancer care.
And so one of the key eligibility criteria is that the government at a **** political level has already made an effort to incorporate childhood cancer into its health priorities.
Additionally, one of the initial criteria has been countries that have been classified by the World Bank as low and middle income countries.
Although we can and will explore exemptions for **** income countries, those were the eligibility criteria.
And then we look at what are the different aspects of implementation, facilitators, the government commitment, the presence of procurement agency presence at the country level.
These were key inputs that will allow us to determine whether the country was ready for the implementation of the platform.
Because again, this is not an effort to just drop off medicines for government and say good luck.
This is indeed a joint venture where we work together hand in hand in a year's long process to ensure that medicines reach children in need.
As for the countries, we're in the final stage of deliberation with those governments.
They are soon to be onboarded.
There will be one from different regions around the world, but just to give a **** level overview, these include El Salvador, Moldova, Senegal, Ghana, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Thank you very much, Doctor.
Who is responsible of of the the deaths in the case of of Mexico of children with cancer?
Because the Mexican government on purpose, they caught the.
Funding for the children.
So the children are dying because they don't have access to to to medic to the medicine.
So the responsibility of the deaths is of the government or who is responsible?
So, Gabby, I appreciate this is a very passionate and important question.
We cannot allocate accountability or responsibility to any single entity.
A child with cancer needs a community based approach.
The government and the Ministry of Health of course have that leadership role given the mandate and the country specific context in which that government works.
We also know that successful childhood cancer care requires a village.
It requires professionals that are qualified and able to deliver the highest possible care.
It requires community that is ready to support a family through the journey of a childhood cancer diagnosis.
It requires the presence of the private sector pharmaceutical companies that are interested in entering that market or others that may be willing to explore clinical trials.
And of course, within the UN community, we also are ready to work with governments to address the need of children with cancer.
We're greatly privileged that there are international partners like Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital that have also made a commitment that no child should die of cancer in the dawn of life.
These are the types of responsibilities or efforts that all of us are making.
It is difficult to say whose fault is it in a traditional sense, but we do want to see this as an opportunity, and all governments are invited to participate in this platform.
It is then the opportunity for community stakeholders to engage with our governments and advocate for their participation to the platform because there are now broader international and local networks that can make a difference.
Relying only on one entity will not result in successful care of children with cancer.
Once again, Gabby, is that an old hand or is that a follow up question?
No, it's a follow up question, but it's not a follow up question.
If He can give us, what is the situation of the outbreak of virtue in the United States?
That was the question ready.
Waiting for updates and I invite you to.
Join the press conference tomorrow.
You should get an update on that one.
Christian, I think Nina has a question or maybe did you have something?
Sorry, yeah, I know this.
To that question, I was just wondering if you could.
Bit more Christian about.
Exact situation with Bird.
Situation with communication with.
Authorities in terms of the.
Surveillance of of bird flu if you have a kid.
Tell us, do you have contact with them?
Do you have insight into the?
I don't have too much on this.
Communication is a challenge, indeed the traditional ways of contact.
Invite you to join tomorrow for for more details.
Thank you very much, Christian.
Do we have further questions for WHO?
No, I don't see that's OK.
So thank you very much, Andre.
It's been a pleasure to have you here.
And as always, Christian, I think we.
I'll ask Jennifer to join me on the podium.
He has an announcement on Syria.
I think William Spindler of UNHCR is connected online and again this is a in.
To discuss on Libya, William.
Statement UNACR is deeply alarmed by the discovery of two mass graves in Libya's eastern desert and sends its people's condolences.
To the families and loved ones of the victims.
The discovery is a tragic.
Of the extreme dangerous refugees and migrants face on the journeys the graves were found following raids on human trafficking sites in two locations on the 6th of February and on the.
Where the bodies of 19 and 28 people were found respectively, although it is believed that the second grave may contain as many as 70 people.
In addition, numerous refugees and migrants were.
By Libyan authorities after being held and tortured by human traffickers among the identified.
Victims were refugees of different nationalities.
This latest tragedy follows the rescue.
Refugees and migrants from a trafficking site in Eshkera by Libyan authorities on the 29th of January, after which UNACR provided emergency.
Relief to survivors who were.
In a critical condition, UNACR continues to advocate for safe pathways, urgent humanitarian assistance, and access to essential services for refugees and migrants in Libya.
Routes where criminal networks exploit vulnerable people for ransom and *****.
That's the end of the statement.
Thank thanks to you, William.
Obviously a very important development.
Tragic development, I would say.
Do we have questions for William?
AFP It's not on Libya, though, it's on another subject.
Maybe before we take that, is there a?
In relation to the mass graves.
William, you said the second grave may have as.
I'm just kind of wondering what's the basis for that assessment?
Is it linked to a particular incident?
Where large numbers of people have.
Evidence already points to.
Yes, that's following the discovery of these two mass graves and the investigation is still ongoing and the forensic evidence is being assessed.
So that's the basis of of that statement they have not identified yet.
