UN GENEVA PRESS BRIEFING

Alessandra Vellucci, Director of the United Nations Information Service in Geneva (UNIS), chaired a hybrid briefing, which was attended by the Deputy Secretary-General for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), representatives and spokespersons for the World Health Organization (WHO), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). 

Escalating Attacks Intensifies Health Crisis in Ukraine

Jarno Habicht, Head of the Country Office in Ukraine of the World Health Organization (WHO), speaking from Copenhagen, highlighted the immense health challenges brought by a thousand days of war in Ukraine. These included increased burdens in mental health, rehabilitation, chronic, and infectious diseases. He called on the international community to address the growing needs as the health system faced severe tests.

Mr. Habicht emphasized the critical situation caused by attacks and escalation over the last 10 days on energy infrastructure, which directly impacted hospitals, primary care centers, and pharmacies. Ensuring electricity, heating, and water during winter had become a top priority. WHO responded by opening heating stations in hospitals in Chernihiv and Odessa and investing in water sanitation centers. However, more support is urgently needed, including additional generators, as attacks intensified.

The second concerning issue, continues Mr. Habicth, is that the attacks on health were continuing. To date, WHO had monitored, verified and reported 2,159 attacks, with 2024 witnessing increased casualties among civilians and healthcare workers compared to 2022. The rise in “double-tap” attacks are putting at risk many of the paramedics. Over 40% of these attacks targeted primary health care, limiting vital access to doctors, prescriptions, and medicines for communities. Despite the challenges and the continuing war, WHO opened, over the past year, a number of modular primary care clinics in Sumy and Kharkiv, restoring trust and hope in affected communities. With winter approaching, such initiatives had to expand.

Mr. Habicht concluded by thanking humanitarian partners, including 125 non-governmental organizations, who supported over 2 million people, complementing the national system. However, only 50% of the humanitarian response for 2024 was funded. He urged continued investment for 2025 in response, recovery, and reform to support Ukraine’s resilience.

Concerns over attacks on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure

Jeremy Laurence, for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), raised grave concerns over the impact of this week’s massive missile and drone attacks by Russian Federation on Ukraine’s power network. Strikes reportedly caused damage in at least 13 regions in addition to Kyiv city, causing blackouts for over one million people and disrupting essential services like water and transportation, in some regions. Since March, repeated attacks on Ukraine’s energy production capacity caused unforeseeable and wide-ranging harm to civilians, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, low-income families, people with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.

With temperatures dropping below freezing and likely to fall further, he emphasized the critical importance of electricity and electricity-dependent services for the survival of the civilian population. While the full impact of the latest strikes would only become clearer in due course, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission had already documented these disruptions and their consequences on electricity production, water distribution, heating and hot water, public health, education, and the daily life of millions of people.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights reiterated that multiple aspects of the military campaign to damage or destroy Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure, including objects essential for civilian survival, such as heating facilities during the winter months, raised serious concerns regarding the Russian forces’ respect of the cardinal principles of international humanitarian law of distinction, precaution and proportionality in the conduct of hostilities. These recurring strikes, Mr. Laurence emphasized, had to be investigated, and anyone found responsible for serious violations had to be held to account. The High Commissioner called for immediate cessation of such attacks, accountability for all unlawful attacks, and urgent international support to restore Ukraine’s energy systems. 

Launch of the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience 

Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, announced the launch of the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, marking a significant milestone in strengthening and safeguarding global digital infrastructure. Submarine cables, which carried 99% of global internet traffic, were vital for communications, financial transactions, critical government communications and essential services. However, these systems were vulnerable to disruptions from natural hazards, accidental human activity, and aging infrastructure, with over 150 to 200 faults reported annually, equivalent to about three faults per week. As demonstrated by the 2022 volcanic eruption in the Pacific Ocean, which severed connections to Tonga for several weeks, nearly 18 months could be needed to fully restore service, highlighting the severe impact such disruptions could have on remote communities. The Advisory Body aimed to address such vulnerabilities by developing strategies to enhance the resilience of submarine cables, ensuring the continued functionality of global digital networks in the face of potential threats.

Mr. Lamanauskas noted that the Advisory Body would be co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and Professor Sandra Mariano of Portugal’s National Communications Regulatory Authority. The body would comprise 40 leaders from governments, industry, and technical sectors, tasked with identifying risks, promoting best practices, and fostering international cooperation to ensure that submarine cables were built, deployed, and maintained, with a greater resiliency.

Key priorities included improving policy frameworks, investment strategies, and technical standards. Mr. Lamanauskas acknowledged the collaboration with the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), a longstanding industry body with over 230 members from 70 countries worldwide. The ICPC had extensive experience in promoting international submarine cable resiliency, and joint efforts with the Body would play a crucial role in enhancing the protection of global digital infrastructure. Tomas Lamanauskas, together with a representative from the ICPC, would serve as executive secretaries to this body.

