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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, May 6 –  How corrupt and decrepit has the UN system become under Antonio Guterres, in this case due to Guterres? Inner City Press, which Guterres has banned from "his" UN, was sent a copy of this staff letter to the "SG Calling On Him To Resign" -

Now this: "Mr. Secretary-General,  We are a group of staff members, many of whom at risk of contract termination. We read your recent message to the staff on the launch of the UN80 initiative and wish to respond to your call for staff to provide ideas for your new reform endeavor. In an earlier open letter, we asked you to simply resign, for the good of the UN.

It is high time for your to step down. This is the best reform you could undertake. In your message to staff you recklessly put the blame for the current financial crisis of the UN on everything and everybody, but yourself. It is therefore clear to us that your new reform is simply aimed at further strengthening your grip on the UN, so that you can further promote your ideologies and views as well as further purge staff who are not aligned with these policies and further promote your loyal supporters in the UN. In view of your clear unwillingness to relinquish your position, we wish to propose some measures that could contribute to a sound reform process in the framework of your UN80 initiative.

Here are your proposals:  1) Dismiss the Deputy Secretary-General, who, despite the ongoing financial crisis, continues to spend  hundreds of thousands of dollars on initiatives like the recent UN Women Leaders’ retreat

2) Dismiss the Under-Secretary-General (USG) heading the Department of Management, whom you have tasked with leading the UN80 initiative. This is the same person who has promoted active discriminatory policies in the selection of UN staff

3) Dismiss the USG of the Department of Global Communication, who has been publicly disseminating propaganda.

4) Dismiss the High Commissioner for Human Rights

5) Dismiss the USG in charge of UN Women

6) Disclose and resume the investigations conducted on various senior UN officials allegedly engaged in corruption and harassement cases, including prominent USGs in Geneva, Vienna and other duty stations.  We hope you will appreciate our contributions to your reform efforts. Implementing our proposals will generate new resources and credibility, so that the organisation will again deserve the support of all Member States and its staff can finally work in a non-ideological and financially stable environment

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE / SDNY  May 1 - The UN has been putting off a reckoning for 102 days, with nominations forwarded then retracted. On May 1, Mike Walz. Will this be it?

 For the UN's role in Hamas' October 7 attacks, non-US citizen plaintiffs and estates on June 24 filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, Pierre Krahenbuhl, Filippo Grandi, Leni Stenseth, Sandra Mitchel, Margot Ellis and Greta Gunnarsdottir. 

  The individual plaintiffs are sued for, inter alia, their "constant travel to New York" to raise and get money and "their material support of Hamas' terror infrastructure." Also cited, for jurisdiction and venue, is "over one billion dollars from UNRWA's New York bank account in Manhattan that Defendants then caused to be delivered to Gaza in cash U.S. dollars to benefit Hamas." 

 Inner City Press, which daily cover the SDNY court in-person and the UN from outside the gate, banned from entry by SG Antonio Guterres, asked Guterres' spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming about the lawsuit, without any response per usual.

Nor have they responded to Inner City Press' June 19 application to enter the UN to ask these questions.

 And now? Watch this site.

On February 18, the (new) SDNY wrote in, "The Government is currently reviewing the views." Letter on Inner City Press' DocumentCloud here

On April 17 DOJ wrote in asking for one more week to finalize. Inner City Press, still banned from the UN by Antonio Guterres, tweeted it.

On April 24 the Administration wrote in that it "has since reevaluated that position, and now concludes UNRWA is not immune from this litigation. Nor are the bulk of other defendants" - 10 page filing on DocumentCloud here.

The UNRWA case is ESTATE OF TAMAR KEDEM SIMAN TOV, BY HEIR-AT-LAW GAD KEDEM v. UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY (UNRWA) et al., 24-cv-04765 (Torres)

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 24 - For the UN's role in Hamas' October 7 attacks, non-US citizen plaintiffs and estates on June 24 filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, Pierre Krahenbuhl, Filippo Grandi, Leni Stenseth, Sandra Mitchel, Margot Ellis and Greta Gunnarsdottir. 

  The individual plaintiffs are sued for, inter alia, their "constant travel to New York" to raise and get money and "their material support of Hamas' terror infrastructure." Also cited, for jurisdiction and venue, is "over one billion dollars from UNRWA's New York bank account in Manhattan that Defendants then caused to be delivered to Gaza in cash U.S. dollars to benefit Hamas." 

 Inner City Press, which daily cover the SDNY court in-person and the UN from outside the gate, banned from entry by SG Antonio Guterres, asked Guterres' spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming about the lawsuit, without any response per usual.

Nor have they responded to Inner City Press' June 19 application to enter the UN to ask these questions.

On February 18, the (new) SDNY wrote in, "The Government is currently reviewing the views." Letter on Inner City Press' DocumentCloud here

On April 17 DOJ wrote in asking for one more week to finalize. Inner City Press, still banned from the UN by Antonio Guterres, tweeted it.

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 17 - For the UN's role in Hamas' October 7 attacks, non-US citizen plaintiffs and estates on June 24 filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, Pierre Krahenbuhl, Filippo Grandi, Leni Stenseth, Sandra Mitchel, Margot Ellis and Greta Gunnarsdottir. 

  The individual plaintiffs are sued for, inter alia, their "constant travel to New York" to raise and get money and "their material support of Hamas' terror infrastructure." Also cited, for jurisdiction and venue, is "over one billion dollars from UNRWA's New York bank account in Manhattan that Defendants then caused to be delivered to Gaza in cash U.S. dollars to benefit Hamas." 

