Hiroshima, Bougainville Peace Process, Lebanon & other topics - Daily Press Briefing

All right. Hello, everyone. Earlier today in Japan, our High Representative for Disarmament, Izumi Nakamitsu, delivered the Secretary-General's message marking 81 years since the bombing of Hiroshima, saying that we honor the memory of those who lost their lives and we pay tribute to the survivors, the hibakusha, whose numbers grow smaller each year, but whose message of peace is as vital as ever. The Secretary General warned that we are in a time of deepening geopolitical division, rising mistrust, and intensifying competition. The norms and guardrails that have helped prevent a nuclear cataclysm are under strain. He stressed the need to build a world in which the threat or use of nuclear weapons becomes unthinkable. Peace is not secured through fear and might, the Secretary General said. Peace is built through trust. He called on all to move closer to a world where the tragedy of Hiroshima is never repeated. The Secretary-General welcomes the participation of the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in a meeting of the Joint Supervisory Body this week. This reflects the parties' continued commitment to dialogue and to advancing the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement through peaceful means. As the Secretary-General emphasized during his visit to Papua New Guinea in September 2025, the Bougainville Peace Process has shown the world a path of healing through dialogue, perseverance, and mutual respect. The United Nations will continue to accompany the parties on their journey, as requested by the two governments. As we look ahead to the 25th anniversary of the Bougainville Peace Agreement on the 30th of August, the Secretary-General encourages the parties to honor the agreement's enduring legacy by continuing to engage in a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect, building on the commitments reflected in the Melanesian agreement to identify an agreed way forward and secure lasting peace. The UN interim force in Lebanon has observed the sharpest escalation in military activity since the announcement of the trilateral framework in late June. Yesterday, peacekeepers recorded 113 projectiles fired by the Israel Defense Forces, the highest daily figure observed since the 21st of June. UNIFIL did not detect any projectile launches by Hezbollah during the same period. This escalation has continued today. Between midnight and 1600 hours local time, UNIFIL recorded 120 projectiles fired by the IDF, already exceeding yesterday's full day figure and marking the highest number observed in a single day since the 21st of June. UNIFIL also recorded significant air activity. Yesterday, peacekeepers recorded 49 airspace violations with a cumulative overflight time exceeding 131 hours, the highest level since the 23rd of June. They also observed three airstrikes northwest of Al Mansouri in Sector West, including two strikes that impacted northeast of UNIFIL position in the area. Between midnight and 1600 hours today, peacekeepers recorded a further 29 airspace violations and at least three confirmed airstrikes in the vicinity of Al Mansouri. UNIFIL is aware of extensive media reporting that two IDF soldiers were killed and several others injured in an explosion in the Al Mansouri area, reportedly after IDF personnel entered a facility prior to its demolition. UNIFIL did not directly observe or hear the explosion. However, the mission noted the subsequent IDF evacuation and displacement order for Al Mansouri and observed that 77 of yesterday's 113 recorded IDF trajectories impacted Al Mansouri and nearby areas. UNIFIL also continues to monitor and follow up on reports of unauthorized infrastructure, including tunnel related activity in its area of operations, through established liaison and coordination mechanisms and in line with its mandate. This week has also been marked by extensive IDF indirect fire originating from and impacting locations across Sector East, Sector West, and areas north of the Litani River. UNIFIL has documented significant military activity across both sectors, including high concentrations of military assets, extensive engineering works, and major logistical movements. At sea, on Monday, UNIFIL observed IDF patrol boats crossing the line of buoys into Lebanese territorial waters before returning south. UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to identify and safely dispose of explosive hazards in the mission's area of operations. On Tuesday, an unexploded ordnance discovered near Marjayoun in Sector East was confirmed to be a cluster munition submunition. Speaking of the humanitarian situation in Al Mansouri, OCHA says that some 30 families have been displaced to the city of Tahrir, also in the South Governorate, according to local authorities. All of these families are either now in collective shelters or staying with relatives, and our humanitarian partners have mobilized immediate aid for them all. Overnight, airstrikes in the municipality of Burj al-Shamali, near Tyre, reportedly left eight people injured, while another strike in the municipality of Dibnin in Nabatieh Governorate killed one person and injured 12 others, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Our partners also report that humanitarian needs remain high among displaced families returning to conflict-affected areas in the district of West Bekaa. Near 90% of displaced households have returned to their villages, but most say that their homes or businesses were damaged during the conflict. Communities are also grappling with damaged schools and water infrastructure, disrupted livelihoods, and growing safety concerns. OCHA reiterates that humanitarian needs do not end when people return to their homes. Continued humanitarian assistance and early recovery support remain critical to help displaced families, returnees, and host communities rebuild their lives and recover. