Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Briefings on Monday
– 2026 Nobel Peace Prize
– International Criminal Court
– Yemen/Security Council
– Ukraine
– Sudan
– South Sudan
– Ethiopia
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Libya
– Gaza
– International Days
– Financial Contribution
BRIEFINGS ON MONDAY
On Monday, at 1:30 p.m., there will be a briefing by Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, who will be here to brief you on her annual report to the General Assembly.
Then, at 2:30 p.m., there will be a briefing by Ai Kihara-Hunt, UN Special Rapporteur on sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children.
2026 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
The Secretary-General warmly congratulates Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on being awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. He noted that for decades, she has been a champion of international law and human rights, and a steadfast, independent voice of justice amidst some of the most historic international legal cases of our time.
The Secretary-General pointed out that from her work in South Africa defending Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against the oppressive apartheid regime, to her role as an international judge and President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda on cases relating to international crimes, including the genocide in Rwanda, to her tenure as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to chairing the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, she has shown that the
force of law must prevail over the law of force and that defending human rights is the surest safeguard against injustice. In its citation, he said, the Nobel Committee reminded the world that peace must be built on lasting principles, not the will of the powerful. The Secretary-General underscored that today’s prize is a tribute to all those working to uphold and defend international law, the rule of law and human rights, and secure peace, justice and human dignity.
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
The Secretary-General condemns the announcement of the imposition by the United States of sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an institution.
The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the expected impact of today’s sanctions on the International Criminal Court as a whole, and in particular, its continued ability to perform its important mandates, including in relation to the situations referred to it by the Security Council and States Parties to the Rome Statute.
Today’s decision marks a serious blow to our collective pursuit of international criminal justice, of which the ICC is a key pillar. Accountability for international crimes and delivery of justice to victims are central to our global commitment to peace, security, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Secretary-General reiterates his unwavering support for the independence of the Court and its officials.
The Secretary-General calls upon all States to uphold their commitments under international law and to support efforts aimed at ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
The United Nations remains committed to cooperating with the ICC in accordance with the Relationship Agreement between the United Nations and the ICC, which was approved by the General Assembly on 13 September 2004.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-10-09