un daily news - 17 march 2016

8/19/2019 UN Daily News - 17 March 2016

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Issue DH/7118 Thursday, 17 March 2016

In the headlines

• Medical relief ‘single most difficult issue for!umanitarian access in S"ria # UN advisor

• UN officials call for concrete commitments ongender e$ualit" at World %umanitarian Summit

• ‘&larmed over violence in Sout! Sudan, Securit"Council sets out steps for implementation of peacedeal

• %aitis onl" pat! to institutional and politicalsta'ilit" is going to t!e polls # UN envo"

• FE&TURE( & conversation )it! female am'assadorsa'out t!e UN Securit" Council

• Future of *i'eria and UN presence in t!e countr"

discussed at Securit" Council

• UN c!ief condemns dou'le suicide 'om'ing innort!-east Nigeria

• U+raine( UN calls on all parties to ensure access tosafe drin+ing )ater in eastern region

• Securit" Council urges all parties in *e'anon to putnational interest a!ead of partisan politics

• M&. launc!es ‘/ig 0icture initiative, partnering)it! UN to amplif" action on environment issues

• UN confirms Sierra *eones E'ola flare-up is over,'ut cautions more are possi'le

• M"anmar( UN recommends measures to addressongoing food insecurit" in c"clone-!it areas

More stories inside

Medical relie! "single #ost di!!icult issue$ !or hu#anitarianaccess in %yria & '( ad)isor

17 March – The advisor to the UN envoy on Syria today stressed theneed to obtain Government permits to dispatch aid convoys to the six

besieged locations and stressed that “the issue of medical reliefcontinues to be the single most difficult issue in humanitarian accesswor!" with medical items and personnel are being taen off theincoming relief vehicles#

“$ll together! the aim is to reach an impressive %#% million people before the end of $pril! including in those remaining &besieged' areas!which are the six without any permission!" (an )geland! Special

$dvisor to UN Special )nvoy for Syria! Staffan de *istura! told

reporters in Geneva after a meeting on the humanitarian trac of the

ongoing intra+Syrian tals#

,e added that people are dying because medical items and personnel!including vitamins! antibiotics! doctors and nurses! are not able to reach those places! stressing that “we are not able to getthrough medical personnel! we are not able to get medical assessment personnel! we are not able to get medical evacuationfrom besieged areas and even some hard+to+reach areas#"

Jan Egeland, Special Advisor to UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan

de Mistura. UN Photo/Anne-aure echat

UN Daily News



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UN Ne)s Centre 2 )))3un3org4ne)s

UN 5ail" Ne)s 67 Marc! 1869

“-t is in violation of international law to prevent us from going# -n terms of the medical services! e.ually - cannot understandwhy we cannot go there and help the civilians/ even wounded fighters have the right to be treated according to internationallaw!" he said#

“$nd we need the Government of Syria to really help us with the medical areas!" said *r# )geland# “- hope that there will be a real breathrough on this in our contacts with the government#"

0n a positive note! he reported that the third convoy to the four towns – *adaya! 1abadani! 2afreya and 3oah – has beenable to go on its way! and permits have been issued for %4 new “hard+to+reach" locations! including some places in the$leppo and ,oms areas! where the needs have been growing and people have not received relief for months#

,e also said that a vaccination programme will start at the end of $pril with the aim of covering all children that have not been vaccinated in Syria! expressing hope that “the humanitarian truces in connection with the vaccination campaigns will be successful and that will then end the fear of such epidemic disease#"

$sed about the impact of the announcement of the withdrawal of 5ussian forces from Syria! *r# )geland that “the impactof less fighting has been very clear" as “there is more access in more areas" compared to the situation during “the big

bombardment period#"

“6ell in many of the places where convoys had problems in getting through! 5ussia was among the countries thatintervened and helped enable convoys to get through!" he said! citing a case in *oadamiyah! where a convoy was standingat checpoints for more than 78 hours#

5egarding to planned air drops over 9eir e:+1or! an area controlled by -slamic State in -ra. and the ;evant <-S-;=9a>esh?! hesaid that due to concern that -S-; may have surface+to+air missiles! the operation must be conducted from high in the sy!adding that parachutes had failed in two trials# @ut new parachutes are on their way! he said! expressing hope that “beforetoo long! maybe another ten days! we will be able to succeed#"

$sed about relief aid being sei:ed by fighters! he said that there are no systematic or credible reports that relief is failing toreach the civilian population#

0n detainees! he said “nothing would be more important now than to get out some groups! in particular women! children! thesic and the wounded among the detainees#"

'( o!!icials call !or concrete co##it#ents on gender e*ualityat +orld Hu#anitarian %u##it

17 March – Top United Nations officials today called on leaders to

attend the 6orld ,umanitarian Summit in *ay and mae

concrete commitments to enhance gender e.uality! as women andgirls are “central" to humanitarian action#

“6e are now Aust two months away from the first ever 6orld

,umanitarian Summit in -stanbul! which will provide anunprecedented opportunity for leaders and staeholders from allsectors to mae firm commitments to enhance gender e.uality inhumanitarian action!" Stephen 0B@rien! the UN Under+Secretary+

General for ,umanitarian $ffairs! told participants attending a side

event of the Commission on the Status of 6omen <CS6?#

Underway at UN ,ead.uarters in New Dor since *onday! thisyearBs E8th session of CS6 focuses on womenBs empowerment and its lin to sustainable development# *r# 0B@rieninsisted that humanitarian action cannot be effective unless it delivers e.ually for all women! men! girls! and boys#

!oung "o#en and girls carry "ater in Nigeria. Photo$ %orld &an'



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“-f you have any doubts many of you will now from my previous life - am proud to have coined the phrase which -occasionally hear recycled bac to meF 0n the evidence! if you get it right for girls and women! you get it right fordevelopment#B Nine months into this Aob! - can confirm that if you get it right for girls and women! you get it right forhumanitarian action!" he underlined#