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that civilians in the Gaza Strip continue to face intense military strikes, shelling, gunfire, and naval fire, among other threats to their safety. Today, UNICEF said that at least 300 children have reportedly been killed in Gaza in the past 300 days. In other words, an average of one child every day. Hundreds more children have reportedly been injured during the same period. As children continue to live under difficult conditions, including overcrowded shelters and limited access to safe water and health services, the UN and our humanitarian partners are doing our utmost to scale up assistance. Last week, our partners supporting child protection services distributed more than 800 hygiene kits, along with water containers and detergent, for 50 displaced families, including children and caregivers. They also provided 300 child identification cards and 500 notebooks for children. Last month, our partners provided more than 500 children with disabilities with cash assistance, assistive devices, walkers, diapers, medical mattresses, and rehabilitation services. As part of efforts to address gender-based violence, our partners reported the opening last week of a new safe space in North Gaza Governorate. This facility offers women and girls a confidential space where they can seek support and share experiences. Across Gaza, some 8,400 women and girls take part in activities at 85 safe spaces every week. But our partners stress that to open more safe spaces and reach more people, they need additional funding and safe access to all areas. Turning to the West Bank, OCHA warns that settler attacks and operations by Israeli forces continue to affect Palestinians' homes and livelihoods. Last night, a group of Israeli settlers reportedly set fire to homes in the Palestinian community of Tuba in the Masafer Yatta area of Hebron. Three families, including 14 children, were displaced and sought safety with relatives and neighbors. Several people were injured, including two children, and a solar power system and 10 tons of animal fodder were destroyed, along with other property. Since the beginning of the year and as of the end of July, OCHA has documented more than 1,380 incidents involving Israeli settlers that result in casualties, property damage, or both, averaging about 6.6 per day across 250 Palestinian communities. During the same period, more than 2,300 Palestinians were displaced due to settler attacks and related access restrictions. OHCHR stresses once again that Palestinians across the occupied Palestinian territory must be protected and perpetrators must be held accountable. Meanwhile, in the Jerusalem Governorate, thousands of Palestinians in Qalandia camp remain under closure for the second straight day after Israeli forces launched a major operation there. Our humanitarian colleagues are unable to access the area safely, raising concerns over people's safety and their ability to access emergency care, services, and their workplaces. This morning, Anita Kiki Gabejo, the special representative of the Secretary General and head of the UN mission in South Sudan, briefed the Security Council on the situation in the country. Speaking by VTC, Ms. Gabejo said that the political discourse in South Sudan has increasingly been dominated by preparations for the December elections, with growing concerns about whether conditions necessary for credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections can be established in time. The mission remains deeply concerned by ongoing armed confrontations involving the South Sudan People's Defense Forces and the Sudan People's Liberation Army in opposition, particularly in Jonglei, as well as a cycle of communal violence in places such as Warap and Lakes States. She noted that violence displaced more than 420,000 people between January and June, primarily in Jonglei, compounding a crisis marked by food insecurity impacting 7.1 million people, and hosting approximately 1.4 million people fleeing the conflict in Sudan. Ms. Ghebreyoh said that 36 humanitarian workers have been killed this year and 391 access incidents recorded, representing a significant increase over the same period last year. She stressed that fighting must stop, civilians and humanitarian personnel must be protected, and humanitarian access guaranteed. Political actors must return to genuine and inclusive dialogue And there's a need for an objective and realistic assessment of the minimum conditions necessary for credible elections. Her remarks have been shared with you. Turning to Sudan, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell us that in North Kordofan State, continued fighting is driving displacement towards the state capital, El Obeid, as well as Khartoum, with between 60 and 150 displaced families arriving in El Obeid every day. each day. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 107,000 displaced people are now living in the locality of Shikan, including over 83,000 in El Obeid town, putting more pressure on humanitarian services. Despite ongoing challenges, including underfunding and insecurity, aid operations continue to expand in the Kordofan region and beyond, following recent food distributions in North Kordofan, where nearly 73,000 displaced people in El Obeid received assistance. In South Kordofan State, the World Food Programme provided food last month to nearly 44,000 people in Gadugli and Dilling, while food convoys delivered additional supplies to Abassiya, Rashad and Abu Jabeiha localities. Meanwhile, in South and East Darfur, the United Nations Children's Fund, the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization have dispatched nutrition supplies to support treatment for more than 100,000 children with severe acute malnutrition, pre-positioned ahead of the rainy season, which is expected to make humanitarian access more difficult. We and our partners are also supporting families impacted by recent flooding in White Nile and West Kordofan states. Our humanitarian colleagues in White Nile tell us that nearly 1,000 families were affected by flooding in the Kor Ajwal displacement site. In West Kordofan, flash floods have damaged 250 homes in Abu Zabad locality. as well as water and sanitation facilities in Al-Udaya locality, raising concerns about an increased risk of cholera. OCHA continues to call on donors for additional funding. This year's humanitarian appeal for Sudan is about 41% funded, with $1.2 billion received against the $2.9 billion required. Turning to the situation in Chad, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, yesterday allocated $3 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to urgently help people displaced by violence in the country's western Lac province. The new funds will support thousands of displaced people with health care, nutrition, and other essential services. Since May, armed clashes have forced 60,000 people, mostly women and children, to flee across the departments of Fuly and Kaya. Many families have arrived at displacement sites that have little or no health, nutrition, and protection services. We have an update on the impact of the Ebola outbreak on children from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Fear of infection and service disruptions are keeping families away from the health care that they need, as new health data from the country's Ituri province shows. Between April and June 2016, the use of essential health services dropped by 42% in the primary outbreak hotspots of Bunia, Mongwalu, Nizi, and Rumpwara. Across Ituri Province, service utilization declined by an estimated 13%. Disrupted care is compounding the threat that children already face directly from Ebola itself. To counteract rising transmission and restore community confidence in essential health services, the UN Children's Fund and partners have trained and deployed around 13,000 frontline community actors and key influencers, reaching more than 2.4 million people with guidance on Ebola prevention and early detection. UNICEF has also supplied infection prevention and control materials to eight Ebola treatment centers and equipped 45 health facilities in Ituri with infection prevention and control kits, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, and entry screening materials. Community-based mental health and psychosocial support have reached more than 21,000 people affected by the outbreak, including 5,100 children. To sustain and expand UNICEF's life-saving interventions from 21 to 51 affected in high-risk health zones, UNICEF has revised its six-month appeal to $113.45 million. A report published today by our political mission in Haiti said that since March of this year, the area known as the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac and several neighborhoods in Citie Soleil have experienced a resurgence of armed violence. Between 6 March and 31 July 2026, at least 613 people were killed and 375 others injured, primarily during confrontations between criminal gangs. More than one-third of the victims were not associated with gangs. In addition, more than 176 women and girls were subjected to rape by gang members. the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, or BINUH, said that the gangs also attacked public and private buildings, leading to the suspension of schools and health services. The humanitarian and socioeconomic impact has been severe, with more than 18,000 people forced to flee their homes. According to our colleagues in Haiti, several of the acts documented during these periods of violence could constitute serious violations of international human rights law. For example, on the evening of the 13th of June, Shortly after the FIFA World Cup match between Haiti and Scotland, a gathering of more than 300 people, including a traditional musical group, was attacked by gang members, leaving at least 61 people dead and 20 others injured. Among the victims were at least seven children, the youngest of whom was just seven years old. Our colleagues in Haiti reiterate the need to strengthen the operational capacities of the Haitian security forces, ensure the effective protection of the population, and combat impunity for human rights violations. They also underscore the critical importance of continuing efforts to ensure the full deployment of the gang suppression force by providing it with the personnel, equipment, specialized capabilities, and financial resources required. The Food and Agriculture Organization today warned that rising fertilizer prices are threatening Afghanistan's 2027 wheat harvest just as farmers prepare for what could be one of the country's most promising wheat growing seasons in years. FAO is appealing for $38.3 million to enable up to 600,000 farming households to access fertilizer and certified wheat seed ahead of Afghanistan's winter wheat planting season. FAO notes that the sharp increase in fertilizer prices follows disruptions to global markets linked to the 2026 Middle East crisis. For Afghanistan's farmers, the Food and Agriculture Organization warns that consequences could be severe. With naturally low soil fertility, wheat production depends on adequate applications of diammonium phosphate and urea. Today is the International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries. Home to more than 600 million people, these countries face steep development hurdles due to lack of sea access, geographical isolation, and trade costs that are 30% higher than those of coastal countries. That's it for me. Any questions? Yes, Edie.