 Inner City Press, which daily cover the SDNY court in-person and the UN from outside the gate, banned from entry by SG Antonio Guterres, asked Guterres' spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming about the lawsuit, without any response per usual.

Nor have they responded to Inner City Press' June 19 application to enter the UN to ask these questions.

On November 14, after the election, UNRWA used public money to hire Curtis, Mallet-Provest. On December 16 they filed a 38 page memo now on Inner City Press' DocumentCloud here

On January 21, 2025, hours after UNRWA's actions on October 7, 2023 were repeatedly raised to Elise Stefanik in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, UNRWA's and Guterres' lawyers, with taxpayer funds, filed a reply that "the U.S. has taken the position that Defendants qualify for immunity. Dkt. No. 17. Nothing more is needed." Reply memo on DocumentCloud here.  Will that remain the US' position?

No. On February 18, the (new) SDNY wrote in, "The Government is currently reviewing the views expressed in the July 30 and October 18, 2024 letters. For that reason, the Government respectfully requests that the Court defer taking any action concerning the immunities of the defendants until the Government has had time to complete this review. The Government respectfully requests  the Court’s leave to provide an update in sixty days, by April 21, 2025, regarding its review process." Letter on Inner City Press' DocumentCloud here

On April 17 DOJ wrote in asking for one more week to finalize. Inner City Press, still banned from the UN by Antonio Guterres, tweeted it.

The UNRWA case is ESTATE OF TAMAR KEDEM SIMAN TOV, BY HEIR-AT-LAW GAD KEDEM v. UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY (UNRWA) et al., 24-cv-04765 (Torres)

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, April 10, Scoop – While the UN under Antonio Guterres bans the Press which asks about its, and his, finances, now they are offering buy-outs in UN Security, the unit Guterres used to rough up the Press and keep it out. This has been leaked to Inner City Press:

"All UNDSS Personnel    Dear Colleagues,  In light of the critical financial situation that the UN community is facing—which is impacting UNDSS across all funding sources—the Department is taking steps to help manage this challenge in a fair and responsible manner.

As part of these efforts, UNDSS is inviting expressions of interest for Agreed Termination packages from UNDSS staff members holding permanent, continuing or fixed-term appointments, with the exception of uniformed personnel in DHSSS. The terms of the Agreed Termination will follow the standard provisions under: Staff Regulation 9.3 (a) (vi) Staff Rule 9.8 Annex III to the Staff Regulations https://www.undocs.org/en/ST/SGB/2023/1/Rev.1 Please note that no enhanced packages will be offered. Staff members interested in being considered for Agreed Termination are invited to submit expressions of interest by email to hatlehol by 30 April 2025. To support decision-making, please contact the following colleagues for informal consultation as soon as possible and well ahead of the deadline: •  

 HQ-based staff may contact Ms. Amelia Lowe Field-based P and above staff may contact Ms. Tine Hatlehol  All field-based General Service & National Officer staff may contact Aurelia Taylor All expressions of interest will be reviewed in May. Please note that affordability will be a key consideration, and the Department may not be in a position to accept all requests. The implementation of accepted cases is planned for end-June 2025.

We understand the concern that such message may cause and thank you for your continued professionalism and commitment during this challenging time.  Best regards, UNDSS Global Security Information Center Division of Field Operations Department of Safety and Security United Nations  New York, USA | Secretariat Building/S-0880 www.un.orgton Mail secure email.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, April 1 – France took over the UN Security Council presidency on April 1, 2025 - while Inner City Press is still banned from the UN, despite its June 19 application.

Back on March - Inner City Press wrote to France's Mission to the UN, nycmis@um.dk and andnyg@um.dk: "This is a timely request that you allow Inner City Press to enter the UN and cover, and/or provide the WebEx  pass code(s) to access France's UNSC Presidency press briefing by French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont on April 1, 2025 at 3 pm. I have questions to ask on what you will do this month about Gaza, UNRWA and Cameroon, DRC, Sudan, Ukraine, DRC and Rwanda, about the SDNY indictment involving Turkey's Mission to the UN as well as the coups in Gabon and Niger and the conflicts in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Yemen and Libya -  and on ongoing cases of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers, and Missions' abuses in NYC, on many of which Inner City Press first reported - including its current scoops on Colombia, DRC, Libya and Somalia. And most recently South Sudan and UNECA.

Please note that Inner City Press and I participate in the WebEx briefings of, for example, the IMF: March 31, 2022 and since with new IMF spokesperson Sept 28, 2023:

The French Mission to the UN by April 1 at 10 am had not answered Inner City Press' request for WebEx codes - but updated online that Bonnafont's briefing will be "in person" only - that is, Press banned. Inner City Press previously reported that the U Peacekeeping job was supposed to go to Bonafont before Herve Ladsous backed into it - and banned the Press - we will stay on this.

 Watch this site.

 Inner City Press on June 19, 2024 again applied to the UN for access, as it gives 100s, to cover the UNGA week. Inner City Press has a NYC Press Pass and writes about the UN. From France and its UN Mission, nothing.

Watch this site. 

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, March 28 –  How corrupt and decrepit has the UN system become under Antonio Guterres, in this case due to Guterres? Today's example is from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) from which this and more has been leaked to Inner City Press:

"We are a group of staff currently employed at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), reaching out to you to raise serious concerns regarding financial transparency, governance failures, and alarming reports about workplace conditions that threaten the integrity of the organization... it remains unclear whether the total expenditure on layoffs has ultimately exceeded what would have been required to allow staff to complete their contracts or receive standard non-renewal notices.  At the same time, there are troubling indications that IOM resources have been used for purposes unrelated to the organization’s mandate. For instance, consultants closely linked to the Director General were flown to Geneva ahead of a private celebration, with their travel and high daily subsistence allowances covered by the organization. Such expenditures further raise questions about financial oversight and the responsible management of Member State contributions.

