REGULAR PRESS BRIEFING BY THE INFORMATION SERVICE

Alessandra Vellucci, Director of the United Nations Information Service in Geneva, chaired the briefing, which was attended by the spokespersons for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Refugee Agency, the World Meteorological Organization, the World Health Organization, the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Report on North Korea

Marta Hurtado, for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), gave the following statement:

“People in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) are trapped in a vicious cycle, in which the failure of the State to provide for life’s basic necessities forces them to turn to rudimentary markets where they face a host of human rights violations in an uncertain legal environment, according to a new UN human rights report.

The report, published by the UN Human Rights Office on Tuesday, highlights how the public distribution system in the DPRK has been broken for over two decades and how, as people seek to eke out a living in a legally precarious parallel economy, they are exposed to arbitrary arrest, detention, and extortion.

Based on 214 first-hand accounts of escapees gathered by UN Human Rights staff in South Korea in 2017 and 2018, the report describes how the most fundamental rights of ordinary people in the DPRK are widely violated because of economic mismanagement and endemic corruption.

The rights to food, health, shelter, work, freedom of movement and liberty are universal, but in North Korea they depend primarily on the ability of individuals to bribe State officials.

Since the economic collapse of the 1990s, people have been unable to survive through a State-led model of centralized economic planning and distribution, which includes State-assigned jobs and the dispensation of food, clothes and other rations. As a result, working in the informal sector has become an essential means of survival – or else, as one interviewee put it: “If you just follow instructions coming from the State, you starve to death.”

However, when people try to engage in rudimentary market activity, they face arrest and detention, including for travelling within the country, for which a permit is required.

This situation leads to a series of further serious human rights violations, due to absence of rule of law and due process guarantees. People often experience inhumane and degrading treatment in detention, and are sometimes subjected to torture during interrogation and disciplinary procedures.

The constant threat of arrest and prosecution provides State officials with a powerful means to extort money and other favours from people desperate to avoid detention in inhumane conditions, the report says. In addition, the living conditions and treatment of detainees can also depend on the payment of bribes.

The report stresses how the State has not fulfilled its obligations under international human rights law to realize the right of its citizens to an adequate standard of living. It has neither sought to modify a failed public system, nor helped to establish a functional and legal private sector to alleviate the economic destitution facing much of the population.

Meanwhile, huge resources continue to be directed towards military spending. The country maintains one of the world’s largest standing armies, representing the world’s highest ratio of military personnel to the general population.

According to UN entities operating in the DPRK, in 2019 around 10.9 million people (over 43 per cent of the total population) are undernourished and suffer from food insecurity.

‘These are extraordinary and appalling figures. You rarely find this level of deprivation even in countries wracked by conflict,’ said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet.”

In response to questions by journalists, Ms. Hurtado said that the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was failing to provide its citizens with basic necessities and yet maintained one of the largest militaries in the world, allocating, by some estimates, nearly half its budget to the armed forces. The UN High Commissioner Office’s position had always been that human rights must be at the core of any negotiations with the North Korean Government. Two of its specific recommendations were the deployment of human rights advisers to assess the situation and the collection of reliable data on the ground so that the Office would no longer have to rely on estimates and the accounts of defectors. It was a mistake for the efforts of other States to focus solely on the country’s nuclear programme. If all the funds and energy that went into nuclear development were instead diverted to raising the population’s standard of living, the situation would be far less dire. The centralized economic system was indeed broken and had been since the 1990s, but the Government had done nothing to fix it or to foster a proper private sector. Consequently, those who attempted to escape conditions in State-assigned jobs faced arrest and detention, where they might be subjected to torture, ill-treatment and other human rights violations, which fuelled the culture of bribery and corruption. The report focused on low-level public officials, but given how long the problems had been going on, the upper echelons would be well aware of the situation. The report did not explore the involvement of the military.

Sanctions and Venezuela

In response to a query, Ms. Hurtado, for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), referred to her statement at the press briefing of 21 May, according to which the Office supported sanctions adopted by the Security Council but advocated for targeted sanctions that did not affect the general public. With regard to the specific case of Venezuela, she recalled that the High Commissioner had expressed concern on 20 March 2019 about the possible repercussions of recent sanctions on the population’s basic rights and well-being and that a country report would be presented at the next session of the Human Rights Council.

Anti-Semitism in Europe

Marta Hurtado, for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), made the following statement:

“We condemn the rise in anti-Semitic incidents taking place in a number of European countries and the United States. Just in the past week, after a significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Germany, the Government official charged with combatting anti-Semitism felt the need to urge Jews in parts of the country where incidents have been taking place, to consider avoiding wearing kippas (skullcaps) on their heads in public, in order not to draw attention to their race and religion.