Thank you, Farhan. Two questions. First, on Lebanon, the intensified action in southern Lebanon is taking place as the United States and the Lebanese government are meeting to try to restore peace to the country. What action is the United Nations doing aside from what the peacekeepers are doing on the ground to try to bring this latest escalation to a halt?

Well, as you know, we also have liaison mechanisms involving the military forces of both Lebanon and Israel, and we're coordinating with them to see what can be done to calm the situation down. The office of the special coordinator, which is currently led, as you know, by Jean Arnaud, is also working to see what kind of support we can provide in order to make sure that the ceasefire that has been agreed to will actually be implemented fully.

Secondly, on South Sudan, has the United Nations been asked to monitor this election coming up? in December or to provide any kind of electoral assistance?

I believe Ms. Gbeho has, in her briefing to the Council, did talk about this matter, so I'd refer you to her remarks, but I'll also check what specific support we're providing.

I don't think she mentioned either of those.

I'll check with our office that deals with electoral affairs.

Thank you.

Yes, Murad and then Namo.

Thank you, Farhan. I have three questions, if I may. First on Gaza, as UNICEF said that at least 300 children have been killed in the 300 days since the ceasefire announced. The UNICEF regional director said that the ceasefire is failing children in Gaza. What's the ICJ's position on that?

The Secretary General very much agrees. As you know, the Secretary General has said repeatedly that what we're seeing is not a ceasefire, but a lesser fire, and he wants all the fighting to stop. We've been working, including through our various officials on the ground, to see what can be done to make sure that the actual ceasefire is fully upheld and that fighting stops. And we need, of course, also to make sure that we have access to all those who are in humanitarian need in Gaza. But it's crucial that once the parties have agreed to a ceasefire that they agree to fully cease fighting.

On Lebanon.

Yeah.

Yesterday a group of Israeli far-right settlers illegally crossed into southern Lebanon. They are The group is part of Israeli movement that seeks to establish settlements in Lebanon. Any comment on that?

There must be no violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. And as is the case with the situation in Gaza, in Lebanon as well, we want everyone to abide by the terms of a cessation of hostilities.

On Yemen, last question. Houthis are expanding their attacks. In the past 48 hours, they attacked Saudi airports, ships, and also Yemeni government forces camps in Marib and Hadramout. Any comment on that?

Yes, we're aware of those reports that you just mentioned, and we call on the Yemeni parties to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could lead to further military escalation. Renewed fighting risk reversing the hard-won gains made towards reducing violence in the past years. The parties must prioritize dialogue and engage constructively with UN-led efforts towards a negotiated political settlement. Namu.

Thank you, Farhan. You said the Secretary General says the guardrails that prevented a nuclear catastrophe are, quote, under strain. Isn't that understating the situation? All the major guardrails are gone. New START expired in February. The NPT Review Conference collapsed for the third time in a row in May. Shouldn't the Secretary General use more forceful language given the gravity of the situation as Moscow and Washington are planning a return for nuclear testing?

I think the Secretary General has been forceful in repeatedly drawing attention to the problems that you've just mentioned. He is insisting that parties return to the talks on the Non-Proliferation Treaty. He has expressed his concerns about the problems with the New START treaty being renewed between the United States and the Russian Federation. It's very critical that we go ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again. And right now, for the first time in many, many years, the risks of a potential use of nuclear weapon are higher than they've been before, and he's been quite clear on that.