 Direct appointments of U.S. nationals under the previous U.S. administration, bypassing all standard procedures, raising serious concerns about systematic political interference in recruitment. This includes loyalty-based appointments linked to the Director General’s campaign, such as Michele Sison [who did nothing when Inner City Press was roughed up and banned by SG Guterres and Melissa Fleming] and the Deputy Chief of Staff in Geneva. One senior official allegedly stated that the only way for citizens from some small nations to be hired at IOM would be through “marriage with the HR Director” ... on October 2, 2023, the Director General referred to French and Spanish as “colonial languages.” This statement, captured on video.

There is more.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, March 21 – With the United Nations facing budget cuts and its Secretary General on a junket to Bangladesh, the following from inside the UN was leaked to Inner City Press: 

Dear Council Members,  The message below, which was circulated to you, reflects the outcome of our meeting between the Staff Federation and the USG-UNDSS, Mr. Gilles Michoud. In addition to the details provided in the message, I would like to take this opportunity to summarize the implications of the $30 million budget cut for UNDSS: 

Due to the recent USAID funding cut to the UN, approximately $30 million has been removed from the extra-budgetary (XB) resources, resulting in a significant reduction in staffing. 

As a consequence, UNDSS will no longer have a presence in approximately 35 to 45 countries, severely impacting field operations.  In the remaining 120 countries where UNDSS will maintain a presence, regional hubs will be established.  UN agencies will need to reconsider their operational footprint in countries where UNDSS will no longer be present.  In the short term, approximately 100 UNDSS staff members will be affected, with more at risk if the situation does not improve.  The USG emphasized that UNDSS is not a protection agency but a risk management and analysis entity.

This distinction should be clearly communicated to staff.  I advocated for our security colleagues in the field, particularly those in UNAMI who are facing downsizing in the coming months. However, I was informed that there will be no available positions to absorb affected personnel. The USG candidly stated that he cannot justify bringing someone from the field when he is already forced to send his own staff home.  The UN is currently experiencing its worst liquidity crisis since its establishment. The situation is expected to deteriorate further before any improvement occurs.

 I will continue to follow up with DPO and DOS regarding our position papers and other matters related to the future of peacekeeping operations. 

Please stay tuned for further updates.    Best regards,  Milan Victor Dawoh President-United Nations Field Staff Union

   Message sent on behalf of Mr. Bill Blanchard, DFO   Dear colleagues in DFO,  I would like to update you with the latest developments on the financial situation for DFO.  We have received some bad news from USAID, whose extra-budgetary (XB) funding provides for a very large proportion of DSS's crisis response work in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, as well as a relatively smaller proportion in Nigeria and Ethiopia. 

Most of this has now stopped and I am not optimistic that we will have any remaining after about May, let alone into 2026.  This means that our XB funding will fall from above $20m a year to around $1m if we can't find other donors.  We will need to use the Jointly Financed Activities account (JFA) to absorb some positions, particularly in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan.  Meanwhile, the Controller has announced a recruitment freeze, initially for six months. 

We will not be able to run normal recruitment processes on positions funded by regular budget or JFA or the peace-keeping budget.   It is vital that we continue to retain the agility to be able to respond to the crises of the world, so we need to be able to move people where they are needed.  We are exploring how we do this.

 As he mentioned in his talk to staff, the USG went to the Finance and Budget Network (FBN) meeting on 10 March, where he presented two budgets for 2026, one with a flat maintenance budget and one with a 20% decrease.  He explained what this decrease would mean for DSS (JFA is used by DPSS and EO as well as DFO).  Even if we start by maximizing savings on non-post costs, and if we use vacant positions and forthcoming retirements fully, under a 20% cut we would have to significantly reduce our filled positions in both HQ and the field.

 We would have to prioritize rigorously and change our model in large parts of the world, for example by extending regional coverage and nationalizing positions.  The FBN asked the USG a range of questions and we are now preparing a more detailed briefing for the FBN to consider at their meeting on 21 March.  The FBN was clear that the brutality of the financial crisis that the UN and its agencies are facing means that security will also need to absorb cuts.  We can therefore expect that DFO budgets will be cut.  We don’t yet know by how much.

 As you know, the reduction in AFP funding is affecting discussions about Locally Cost-Shared Security Budgets (LCSSB) around the world.  We have asked all our P/C/SAs to model 25% cuts for 2026 as a preliminary precaution.  Some of you are already facing pressure to reduce recently agreed 2025 budgets.  We are also funded by the Regular Budget and Peacekeeping Budget for some posts in DFO. 

As well as being subject to the freeze, I expect that they too will come under pressure.  There is a risk of liquidity issues towards the end of the year which is why we have a hiring freeze.  We have been able to withdraw from the Global Mobility scheme in order to be able to concentrate on managing the financial situation.  My apologies to those of you who applied for this in good faith, but the truth is that we can't guarantee that all the jobs would continue to exist which means the circular sequences of moves would get stuck.

  As some of you know we had just completed a Strategic Resource Allocation process which would have repositioned us for the security risks we face today.  We will not be able to proceed with this as planned, but it gives us a data-based methodology for considering where any required reductions will be made in new, tougher circumstances.  I expect that no geographical area of the world will be immune.

 We can be sure, if we face cuts anywhere near 20%, that it will affect both national and international colleagues.  As the USG mentioned, we will consider whether part of our response should be agreed terminations.  We have not yet considered how we would run any downsizing process.  All that we can say at this stage is that there are some well-established UN rules to follow, and that we would want to be as humane and fair as possible.   I am aware that some of you will be feeling uncertain and may worry what it means for you personally as well as for the Department. 