The relief chief warned that the gender gap has existed for too long! imperilling womenBs lives! health! and right to thrive intheir own communities# “The 6orld ,umanitarian Summit is a once in a generation opportunity to be able to say that

humanitarian action will now be woring for all affected people!" he declared#

*eanwhile! the )xecutive 9irector of UN 6omen – the United Nations entity tased with promoting gender rights –lamented that in areas of conflict! women and girls are fre.uently targeted and denied access to education! reproductiveservices! healthcare! and participation in economic and political life#

“$t the same time! women are essential to recovery and resilience building# The centrality of gender is reaffirmed by the

H878 $genda for Sustainable 9evelopment Goal 4 and its related targets!" said Ihum:ile *lambo+Ngcua! referring

to one of the %J goals included in this $genda adopted by all UN *ember States last September#

*r# 0B@rien echoed this message! highlighting that the $genda puts gender e.uality “at its heart#"

"lar#ed$ o)er )iolence in %outh %udan, %ecurity -ouncil setsout stes !or i#le#entation o! eace deal

17 March – 6hile noting that the ceasefire between South SudanBswarring factions has “largely held!" the United Nations SecurityCouncil today said it was deeply alarmed by ongoing violence in thecountry and set out specific steps for the parties to tae towards fullimplementation of a seven+month–old peace deal! saying it wouldreview their progress by the end of the month#

-n a statement read out at a formal meeting by its Iresident for the

month of *arch! -smael $braKo Gaspar *artins of $ngola! the

Council expressed concern at the partiesB failure to fully implementthe $ugust H8%4 $greement on ending the conflict that erupted

between Iresident Salva 2iir and his former Lice+Iresident 5ie*achar over two years ago! illing thousands! displacing over H#Mmillion people#

Through its statement! the Council called for the following five stepsF

%# The Government of South Sudan and the Sudan IeopleBs ;iberation *ovement in 0pposition <SI;*+-0? fully andimmediately adhere to the permanent ceasefire in accordance with their obligations under the $greement/

H# The Government! the SI;*+-0 and all other relevant actors extend their full cooperation to completeimplementation of the of (uba security arrangements as decided by the (oint *onitoring and )valuation

Commission <(*)C? Chair and agreed by the parties on HM 3ebruary! H8%E/7# The Iresident! the 3irst Lice+Iresident! and Lice+Iresident! as set out in the $greement! tae up their positions in

the Transitional Government of National Unity <TGNU? in (uba/M# The parties to the agreement abide by and tae no action inconsistent with the -ntergovernmental $uthority on

9evelopment <-G$9? 78+7% (anuary H8%E communi.u! which was subse.uently endorsed by the parties and(*)C! on the issue of the Iresidential 9ecree on the creation of HO new states/ and

4# The Government of South Sudan and the SI;*+-0 protect civilians and civilian facilities! including schools andhospitals! allow people to move freely! and allow in accordance with relevant provisions of international law andUN guiding principles of humanitarian assistance the full! safe! and unhindered humanitarian access to help ensuretimely delivery of humanitarian assistance! to all those in need#

(ivilians flee the violence that erupted in the Protection of (ivilians

site in Mala'al, South Sudan. Photo$ UNM)SS/Nyang *ouch



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3urther! the Council expressed its alarm over credible reports of armed men in uniforms of the Sudan IeopleBs ;iberation

$rmy <SI;$? entering the UN *ission <UN*-SS? protection+of+civilians site and firing on civilians# 9escribing such

attacs as “unacceptable!" the Council called upon the Government to investigate and prosecute those responsible! andcommended the UN for having .uicly announced the establishment of a ,igh+;evel @oard of -n.uiry#

The Council called attention to the %% *arch report of the 0ffice of the UN ,igh Commissioner for ,uman 5ights

<0,C,5? $ssessment *ission and the M 9ecember H8%4 UN*-SS=0,C,5 report The State of ,uman 5ights in the

Irotracted Conflict in South Sudan!" condemning reported human rights violations and abuses! as well as violations ofinternational humanitarian law#

-t also underscored its grave concern over the deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation! noting that an estimatedH#O million people were severely food insecure amid continuing restrictions on humanitarian access#

Haiti$s only ath to institutional and olitical staility is goingto the olls & '( en)oy

17 March – $ protracted political crisis in ,aiti may hamper thestabili:ation gains achieved in recent year and further decline theisland nationBs economic growth! the top United Nations official inthe country today told the Security Council#

@riefing the Council! the Special 5epresentative of the Secretary+General and head of the UN Stabili:ation *ission in ,aiti<*-NUST$,?! Sandra ,onor! said the next few wees would bedecisive for the short and mid+term prospects for ,aitiBs democraticconsolidation#

“There is therefore no alternative to the return! as soon as possible! tothe path of institutional and political stability! through the completionof the pending elections!" she said#

0n %M 3ebruary! the ,aitian National $ssembly elected (ocelermeIrivert as the island nationBs interim Iresident! one wee after former Iresident *ichel *artelly departed without asuccessor#

*r# Irivert will serve as interim Iresident for %H8 days! with an election scheduled for HM $pril! following an agreement –nown as the 4 3ebruary $greement – between ,aitian staeholders to preserve institutional continuity and further theelectoral process#

9espite efforts to preserve the timeline! “tensions continue to run high! with a political class yet to unite behind a commonvision for the political process!" said *s# ,onor#

-n recent wees! the confirmation of the Irime *inister and the reestablishment of the Irovisional )lectoral Council have

been delayed#

-n a press release overnight! *s# ,onor! in a Aoint statement with other members of the international communityrepresented in the so called “Core Group" <@ra:il! Canada! Spain! 3rance! United States! )uropean Union and 0rgani:ationof $merican States?! expressed “grave concern" about the delays#

The “Core Group" strongly urged the Iarliament to play its role in implementing the 4 3ebruary $greement and vote on theIrime *inisterBs government policy without delay#

“The Core GroupB calls on all actors to spare no effort to ensure the implementation of the $greement! in the interest of the

