Aftermath of shelling in Idlib, Syria. Top stories of the day | Tuesday: Syria, Ukraine, human rights, South Africa UN
Top stories of the day in the UN and in the world: opportunities and threats to the transition process in Syria, drone strike on IAEA vehicle in Zaporozhye, Human Rights Day, Secretary-General’s visit to South Africa.
Transition process in Syria
Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, stressed that the country is at a crossroads. This presents great opportunities, but also grave risks. The envoy stressed the collective wish of the foreign ministers he met in Doha over the weekend – from Turkey, Russia, Iran and many Arab states – for the new authorities in Damascus to deliver on their initial promises of a peaceful transition. He also noted the importance of the international community providing the conditions for this process to take place.
Strike on IAEA vehicle
A drone seriously damaged an International Atomic Energy Agency vehicle during today’s rotation of IAEA teams at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the agency reported. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi condemned the “unacceptable” attack on staff working to prevent a nuclear accident during the conflict. The driver and security officer, who were in the armored vehicle at the time of the incident, were not injured.
Human Rights
Human rights are under threat, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized in his message on Human Rights Day, which is annually celebrated around the world on December 10. The day is timed to coincide with the adoption of one of the most significant global documents – the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year, the Day is being held under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Now.” The UN chief stressed that when one right is infringed, all are infringed. Therefore, according to him, it is necessary to always defend all rights.
UN Chief in Africa
On Tuesday morning, the Secretary-General headed to South Africa, where he will meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other high-ranking officials on Wednesday. The meetings will focus on the challenges facing the people of the African continent. The UN chief will also discuss financing for development, the fight against climate change, and the G20 agenda for 2025. South Africa will assume the presidency of the G20 next year. On Thursday, the Secretary General will travel to Lesotho, where he will meet with King Letsie III.