As soon as we can give you substantive news we will do so.  In the meantime, I have no doubt that there will be lots of unfounded rumours, so please keep your disinformation antennae up.  Please look after yourselves and those around you, in and beyond DSS.  Those of you who are line managers please check in on your teams.  Please remember that our counselors are available to support you through stressful times.  

My own self-management of stress, which I don't always get right, involves stopping doom-scrolling through the news, talking with my family and playing the piano - you will have your own methods.  The most important thing we can do is to keep on doing a good professional job in support of the UN, especially important when it is under attack and underfunded.  A smaller UN will need an excellent security team just as much as a bigger UN does.  The world is not getting safer, and the UN will still want to reach the most dangerous places.  We will continue to be essential.  We will let you know when we get more clarity. 

Best wishes, Bill  Bill Blanchard Director Division of Field Operations United Nations Department of Safety and Security

 Inner City Press will have more on this.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, March 12 –  How corrupt and decrepit has the UN system become under Antonio Guterres, in this case due to Guterres? Inner City Press, which Guterres has banned from "his" UN, has been sent a copy of this staff letter to the "SG Calling On Him To Resign" -

Dear Secretary-General,  We are a large group of UN staff members from different duty stations, and we ask you to take the bold decision to step down from your position and save the organization. 

We consider this financial crisis to be the result of your continued and repeated failures in leading the UN. Major setbacks include multiple fiascos in the area of peace-keeping operations, which have been or will be thrown out of several countries, from Mali to DRC and Somalia, the irrelevant role played in major current conflicts, from Ukraine to the Middle East, and the collapse of your policies related to climate change, just to name a few. 

Now it is time for you to take responsibility for your actions and simply resign, together with the Deputy Secretary-General, who has actively supported your ineffective policies.

 Then on March 12, this Q&A: Q: Secretary-General, good morning. Is this UN80 initiative a UN version of DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency we are seeing in Washington?  Do you anticipate significant UN staff cuts?     SG: First of all, nothing to do with that kind of initiative. We are talking about completely different processes, methodologies and objectives. Yeah.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, March 2 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? Today's follow up is yet again on his mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about the newest sex abuse case against the UN there. Now this, from a UN whistleblower sent to Inner City Press:

Dear Mr. Matthew Russell Lee:

 The recent statement by the Government of South Sudan calling for UNMISS to evacuate its compound near Juba Airport is deeply concerning - it is said the UN lied and kept Radio Mireya after independence, and now acts as a ugly guest.

  This incident highlights a significant oversight by the Chief of Staff, Leda Limann, in managing relations with the host government. Instead of prioritizing essential diplomatic efforts, Ms. Limann appears more focused on advancing her own career from D-2 to DSRSG, thereby jeopardizing the mission’s objectives and welfare of the staff. Furthermore, Ms. Limann has been known to undermine capable staff supporting the SRSG through intimidation and attacks, reflecting her lack of diplomatic background and necessary job experience. Her preference for spreading baseless rumors about Benjamin Bol Mei, who is married to the president's daughter, is particularly concerning. These rumors, which falsely accuse Mr. Mei of threatening to shut down UNMISS and confiscate its land, could seriously damage relations with South Sudan.

It is alleged that Ms. Limann has even suggested that donors impose sanctions against Mr. Mei, portraying him as a threat to the UN and various NGOs.  This behavior is risky, and the Government of South Sudan could declare persona non grata (PNG) status against her, similar to actions previously taken by the Somali government against the current SRSG in UNMISS. It seems possible UNMISS may close without achieving its mandate like Mali and Congo

 Guterres, they say, should resign or lose immunity - and end censorship. Watch this site.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Feb 27 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? Today's follow up is again on his mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about the newest sex abuse case against the UN there. Now this, from a UN whistleblower sent to Inner City Press:

Dear Mr. Matthew Russell Lee:

 Senior officials within the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have reportedly left their posts without notifying their teams, creating operational disruptions and raising concerns over accountability and leadership integrity.

Some officials have left the country without proper handovers, forcing junior staff to take on their responsibilities, while others remain at home, expecting their subordinates to not only perform official duties but also carry out personal errands, including cooking at their residences.  [Sounds like Big Tony Guterres - a fish rots from the head]

The situation is further exacerbated by the extreme heat wave affecting South Sudan, which has led to increased cases of heat-related illnesses among staff. The harsh weather conditions, combined with high workloads due to absent leadership, are putting additional strain on personnel, raising concerns over health risks and mission effectiveness

 Guterres, they say, should resign or lose immunity - and end censorship. Watch this site.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Feb 18 - For the UN's role in Hamas' October 7 attacks, non-US citizen plaintiffs and estates on June 24 filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, Pierre Krahenbuhl, Filippo Grandi, Leni Stenseth, Sandra Mitchel, Margot Ellis and Greta Gunnarsdottir. 

  The individual plaintiffs are sued for, inter alia, their "constant travel to New York" to raise and get money and "their material support of Hamas' terror infrastructure." Also cited, for jurisdiction and venue, is "over one billion dollars from UNRWA's New York bank account in Manhattan that Defendants then caused to be delivered to Gaza in cash U.S. dollars to benefit Hamas." 

 Inner City Press, which daily cover the SDNY court in-person and the UN from outside the gate, banned from entry by SG Antonio Guterres, asked Guterres' spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming about the lawsuit, without any response per usual.

Nor have they responded to Inner City Press' June 19 application to enter the UN to ask these questions.

