SG on GA 67: The SG held a press conference today regarding the opening of the General Assembly next week. Mr. Ban noted that “this year’s General Debate will be among our busiest ever. This reflects the tumultuous time in which we live — a time of turmoil and transition” and that the diplomatic and humanitarian situation in Syria is first priority. The new GA President’s remarks opening the session can also be found here.
Children and Armed Conflict: The SC met today on the issue of children and armed conflict, demanding that parties to armed conflict which commit grave abuses against children – including those who recruit and use children, kill and maim, commit sexual violence or attack schools and hospitals – immediately halt such practices and take special measures to protect children. The US Mission also issued a statement, urging the SC to “consider a broader range of options to increase pressure on persistent perpetrators.”
Post-2015 Panel: The SG has appointed Homi Kharas of Pakistan as lead author and Executive Secretary for the High-level Panel to advise on the post-2015 development agenda, the target date for the achievement of the MDGs. Mr. Kharas is currently a Senior Fellow and Deputy Director in the Global Economy and Development Program of the Brookings Institution and has 26 years of experience with the World Bank.
Peaceful Assembly: In response to rampant anti-US protests worldwide this past week, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Maina Kiai, said “The right of peaceful assembly must not serve as an excuse to commit violence” in a press release issued by the OHCHR.