And in Austria, a number of pictures of Holocaust survivors displayed in a street exhibition entitled ‘Lest we forget’ in central Vienna have been vandalized not once, but three times. Initially, swastikas were painted on the faces of the survivors, and then on Sunday night large sections of the faces on the pictures were cut out.

These events in Germany and Austria cannot, unfortunately, be described as isolated, with other European countries also experiencing increases in acts of vandalism, including of Jewish businesses and gravestones. Most disturbing of all, acts of physical violence against Jews have also increased in a number of countries in recent years, with particularly sharp rises in violent incidents reported in both Germany and France. However, the worst incidents have taken place in the United States, where 11 people were killed during an attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh last October, and in April a woman was killed and three other worshippers were injured in another attack on a synagogue in Southern California.

The rise in attacks targeting Jews, along with other groups targeted because of their race or religion, is a matter of grave concern, and we urge all governments to redouble their efforts to combat racism and related intolerance in all its forms. Under international law, people are entitled to legal protection from incitement to hatred and violence. When abuse rises to the level of incitement – whether it be on the street or on the Internet – it should be prohibited by law, while respecting freedom of expression, which has permissible restrictions in such cases.

On a more positive note, it was encouraging to learn that a number of people in Vienna have taken a stand against the acts of anti-Semitism and are working to repair the damaged pictures of the Holocaust survivors and have joined forces to guard the exhibition from further attacks.”

Replying to journalists, Ms. Hurtado said that the Office advocated for governments to condemn any messages, policies and actions that targeted people on the basis of their religion or faith. Governments should be doing much more to explain to the population the power of words and why racism was unacceptable.

Also replying to journalists, Alessandra Vellucci, for the United Nations Information Service in Geneva, said that the plan on combating hate speech and protecting places of worship requested by the Secretary-General would be made public shortly.

Thousands flee violent attacks in Nigeria

Babar Baloch, for the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), gave the following statement:

“A recent spike in violence in north-western parts of Nigeria has forced an estimated 20,000 people to seek safety and security in Niger since April.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is concerned about deteriorating security inside Nigeria, and is working closely with authorities in Niger to provide basic assistance and register the new arrivals. More than 18,000 people have already gone through the initial registration process so far.

The latest upsurge in violence is not linked to Boko Haram. People are reportedly fleeing due to multiple reasons, including clashes between farmers and herders of different ethnic groups, vigilantism, as well as kidnappings for ransom in Nigeria’s Sokoto and Zamfara States.

People leaving Nigeria, and arriving in Niger’s Maradi Region, speak of witnessing extreme violence unleashed against civilians, including machete attacks, kidnappings and sexual violence. The majority of the new arrivals are women and children.

The ongoing Boko Haram insurgency has already spilled over into Niger, where it has affected its Diffa region since 2015. The region currently hosts almost 250,000 displaced people – including refugees from Nigeria and locals being displaced inside their own country.

Niger continues to be a leading regional example in providing safety to refugees fleeing conflict and persecution in many countries. It has kept its borders open for refugees despite the ongoing violence in several regions bordering Nigeria, Mali and recently Burkina Faso.

Many of the newly arrived are located very close to the Nigerian border, where there remains a high risk of armed incursions. UNHCR with sister UN agencies and partners is discussing with the government the possibility of relocating them into local towns and villages further in land.

As well as providing aid to Nigerian new arrivals, UNHCR also plans to support host families, who despite lack of adequate resources and access to basic services, have always shown solidarity towards the displaced and welcomed people into their homes.

Niger is currently hosting over 380,000 refugees and asylum seekers from Mali and Nigeria as well as its own internally displaced population. The country has also provided refuge to some 2,782 asylum seekers airlifted from insecurity in Libya, while awaiting durable solutions.”

In response to questions from journalists, Mr. Baloch said that humanitarian actors had no access to the areas where the clashes were occurring; therefore, any information they had came from the refugees themselves. A mission was planned with a view to better understanding the situation as there was a concern that, if the violence went unchecked, more people would be forced to flee. There were no figures on casualties. UNHCR had begun work with the Government to register the refugees a week ago. They had registered some 18,000 thus far, though the estimated number of arrivals was closer to 20,000 and likely to rise. Since the clashes were between herders and farmers, there might be a link to climate change, but the causes of the violence remained unclear.

Regarding the matter of the effect of climate change on this conflict, Clare Nullis, for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said that climate change and extreme weather were certainly – and increasingly – an aggravating factor of conflict and of migration, but it should be borne in mind that these were driven by a complex combination of factors.