On November 14, after the election, UNRWA used public money to hire Curtis, Mallet-Provest. On December 16 they filed a 38 page memo now on Inner City Press' DocumentCloud here

On January 21, 2025, hours after UNRWA's actions on October 7, 2023 were repeatedly raised to Elise Stefanik in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, UNRWA's and Guterres' lawyers, with taxpayer funds, filed a reply that "the U.S. has taken the position that Defendants qualify for immunity. Dkt. No. 17. Nothing more is needed." Reply memo on DocumentCloud here.  Will that remain the US' position?

No. On February 18, the (new) SDNY wrote in, "The Government is currently reviewing the views expressed in the July 30 and October 18, 2024 letters. For that reason, the Government respectfully requests that the Court defer taking any action concerning the immunities of the defendants until the Government has had time to complete this review. The Government respectfully requests  the Court’s leave to provide an update in sixty days, by April 21, 2025, regarding its review process." Letter on Inner City Press' DocumentCloud here

The UNRWA case is ESTATE OF TAMAR KEDEM SIMAN TOV, BY HEIR-AT-LAW GAD KEDEM v. UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY (UNRWA) et al., 24-cv-04765 (Torres)

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By Matthew Russell Lee, Audio, Patreon

UN GATE, Feb 17 – Three weeks after Inner City Press published leaked audio of UN investigator Ben Swanson recounting being ordered by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres  NOT to investigate sexual harassment committed by a UN Assistant SG, now more Swanson audio has emerged (see here for description and below), and now put online by Inner City Press on SoundCloud, here, with related letter here.

On January 31, 2025 Inner City Press reported that Swanson is out at the UN, as of February 6. Spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa have yet to respond to daily emailed questions from Inner City Press on Swanson and other topics including UNOPS.

On February 17, "Guterres announced today the appointment of Jens Wandel of Denmark as Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Reforms."

Wandel was part of the cover up at UNOPS; previously, as Inner City Press reported before being roughed up and banned from the UN, Wandel was the voice of cutbacks and layoffs at UNDP. Is Guterres, instead of any reform or relenting on censorship, getting ready to throw others overboard?

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Feb 13 –  The corruption of the United Nations under Antonio Guterres continues to spread. Inner City Press, banned from the UN by Guterres for its reporting, today publishes here a detailed confidential memo / complaint from the UNCLOS-created International Seabed Authority, no answers from Guterres' spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming:

in November 2024, a confidential complaint was filed against two staff members alleging misconduct including harassment, gender discrimination, retaliation and abuse of authority. Acting within the established processes of the UN, including the standards applied by the Office of Internal Oversight Services and the UN Ethics Office, the former Secretary-General initiated an independent external investigation and issued measures to protect the complainant against further retaliation, in accordance with his duty as chief of the organization (head of entity).

 Secretary-General Lodge also provided a full and comprehensive handover brief on the matter to Secretary-General Carvalho.   

In total defiance of her ethical responsibilities and her duty as head of entity, Secretary- General Carvalho failed to act and indeed suppressed the internal investigation into misconduct. 

14. Furthermore, compounding her action, the Secretary-General immediately promoted the two subjects of the complaint into positions of authority, namely as officer-in-charge of the Office of Legal Affairs and officer-in-charge of the Office of Administrative Services, the latter having sent the letter of termination to the complainant."

    Inner City Press, still banned from the UN by Guterres, will have more on this.

***

By Matthew Russell Lee, Audio, Patreon

UN GATE, Feb 6 – Three weeks after Inner City Press published leaked audio of UN investigator Ben Swanson recounting being ordered by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres  NOT to investigate sexual harassment committed by a UN Assistant SG, now more Swanson audio has emerged (see here for description and below), and now put online by Inner City Press on SoundCloud, here, with related letter here.

On January 31, 2025 Inner City Press reported that Swanson is out at the UN, as of February 6.

Beyond covering up the sexual harassment with with Antonio Guterres' UN and 38th floor are rife, Swanson's final role involved covering up the UN's role in the October 7 attack. Guterres set up a link for Swanson to be thanked for this then quickly imposed a password requirement that that only positive comments are submitted, much like Guterres' continuing ban on Inner City Press.

Now Inner City Press can report that Swanson's farewell e-message said he was "taking an early bath" and leaving. It recalls British rugby league commentator Eddie Waring's famous catchcry from the 1970's : ""He's goin' for an early bath" (when a player was sent off the field for a serious foul).

 So which was Swanson's serious foul? Not his covering up for UNRWA, but rather being caught on audio speaking of Guterres' cover ups? Inner City Press has repeatedly asked the UN Spokesperson (and Melissa Fleming et al) about Swanson and UNRWA - no answers. Totally unaccoutable.

   Inner City Press, which Guterres has banned from the UN as it asks about these and his abuses,  received from outraged UN whistleblowers video of sexual exploitation, they said, in a white UN-marked vehicle, here.  Now Instagram, Facebook.

 Inner City Press will continue to demand re-accreditation.

***

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY / UN GATE, Jan 31 – As US Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads south including to El Salvador, the issue arises whether the new US Administration will use its leverage in the International Monetary Fund to allow President Bukele to resume his pro- cryptocurrency policies. 

 On January 31 US Special Envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone, previously the head of the Inter-American Development Bank, took three media questions about the trip.

   The Miami Herald asked about Venezuela, and Richard Grenell's upcoming trip there. PBS asked about Panama (the answer touched on China's incursions) and the Washington Reporter asked about Colombia.

  Afterward Inner City Press asked in writing, "will the US take any action on the IMF's restrictions on President Bukele's well-publicized desire for El Salvador to be (even) more involved in Bitcoin, given the Administration's position on digital assets? Also, any comment on Honduras president Castro canceling her CELAC meeting, and which countries the US thinks may have opposed it. And anything State / the new USUN under Elise Stefanik will do on these topics at the UN, which I cover closely from outside." 

  We aim to have more on this, and about this and forthcoming trips. Watch this site.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE / SDNY, Jan 21 – At the confirmation hearing for the next US Ambassador to the UN Elise Stefanik, questions ranged from the UN's dominance by - and bribe taking from - China to complicity in the October 7 attacks. But barely scatched was the full depth of the current UN's rot, from corruption to censorship.  Chair   @SenatorRisch  starts with "decay" of UN. Inner City Press knows & is banned from the UN and will live tweet, thread below

Ranking member of @SenateForeign @SenatorShaheen calls UN imperfect but argues for continued engagement or else China will just take it (more) over.

 Fine - but shouldn't even pro-UN @SFRCdems ensure UN @MelissaFleming doesn't ban US Press?

Now @SenatorRicketts asks how to combat China buying the UN. On personal knowledge, Inner City Press says start at the top: UNSG @AntonioGuterres hid his financial links to the SDNY-convicted bribery firm China Energy Fund Committee 

Now @ChrisCoons says he worked to keep CCP from running @ITU and other technical UN agencies. But ITU is still corrupt, whistleblowers tell Inner City Press this week and so is @WIPO  

Now @DaveMcCormickPA asks about antisemitism at the UN. Beyond UNGA votes, the UN - and the current @USUN - are assert complete legal immunity for UNRWA in a lawsuit for its role in the Oct 7 attacks Now @timkaine asks about Haiti (though doesn't mention that the UN brought cholera there, negligently, then also cited immunity to not pay a penny under SG @AntonioGuterres to survivors of those killed.

Now @SenatorHagerty asks about UNRWA role in terrorism, but not yet UN @AntonioGuterres role in censorship and banning of Press which asks about the SDNY lawsuit against UNRWA. Now @SenBooker bring up deportation returns to... Egypt (a country for/about which his former colleague Bob Menendez worked for, big demographics in NJ.

Now @SenJohnCurtis asks about Taiwan being subsumed into the PRC in UN agencies like ICAO - true. As Inner City Press reported, before being thrown out of the UN, journalists from Taiwan are not even allowed into the UN building 

Now @ChrisMurphyCT asks about antisemitism - Inner City Press before being thrown out of the UN reported on UN Security being used to throw out a pro-Israel NGO representative, like something out of the graphic novel Maus.

Now @SenRickScott asks about UNRWA - a trend in this hearing, understandably; UN banning of the Press that asks about lawsuit against UNRWA has not yet come up. @SenJackyRosen shifts to UNESCO - Inner City Press has a 100 story series  Now @JohnCornyn asks about UN & Iran - here's the time "SG Guterres Gave Beirut Post to Hezbollah Crony Rola Dashti While Calling Her Kuwaiti"

Now @ChrisVanHollen says Hamas should have no role- SDNY lawsuit says UNRWA does not agree

Now @SteveDaines asks @EliseStefanic what she will go about Sec-Gen @AntonioGuterres who, he says, lowered flags for the death of Iran's butcher president. Hey, Guterres took a gift from #Cameroon's 40 year ruler Paul Biya

Now @SenJohnBarrasso asks @EliseStefanik about holding the UN accountable, including to local laws / sovereignty. Exempt from 1st Amendment principles:Something recent: UN exempts itself from NYC congestion pricing: 

Now @SenMikeLee asks about the wisdom of US granting UN "inviolability" as to ICC, @AntonioGuterres also claims exemption from local laws, refused inspection for Legionnaires disease, immunity from lawsuits on UNRWA, censorship. Immunity had led to impunity  Now @SenBrianSchatz (of Hawaii) asks about island nations and China. Here was "UN @AntonioGuterres Flops on Tonga As #Taiwan Targeted by Solomon Islands Joint Paymaster"

Now @SenTedCruz asks about the "deep rot" in the UN and its worsening role after October 7. The lawsuit here @SDNYLIVE exploring UNRWA role *in* October 7, the UN is asserting total immunity, just as Guterres claims immunity to ban any Press he wants

Now @SenDuckworth asks about Myanmar / Burma. UNSG @AntonioGuterres has failed there too: "As Burma NGOs Want UN Envoy Heyzer Fired Corrupt SG Guterres Prepares to Go Even Worse" 

And with that, it's over - those are all the @SenateForeign members who put questions

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Jan 13 - For the UN's role in Hamas' October 7 attacks, non-US citizen plaintiffs and estates on June 24 filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, Pierre Krahenbuhl, Filippo Grandi, Leni Stenseth, Sandra Mitchel, Margot Ellis and Greta Gunnarsdottir. 

  The individual plaintiffs are sued for, inter alia, their "constant travel to New York" to raise and get money and "their material support of Hamas' terror infrastructure." Also cited, for jurisdiction and venue, is "over one billion dollars from UNRWA's New York bank account in Manhattan that Defendants then caused to be delivered to Gaza in cash U.S. dollars to benefit Hamas." 

 Inner City Press, which daily cover the SDNY court in-person and the UN from outside the gate, banned from entry by SG Antonio Guterres, asked Guterres' spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming about the lawsuit, without any response per usual.

Nor have they responded to Inner City Press' June 19 application to enter the UN to ask these questions.