(asting a +allot in the second round of senatorial and parlia#entary

elections and the first round for a ne" president in aitis capital Port

au Prince, 0cto+er 12. Photo UN/M)NUS*A/ogan A+assi



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,aitian people and their right to choose their leaders and representatives through elections!" according to the statement#

-n her briefing to the Council! *s# ,onor noted that the current security situation is fragile but largely peaceful#

The economy! however! is showing “signs of fatigue" with declines in public and private investment! waning growth andrising inflation#

To tacle these and other ey challenges! “,aiti needs stable institutions and a capable governance system!" the UN envoysaid#

T' con)ersation with !e#ale a#assadors aout the'( %ecurity -ouncil

17 March – 6hile the gender ratio between female and malediplomats at the United Nations is becoming more balanced overall!the number of women ambassadors in the Security Council has fallenfrom its pea of six women in H8%M to four in H8%4 to Aust one thisyear# ,ow has this influenced the top collective decision+maing bodyon peace and security! and what! if anything! does this say about thefuture of UN diplomacy and peacebuildingP

“Numbers arenBt everything# The Security Council is absolutely clearon the importance of the women! peace and security agenda!" saidUnder+Secretary+General for Iolitical $ffairs (effrey 3eltman!referring to the landmar Council resolution %7H4 <H888?! whichrecogni:es the critical role that women and girls play in maintaining

peace and security#

“@ut the fact that we are bac to one out of %4 shows that we all needto mae a sustained commitment to gender parity in the peace and

security architecture of the UN!" continued *r# 3eltman! who moderated a panel on 6ednesday comprised of $mbassadors

9ina 2awar of (ordan! 5aimonda *urmoaite of ;ithuania! Sylvie ;ucas of ;uxembourg and Samantha Iower of theUnited States#

The event! organi:ed by the UN 9epartment of Iolitical $ffairs and hosted by the Iermanent *ission of the Netherlands tothe UN! too place on the sidelines of the annual session of the E8th Commission on the Status of 6omen <CS6?# Theforum! one of the largest in the world focused on women and girls! is this year reviewing progress towards gender e.ualityand womenBs empowerment#

“-f it &gender e.uality' depended on hundreds of women descending on New Dor for CS6! we would be there!" *s# Iowersaid# “$ lot of our progress on gender e.uality is going to depend on men# 6e need! fundamentally! men around the worldto tae up these issues#"

*s# Iower! who once shared the iconic Security Council horseshoe table with the three other women ambassadors on the panel! is now the lone woman on the %4+member body# The US has a permanent seat on the Council! along with China!3rance! 5ussia and the United 2ingdom#

0verall at the UN! the number of women ambassadors has increased to 7J – out of %Q7 *ember States – from 7% in H8%M#

UN Under+Secretary+General (effrey 3eltman moderated a conversation on Thursday with $mbassadors 9ina 2awar of(ordan! 5aimonda *urmoaite of ;ithuania! Sylvie ;ucas of ;uxembourg and Samantha Iower of the United States# Ihotoscourtesy of the Iermanent *issions of the Netherlands and United States to the United Nations

Different tenor of discussion

3ai#onda Mur#o'aite greets 0uided &oucha#aoui 4right5,

President of the *unisian (onfederation of )ndustry, *rade and

andicrafts and co-"inner of the 12 No+el Peace Pri6e as a

#e#+er of the *unisian National 7ialogue 8uartet. UN Photo/(ia

Pa'



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The decrease in the number of women has made a difference in the Security Council! suggested *s# Iower# She recalled theCouncilBs decision on %% *arch to adopt resolution HHJH! which endorsed special measures recommended by Secretary+General @an 2i+moon to prevent and combat sexual exploitation and abuse by UN peaceeepers#

-t was the first time she felt “acutely aware" that she was the only woman on the Council! the $mbassador said! calling themeeting “one of the most disappointing debates that ended up with a good outcome#"

She said that during the debate she “could see the little thought bubbles in some of my counterparts who were listening tome thining! because she is a woman! she is this fired up about this issue# -t didnBt have anything to do with being a woman#@ut with basic decency! Austice and what the UN stands for#"

She noted that afterwards some called her “passionate!" a word she called her least favourite when used to describe issuesand principles! while some dismissed her statements by saying “sheBs so emotional#"

5eflecting on the debate! she said that “it would have been harder to tae positions that not only aimed at weaening theresolution! but - thin as a matter of human conscience! very distasteful! it would have been harder to tae those positions inthe ind of room we were able to constitute there a year or a year and a half ago#"

*s# ;ucas! who served on the Council in H8%7 and H8%M! and *s# 2awar! who was a *ember in H8%M and H8%4! also notedthat women ambassadors seemed more concerned than their male colleagues about humanitarian and human right issues#*s# ;ucas emphasi:ed that these were e.ually important and very much tied to the credibility of the Council#

What the eye catches gets fixed in the brain

“-tBs worthy to loo at the Security Council and the horseshoe to see one woman at the table in H8%E/ thatBs cra:y# To seethere has been no woman Secretary+General and only two women presidents of the General $ssembly over J8 years!" *s#Iower continued#

“-tBs important because each of those is very symbolic and they send signals# 6hen a young girl comes and visits the UNand sees the Security Council and sees one woman ambassador! she thins thatBs normal# ThatBs a problem# @ecause it

shouldnBt be normal! and it should loo much more the way it used to loo#"

*s# *urmoaite! who served on the Council in H8%M and H8%4! agreed that examples and symbolism matters! as much forthe credibility of the UN as for creating role models for young diplomats# She noted! for example! that two+thirds of her staffin the mission were women#

“ThereBs always a line between taling the tal and waling the wal# 6eBre very good at taling the tal# 6eBre not as goodat waling the wal!" she said! referring to the UN overall#

*s# *urmoaite also said that when voting for *ember States competing for a non+permanent seat at the Security Council!one consideration could also be whether the country was represented by a male or a female ambassador#

The Secretary+General has made gender e.uality a priority! appointing more than %48 women to $ssistant Secretary+Generalor Under+Secretary+General positions in the past seven years! resulting in nearly one+.uarter of political and peaceeepingmission in the field being led by women#

9espite this progress! less than %8 per cent of all UN mediators are women! and all+male panels continue to be held at theUN on topics related to maAor issues#

6hen the Security Council visited *ali earlier this month! the contingent was all male <it was the only field visit that *s#Iower was unable to attend?# 9uring at least one meeting! the Council members found themselves seated across from *alianwomenBs groups and civil society# They made all the correct points and discussed the importance of womenBs empowermentin politics! but the reaction from the *alians was! not surprisingly! sceptical! the ambassadors said#



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Importance of gender mainstreaming

5esolution %7H4 was the first UN resolution to specifically address the impact of war on women and the need for women>s participation in peace processes and political institutions# The resolution also for the first time raised the need to addresssexual violence in armed conflict#

Det there are different interpretations among Council members on what issues should be raised under the CouncilBs 6omen!

Ieace and Security agenda item! said *s# ;ucas#

These include! for example! the issue of sexual violence in conflict# 3or some Iermanent 5epresentatives! it is an inevitable by+product of war! and should not be a focus of the Council! according to *s# 2awar# -n fact! the topic has gained a permanent place on the Council agenda with the passing of multiple Security Council resolutions! including throughresolution %OOO <H88Q? which created an entire 0ffice and an Under+Secretary+General to lead the UN effort to eliminatethis scourge#

-n another anecdote recalled during the event! one Security Council member .uestioned why a senior political official spenttime during an urgent field visit to a conflict :one meeting with representatives of womenBs groups and civil society#

To counter such thining! *s# ;ucas said that the women ambassadors loo for opportunities to include gender+related

topics as part of other agendas – to mainstream them – so that they are not sidelined as “special interest" or “soft issues#"

0ne way is through official reporting channels between the Council and UN heads of political and peaceeeping missions#3or example! the Special 5epresentative of the Secretary+General in the country! or S5SG as he or she is nown! might needto find out about specific data and needs of women and girls in displacement camps – a conversation that he or she mightnot have had otherwise! but which they are now mandated to include in briefings and reports to the Council#

*ember States also play a role through national action plans! created by governments to implement %7H4#

Different styles of engagement

The ambassadors ultimately report to their capitals! whose political compasses also guide UN+level discussions and

negotiations! but there is some wiggle roomB around official lines#

“@etween the red lines and what you do is always this no+manBs land# 6e all navigate in this no+manBs land# ThatBs veryfemale!" said *s# 2awar#

She said women ambassadors are more liely to tae detailed notes and listen to other points of view# “6e donBt say! -Bm$merican# -Bm $rab# -Bm this# -Bm that# No! we say! this is the problem! how can we deal with it# ThereBs something aboutthis nature in women where you want to find solutions#"

6omen are more liely to put down their prepared notes! engage with other members! and respond directly to othermembersB statements! the ambassadors said#

That is not indicative of all women! *s# 2awar said# She told a story of meeting a world leader involved in an ongoingconflict! and was relieved to see that his wife was attending the meeting – in hopes that she might be able to sway himtowards peace# -t turned out that the wife was actually more hawish! refusing to see a peaceful solution to the conflict! andinfluencing her less bellicose husband#

“$ll of us in some sense are a reflection of the pipelines that lie behind us!" *s# Iower said! noting that there would not bemore force commanders until there were more senior women commending people in national militaries! or that there wouldnot be more women at the top diplomatic offices at the UN or within their *ember States unless they were progressivelymoving up through the rans#

The presence of women has also opened the Council up more to civil society# @oth *s# Iower and *s# 2awar referred to



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the impact when hearing directly from victims in meetings! which then sometimes triggers concrete action# *s# Iower alsodiscussed the need to put a human face to the issues as “trying to brea people out of our collective slumber#"

The next Secretary-General

The current discussions about gender e.uality at the UN have also focused on the 0rgani:ationBs top seat – and there is astrong push for the next Secretary+General to be a woman#

To enhance transparency in the candidature process! which will ultimately be decided by the Security Council! *emberStates are publicly nominating candidates# So far! three women are on the listF Lesna Iusic of Croatia/ -rina @oova of@ulgaria/ and Natalia Gherman of the 5epublic of *oldova#

*s# 2awar recalled a recent meeting on that very topic where the only real message from the male ambassadors seemed to be that if a woman was selected! she would need to be competent#

She reacted by suggesting that nobody would tal about competence or .ualifications of men in a similar wayF “6ho is thewoman who is going to become Secretary+General because she is bored that dayP"

uture o! 3ieria and '( resence in the country discussed at%ecurity -ouncil

17 March – 0ne year since ;iberian authorities launched a “historicundertaing" to assume full responsibility of the countryBs security bythe end of next (une! top United Nations officials today discussedwhat measures are needed to support the implantation of the plan#

Since the civil war ended in H887! the UN *ission in ;iberia<UN*-;? has been supporting the 6est $frican nation to rebuild itsinstitutions so it can maintain stability without its presence#

Significant milestone for !iberia"

“The expected completion of the security transition on 78 (une will beone of the most significant milestones for ;iberia and the internationalcommunity since the end of the country>s civil war and the signing ofthe peace agreement in H887!" said 3arid 1arif! the Special5epresentative of the Secretary+General and ,ead of UN*-;#

“-t will also mar the beginning of a new phase in the United NationsB engagement in ;iberia!" *r# 1arif continued#“,owever! ;iberia and the international community must not lose sight of the still arduous path to a genuinely sustainable

peace in ;iberia and the region! which will re.uire longer+term engagement and support of the international community#"

,e noted that by the (une deadline! UN*-; will have consolidated its %7 county field offices into five regional ones# $s part

of this process! the *ission has also proposed a reduction of more than 78 per cent of its civilian staffing over the next twoyears#

“The closure of the field offices has been accompanied by a pro+active public information campaign! including the holdingof town hallB meetings between senior Government officials and local communities!" *r# 1arif indicated! noting that he has

personally attended most of them to explain the obAectives of the security transition! to remind the communities of their rolein maintaining peace and security! and to assure them of the UNBs continued support#

