'Aleppo now synonym for hell,' Ban warns in final press conference as UN chief
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 16 December 2016 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, 'Aleppo now synonym for hell,' Ban warns in final press conference as UN chief, 16 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5857ba9d412.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
16 December 2016 - In his last press conference as United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon today delivered stark warnings on two issues at the forefront of international concern: that "the carnage in Syria remains a gaping hole in the global conscience;" and that South Sudan faces a risk of genocide as the country leaders have "squandered a peace agreement."
"Aleppo is now a synonym for hell," Mr. Ban said at UN Headquarters in New York, bidding farewell to the UN press corps.
"We have collectively failed the people of Syria. Peace will only prevail when it is accompanied by compassion, justice and accountability for the abominable crimes we have seen," he added.
On another front, he noted that this week will mark the third year of conflict in South Sudan, and he deplored that "the country's leaders have betrayed their people's trust, and squandered a peace agreement."
"Most immediately, my Special Adviser [on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng] has warned of the risk of genocide," he said, urging the UN Security Council to take more concerted action, including through punitive measures.
Mr. Ban will complete his 10-year service as the world's top diplomat on 31 December, passing the baton to his successor António Guterres, who was sworn in this past Monday.
In his last press conference as United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon today delivered stark warnings on two issues at the forefront of international concern: Syria and South Sudan. Mr. Ban said "the carnage in Syria remains a gaping hole in the global conscience," and that South Sudan faces a risk of genocide as the country's leaders have "squandered a peace agreement."
As the Syria crisis enters its sixth year, civilians continue to bear the brunt of a conflict marked by unparalleled suffering, destruction and disregard for human life. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 13.5 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 4.9 million people in need trapped in besieged and hard-to-reach areas, where they are exposed to grave protection threats.
