SG; Middle East; UNAIDS

SG: The SG addressed the DR’s congress today and commended their efforts in achieving the MDGs. He also praised President Medina for his leadership surrounding the newly adopted law recognizing Dominican-born persons of foreign descent.

Middle East: The SG supports Egypt’s ceasefire initiative as the fighting continues between Israel and Hamas. He continues to make calls to world leaders to encourage parties to stop fighting and negotiate. Referencing civilian casualties, a New York Times article reported the first Israeli fatality and nearly 200 Palestinian deaths.

UNAIDS: UNAIDS reported that more than half of the 35 million people living with HIV are unaware they have the virus. UNAIDS Executive Director stressed that smarter scale-up is needed to increase the amount of people with access to HIV tests.

Afghanistan: UNAMA supported the Federation of Afghanistan Civil Societies call for a ceasefire during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr as families should be able to celebrate in peace without fear of violence.

Iraq: Iraq’s Council of Representatives elected a new Speaker and Deputy Speakers. The SRSG for Iraq congratulated the Council and urged them to agree on key legislation as a key step toward restarting the democratic process. The SRSG on Sexual Violence in Iraq voiced concern over reports of rape near Mosul.

Sudan: OCHA reported that Sudan requires $982 million to assist the 20% of the population in need of humanitarian assistance as 85,000 people have sought refuge in Sudan without access to basic humanitarian services.

Surveillance: High Commissioner for Human Rights Pillay expressed concern over a lack of transparency regarding government surveillance policies. OHCHR issued a report  today stressing the need for procedural safeguards against governmental surveillance programs.

Central America: The SG stated today that unaccompanied child migrants from Central America is an urgent humanitarian situation. He called on Governments of countries of origin, transit and destination to protect the human rights of migrant children.

Cambodia: A peaceful protest in opposition of the Cambodia National Rescue Party turned to violence yesterday leaving 40 people injured. UN expert on the situation of human rights in Cambodia urged all sides to exercise restraint and called for an end to the official ban on demonstrations.

UNIOGBIS: The SG appointed Mr. Miguel Trovoada of São Tomé and Príncipe as the new Head of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau.