Nicaragua, Sudan & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (22 July 2026) | United Nations

[00:00:00]All right, good afternoon. Welcome you all.

[00:00:05]Tomorrow we don't have a guest today, so it's just me, but tomorrow we'll have Carla Quintana, who is the head of the independent institution on missing persons in Syria. She will be here to discuss the situation in Syria following her briefing to the General Assembly, which takes place this afternoon.

[00:00:23]Uh, also want to mention that starting today until the 24th of July, the general cooperation meeting between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and their specialized bodies is taking place at our own offices in Geneva. This is a gathering that takes place every two years. Uh, co-chaired by Dr. Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, the Assistant Secretary General uh, for economic affairs for the OIC and Halit Çıray, the Assistant Secretary General in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

[00:00:58]Uh, the meeting will see high-level representatives from nearly 50 UN and OIC agencies, funds, and programs. In his opening comments, Mr. Çıray emphasized the great value the UN places on the support it receives from the OIC.

[00:01:12]During the meeting, representatives of the two organizations will hold discussions on a full range of issues of common concern relevant to OIC member states, including political, economic, and social issues.

[00:01:25]Uh, back here this morning, the Secretary-General addressed the Security Council on a debate on natural resource governance governance, and he said that across our world, the control and exploitation of natural resources are dramatically altering the causes, the dynamics, and the outcomes of conflicts.

[00:01:43]Mr. Guterres said that critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are gaining in strategic importance. He noted the illegal mining and mineral smuggling in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the exploitation of gum and gum arabic that is taking place in Sudan, which we have flagged for you not too long ago.

[00:02:03]The Secretary-General stressed four urgent priorities for the way ahead, ensuring justice for countries and communities that have resources, curbing illicit flows and strengthening transparency across mineral supply chains, the peaceful settlement of disputes over natural resources, and taking climate analysis into account. The Council also uh heard remarks from the uh head of the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

[00:02:33]Uh The SG's remarks, I think, were shared with you. Uh I had been asked uh about the Secretary-General's reaction to the recent uh statements uh made by the government of Nicaragua on elections, and I can tell you that the Secretary-General is closely following developments in Nicaragua and is concerned about the continuing erosion of civic and political space in that country.

[00:02:58]Also to note, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, earlier released a statement deploring Nicaragua's deepening restrictions on civil and political freedoms. The Secretary-General recalls that authorities have responsibility to uphold human rights and ensure that all citizens can participate freely and safely in public life, including by exercising their right to vote in elections that guarantee the free expression of the will of the electorate.

[00:03:27]Turning to Sudan, I can tell you that we remain deeply concerned um that a deadly drone strikes and other hostilities are continuing to harm civilians across Sudan, particularly in the Darfur and Kordofan regions.

[00:03:43]Our friends at UNICEF report that on Monday an attack on a market in Rahad in North Kordofan reportedly killed at least six people, including two children and it wounded others. We condemn the killing of all civilians in Sudan, wherever they occur.

[00:03:59]Uh in addition, the to the human toll, these attacks are damaging and destroying homes. They're destroying schools. They're damaging or destroying health facilities, water systems. That also, all of that increases insecurity.

[00:04:12]It increases displacement. And of course, it dramatically increases humanitarian needs among civilians.

[00:04:19]Elsewhere in North Kordofan, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that airstrikes in the Bara locality reportedly caused casualties and property damage.

[00:04:28]We cannot say this enough.

[00:04:31]All parties need to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. They must protect civilians. They must protect civilian infrastructure. And they must facilitate safe, unhindered, and unimpeded humanitarian access for all those who need it.

[00:04:49]Um staying on the continent in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our colleagues at the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs uh tell us that insecurity continues to impact humanitarian operations in the eastern parts of North Kivu province.

[00:05:06]This includes our efforts to respond to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which is only getting worse. According to local civil society organizations, at least 30 people were killed and dozens injured in a series of attacks in Beni territory between the 13th and the 19th of July.

[00:05:23]The violence has further displaced civilians and restricted humanitarian access in affected areas.

[00:05:30]OCHA also tells us that least six humanitarian organizations, including partners supporting the Ebola response, have suspended movements to several localities in Beni territory due to the deteriorating security situation.

[00:05:44]Meanwhile, as of July 20th, national health authorities in the DRC had reported 2,473 confirmed Ebola cases across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo.

[00:05:59]We, along with our humanitarian partners, continue to support the authorities in scaling up surveillance, lab testing, treatment, and community engagement activities in all areas that have seen the Ebola virus. You'll recall that on Monday we shared how our peacekeepers in the DRC are helping to deter further attacks against health care facilities and civilians in Ituri province. We reiterate our call on all parties to protect civilians and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access. The safety of all health workers and humanitarian workers remains essential to containing the outbreak and delivering the assistance to all those people who need it.