All the remains, but it's believed that a larger number of people might.
Be in buried in that second grave.
Investigations are are ongoing we.
Have an office nearby and.
Our colleagues on the ground.
Have been in touch with some of the.
Who were rescued from those sites who have also.
Thanks very much, William.
Before we take your other question, Nick and Nina.
Further questions on Libya?
To Nina in the room, thank you.
I wanted to ask you about Venezuela and the return of deportation of migrants from Venezuela to back to Venezuela.
What does UNHCR think about that and the conditions or the the dangers that they might face upon return?
Yes, the situation in Venezuela has not.
The political instability in the country has.
Increased following the recent elections there so our advisory still stands that people in need of international.
Protection should not be returned.
Forced returns to Venezuela, so that's still our position.
I think, Nick, I think to be fair, you had your hand up first.
So we'll go back to Nick on a question for William and then we have a few others.
It's also on repatriation from the United States.
I'm wondering, William, do you have a handle on how many people have been repatriated since?
Administration came into office and.
Can you provide some kind of indication of?
You know, per country of.
How many have been sent back?
That that question should be addressed to our colleagues in IOM, as you know your ACR.
Deals with people in need.
Of protection people who are fleeing persecution.
And not with migrants, so.
Maybe IOM can provide more?
Yeah, our colleague Kennedy from Miami is not connected.
But do pose your question to him for updates on this.
Nina in the room and then then we'll go online.
Just to follow up on next question, do you in terms of people seeking international protection in the United States, refugees and what what's the situation there now is that is the right to asylum or to being respected in any way?
Well, we have worked with the United.
States for decades, and I would remain committed to engaging actively and constructively with.
Government to support refugees and people forced to flee.
Sorry, the United States has.
Leader in refugee protection, demonstrating a strong tradition of offering APN assistance.
War, violence and persecution.
Few more questions for you, Gabby El Proceso.
Thank you, Rolando William.
The refugees are in the USAI mean that that you know that need protection.
How many refugees do you have there from Venezuela, from Mexico, from Latin America?
I don't have those figures available right now.
I don't know them by heart.
But I can send them to you.
If that's all right, yes, I'm sure.
That would be of interest.
Question for you from Isabel.
FA yes, hello, thank you.
I would like to insist on this issue of the asylum procedures.
Because after three weeks, I.
Suppose the the agency has.
Assessment, even a short assessment of how these procedures have been affected.
By the, by the orders and and if the procedures have been a.
Are waiting for their interviews or maybe response final responses in the US and this is 1 and 2nd how you are planning to maybe change your resettlement.
Because we could maybe imagine that the United States States will be reluctant to to.
Being active in the resettlement plan.
I'm I'm not going to get into.
Details of all these proposals?
We continue to engage constructively with the US administration.
We will continue our efforts to secure.
Existing and new donors to.
Understand that some of the.
Activities might have an impact on resettlement that you mentioned, but at the same.
Confirmation that some waivers have formed the temporary suspension.
Of the US, foreign aid have been provided.
And this will allow us to continue with our.
Key life saving activities but.
Evaluated by by us in the moving forward as.
Critical funding for these activities.
Very quick question William, if you can, if you can say what, what exactly do you mean by constructively communication with the with the USA?
Contact there in the government and is there a?
Problem or is is fluid communication?
I mean, what what is, what is the situation on communications there?
We have excellent communications with the US government.
We are in daily contact with them at various levels, here at Geneva as well as in.
We have an office in Washington, and for years the US has been a.
Donor unsupportive of the work.
Of of UNACR and we hope that that will continue to be the case.
William, as always for joining.
Us on these important subjects and do keep us updated on on developments they're on.
Has an update on activities of the Special Envoy.
For Syria, Jennifer, hi, good morning.
Just a brief update on Mr Patterson.
So the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria will travel to Paris, where he will participate in a **** level conference aimed at coordinating regional and international efforts in support.
Following this, he will attend the Munich Security Conference, where he'll also join a side event on women, peace and security.
Follows, of course, his visit.
To the country of Syria during which he engaged.
With the caretakers authorities.
Al Shara and two subsequent meetings with caretaker foreign minister Mr.
Range of Syrian representatives, groups and individuals from across the country, spanning political, community, religious and civil society actors, the Special Envoy has welcomed.
The firm assurances repeatedly conveyed by the caretaker leadership.
Both publicly and in direct discussions that the future of Syria will be.
And built on credible foundations for all Syrians, he will continue to closely monitor political developments and the evolving situation on the ground.
Mr Patterson plans to return to Syria after the international engagements that I've just noted.
He will also be briefing the Security Council in open session.
Tomorrow, 10 AM, New York.
It is open, so I will circulate his comments when he concludes.
He is also committed to briefing you as soon as he is next in Geneva.
But hoping after his next.
He will return here, so I will likely delay most of his comments to his own comments tomorrow in the Security Council briefing.
Thank you very much, Jennifer.
Wellknow, do we look forward to those comments at the Security Council and his possible participation here?
