Afghanistan, Secretary-General/Syria other topics - Daily Press Briefing

In a statement issued yesterday, the Secretary-General said that he was deeply alarmed by news reports that the Taliban have suspended access of universities to women and girls.

The World Food Programme (WFP) warns that acute hunger is no longer seasonal – it is a grueling daily reality for millions of people in the country.nbsp;

The Secretary-General met yesterday with Representatives of the Truth and Justice Charter Group on Syria.nbsp;

This morning, the UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pederson, briefed the Security Council via video conference.nbsp;

This afternoon, the Security Council will meet again, this time on Myanmar, Somalia and Haiti.nbsp;

Yesterday afternoon, Miroslav Jenča, the Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas in the United Nations Department of Political Affairs, briefed Security Council members on the developments in the South Caucasus, specifically the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Today, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix, concluded his visit to the Central African Republic, during that visit he met with national authorities, including President Touadéra, President of the National Assembly, Government officials, as well as political parties, religious leaders, women and youth organizations and the peacekeepers who are serving in the country.

In Mali, grave violations committed against children are increasing at an alarming rate - that’s according to the Secretary-General’s latest report on children and armed conflict on Mali which was published today.nbsp;

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) today said they’re deeply concerned about the reported mobilisation of armed Nuer youth in the Greater Jonglei area.nbsp;

In Colombia, the UN team today said they have just received over $17 million in support for the multi-donor fund that backs Colombia’s “Total Peace” initiative.nbsp;

The Secretary-General today announced the appointment of Michal Mlynár of Slovakia as Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).nbsp;

The Department of Safety and Security (DSS) reminds people that their mission is to help the UN deliver its mandates and programmes so it can reach those in need, even in the most dangerous places.nbsp;

Ecuador has now paid its regular budget dues, bringing us up to a 142 fully paid Member States.