SG at Kabul Conference, Spokesperson responds to outgoing OIOS USG, Guterres in DRC and Uganda and more from the UN

SG: today the SG opened the International Conference on Afghanistan in Kabul (a follow-up to the London Conference in January), in which he appealed to Afghan citizens to unite in the national interest and told participants that they were there, not to revise strategies, but to support the Afghan government and its priorities. He also emphasized the need for Afghans to take greater responsibility for security, including accountability for human rights.

OIOS: in response to the end-of-term report issued by former USG for OIOS Ahlenius, the Spokesperson said the Secretariat is examining the report to draw lessons learned and welcomes constructive advice to strengthen the UN. A successor to Ahlenius is expected to be named soon.

Kyrgyzstan: today High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called for close monitoring of reported human rights violations occurring in Kyrgyzstan, involving torture after being detained by police and military.

Refugees: Antonio Guterres, High Commissioner for Refugees, is currently in DRC and Uganda to highlight those displaced due to the conflict in the region.