Before we there's a question from you beforehand, I just wanted to remind you of a couple of statements that we shared on Syria.
If you haven't seen them, press releases from the independent institution on.
And missing persons in the.
Syrian Arab Republic that we shared with you yesterday, as well as one that was shared with you over the weekend from the OPCW, that is the organisation.
For the prohibition of chemical weapons, it was a.
Press release We also shared with you on developments in Syria.
I have two questions for Jennifer.
The first one is are there any progress in the discussions to resume the Itelsian talks in Geneva?
Do you know that is if it's something that?
Can happen or it is too early to say.
And and secondly, the Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN told me yesterday that Russia is in constant contact with Mr Peterson on the issue of resuming an inclusive dialogue between Syrians.
Do you know if Mr Peterson is planning to visit to Moscow?
On your second question, of course, Mr Peterson remains engaged with all key actors including Russia.
I don't have further travel plans beyond those what I've noted, Paris, Munich, back to Syria and then presumably here to Geneva before onward travel.
But obviously the situation is fluid and his travel is constantly evolving.
And sorry to your first question, if you could just remind me on the yeah, please do Yuri.
Oh, sorry on the insure the talks in Geneva.
Well, obviously the situation has changed significantly.
So we're focused right now on ensuring for an inclusive, representative and credible process and supporting the caretaker.
Authorities towards those measures.
So any talks that would happen after that would be in line with the new situation, which hasn't changed significantly since talks were held in Geneva.
Thank you very much, Jennifer.
Any further questions on Syria?
So thank you very much and thanks for sharing the statements.
As mentioned, you mentioned Paris.
Secretary General, that is Antonio.
Guterres is in Paris, and he is.
About to according to my.
Calculations in about 10 minutes.
He will be addressing the AI Summit in Paris which is Co hosted by the French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India.
Momentarily, and I should mention, just to give you a heads up, the Secretary.
General will_that we must Prevent a world of AI.
And he will call an AI leader to pool expertise and cooperate with each other.
So again, we'll we'll share.
Those comments with you once.
We once they are delivered.
Just in terms of press conferences, before we wrap up this press briefing here, we I think we already.
Announced it, but I'll announce it here now A.
Press briefing tomorrow morning, Yes, tomorrow morning the.
12th of February at 9:00.
30 In this room we'll have Volcker Turk who will brief you.
Publication of Aun human rights.
Fact finding report on Bangladesh.
He'll be joined by Rory Mungovin, chief of the Asia Pacific region of OH.
Sitting on the podium here.
With our colleagues from OHG.
HR Lastly, not quite lastly.
Sorry, a few more things.
Actually we have a nice event tomorrow night, Wednesday the 12th.
Geneva We have an anti gel concert being hosted here at the very.
Own our very own pallid nation on social justice.
To announce that it's the.
UN Research Institute for Social Development, otherwise known as UNRISED, will host this event.
Quote unquote stand up for social.
To mark the World day of social Justice.
Which is actually the 20th of February.
So this event, this concert.
Will take place in room 20 starting at 6:30.
You're all cordially invited.
If you haven't registered, please do so.
You can contact our colleague Karima Sheriff.
Of Onrist for more details.
We have human rights treaty body meetings going on as we speak.
We have the Committee on the Economic.
Rights which started already, well, actually.
This is the one that started.
Today, or yesterday rather, excuse me, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights started yesterday at 77th session.
Of this 77 session, they'll be reviewing the reports for Croatia, Peru.
Rwanda, Philippines and Kenya and yesterday they started with Croatia and we'll conclude that review this morning.
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
Otherwise known as Sedol.
Will is still underway and today there are reviewing the.
Report of Belize last but not.
Least the Secretary General today is the.
International Day of Women and Girl in Science, the 11th of February and on this occasion the Secretary General has.
Issued a message which speaks to women's participant notes that women's participation is essential for building better world through science and.
So there's an observation.
That we ask you to take note of through that message.
I see there's a hand up for me, perhaps Nina.
Sorry, it was for Claire.
I don't know if she's still online.
Is Claire connected, Colleagues?
Yeah, no, it was about the the issue in the US where Noah apparently has been asked to make lists of climate related grants.
They'll be also a crackdown on anything to do with climate in the US.
I'm just wondering sort of what kind of what kind of discussions you guys are having with Noah colleagues and if you have insight into what's going on there?
Like all the other United.
Nations agencies the World Meteorological Organisation is.
Monitoring what is happening when, you know, trying.
To prepare risk assessments for any impact this might have on on on our work on our.
Having said that, you know we are aware.
But beyond that, I can't really comment on what, you know, what might be happening at, at at Noah, there's.
You know, there's a lot of.
Speculation, a lot of media reports that we've had nothing, you know, nothing, nothing firm as as as yet and.
Very, very important partner.
United States is a very important partner for, you know, for, for WMO.
Do we have any other questions for Claire or anyone else?
Before you wrap up, no, that's not the case.
Thank you very much, colleagues.
Afternoon and see you here Friday.