The Advisory Body’s first virtual meeting was scheduled for December, in order to outline its work agenda. Additionally, the inaugural Submarine Cable Resilience Summit would take place in Nigeria in February 2025, bringing together key stakeholders to advance these discussions.

Mr. Lamanauskas concluded by highlighting the critical role of submarine cables in supporting global economies and societies and expressed confidence that the body’s work would significantly enhance digital resilience worldwide. 

Replying to questions from media, Mr. Lamanauskas stated that the newly formed Advisory Body was tasked with improving the resilience of submarine cables, which were critical for global communications. The body's initial work would focus on developing best practices for protecting cables and ensuring quick restoration after disruptions. They planned to establish a global network of focal points to manage incidents and to advocate for the inclusion of cable resilience in broader UN discussions, especially those related to maritime transport.

When asked about the recent sabotage of submarine cables, Mr. Lamanauskas clarified that the body’s role was not to investigate specific incidents but to provide guidance on best practices for protection and recovery, with national authorities handling investigations into sabotage.

Answering other questions, Mr. Lamanauskas acknowledged that cable disruptions could vary in severity and duration, with most disruptions being due to accidental human activity or natural events with over 150 to 200 faults reported annually, equivalent to about three faults per week. While sabotage was a concern, redundancy in cable systems generally helped mitigate public impact. However, some incidents, such as those in Tonga, had taken months or years to resolve.

Regarding international protection, Mr. Lamanauskas confirmed that the Advisory Body would work within existing frameworks, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provided the legal framework for regulating the protection of submarine cables. Additionally, a recent UN resolution underscored the responsibility of states to safeguard these cables. This resolution complemented existing treaties and agreements. The role of the Advisory Body was to ensure these commitments were effectively implemented.

On the topic of how many submarine cables existed, Mr. Lamanauskas mentioned that around 500 cables were currently in place globally, with ongoing investments in specific routes, particularly in Africa. These cables had an operational lifespan of about 25 years; it was essential to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure regularly. Continued investment was crucial to ensure the resilience and expansion of this vital connectivity network. 

Mr. Lamanauskas finally reiterated that investigations into cable damages were handled by national authorities in collaboration with international organizations and emphasized that the Advisory Body's focus would be on addressing physical damage rather than cybersecurity threats like hacking.

The press release is available here. 

Human Rights situation in the Middle East

Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), stated that the ceasefire in Lebanon came as a significant relief for the millions who had suffered over the past 13 months. The High Commissioner for Human Rights urged all parties to fully respect the ceasefire agreement, resolve any differences within its framework, and prioritize human rights during this next phase. The focus had to shift to providing essential assistance to those in need, as many would not have livable homes to return to, due to widespread destruction of vital infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and places of worship.

Mr. Laurence stressed the importance of protection for vulnerable populations and urged all political actors in Lebanon to put aside differences and to act in solidarity for the well-being of the traumatized population. The international community had to also provide support on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border to ensure the safe return of displaced people.

Accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law had to be prioritized and investigated independently and thoroughly. This was critical to prevent further violations and renewed conflict, and to build and sustain peace and inclusive development. Mr. Laurence also highlighted the continuing violence and loss of life in Gaza, reiterating the urgent call of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for an immediate ceasefire. “The killing must end. Those arbitrarily, arbitrarily detained must be released, and every effort must be made to urgently provide the full quantities of food, medicine and other vital assistance desperately needed in Gaza”, concluded Mr. Laurence.

Replying to questions from the media about the UN's efforts to gather evidence of violations now that there were no ongoing strikes, Mr. Laurence confirmed that UN teams were already present in Lebanon, continuing their information-gathering and assessment activities, though decisions on expanding their efforts were still being made, based on the evolving situation.

Ajith Sunghay, Head of the Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), reported on his recent visit to Gaza, expressing alarm over the worsening situation. Having returned just yesterday after a week in Gaza, he noted that each visit reveals escalating destruction. This time, he was especially concerned by the widespread hunger resulting from 13 months of violence, with death by starvation, illness, or bombardment becoming a daily threat. Local markets had disappeared, and the UN had been unable to take any humanitarian aid into the northern Gaza - where around 70,000 people were still believed to be present - due to repeated impediments or rejection of humanitarian convoys by the Israeli authorities. Basic necessities had become a daily struggle, and he witnessed dozen of women and children scavenging landfills for food.