“6hile we will continue to convey these messages! there is an increasing sense of unease and apprehension among;iberians across the board about UN*-;>s draw down and the prospect of its departure!" he stressed#

Special 3epresentative and ead of the United Nations Mission in

i+eria 4UNM)5, 9arid :arif, addresses the Security (ouncil

#eeting on the situation in that country. UN Photo/Manuel Elias



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*eanwhile! in a Aoint letter with Iresident $lassane 0uattara of CRte d>-voire! ;iberian Iresident )llen (ohnson Sirleafrecently urged the UN Secretary+General to re.uest that the Security Council maintain a uic 5eaction 3orceB in bothcountries until after the elections in ;iberia next year#

Women are source of inspiration"

$lso speaing at the Council meeting was the )xecutive 9irector UN 6omen! the 0rgani:ationBs entity tased with

promoting gender rights# She visited ;iberia three wees ago and found that women there “are truly a source of inspiration#"

“;iberian women have earned global fame for helping to bring an end to the civil war! convincing rebels to lay down arms!and consolidating peace in a country that has avoided a relapse to conflict since it ended thirteen years ago!" Ihum:ile*lambo+Ngcua told the %4+member body#

“Now they are also nown for the extraordinary role they played in halting! reversing! and eliminating the )bola epidemic# - bring up the inspiring example of ;iberian women when - spea to women from Syria! Colombia! South Sudan! Central$frican 5epublic! or the 9emocratic 5epublic of Congo in my travels to conflict+affected countries!" she said#

,owever! she said ;iberian women have yet to benefit fully from the dividends of peaceF “The absence of war does notmean the presence of complete peace#B 6e have to as ourselvesF what does peace mean for women when they experience

the high daily levels of sexual and gender based violence that they continue to experience today – with limited or no accessto AusticeP" she ased#

*s# *lambo+Ngcua also highlighted that although ;iberia elected $fricaBs first woman president! the country is raned%MQth in female representation in parliament! with even lower rates of womenBs leadership in local districts! towns! clans! orchiefdoms#

“Today! this Council is mainly deliberating the continuation of the mission drawdown plans and the future of the UN presence in ;iberia!" she said# “There cannot be a vacuum when the mission leaves# 6e have to demonstrate to ;iberiansthat the end of the peaceeeping mission does not mean that the international community will turn away!" she stressed#

The )xecutive 9irector added that “there is no better way of showing this resolve than by investing in those who have been

most affected by the war! most affected by the &)bola' epidemic! and most affected by post+conflict insecurity and impunityFwomen and girls#"

#eacebuilding #rocess

To this point! Swedish $mbassador 0lof Soog! who is currently Chair of the Ieacebuilding Commission ;iberia panel!which visited the capital! *onrovia! at the end of (anuary! said women and girls should be at the forefront of the

peacebuilding process#

“6e mae the case for including women and youth of ;iberia in all peacebuilding efforts as we move forward!

operationali:ing Security Council resolution HH48!" he stated! highlighting the need to engage youth “as they constitute

the countryBs greatest assets" to consolidate peace#

-n his briefing! *r# Soog also outlined the CommissionBs priorities regarding security sector reform! the rule of law! thereconciliation process between ;iberians! and efforts needed to ensure successful elections in H8%J#



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'( chie! conde#ns doule suicide o#ing in north4east(igeria

17 March – United Nations Secretary+General @an 2i+moon has

condemned yesterdayBs double suicide attacs in *aiduguri in NigeriaBs restive @orno state by suspected @oo ,aram elements!which left H8 people dead and many inAured#

-n a statement issued by his spoesperson! *r# @an extended his

heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes aspeedy recovery to those inAured in the attac#

$ccording to media reports! two do:en people were illed and nearlythat many were inAured after an attac by two suicide bombers on amos.ue on the outsirts of *aiduguri in north+east Nigeria#

“The Secretary+General also reiterates the UNBs support to the Nigerian Government in its fight against terrorism! which should begrounded in international humanitarian! human rights and refugee law!" the statement concluded#

Schools +urned +y &o'o ara# in 12; in Maiduguri, capital of

&orno State, northeastern Nigeria. Photo$ )3)N/A#inu A+u+a'a

'5raine '( calls on all arties to ensure access to sa!edrin5ing water in eastern region

17 March – UraineF UN calls on all parties to ensure access to safedrining water in eastern region

Concerned about the continuing impact of the armed conflict ineastern Uraine on civilians! the United Nations today called on all

parties to ensure access to safe water in 9onets! after securityconcerns forced the evacuation of staff from a water treatment facilitythat serves thousands of people in the area#

Currently! availability of clean water for over 788!888 people living inthe 9onets area is at ris because staff of the Loda 9onbassa watertreatment plant were evacuated on %7 *arch due to increased

insecurity in the area! according to a press release from the UN

0ffice for the Coordination of ,umanitarian $ffairs <0C,$?#

“9isruption of the water system is a serious problem# -f the water station does not resume operations immediately! theconse.uences for innocent civilians are severe# - call on all parties to the conflict to respect civilian installations!" said Neal

6aler! ,umanitarian Coordinator in Uraine#

The plant normally provides half of the demand for treated water for 9onets city and the surrounding area# 0C,$ says thatat least 78!888 people living in $vdiiva are experiencing water shortages# ;ocal authorities are providing water throughtrucs to schools and indergartens but this is not a sustainable solution# 0fficials indicate the city has sufficient waterreserves until this Thursday#

“$ccess to reliable and safe water supply is of particular importance for children and women# 9isruption of basic servicesfor undetermined periods of time severely impacts on the most vulnerable!" said Giovanna @arberis! 5epresentative of theUN ChildrenBs 3und <UN-C)3? in Uraine#

)n 9e+ruary 12, volunteers unload a supply of +ottled "ater,

provided +y UN)(E9, fro# a vehicle in the city of 7e+altsevo in

7onets' 0+last, U'raine. Photo$ UN)(E9/Ale'sey 9ilippov



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%ecurity -ouncil urges all arties in 3eanon to ut nationalinterest ahead o! artisan olitics