On November 14, after the election, UNRWA used public money to hire Curtis, Mallet-Provest. On December 16 they filed a 38 page memo citing full immunity / impunity and asking to dismiss the case: "The Individual Defendants Are Immune in this Case Because the Complaint Alleges that They Acted in Their Official Capacity; The UN Has Not Waived Immunity of the Individual Defendants; The Individual Defendants Are Current and Former UN Officials. Antonio Guterres is responsible. Memo now on Inner City Press' DocumentCloud here

On January 13 plaintiffs' opposed the motion to dismissed, noting "Defendants' apparent argument is that Lazzarini and the Secretary-General [Guterres] were engaged in fraud when they made statements in late January 2024." And since...

The UNRWA case is ESTATE OF TAMAR KEDEM SIMAN TOV, BY HEIR-AT-LAW GAD KEDEM v. UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY (UNRWA) et al., 24-cv-04765 (Torres)

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Jan 10 – United Nations diplomats have gotten themselves exempted from NYC's $9 Congestion Price payments, even as for example lower income residents of the NYCHA Al Smith Houses and lower Manhattan small businesses complained without recourse about having to pay them. 

   In a notice tucked into the Federal Register of January 6, the US State Department ostensibly notified the public of "exemption from charges assessed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York for entry into its designated 'Congestion Relief Zone' for foreign missions and certain international organizations. This benefit extends to members and personnel of and representatives to such foreign missions and international organizations." 

  Perhaps exemption for other countries' ambassadors is understandable, if those countries similar exempt US diplomats. But why allow already overpaid UN staff - and officials like Antonio Guterres and his bloated UN Security detail - to not pay what other New Yorkers - and for example New Jersey residents - pay? 

  UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric refuses to answer Inner City Press' written questions, after having it thrown out of the UN; Melissa Fleming has ignored a request for dialogue on press freedom from pro bono law firm Quinn Emanuel.  

   Will this change going forward? Watch this site.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Jan 2 – Algeria took over the UN Security Council presidency on January 1, 2025 - while Inner City Press is still banned from the UN, despite its June 19 application.

On December 30, Inner City Press wrote to the Algeria Mission: "This is a timely request that you allow Inner City Press to enter the UN and cover, and/or provide the WebEx  pass code(s) to access Algeria's UNSC Presidency press briefing by Algeria's Ambassador Amar Bendjama on January 2, 2025 at 1 pm. I have questions to ask on what you will do this month about Gaza, UNRWA and Western Sahara / MINURSO," etc

  The Algeria Mission did not answer, even to its address listed in the UN Blue Book.

At the lame presser, Bendjama gave the first question to Agence France Presse, three online questions to his own media (none on Western Sahara) - it was Spain media that asked, and Bendjama says he's not raising the issue this month. But "Ahmed Attaf said Monday that Algeria is devoting its mandate at the UN Security Council (UNSC) to champion just causes, particularly the Palestinian cause and the issue of Western Sahara." Hmm...

 Watch this site.

 Inner City Press on June 19, 2024 again applied to the UN for access, as it gives 100s, to cover the UNGA week. Inner City Press has a NYC Press Pass and writes about the UN. From Algeria and its UN Mission, nothing.

Watch this site. 

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Dec 25 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? Today's follow up is again on his mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about the newest sex abuse case against the UN there. Now this, from a UN whistleblower sent to Inner City Press:

Dear Mr. Matthew Russell Lee:

 Paul Egunsola, the former Chief of Staff for UNMISS, is reportedly leveraging his network to lobby for the position of Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for UNMISS. A former Nigerian diplomat, Egunsola began his UN career in 2002 as a spokesperson in Liberia. He later served as Chief of Staff for UNMISS, starting in 2005.  In recent weeks, Egunsola has been frequently seen in New York, where he is reportedly campaigning for the SRSG position, expected to become vacant in April.

However, his candidacy has sparked debate among UNMISS staff members. An independent staff member suggested that instead of appointing individuals perceived as inexperienced or disconnected from the mission’s realities, the UN should prioritize promoting those with a proven track record in the field or bring in fresh and dynamic leadership. 

There is also notable dissatisfaction among some staff regarding Egunsola's tenure as Chief of Staff.

Concerns have been raised about his leadership style and effectiveness during his time in the role. Many staff members advocate for the Secretary-General to select a candidate with demonstrated leadership skills, a deep understanding of the mission's complexities, and the health and fitness required for the demands of the position. Such considerations, they argue, would better align with the mission's objectives and operational realities in South Sudan

 It is Guterres, they say, who should resign - and end censorship. Watch this site.

***

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Dec 17 –  How corrupt and decrepit has the UN system become under Antonio Guterres, in this case due to Guterres? Today's example is from the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, to which Guterres appointed his unqualified crony Volker Turk more than two years ago.

Turk as a staffer on Guterres' 38th floor did nothing when his Boss has the critical Press roughed up and thrown out. Some human righters. Now this, to still banned Inner City Press, from whistleblowing staff:

Dear Matthew Russell Lee,  The situation in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has become the worst in decades as Volker Turk starts the second half of his four years mandate. Turk was handpicked by SG Antonio Guterres amidst mistrust by member states and human rights activists. Many were concerned about Turk’s reputation as a HQ bureaucrat without relevant experience.

 Some of us believed his initial calls for a change in OHCHR to make it more operational. But after more than 2 years the hope is gone. Most of the changes have been in Geneva, including the creation of a very expensive analytic hub that is not needed or an Investigation branch not approved by member states- currently headed by a D1 without approval from the 5th Committee.  Turk spent millions in the flamboyant celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration. There was little return from those 5 to 7 million, no transparency and accountability. OHCHR ends Turk’s half term with over 40 million gap and few prospects to recover (especially after his hostile display against Elon Musk and Donald Trump). 