Mr. Sunghay highlighted the breakdown of public order, with rampant looting, violence and skyrocketing prices of essential goods. Several people had been shot while attempting to purchase basic items like bread. He emphasized that this crisis was entirely preventable, calling attention to how the anarchy, hunger, and death were all foreseeable and avoidable. The destruction of critical infrastructure had left communities without access to education, governance, or support, and many young people expressed a sense of hopelessness, with some wanting to leave Gaza. Gender-based violence, including abuse in shelters, had also increased. Despite these dire conditions, Sunghay noted the resilience of local communities, with individuals stepping in to help. However, urgent needs for proper shelters, food, and winter supplies remained unmet. He also reported the collapse of Gaza's fishing industry. He met with fishermen in Khan Younis, where approximately 4,000 fishers and 14,000 others rely on the fishing industry for their livelihoods. Since the war began, 67 fishermen had been killed, and many continued to risk their lives by fishing, facing the threat of being shot by the Israeli Navy. 

Mr. Sunghay concluded that the conditions in Gaza City were horrendous. Thousands of recently displaced people, predominantly from Jabaliya, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun, were sheltered in partially destroyed buildings or makeshift camps in inhumane conditions, with severe food shortages and terrible sanitary conditions. All of the women he met had either lost a family member, were separated from their loved ones, or were themselves injured, and pleaded for an urgent ceasefire. The widespread displacement continued across the strip, and the relentless bombardment continues. The common plea from everyone encountered was: “Enough, please. Enough.”

Replying to questions from the media, Mr. Sunghay explained that while there had always been garbage and landfills, the frequency and visibility of women and children scavenging for food had significantly increased recently, particularly in Gaza City. This, he stated, was a new and concerning development. Regarding the 70,000 people still in northern Gaza, Mr. Sunghay noted that the number is an estimate based on discussions with displaced persons, with approximately 35,000-40,000 in Jabalia, and 15,000 in Beit Lahia.

On humanitarian convoys, a question was asked about the specifics of requests made to send aid to northern Gaza. Mr. Sunghay clarified that no requests for convoys had been successful, all attempts had been rejected. The reasons given by Israeli authorities for the rejections had been vague, citing operational reasons. Convoys were primarily focused on areas with high concentrations of displaced people, including those facing protection issues like gender-based violence and unaccompanied minors. He also noted that many parts of Gaza were still inaccessible due to ongoing bombardment. During his visit, there was heavy shelling throughout the night, with houses shaking continuously, making it nearly impossible to sleep. These areas remained active conflict zones, which complicated their ability to reach certain regions and deliver aid.

Mr. Sunghay also clarified that he mentioned 67 fishermen, but the written statement refers to 80. This discrepancy was due to data coming from two different sources: the lower figure was based on data from the Fishermen's Syndicate. 

Mr. Laurence added that OHCHR would be issuing a broadcast-quality video from Mr Sunghay’s team's trip into Gaza, which provided compelling visual evidence of the situation on the ground.

Anticipatory humanitarian approach for typhoon response in the Philippines 

Lionel Dabbadie, Country Representative for the Philippines of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), speaking from Manila, reported that the Philippines were facing an unprecedented crisis, having experienced six typhoons within one month, including four regular typhoons and one super typhoon over the course of just ten days. The cumulative impact of these storms had been devastating, with the Department of Agriculture estimating the losses to the agriculture sector at $30.4 million.

Despite the challenges, he announced that for the first time, the Food and Agriculture Organizations, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office, the European Union, and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, activated anticipatory action. This preventive measure provided cash assistance to the most vulnerable populations before the typhoons struck, helping them protect assets, livelihoods, and secure homes. As a result, 7,300 farmers and fishers received unconditional cash transfers, and critical assets, like fishing boats, were evacuated to minimize damage. While it was too early to assess the full impact, prior studies indicated that every dollar invested in anticipatory action saved between $4 and $7 in rebuilding costs. The fishing boat evacuation proved particularly effective, with only minor damage recorded.

Despite these efforts, the storms had impacted 555,000 people, far exceeding those who benefited from the anticipatory action, highlighting the need for strengthened interventions. The Office of the UN Resident Coordinator estimated that $32.9 million would be needed for recovery efforts. This experience demonstrated the power of timely preventive actions, which, when combined with other tools like climate-resilient agriculture and disaster risk reduction, could help countries like the Philippines thrive despite frequent disasters.

Devastating spike in risk of gender-based violence for women and girls forced to flee 

Shabia Mantoo, Global Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), warned about the increasing risks faced by displaced and stateless women and girls worldwide, noting that more than 60 million women and girls are at high risk of gender-based violence (GBV). The UN Refugee Agency warned that these risks were especially elevated in conflict situations, where reports of conflict-related sexual violence rose by 50% last year, with women and girls accounting for 95% of cases. However, these statistics represented only a fraction of the true scope, as many cases remained unreported due to limited access to justice, fear of retaliation, and lack of humanitarian resources. She also shared that colleagues working in conflict and emergency situations around the world continued to hear from survivors about the horrific experiences they had endured, including brutal violence, torture, sexual exploitation, and sexual violence used as a weapon of war, as well as the denial of fundamental human rights, such as personal agency and autonomy.