Announcements

Fadela Chaib, for the World Health Organization (WHO), said that the resolution on improving the transparency of markets for medicines, vaccines and other health products had just been approved by consensus of the World Health Assembly, though States were still expressing their views about it. The current draft was available online and the final version would be published within the coming weeks. A series of resolutions would be adopted that morning, followed by closing remarks by the Director-General, Dr. Tedros.

Rosalind Yarde, for the International Labour Organization (ILO), said that some 5,700 delegates were expected to attend the centenary session of the International Labour Conference from 10 to 21 June. Up to 45 heads of State or government were also expected at different points, including those of Ecuador, Eswatini, France, Germany, Italy, Jamaica, Mali, the Russian Federation, South Africa and Turkey. In addition, a number of key figures from business, industry and international agencies, including the head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, would be taking part in thematic sessions. Two major discussions would be held, namely on a possible new convention on harassment and violence in the workplace and on a centenary declaration on the future of work. There would not be a press conference with the dignitaries, unless they wished to organize one, but a press point would be set up by the entrance to Hall 14. ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, would be attending an ACANU press breakfast the following morning at 8.15 a.m., in Press Room I, and would be available for questions regarding the International Labour Conference and other matters.

Clare Nullis, for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said that the World Meteorological Congress, which was held every four years, would begin on 3 June, at the Geneva International Conference Centre. Swiss Federal Councillor, Alain Berset, would speak on the opening day, while more dignitaries would take part later in the Congress. The main focus would be on reforming the structure of the constituent body so as to tackle current challenges in a more integrated manner. The opening would be webcast. Elsewhere, WMO was co-sponsoring the Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum in Ethiopia; the outlook for the upcoming rainy season would be issued the following day. In addition, the report of the WMO fact-finding mission about Cyclone Idai would be presented at a donor conference for Mozambique, to be held in Beira that coming weekend. A press release on the main findings would be issued the following day, but it was clear that much more had to be done to increase resilience.

Daniel Porras, for the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, said that the Space Security Conference would open that afternoon with two panel discussions, to be followed by four other panels the next day. In the light of developments in the field over the past year, the theme of the Conference was supporting diplomacy, and discussions would centre around the challenges that had stalled the momentum behind several United Nations processes. Furthermore, a film screening on the psychological impact of seeing the earth from outer space and on international cooperation in orbit was taking place that evening downtown Geneva. A photo exhibit featuring the work of Swiss photographer Marco Grob would be openedthe next evening in the Salle des Pas Perdus.

Alejandro Laguna, for the United Nations Environment Programme, said that World Environment Day 2019 would be hosted by China on the theme of reducing air pollution, which was responsible for 7 million premature deaths a year. The focus of major events in Europe would be Sarajevo, one of the region’s cities with the worst air quality. A media workshop would take place on 31 May, and a report on air quality and health in the Balkans, including a map of the least polluted cycling or walking route across Sarajevo, would be launched on 1 June. Related events in Geneva included the second edition of the Ecotrail on 1 June, a high-level dialogue titled “Beat Air Pollution: the need for a multilevel response” on 3 June, and a visit to the air monitoring station on Rue Necker on 4 June, which would be attended by the new UN Environment Director for Europe.

Geneva announcements

Alessandra Vellucci, for the United Nations Information Service in Geneva, said that
a commemoration to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers would take place on 29 May, at 3 p.m., at the United Nations Memorial in the Ariana Park. The Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support would be speaking together with other officials.

Press conferences

Tuesday, 28 May at 11.30 a.m.in Room III

U.S.A. Permanent Mission

Press availability on the margins of the Conference on Disarmament Plenary

Speaker:
· Ambassador Robert Wood, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament

Tuesday, 28 May at 2.30 p.m.in Room III

WHO

Update on WHO Ebola operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Speakers:
· Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa
· Dr. Michael Ryan, Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme

Tuesday, 28 May at 3.30 p.m.in Press Room 1

WTO

Dispute Settlement Body meeting

Speaker:
· Dan Pruzin, Information Officer

Wednesday, 29 May at 11.00 a.m.in Press Room 1

WHO

World No Tobacco Day 2019

On World No Tobacco Day 2019 (31 May), WHO is focusing on the strong connection between tobacco use as a major cause of lung disease, like chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, lung cancer and tuberculosis. Tobacco-related lung disease accounts for the deaths of over 40% of people who die as a result of tobacco.

Speakers:
· Dr Vinayak Prasad, acting Director, Department for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases, WHO
· Dr Kerstin Schotte, Technical Officer, Department for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases, WHO