Victims of the Holocaust, Sudan & other topics - Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Victims of the Holocaust
Sudan
US Foreign Assistance
Deputy Secretary-General
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Lebanon
Syria
Secretary-General/Democratic Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo/Humanitarian
Senior Personnel Appintment
Briefings Tomorrow
Honour Roll
VICTIMS OF HOLOCAUST
This morning, the Secretary-General spoke at the General Assembly on the Observance of the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.
The Secretary-General said the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas offers hope, as well as much needed relief. He added that the United Nations will do its utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
The Secretary-General also said that today we mourn the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, as they sought to destroy an entire people.
We grieve the Roma and Sinti also targeted for genocide, the people with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ people, and all those enslaved, persecuted, tortured, and killed.
And we renew our resolve never to forget the atrocities that so “outraged the conscience” of humankind.
The Secretary-General also underscored that remembrance is not only a moral act. Remembrance is a call to action. He added that it is our duty to speak up against hate, to stand up for the human rights for all, and to make all those rights a reality.
SUDAN
In a statement issued today, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the attack that hit the Saudi Teaching Hospital in El Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur state on 24 January, in which at least 70 patients and their relatives were reportedly killed, with dozens more wounded.
This appalling attack which affected the only functioning hospital in Darfur’s largest city comes after more than 21 months of war have left much of Sudan’s health care system in tatters.
The Secretary-General reiterated that, under international humanitarian law, the wounded and the sick, as well as medical personnel and medical facilities, must be respected and protected at all times. He further recalled that perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable, and that the deliberate targeting of health care facilities may constitute a war crime.
The Secretary-General renewed his appeal to the parties to immediately cease the fighting and take steps towards the lasting peace that the people of Sudan demand.
And on Friday night, another statement was issued on the recent escalation of fighting in Sudan, in particular around the al-Jili oil refinery north of Khartoum, as well as in El Fasher.
The Secretary-General renewed his call for urgent and genuine dialogue between the parties to the conflict, reiterating that a sustainable resolution to the conflict can only be achieved through an inclusive political process. He added that his Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, continues to engage the parties and all relevant stakeholders to de-escalate the conflict and promote a Sudanese-led inclusive dialogue that will bring a sustained end to the war.
US FOREIGN ASSISTANCE
In a statement issued today, the Secretary-General noted with concern the announcement of a pause in U.S. foreign assistance. He called for additional exemptions to be considered to ensure the continued delivery of critical development and humanitarian activities for the most vulnerable communities around the world, whose lives and livelihoods depend on this support.
The Secretary-General said that he looks forward to engaging with the new United States administration on the provision of much needed development support to people grappling with the most difficult challenges confronting the developing world. The United States is one of the largest aid providers and it is vital that we work constructively to jointly shape a strategic path forward.
Full Highlights: www.un.org/sg/...