In conflict zones like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), women and girls were facing an unbearable plight, with their bodies becoming an extension of the battleground, subjected to brutal violence, including sexual exploitation and torture. Similarly, in Chad, women had been raped while fleeing the conflict in Sudan, and in Afghanistan, rising domestic violence and restrictions on women had led to a mental health crisis. On Mediterranean routes, up to 90% of women and girls were reported to be raped during their journey.

Displaced women also faced a 20% higher risk of intimate partner violence compared to non-displaced women. These risks were compounded by intersecting forms of discrimination, including disability and gender identity.

Ms. Mantoo emphasized that funding for prevention of and response to gender-based violence was severely lacking. For example, six major regional refugee response plans for refugees from the DRC, Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, South Sudan, and Syria, which included gender-based violence programming, had a total funding requirement of $236 million for the year. However, as of now, only 28% of this funding had been secured. The Agency warned that without adequate financial support, millions of displaced women and girls might be unable to access vital services in the coming year - and on this year's #16Days of Activism, she called for increased support to address this ongoing crisis.

Alessandra Vellucci, Director of the UN Information Service, reminded about the ongoing 16 Days of Activism campaign, which run until December 10th. This year's theme, "Every ten minutes a woman is killed," under the hashtag #NoExcuse, aimed to highlight the alarming escalation of violence against women. Further information was available on the campaign's website. Additionally, a special event would be held at the Palais des Nations on 10 December, end of the 16-day period, to mark the conclusion of the campaign, with more details to be shared later this week.

Announcements

Alessandra Vellucci, Director of the UN Information Service, reminded that today, 29 November, marked the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, an event currently taking place at the Palais. She shared the message of the Secretary-General, who stated that every year on this day, the international community stood in solidarity with the dignity, rights, justice, and self-determination of the Palestinian people. This year, commemoration was especially painful, as those fundamental goals were as distant as they have been. Nothing justified the 7 October terror attacks by Hamas and the taking of hostages, and nothing justified the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Yet more than a year later, Gaza was in ruins. More than 43,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, had been reportedly killed. And the humanitarian crisis was getting worse by the day. This was appalling and inexcusable, the Secretary-General continued. It was past time for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages, an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territory, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the General Assembly, and irreversible progress towards a two-state solution in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and Jerusalem as the capital of both states. The Secretary-General concluded by appealing, as a matter of urgency, for full support of lifesaving humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people, in particular through the work of UNWRA, which represented an irreplaceable lifeline for millions of Palestinians. 

Ms Vellucci also provided information about the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Chemical Warfare on 30 November, and the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on 2 December. The Secretary-General's messages had been shared.

Ms Vellucci announced that on Tuesday, 3 December, at 9:45 AM, Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, would hold his first press briefing in Geneva to launch the Global Humanitarian Overview 2025, the UN and partners' annual humanitarian appeal. The report would be embargoed until Wednesday, 4 December, at 06:00 CET / 00:00 ET.

Answering questions from the media, Jens Lærke, Deputy Spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), informed that on Monday, 2 December, a press release and access to the full Global Humanitarian Overview would be provided, along with a 20-page abridged version to help journalists review the material before the press conference on Tuesday morning. All information would remain under embargo until Wednesday, 4 December at 6 a.m. 

Alessandra Vellucci, Director of the UN Information Service, recalled that the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was concluding this morning the review of the report of Monaco. The Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families would open next Monday at 10am its 39th session during which it would review the reports of Benin, Egypt, Peru and Seychelles. 

Ms Vellucci also announced, on behalf of the World Trade Organization (WTO), that the Chair of the WTO General Council, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, would hold a press conference today, 29 November, at 12:30 pm Geneva time. The press conference would take place immediately after the General Council, where members would decide on the appointment of the next Director-General of the WTO. Journalists could register to attend the press online or follow a live stream on the WTO website. For journalists wishing to attend in person, the briefing would take place in Room D of the WTO. Journalists could enter the WTO building with their UN or WTO press badges. The WTO press team was available for inquiries.

Ms Vellucci concluded by informing journalists about the press briefing schedule for the end of the year. The last press briefing of the year would be on December 20th. No briefings would be held on 24, 28, and 31 December, or 3 January. They would resume on 7 January 2025, unless any emergency would raise. A list of spokespersons on duty during the holidays would be provided soon.

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