SG in Central Asia: today in Astana, Kazakhstan, the SG held several bilateral meetings ahead of tomorrow’s OSCE Summit, including with the Presidents of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as the SG of the OSCE. Speaking with President Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, the SG discussed the cooperation between the UN and OSCE to reinforce stability in Kyrgyzstan. His meeting with President Otunbaeva of Kyrgz Republic touched on the security situation in the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as the need to protect the rights of refugees there.
2011 Humanitarian Appeal: today USG Amos launched the UN’s Humanitarian Appeal for 2011 in Geneva, calling for $7.4 billion to help the UN provide assistance to over 50 million people in 28 countries. The Appeal is the result of an extensive inter-agency process of analyzing and developing strategic action plans to respond to 14 of the world’s most severe crises. This year’s appeal is the largest since the creation of the Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP) in 1991. The largest portion of the appeal, $1.7 billion, will be allocated for Sudan. Other top priorities include Haiti and Pakistan, who combined need approximately $2 billion in aid, as well as DRC and Afghanistan. The funds will allow the UN to provide food and “livelihood” assistance, as well as help countries bolster their capacity to withstand natural disasters. Additionally, beginning next month, the WFP and its partners will finalize food distribution plans, which could benefit roughly 200,000 people.
UNAIDS: According to the new UNAIDS report, which was published ahead of World AIDS Day tomorrow, an AIDS-free generation is possible if the international community increases its efforts to provide universal access to prevention, treatment, and social protection. The report stresses that the most marginalized members of society, such as women and children who suffer due to inequities rooted in gender, economic status, location, educational, and social status, must be accounted for.
SG on Wikileaks: In response to questions by Radio Free Europe about the WikiLeaks allegations in an interview today, the SG stated, “I do not believe that anybody would be happy when somebody knows that he or she is under watch by somebody.” Nonetheless, the SG explained that the work he does is transparent and remains under constant scrutiny by the international community. He also reiterated that all UN Member States should adhere to the existing treaties that respect and protect UN privileges.