And I just wonder if since February when New START expired, has the Secretary General made any phone calls to either President Trump or President Putin?

I believe that we have been in touch through our Office of Disarmament Affairs with other officials to relay what our concerns are, but we've made very public our concerns about the need for the sort of restrictions placed on nuclear arms to be extended.

Just one last question. One last question on Iran. The IAEA says that they still have no access to Iran's nuclear sites after the U.S.-Israeli strikes. How concerned is the Secretary General, and is he ready to call on the Iranian government to restore full access to the IAEA.

We have, we have consistently called for Iran to provide the International Atomic Energy Agency with the access that it needs. That's been a critical part of ensuring that Iran's nuclear program is used strictly for peaceful purposes. And we would call on them once more to do that. That is separate and apart from the issues that we've been outlining regarding the conflict that's been in place since the 28th of February. Yes, please.

Thanks, Farran. UNGA is only a couple of weeks away. I'm sure the protocol division starts to work a lot on what's gonna happen in September here. We've heard that Xi Jinping is coming end of September to the White House. Can you, do you have any indications that the Chinese president could come to UNGA as well?

Obviously, Xi Jinping, along with all the other heads of state and government are invited to come. I can't confirm any visitors just yet. Sometime later this month, we'll provide you, as we always tend to do, with a list of expected attendees. But that's currently being prepared right now.

Is it too early or have you heard about anything?

There's nothing for me to confirm. What I can tell you is is that at this stage we're trying to receive information from governments about their arrangements, but it would probably be for the permanent mission of China to confirm at this stage what their head of state is doing. Okay, one more and then after that, uh, if you allow me, I have a statement to read for you. Yes.

Yes, thank you so much. My name is Ray from, uh, Southern Finance. So you just mentioned that fertilizer prices worldwide has arisen and with slowing, uh, economic growth across many developing countries. From the UN perspective, what does the UN see as the biggest risk to achieving the sustainable development goals? And also, are there any ongoing efforts that UN has to reduce these risks?

Well, one of the problems that we've been pointing out is the effects that different conflicts have had in terms of making sure that fertilizer can be distributed and used across the world. You're well aware of the impacts, the humanitarian impacts of the conflicts in the Middle East. You're well aware of the issues involved in the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, for which, as you know, for some time, we tried to assist in the delivery of fertilizer through the Black Sea Grain Initiative. But ultimately, the impact that these conflicts are having creates pressure in terms of hindering different countries in their planning season, which is what the FAO is talking about regarding Afghanistan. And now, if you'll allow me before we end this up, I have just been handed the following statement on Ukraine. The Secretary General strongly condemns the latest large scale missile and drone attacks by the armed forces of the Russian Federation on Kiev and other cities in Ukraine. that reportedly killed and injured dozens of civilians and led to extensive damage to civilian infrastructure. The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the continued escalation of the conflict, including onto the territory of the Russian Federation. In this regard, he also condemns the recent Ukrainian drone attacks on several regions of the Russian Federation, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. These latest series of attacks follow an alarming pattern of escalating strikes against populated areas, reportedly resulting in a record level increase in numbers of civilian casualties and widespread destruction of residential and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, as well as increasingly in the Russian Federation. Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are a clear violation of international humanitarian law and must stop immediately. The Secretary-General is also deeply concerned by the increasing risks to safety and security of navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and the potential impact on global food security. He calls on all concerned to ensure freedom of navigation in accordance with international law and for the protection of civilian ports and maritime infrastructure. The Secretary-General reiterates his call for urgent de-escalation leading to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in line with international law, including the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions. Yes.

Sorry, sorry, last question. So we know that yesterday Brazil has downgraded its diplomatic relation with Argentina. Does the Secretary-General whether he be worried that this would have complications on who gets the nomination from Latin America?

Uh, we don't comment on the process of choosing the next Secretary General, but for our part, we hope, uh, that, uh, that the nations of Argentina and Brazil will be able to sort matters out and, and continue with their record of good neighborly relations.