17 March – 9eeply concerned over the H%+month vacancy in the

presidency of ;ebanon and the current political stalemate inGovernment! the United Nations Security Council today called on;ebanese leaders to adhere to the Constitution and put to put thecountry>s stability and national interests ahead of partisan politics#

-n a statement to the press! the Council reaffirmed its concern over thecurrent political stalemate! calling it a serious impediment to;ebanon>s ability to address the security! economic! social! andhumanitarian challenges facing the country#

$s such! the Council called on all ;ebanese leaders to adhere to;ebanon>s Constitution and to the Taif $greement and National Iact!to put ;ebanon>s stability and national interests ahead of partisan

politics and urged all parties to facilitate the functioning of state institutions and delivery of public services#

)xpressing concern at the Iarliament>s inability to elect a Iresident following a lac of .uorum! the Council went on toreaffirm its call on all ;ebanese leaders to act responsibly and with leadership and flexibility to urgently convene a

parliamentary session and proceed to the election of a Iresident# The %4+nation body commended the Government of;ebanon for setting the dates for local elections and further called on the ;ebanese authorities to hold them within the setcalendar#

The members of the Security Council reiterated their strong support for the territorial integrity! sovereignty and politicalindependence of ;ebanon# They underscored the crucial role played by the ;ebanese $rmed 3orces <;$3? and securityforces in extending and sustaining the authority of the State and supporting the country>s stability#

)xpressing continuing concern at the negative impact of the Syrian crisis on ;ebanon>s stability and the immediate threat toits security! the Council noted with deep concern all border violations! including the presence of terrorist and violentextremist groups in ;ebanese territory! the deepening involvement of some ;ebanese parties in the fighting in Syria and theriss this poses for ;ebanon>s stability and for the ;ebanese people#

The members of the Security Council reiterated the importance of ;ebanon>s policy of disassociation and called on all;ebanese parties to cease any involvement in the Syrian crisis! consistent with their commitment in the ministerialdeclaration of the current Government and in the @aabda 9eclaration of %H (une H8%H#

Gravely concerned by the impact of hosting over one million Syrian refugees registered with the 0ffice of the UN ,ighCommissioner for 5efugees <UN,C5? in ;ebanon! the Council underscored that support to ;ebanon>s efforts to manage theimpact of the influx of refugees! including on essential services such as education and health! is crucial to preserving

;ebanon>s stability and security#

The Council>s statement comes after the %4+member body was briefed yesterday by the Special Coordinator for ;ebanon!Sigrid 2aag! on the implementation of resolution %J8% <H88E? – which imposed a ceasefire and the -sraeli+,i:bollah war ofH88E – and by 9imitry Titov! the $ssistant Secretary+General for the 5ule of ;aw in the 9epartment of Ieaceeeping0perations#

@riefing the press after those consultations! *s# 2aag said the political stalemate in ;ebanon is impacting the day+to+dayfunctioning of the country and the effectiveness of the Government#

“There is a steady but demonstrable erosion of the institutions of State# This is very important when you loo at ;ebanon as

A "ide vie" of the Security (ouncil. UN Photo/<i# aughton 4file5



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a country that is still a pluralistic society! diverse! democratic! is one of our >last Aewels> in the *iddle )ast that is reallydealing with so many other issues including extreme violence and constant conflict!" she explained! stressingF So we needthe institutions of ;ebanon to wor# They are precious and they are important to the future of the country#"

IM launches "ig 9icture$ initiati)e, artnering with '( toa#li!y action on en)iron#ent issues

17 March – -*$ Corporation! the company that createsentertainment technology best nown for its big+screen -*$theatres! has partnered with the United Nations )nvironmentIrogramme <UN)I? to launch an ambitious corporate socialresponsibility initiative called @ig Iicture!B which aims to address thehost of environmental! societal and economic issues#

$ccording to UN)I! the campaign is an extension of -*$Bs coremission to educate! entertain and inspire movie audiences globally# -tis expected to leverage the power of film to raise awareness and

promote appreciation for the “big picture" – the understanding thatactions we tae in our daily lives can significantly impact the future of

the planet#

“$s an iconic storytelling platform and distribution networ! -*$ brings entertainment and information to captive audiences across the world# Such an impact is immensely valuable!" said the

)xecutive 9irector of UN)I! $chim Steiner! in a press release#

“-*$ has also made a commitment to corporate social responsibility in the form of its @ig Iicture initiative!" he added#“This wor is Aust as important# Coupling the two in efforts to bring attention to the social! economic and environmentalissues affecting our planet aligns with UN)I>s goals of engaging the public to better our world#"

6ith the launch of its documentary film A Beautiful Planet ! which opens HQ $pril! -*$ hopes to showcase the power offilm in addressing these issues# Through film! the -*$+UN)I partnership intends to promote solutions against climate

change as well as actions to achieve the %J Goals of theH878 $genda for Sustainable 9evelopment! adoptedunanimously last September by all UN *ember States#

The goals range from eradicating poverty! promoting gender e.uality and protecting the environment! to ensuring universalaccess to clean water! modern energy and .uality education# Under the partnership! the organi:ations will encourage the

production of sustainability+themed films on a wide array of issues that lie at the heart of the UN>s efforts to protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all#

$s part of the agreement! -*$ will launch a series of educational screenings and charitable premieres called “-n 3eature"to showcase sustainability+themed films# -t will also encourage the development of films and documentaries to promote theUN>s H878 $genda and to promote global action around 6orld )nvironment 9ay! mared every 4 (une! and the UNCampaign on the -llegal Trade in 6ildlife#

“This global endeavour builds upon -*$Bs 9N$ and bridges to our legacy in advancing society>s understanding of andappreciation for manind>s natural surroundings and co+habitants through documentary films!" said -*$ C)0 5ichard ;#Gelfond# “6e couldnBt thin of a better partner than UN)I to help mobili:e action and build on this foundation# 0ur hope isthat by launching this campaign! we will change minds and hearts and mae a greater impact across the world#"

