Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Secretary-General/Press Encounter
– South Sudan/UN Peacekeepers
– South Sudan/Humanitarian
– Sudan/Security Council
– Security Council/Afternoon
– Sudan/Humanitarian
– Myanmar
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Gaza/UNICEF Report
– Deputy Secretary-General/Travels
SECRETARY-GENERAL/PRESS ENCOUNTER
This morning, speaking to the press, the Secretary-General noted that conflicts in different regions are converging in their impact on the world’s most vulnerable people. Mentioning ongoing attacks and the disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, as well as the conflict following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Secretary-General pointed out that these crises are choking arteries of global trade and squeezing global food systems especially hard.
The Secretary-General noted that in March, he established a Task Force to develop and propose a practical mechanism including to address humanitarian needs triggered by the Strait of Hormuz crisis. He underscored that the mechanism would not authorize passage through the Strait or alter the rights and obligations of Member States in terms of international law.
He highlighted that sovereign decisions remain entirely with participating Member States and that we would serve as a neutral facilitator. What is needed now, he said, is the cooperation and political will of the parties.
The Secretary-General urged all concerned to engage seriously and constructively, adding that this mechanism is not a substitute for a fully restoring navigational rights and freedom of navigation, or for the political solutions needed to end these conflicts, but should be a practical first step.
SOUTH SUDAN/UN PEACEKEEPERS
Today, a UN patrol in South Sudan was ambushed in Jonglei state. Two UN peacekeepers were killed, and seven other people were injured. Among the injured are three UN peacekeepers, two police officers from South Sudan and two civilian staff. The two peacekeepers who were killed were Ethiopian.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns this attack. In no uncertain terms, he extends his condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen peacekeepers, as well as to the people and government of Ethiopia. The Secretary-General wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured.
This brings to nine the number of peacekeepers killed in militia’s acts since January 1st of this year.
The UN Mission deployed a Quick Reaction Force in the area to secure and to help support the emergency response.
The UN reiterates that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. The Secretary-General Special Representative in South Sudan and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Mission, Anita Kiki Gbeho, also called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-08-24