[00:06:40]Turning to the Central African Republic, where our UN mission in that country has an updated is updating us on the situation in Am Dafok in Vakaga prefecture, nearly 3 weeks after the attacks that we saw on that town on June 30th, the UN mission reported that the security situation remains calm, though still fragile. The UN mission has reinforced the presence of peacekeepers and continues its efforts on three priorities: the protection of civilians, of course, support the extension the authority of the state, and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance to close to 18,000 displaced human beings.

[00:07:19]Um All these 18,000s have sought refuge near the UN base in that town. As part of its support to the Central African authorities, the UN mission has continued to facilitate the deployment of additional personnel from the Central African armed forces together in the transport of equipment to strengthen their operational presence in the area.

[00:07:41]The peacekeepers also facilitate another humanitarian rotation delivering 1,200 kg of supplies to displaced population. Since the attack on June 30th, the UN mission has facilitated the delivery of more than four metric tons of humanitarian assistance to the area helping humanitarian partners reach people in need under challenging security um conditions. Turning to the occupied Palestinian territory, we continue to receive reports of dire conditions for people living in overcrowded shelters across the Gaza Strip uh amid ongoing military operations, insecurity, and repeated displacement. On Monday, an OCHA team visited two displacement sites in Gaza City where domestic fires had damaged two family tents and destroyed uh some of their essential items including blankets, and mattresses, and other things. Such incidents are becoming increasingly common as families continue resort to burning waste, cardboard, and trash, or anything else to prepare meals.

[00:08:42]Gas cylinders and cooking stoves have not been permitted to enter Gaza since the escalation of hostilities in October uh 2023. Cooking gas is only available in very limited quantities and at very high prices. During the second week of July, according to the Chamber of Commerce in Gaza, fewer than two dozen truckloads of cooking gas were collected by the private sector for distribution inside Gaza. That's only 2.5% of all truckloads they registered. Cooking gas must be allowed to enter the Gaza Strip regularly together with supplies from private sector to complement humanitarian aid so as to try to meet the needs of the people there.

[00:09:21]Our human rights colleagues also reported yesterday Israeli attacks have intensified in recent days hitting civilian infrastructure and crowded areas. They reported that from 13th to 20th of July, Israeli forces killed at least 57 people including women and children. Meanwhile, our humanitarian partners continue to provide critical shelter and household assistance to families in need. In the first 10 days of this month, some 2,300 households received bedding items, tarpaulins, and tents. Some 13,000 families received kitchen sets. However, stocks are severely depleted, leaving fewer than 1,000 tents available currently and enough essential household supplies to support only about 7,000 households. And from Ukraine, our OCHA colleagues tell us that we and our humanitarian partners are launching the winter response plan to support the most vulnerable people during the next cold season.

[00:10:15]Winter does seem very far away, but given the current temperatures, but preparations need to start now. The 2026-2027 winter response plan calls for $358 million to support 2.1 million people from October of this year to March of next year through heating assistance, shelter repair, health care, protection, food, and humanitarian cash assistance. And those that will just complement the efforts by the government of Ukraine itself. To complement donor support, the Ukraine humanitarian fund has already allocated $50 million to support the plan. Meanwhile, attacks continue in Ukraine. In the region of Donetsk over the past 2 days, attacks damaged the premises of the Ukrainian Red Crescent Society in the city of Druzhkivka and a hospital in Kramatorsk, which is supported by our friends at the UN Population Fund.

[00:11:12]Pay attention, we have money.

[00:11:13]First I know, first in a while.

[00:11:16]This country is the first tropical country in the world to reverse deforestation thanks to extensive conservation.

[00:11:26]Over 25% of the country's total land is protected across 28 national parks.

[00:11:34]Nope. I'm Nope.

[00:11:36]Um Do you want another hint?

[00:11:39]>> Yes.

[00:11:39]>> This country in 1949 abolished their military and redirected their military budget to care Yes, Costa Rica. Yes, yes, Costa Rica. I think [snorts] you Yeah, I think you won that one, uh Abdul Hamid. So, we say thank you to our friends in San Jose for their payment to the regular budget. They become the 121st member state to pay in full. Costa Rica handed over to the United Nations $2,000,323.

[00:12:08]And I can tell you we appreciate every single one of those dollars.

[00:12:13]Abdul Hamid.

[00:12:19]>> The Islamic monuments and heritage points in Jerusalem are under threat, according to UNESCO. UNESCO in its meeting called for the protection of all Islamic heritage in Jerusalem. Does the SG support this?

[00:12:41]>> monument needs to be protected and it's UNESCO's um mandate um to express uh that opinion. Yes.

[00:12:49]Uh Edie.

