UN Noon Briefing: Thailand/Cambodia, Amnesty International, ICJ Climate Opinion, Gaza Aid Crisis, Syria, DRC, Sudan, Ukraine

Thailand/Cambodia Border Clashes

• ⚠️ The UN Secretary-General is following reports of armed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia with concern.
• 🤝 Both sides are urged to exercise maximum restraint and resolve issues through dialogue and good neighborliness.

Amnesty International and Human Rights

• 🎤 The Secretary-General will deliver virtual remarks at Amnesty International's 2025 Global Assembly, highlighting global human rights challenges.
• 💡 He will emphasize that human rights are the solution to these challenges.

ICJ Climate Advisory Opinion

• 🌍 The Secretary-General welcomed the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion stating that all states are obligated to protect the global climate system.
• 🌱 This is hailed as a victory for climate justice and the power of young people, particularly young Pacific Islanders.
• ⚖️ The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that human rights law applies to climate change, including the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

• 🍎 UN teams collected food aid, but over 1 million children are suffering from starvation and malnutrition.
• 📈 The rate of acute malnutrition among children under five has risen significantly, reaching 9% in July.
• 🚫 Aid delivery faces impediments, including bureaucratic obstacles, hostilities, and looting, making the assistance insufficient.
• 🏠 Israeli authorities have banned shelter materials for over 20 weeks, and fuel entry is insufficient, leading to displacement and risk to humanitarian staff.
• 💔 A clarification was made regarding stillbirths versus maternal deaths in Gaza.

Conflicts and Humanitarian Aid

• 🇨🇩 The UN mission in the DRC condemns the resurgence of violence in Touri province, with dozens of civilians killed by ADF attacks.
• 🇸🇩 The UN is alarmed by ongoing violence against civilians in Sudan's Cordovan region, with recent attacks resulting in numerous casualties.
• 🇺🇦 Attacks continue across Ukraine, damaging civilian infrastructure and causing casualties, with ongoing evacuations.

International Cooperation and Reports

• 🤝 The UN briefed the Security Council on cooperation with regional organizations like the OIC, emphasizing shared objectives in resolving the question of Palestine.
• 🇦🇫 A report documents serious human rights violations against individuals involuntarily returned to Afghanistan, particularly women, girls, and those affiliated with the former government.
• 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste has been certified malaria-free by the WHO, a significant achievement highlighting political will and sustained investment.

Press Briefing Q&A

• ❓ Questions addressed the UN's stance on the two-state solution, the Israeli Parliament's bill on the West Bank, and the US EPA's proposed changes to climate regulations.
• 🛂 Discussions also covered visa restrictions for UN staff in occupied territories and the challenges of humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
• 📰 The UN supports calls for journalists' access to Gaza and highlights the severe hunger affecting both civilians and aid workers.
• 📢 The UN condemns allegations of associating with Hamas and emphasizes the need for unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery.