Military escalation in Libya & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (9 Arpil 2019)

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
Daily Press Briefing:
- Libya
- Yemen
- Sudan
- Cyclone Idai
- ECOSOC Youth Forum
- Deputy Secretary-General in Lebanon
- Refugees
- Education
- Farewell to Print

LIBYA
The Secretary-General has strongly condemned the military escalation and fighting in and around Tripoli, including yesterday’s aerial attack by a Libyan National Army (LNA) aircraft against the airport in Tripoli.
The Secretary-General continues to urge the immediate halt of all military operations in order to de-escalate the situation and prevent an all-out conflict, while emphasizing that there is no military solution to the Libya conflict. The Secretary-General said his Special Representative in Libya, Ghassan Salamé, stands ready to facilitate dialogue. In a statement issued from Tripoli today, Mr. Salamé reiterated that he is determined to hold the National Conference at the earliest possible date, as it remains a historic opportunity. 
At the same time, he said, we cannot request a Conference against the backdrop of artillery bombardment and air raids, which could compromise the ability of all those who expressed willingness from all over the country to attend, safe and free to voice their opinions.
Mr. Salamé said he would work to the fullest extent of his ability for the Libyan National Conference to take place as soon as possible once success requirements are re-established.
Tthe High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, today joined the Secretary-General in reminding all parties to the conflict in Libya of their obligations under international law to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. She urged all parties to take measures to ensure civilians do not – once again – bear the brunt of the fighting, highlighting in particular the need to ensure the protection of extremely vulnerable people, including refugees and migrants.
The humanitarian community is also expressing deep concerned about the increasing humanitarian impact of the violence.
According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), some 4,500 individuals have been displaced from the affected neighbourhoods to comparatively safe areas in Tripoli, Bani Waleed and Tarhuna. Concerns remain for civilians caught in conflict-affected areas, who are unable to leave their homes during the ongoing fighting.
Humanitarians are working to ensure preparedness for potential additional needs. This includes ongoing relocation of vulnerable refugees and migrants from detention facilities in conflict-affected areas. Advocacy continues for the relocation of all refugees and migrants currently in detention facilities in conflict-affected areas.
The World Health Organization (WHO), for its part, reports that among the dead are two doctors who had been providing critically needed services to civilians in Tripoli. The agency reiterates that targeting health care workers and health facilities is against international humanitarian law.
A $202 million appeal for the humanitarian response for Libya this year is just 6 percent funded.
YEMEN
Martin Griffiths, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, said today he was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic deaths of civilians, the majority of whom were young female students attending school, in an area of Sana’a, on 7 April.
He said this loss of life shows the terrible impact that the conflict continues to have on society’s most vulnerable and on the country’s infrastructure as well as essential services.
Mr. Griffiths strongly urged all parties to make every possible effort to put an end to civilian suffering and allow young Yemenis to grow up in peace and safety. He said only an inclusive political solution will end this cycle of violence and destruction.
SUDAN
In a statement issued yesterday, the Secretary-General said he is following closely the demonstrations in Sudan, and appealed to all actors to exercise utmost restraint and avoid violence. 
He called for full respect for human rights, including the freedom of assembly, the freedom of expression, as well as the release of detained protestors. The Secretary-General called on the Government of the Sudan to create a conducive environment for a solution to the current situation and to promote an inclusive dialogue.  
He also affirmed that the UN stands ready to support any efforts agreed by the Sudanese to peacefully resolve the crisis.
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