Obama Victory; The SC; CERF Funds; UN Relief Fund; Lebanon

Obama Victory: Both the SG and President of ECOSOC congratulated President Obama on his victory last night. Although many challenges lie ahead – from ending the bloodshed in Syria to promoting sustainable development and tackling the challenges posed by climate change – the SG looks forward to continuing to work with President Obama and his administration in the spirit of the enduring partnership between the US and the UN.

The SC: The SC received an update on the work of the ICC on Libya this morning. Fatou Bensouda, the Court’s Prosecutor, briefed Council members on the discussions the Court has been having with the Libyan Government concerning the cases of Seif al-Islam Qadhafi and Mohammed Senoussi. The SC also adopted a resolution authorizing AU Member States to maintain the deployment of the AU Mission in Somalia until March 7, 2013.

CERF Funds: OCHA Chief Valerie Amos announced today that $5 million and $4 million in CERF funds are being allocated to Cuba and Haiti respectively, to assist those in need in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The Haiti Country Team is revising the Consolidated Appeal, asking for an additional $39 million for urgent needs arising from the impact of the hurricane.

UN Relief Fund: With so many still suffering due to the impact of Hurricane Sandy, the SG and UN staff at large, with the support of the UN Staff Union, have established the UN Relief Fund for the victims of Storm Sandy in the New York and Tri-State communities. The Spokesperson noted that they are encouraging UN staff members to make voluntary contributions for immediate needs of UN staff and the local community.

Lebanon: WFP Head Ertharin Cousin today expressed her thanks to the people and Government of Lebanon for their support of Syrians seeking refuge from the violence affecting their country. Her comments came at the end of the first day of a three-day trip to the Middle East – involving Lebanon and Jordan – to assess the increasing humanitarian needs of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. The trip is her first official visit to the region since she assumed her post as head of WFP in April.