$s part of the @ig IictureB campaign! -*$ also launched -n 3ocus!B a program to shine a light on the wor of youngfilmmaers and inspire them to pursue careers in filmmaing# Under this initiative! -*$ – in collaboration with UN)I –will establish an annual young filmmaersB competition! challenging participants to create public service announcements orshort films addressing issues lie climate change and access to clean water and .uality education#

E=ecutive 7irector of UNEP Achi# Steiner. UN Photo/Paulo9ilgueiras



- 6: -



'( con!ir#s %ierra 3eone$s ola !lare4u is o)er, ut cautions#ore are ossile

17 March – The latest flare+up of )bola in Sierra ;eone is over! the

United Nations health agency today reported! but cautioned that the6est $frican region remains at ris and should remain on alert#

“Today mars another milestone in the countryBs effort to defeat

)bola!" the 6orld ,ealth 0rgani:ation <6,0? said in a statement praising “rapid containment" of the flare+up#

The UN agency made the announcement after two incubation cyclesof the virus – or MH days – passed Sierra ;eoneBs last confirmed

patient tested negative for a second time#

Commending the countryBs Government! partners and people on the

“effective and swift response" to the flare up! 6,0 saidF “3romnurses! vaccinators and social mobili:ers to contact tracers!counsellors and community leaders! Sierra ;eoneans in affected districts mobili:ed .uicly and their involvement anddedication was instrumental and impactful#"

The agency attributed the .uic response to the increased response capacity at the national! district and community level andincreased capability to mitigate their impact#

Sierra ;eone! along with neighbouring ;iberia and Guinea! must not lower their guard! 6,0 cautioned! warning that rissof other flare+ups continue due to virus persistence in some survivors#

The UN agency called for maintaining strong surveillance and emergency response! along with rigorous hygiene practices#

A cross section of so#e of the people of *on'olili district in Sierra

eone 4in "hite *-shirts5 cele+rating their recent discharge, follo"ing

2 days #onitoring for E+ola. Photo$ %0 Sierra eone

Myan#ar '( reco##ends #easures to address ongoing !oodinsecurity in cyclone4hit areas

17 March – *ore than seven months after Cyclone 2omen struc*yanmar! poor rural communities are still seeing increased levels offood insecurity! a situation highlighting their vulnerability towithstand similar emergencies in the future! warns a Aoint United

Nations agency report released today#

-n particular! people in the hardest+hit areas of Chin and 5ahinestates – already vulnerable to begin with – are still suffering! with

paddy production set to fall by up to %4 per cent! constraining foodaccess and pushing consumer prices up! according to the report!compiled Aointly by the 3ood and $griculture 0rgani:ation <3$0? andthe 6orld 3ood Irogramme <63I?#

3or immediate assistance! the report recommends the distribution ofseeds for the forthcoming monsoon planting seasons! provision of

water and pest+resistant storage containers to protect farmer>s seeds! along with drying nets and post+harvest e.uipment! aswell as urgent restocing of livestoc! such as chicens! ducs! goats and pigs! to avoid a fall in protein intae# The affectedcommunities also must secure fishing e.uipment! rebuild fishing gear and boats! and rehabilitate fish ponds# They also needmore smaller farm machinery for hire#

%aiting for food in <yau' <ar village in Sagaing, Myan#ar.

Photo$%9P/Ayu'a )+e



- 6; -



!onger-term inter$entions

-n addition to those measures! “we are also ensuring a focus on longer term interventions which enable farmers and

communities to better cope with future emergencies!" @ui Thi ;an! 3$0 5epresentative in *yanmar! said in a press

release#

The report also provides a set of recommendations for long+term recovery! resilience building and disaster ris reduction#

These includeF developing grain bans at communal and regional levels to reduce post+harvest losses/ constructing micro+dams in suitable areas and establishing a National -nformation and )arly 6arning Unit on 3ood and Nutrition Security#

5esilience+building initiatives will include rehabilitation and=or rebuilding of household and community assets! mapping ofdisaster ris reduction systems and training farmers in disaster ris reduction sills to enable them to recover .uicer andmae best use of emergency recovery inputs provided#

Given the availability of rice and generally well+functioning marets within *yanmar! the report recommends thatassistance be provided in the form of cash or vouchers to assist vulnerable people to purchase food at a time of severe foodshortages that may hit in the coming months#

“$s affected households have faced difficulties in obtaining credit! cash assistance is necessary to resume their livelihoods!"

said 9omenico Scalpelli! 63I 5esident 5epresentative and Country 9irector#

Since 0ctober H8%4! 63I has employed cash transfers in relief activities! following its prompt life+saving food assistancewithin MO hours of the devastation of national disaster# -n addition! 63I has been implementing cash or food for assetactivities from November to provide income generation opportunities for affected people primarily relying on day labour#$bove all! reconstruction of safer community infrastructure will reinvigorate communities> resilience! he said#

%unding shortfalls

@y the end of H8%4! 63I had reached half a million people affected by the floods and massive landslides! mostly in$yeyarwaddy! @ago! Chin! 2achin! 2ayin! *agway! *on! 5ahine and Sagaing States and 5egions#

63I intends to continue its flood response for %8M!888 people until mid+H8%E to prevent further deterioration of foodsecurity and nutrition situation in *yanmar! but faces a funding shortfall of MJ million to meet all food assistance needsthere till the end of H8%E#

3$0 is aiming to meet the immediate agricultural needs of 77H!J48 individuals still recovering from the H8%4 floods# Todate! 3$0>s resilience program in *yanmar has secured financial resources and will provide assistance to around %48!888farmers and fisher people in the worst+affected areas of 5ahine! Chin and Sagaing# -n order to meet all targeted

beneficiaries! 3$0 re.uires an additional funding of J#% million#

The report is based on a Crop and 3ood Security $ssessment *ission <C3S$*? conducted in *yanmar in November+9ecember H8%4 by the two UN agencies#



