ÌýHIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING BY STEPHANE DUJARRIC
SPOKESPERSON FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
WEDNESDAY, 30 AUGUST 2023
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GABON
The Secretary-General isÌýfollowing closelyÌýthe evolving situation in Gabon. He notes with deep concern the announcement of the election resultsÌýamidst reports of serious infringements of fundamental freedoms. Ìý
He firmlyÌýcondemnsÌýthe ongoing coup attemptÌýas a means to resolve the post-electoral crisis.ÌýThe Secretary-General reaffirms his strong opposition to military coups.Ìý
The Secretary-General calls on all actors involved to exercise restraint, engage inÌýan inclusive and meaningfulÌýdialogue and ensure that the rule of law and human rights are fully respected.ÌýHe alsoÌýcalls on the national army and security forces to guarantee the physical integrity of theÌýPresident of the RepublicÌýandÌýhis family. ÌýÌý
The United Nations stands by the people of Gabon.ÌýÌýÌý
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD Ìý
This morning, the Secretary-General held an inaugural meeting in fact, which was virtual with the Scientific Advisory Board.
The Board includes eminent scientists in artificial intelligence, climate change, and biotechnology. Ìý
Board Members shared with the Secretary-General their concerns about the risks of emerging science as well as the opportunities it presents for accelerating development. These risks include: rapidly accelerating artificial intelligence capabilities, current and future impacts of climate change inaction and emerging scientific discoveries and gaps in global and national preparedness for new pandemics, among others.Ìý
The Board will immediately begin its work with the UN system to understand and help address these risks, including through the new AI advisory body, the forthcoming General Assembly, and with the senior decision-making bodies of the UN.
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CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLICÌý
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) today announced that it is working with local authorities in the Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, in the south-east of the country, to find a rapid solution to persisting insecurity. Ìý
At a press conference in Bangui earlier today, the Mission said that clashes between armed groups and attacks against the Central African armed forces have aggravated the humanitarian situation and led to massive displacements there. Ìý
Meanwhile, the Mission is continuing efforts aimed at contributing to the protection of civilians through long-range patrols in the Mboki-Zemio axis. In addition, MINUSCA recently launched quick impact projects for the rehabilitation of six bridges in the Mbomou Prefecture, toÌýimprove humanitarian access to communities as well as access for peacekeepers who are contributing to their protection. ÌýÌýÌý
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ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCESÌý
Today is the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Ìý
In a Tweet on this Day, the Secretary-General says that enforced disappearance is a serious human rights violation and has frequently been used to spread terror. He calls on countries to help put an end to this atrocious crime. Ìý
KOSOVOÌý
In a statement released today, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, Caroline Ziadeh, called for renewed efforts and commitment to resolving the fate of the victims of enforced disappearances. Ìý
She said that solving the fate of missing persons can contribute to the broader process of trust building, reconciliation, and sustaining peace. Ìý
NOON BRIEFINGS
Tomorrow, Thursday 31 August, the Secretary-General of the United Nations will do a stakeout at noon, on his upcoming travels.
On Friday, at 12:45 p.m., the President of the Security Council for the month of September, Ambassador Ferit Hoxha, Permanent Representative of Albania to these United Nations, will brief journalists on the programme of work for the month.
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