PRESS BRIEFING BY REEM ABAZA, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT TIJJANI MUHAMMAD-BANDE
World Refugee Day
In his message on World Refugee Day, the President of the United Nations General Assembly Tijjani Muhammad-Bande said that life has become more difficult for refugees as the world contends with the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions have prevented refugees from moving through transit countries. In camp communities, transmission prevention measures are difficult to implement.
He commended host countries for upholding the values of the Charter of the United Nations, in providing for the people we serve in the context of an unprecedented global challenge.
The President urged all Member States to listen to, and heed, the voices of refugees and displaced persons as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said: “the health of every person is tied to the health of those furthest behind.”
To the refugees, the President said “you have experienced hardship and encountered difficulties. Yet, you have persisted in pursuit of a future which is free from fear, and full of possibility. We share your dreams of a better world for your children. Do not lose hope…. Together, we will build back better for a brighter future.”
Adopted by the GA
Last evening, the General Assembly adopted decision 74/558 extending the procedure for taking decisions of the GA during the COVID-19 pandemic, until the end of July 2020.
As you know, the President introduced the first silence procedure decision in March to enable the General Assembly to take essential and urgent decisions during the pandemic when there’s no possibility for plenary meetings.
The General Assembly also adopted a resolution on the “Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects”.
Since March 27, the GA has adopted 28 decisions and resolutions under silence procedure.
Draft 蘑菇视频75 Declaration???????????????????????????
The President sent a letter to Member States from the co-facilitators overseeing the intergovernmental negotiations on the declaration for the Commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.
The letter contained the final draft declaration for the Commemoration, which is under silence procedure until 12 pm on Monday.
?The President appointed the Permanent Representatives of Qatar and Sweden to the Unites nations as co-facilitators to lead and conclude the intergovernmental negotiations on the declaration to be adopted by consensus by Heads of State and Government on September 21.
On June 26, a virtual ceremony to mark the commemoration of the signing of the Charter of the United Nations (蘑菇视频) will be held on 26 June. The event will form part of the activities to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. It will offer a unique opportunity to take stock of both the successes and lessons learned in implementing the United Nations Charter over the last 75 years, as well as to look ahead and examine how best to collectively overcome current and upcoming challenges.
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International Day of Yoga
In a video message, Mr. Muhammad-Bande mentioned that the celebration of the International Day of Yoga is a unique opportunity to recognise the holistic approach to health and well-being provided by the practice of yoga – especially in times like these.
He said: health no longer only implies the condition of not being sick; it is also about being actively well. Multiple studies have confirmed the interdependent mental and physical benefits of yoga.
The President added that this year’s celebration comes amidst a critical context.? “In commemorating the International Day of Yoga, we recognise the important benefits of practicing yoga, and its potential in helping people deal with increased anxiety due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”