[00:12:50]>> Uh thank you, Steph. Um you were talking about tents getting into Gaza. Um uh is the number still being limited and has the UN been able to get in any more substantial uh shelter materials?

[00:13:09]>> No, we have not. Uh we we we're still making do with what we have. We we don't have enough tents. We're trying to get more tents in. But, as we've been saying for quite some time, we need hardened shelter uh material to be uh allowed in.

[00:13:21]>> And are talks still going on to try and >> Every day.

[00:13:26]Almost.

[00:13:27]>> And the uh number of countries that have paid their dues, you were up to 121.

[00:13:35]How does that compare to last year?

[00:13:38]>> Uh, we'll we'll give you a comparative chart.

[00:13:42]>> Thank you.

[00:13:42]>> Uh, now more than Gabriel.

[00:13:44]>> Uh, thank you, Stephen.

[00:13:46]Local officials in Iraqi Kurdistan say that more than 100 acres of forest uh, have caught fire in the mountainous area with Iran after Iran bombed the area.

[00:14:00]Does the Secretary-General have a response to these cross-border attacks on Iraqi territory? And is there anything the United Nations can do to assess the environmental damage there?

[00:14:12]Thank you.

[00:14:12]>> Uh, I think in terms of the damage, I think you'd have to contact our colleagues in the UN country office in Iraq. I think as we said yesterday, the Secretary-General wants the fighting to stop. The territorial integrity of every country in the region needs to be respected. We had what I think is the 11th night of kinetic activity between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

[00:14:40]They need to be returned to a diplomacy, and that is the message we're delivering publicly, and the Secretary-General is delivering in private conversations as well.

[00:14:49]Gabriel.

[00:14:52]>> Thank you, Steph. Does the Secretary-General think that the current conflict in the Gulf is making the world less safe or more safe?

[00:15:01]>> Less safe?

[00:15:03]Uh, yeah. I mean, clearly.

[00:15:05]Sorry, I didn't didn't mean to be pithy, but of course, it is making us all less safe. It is making us less safe in the sense because there's a risk of even greater conflict, right? And is making the less safe in terms of the economic the impact it has on energy prices, trade, and and everything else.

[00:15:29]>> The United States revealed yesterday that the war has cost so far 37.5 billion dollars. And the United States, the Secretary of War, as the department is now called, is asking for another 70 billion with a B from the US government.

[00:15:47]I know you don't speak for the US government, of course, but what is the Secretary General's reaction to a government spending tens of billions of dollars on a war that clearly is making the world less safe?

[00:16:01]>> Look, as as you can anticipate, I'm not going to get into commenting on the legislative hearings we're we're seeing in this in this country. I would refer you to to what the Secretary General said in the past, especially following the the publishing of the annual numbers on military spending done by the by the Swedish Institute.

[00:16:25]And that the the number is being spent on military spending compared to what is being invested in development, compared to what is being spent on humanitarian, is tragic. Um and some of that money should be reoriented of the the global military spending should be should be invested in more positive things for the long term.

[00:16:49]>> Sorry If I can just get one more follow-up, Steph, then I'm done. Um I asked this question because the United States, as you well know, um is speaks publicly, including their permanent representative to this organization, about how in in the United States' view, the the UN uh um is overspending, that it needs budget cuts.

[00:17:12]And in the same sense, it's the same uh, state that is spending tens of billions of dollars on a war that you have said is making the world less safe. That's more of a comment than a question, so I'm trying to figure out how to phrase this as a question on the fly, but I guess I'll say does the Secretary General have any uh, thought big picture thoughts given uh, what I just Look, I mean we are very concerned about the state of our own budget, right? Uh, both the regular budget, the peacekeeping budget, uh, let alone the humanitarian budget.

[00:17:51]Every day I tell you about uh, how underfunded our humanitarian appeals are, and we we ask member states to pay their dues uh, when it's assessed contribution, and to be uh, more generous when it comes to the voluntary funding.

[00:18:08]Okay.

[00:18:09]Uh, Linda, apropos.

[00:18:11]>> [clears throat] >> Apropos of the budget >> The microphone a little closer.

[00:18:16]>> Okay. Apropos of the budget, um, how is the new uh, the new decision by the General Assembly to affecting the liquidity crisis at the UN?

[00:18:27]>> Well, it'll give us it'll give us uh, more breathing room uh, not only for this year, but especially for next year.

[00:18:34]>> How much breathing room?

[00:18:36]>> Well, just more breathing in the sense that we're we're no longer we're we are not in the same Kafka-esque death spiral on the budget where every year the money that we don't spend because we don't collect it that we have still have to return to member states, creating a it's kind of budgetary death loop.

[00:18:57]Okay. Speaking on that bright note, uh, I shall leave you, and uh, we shall see each other later.