The plans are to use OHCHR financial reserves for which there was a precedent years ago, under Navi Pillay, which concluded with dozens of contracts being cut. It is alarming that the staff in the Special Procedures branch will be merged with those of the thematic division (TESPREDD).  We are resisting this. 

This is only a way to mask up the financial gap and to use earmarked funds for special procedures to fund thematic work trying to fool donors.   Worse, there is a climate of fear for reprisals. Those of us who have voiced concerns have been singled out. Turk does not manage. He delegates to the mighty deputy Nada Al Nashif, totally ruthless.

And in the untouchable head of administration Kim Taylor. Kim Taylor has been for  8 years head of Human Resources, position which she used to hire her cronies and her boyfriend. Kim Taylor’s performance has been a constant concern by the staff in OCHA and OHCHR. A long term P5 she applied for the post of head of administration 3 years ago but failed as she lied in her PHP (she also lied in her testimony to UNDT in the case against whistleblower Emma Reilly).

Finally Kim Taylor got her promotion although she has no experience in financial matters and there were more suited applicants. Few months later the financial situation is worse than ever and there is no oversight. The prospects are gloomy and some of us are afraid of reprisals as those who complain are likely to be the first ones to be made redundant.

  No answers from Guterres' Melissa Fleming (including to formal pro bono letters from the firms of Quinn Emanuel and Duane Morris) nor daily from UN "Spokesperson" Stephane Dujarric. Keep the info coming

***

By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon

UN GATE, Dec 13 – In the United Nations under Antonio Guterres, there is nothing but failure and excuses and fundraising on crises like Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, Burma, Haiti and Cameroon. 

There is impunity for sexual abuse by peacekeepers and UN staff like Juan Carlos Cunillera, just "along for the ride" during the UN sex-in-the-van exposed by Inner City Press. 

But now as we looked at and asked about Guterres' omission of his links to UN briber CEFC China Energy, leading to him banning the Press (and Melissa Fleming continuing the ban, not even answering a law firm's pro bono letter), on April 17, 2022 we published on other officials - including long time UNOPS operative Vitaly Vanshelboim (whom Inner City Press covered in connection with UNOPS gag orders before being banned from UN by corrupt Guterres.)

We noted  that Vanshelboim's skeeze in the S3i scam of UNOPS's Grete Faremo.

  While others then noted for example that a long time member of the UN Correspondents Association Gloria Starr Kins played a role in hooking up the fraud, they don't mention UNCA and their role in banning the Press. On December 13, 2024, UNCA will put access to Guterres up for sale again at Cipriani: no questions have been answered.

Now this:

Dear Matthew Russell Lee:

We are a group of current and former employees of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).  We are reaching out to kindly request your assistance. The scandal surrounding the S3i initiative in 2022, which exposed the diversion of funds, is merely the tip of the iceberg in a much broader pattern of irregularities.

These unethical practices have resulted in significant financial and moral crises, with the most recent consequence being the announcement of a series of layoffs in 2025. The executive leadership, led by [Lusophone] Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva, is attempting to downplay  these layoffs...

 This issue is further exacerbated by the lack of accountability and leniency towards abuse allegations—including sexual harassment and physical violence; reprisals against whistleblowers; and the widespread use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence those who try to bring these issues to light.

This issue is further compounded by contractual inequality, which systematically places the majority of staff under Independent Contractor Agreements (ICA), a controversial work arrangement that lacks legal protections against abuse.  The Ethics Office and internal reporting mechanisms operate in collusion, primarily aiming to downplay or dismiss cases, leaving whistleblowers completely unprotected.

This is Guterres' UN.

The upcoming Executive Board meeting, scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, will be crucial. Management intends to mislead the board by presenting manipulated reports that falsely claim the success of the Comprehensive Improvement Plan (CRP). This so-called reform plan, introduced after the S3i scandal, has proven to be nothing more than a façade, designed solely to appease donors and the executive committee. This attempt at a cover-up is nothing but a blatant farce aimed at perpetuating corruption and evading accountability.

Your expertise and dedication to uncovering the truth are vital in shedding light on these critical issues and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. We have full confidence in your commitment to journalistic integrity and ethical reporting to help deliver justice to those impacted by these egregious violations.

With utmost appreciation,  The UNOPS Personnel Collective Seeking Accountability

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

UN GATE, Dec 2 – The lame duck US Mission to the UN took over the UN Security Council presidency on December 1, 2024 - while Inner City Press is still banned from the UN, despite its June 19 application.

On November 27, Inner City Press wrote to USUN: "This is a timely request that you allow Inner City Press to enter and cover, and/or provide the WebEx  pass code(s) to access to the USUN UNSC Presidency press briefing by  Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on December 2, 2024. I have questions to ask on what you will do this month about Gaza, UNRWA - including lawsuit by American victims against it in SDNY - UN corruption in Colombia, Libya, DRC and Sudan, Ukraine, DRC and Rwanda, about the SDNY indictment involving Turkey's Mission to the UN as well as the coups in Gabon and Niger and the conflicts in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Yemen and Libya -  and on ongoing cases of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers, and Missions' abuses in NYC, on many of which Inner City Press first reported

Please note that Inner City Press and I participate in the WebEx briefings of, for example, the IMF: March 31, 2022 and since with new IMF spokesperson Sept 28, 2023:

The USUN did not answer - we will stay on this.

 Watch this site.

 Inner City Press on June 19, 2024 again applied to the UN for access, as it gives 100s, to cover the UNGA week. Inner City Press has a NYC Press Pass and writes about the UN. From Sierra Leone and its UN Mission, nothing.

Watch this site. 

***