"TRIBUTES"

Briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Paying tribute to UN personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2019, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said “the blue flag of the United Nations symbolizes hope. That hope is part of the legacy of the colleagues we mourn today. They paid the ultimate sacrifice so that others could look forward to better days.” UNIFEED

Five years of civil war have devastated infrastructure and community services across South Sudan. With only one fire truck that often broke down, it has been impossible for local authorities to provide much-needed protection in Juba. Firefighters serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan have done their best to bolster local services by rapidly responding to assist during large blazes. UNMISS

The UN Secretary-General presides over a Virtual Dag Hammarskjold Medal and Gender Advocate award ceremony.

In observance of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Secretary-General António Guterres laid a wreath to pay tribute to all the UN blue helmets who have lost their lives since 1948. UNIFEED

Briefing Security Council, mission head urges Kosovo leaders to put aside partisan agendas, restart dialogue with Belgrade, work towards fighting COVID-19.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet “is alarmed by restrictive measures imposed by several States against the independent media” reporting onCOVID-19 pandemic, said her spokesperson Rupert Colville in Geneva on Friday. UNTV CH

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres paid tribute to his predecessor Javier Perez de Cuéllar, who passed away at the age of 100 on Wednesday. UNIFEED / FILE

At an event observing International Women's Day, UN chief António Guterres today said, “gender inequality is the overwhelming injustice of our age and the biggest human rights challenge we face.” UNIFEED

UN Special Representative for South Sudan David Shearer attributed the progress in the country to the “political willingness of two men who put the interests of their country first” and said, “We often speak of courage in war and battle. But peace also requires courage.” UNIFEED