- 6< -



'( agency e:ands relie! rogra##e in ;i#awe a!ter l (i<odeeens !ood insecurity

17 March – The United Nations 6orld 3ood Irogramme <63I? has

announced that – for the first time – it would not suspend reliefoperations to vulnerable people in 1imbabwe during the spring andsummer but continue food and cash assistance throughout the year#

Typically! $pril begins what is considered a “period of bounty" in thecountry following difficult pre+harvest months! usually from 0ctoberto *arch# This year! the period has turned into a “time of want" with

nearly three million people going hungry! according to the 63I#

Unusually strong )l NiVo weather event has dried up the rains insouthern $frica# This is particularly perilous as the timing coincideswith the growing season when smallholder farmers depend on rain+fed

agriculture#

“*any rural communities are in the grip of hunger and this is set to continue into next year!" said )ddie 5owe! 63ICountry 9irector in 1imbabwe#

$ccording to the latest update from the 1imbabwe Lulnerability $ssessment Committee <1imL$C?! H#O million people –more than a .uarter of the rural population – do not have enough to eat and have little or no guaranteed access to food#

63I said that it will provide food and cash+based assistance to some J78!888 people this month# 0perations are expected to be scaled up to reach an estimated H#H million people in the early months of next year! with the Government anddevelopment partners assisting the rest#

“6e>re woring with the Government and donors to mobili:e assistance to the most vulnerable but to reach all those in needwe are dependent on the donor community continuing to fund our operations!" *r# 5owe said#

The southern and eastern parts of the country are expected to be particularly badly hit with next month>s mai:e harvest predicted to be a “failure" by the Global $gricultural *onitoring -nitiative <G)0G;$*?#

-n addition! thousands of cattle have died without sufficient access to water! reducing incomes for people and cutting downfood supply#

1imbabwe is now facing its worst malnutrition rates in %4 years! with nearly 77!888 children in urgent need of treatment for

severe acute malnutrition! the UN Children>s 3und <UN-C)3? has said#

A "o#an stands outside her te#porary ho#e and dried up #ai6e

crop in Ep"orth, arare, :i#+a+"e. Photo$ <ate olt/)3)N



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ddressing )iolent e:tre#is# "urgent hu#an rights riority,$warns '( chie!

17 March – Top United Nations officials today urged the internationalcommunity to develop effective! rights+based responses to violentextremism by examining its drivers and shifting away from the“security only" approach to dealing with the scourge#

“That means addressing discrimination! ensuring good governance!and providing access to education! social services and employment

opportunities!" UN Secretary+General @an 2i+moon said in a videomessage to the UN ,uman 5ights CouncilBs panel discussion held in

Geneva! adding that “these steps can help strengthen trust betweenstate institutions and the people they serve#"

The event! convened during the CouncilBs current session! which

runs through HM *arch! examined measures to prevent or counterviolent extremism from the human rights prism#

“,uman rights abuses by violent extremists directly assault the UN Charter and the Universal 9eclaration on ,uman

5ights!" *r# @an said! noting that his new Ilan of $ction to Irevent Liolent )xtremism stresses that human rights

and the rule of law should be central to countering or trying to prevent the scourge#

$pproaches that are morally wrong are also strategically counterproductive because they further alienate marginali:edcommunities! the UN chief warned#

@ecause violent extremist groups are acting with growing impunity! the fight against violent extremism must fully respectshuman rights! he said# $ddressing violent extremism is “an urgent human rights priority!" he stressed! while underscoringthe need to avoid the use of sweeping definitions of terrorism or violent extremism that encroach on human rights#

“3ull respect for human rights and accountability for wrongdoing are essential to heal broen societies and successfullycounter the threat of violent extremists!" he concluded#

$lso delivering a statement was UN 9eputy ,igh Commissioner for ,uman 5ights 2ate Gilmore! who said the Secretary+

GeneralBs Ilan of $ction is rights affirming! ambitious and far+reaching! and draws attention to the broader range ofintersecting factors that underlie! foster and promote violent extremism#

“0nly with such a diagnosis can we begin then to devise the more effective prevention programmes that this multi+dimensional threat to human security demands of us!" she said#

She stressed that responses to violent extremism that respect and protect human rights are more effective and sustainable#The “heavy+handed" counter+terrorism responses! following the %% September terrorist attacs in the United States! have

widened the rift between communities when bridges were needed! deepened distrust when investment in trust was called for!and generated divisive! often hateful! public discourse! she added#

The selective application of the term “violent extremism" only to *uslim believers reinforces intolerance anddiscrimination! she warned#

*s# Gilmore also underscored e.uality and non+discrimination as the roots of a strong foundation for preventing andcountering violent extremism# Iolicies and laws that combat social exclusion or marginali:ation are thus essential to theeffective prevention and countering of violent extremism#

$ccountability for human rights violations is essential for enduring solutions to violent extremism! she said# $ccess to

Secretary->eneral &an <i-#oon. UN Photo/Evan Schneider 4file5



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ustice and remedies is crucial for the dignity of victims whether the abuse to which they have been subAected is at the handof the State or a non+State actor#

“The new more comprehensive plan of action for preventing or countering violent extremism is a welcome – and urgentlyneeded – shift away from a security+onlyB approach!" she said#

The Secretary+General presented his Ilan of $ction to the UN General $ssembly on %4 (anuary# -t provides more than J8

recommendations to *ember States and the UN system# 0n %H 3ebruary! the $ssembly adopted a resolution welcoming theinitiative# 3urther in the resolution! the %Q7+nation body too note of the Ilan! saying that it “will give further consideration"to it#

"aise your )oices$ to create a etter world, an urges studentsat (ew =or5$s 3eh#an -ollege

17 March – 9elivering a lecture at ;ehman College in New Dor!United Nations Secretary+General @an 2i+moon today urged studentsto Aoin the global fight against conflicts! poverty! ine.uality! migrationcrisis! diseases! and climate change#

“Those who see to divide often spea the loudest!" he said! asingthe students to raise their voices to create a better world#

The UN chief said he has “constraints" that mae it difficult for himto spea out at times! but young people have exciting new ways to

push for a better world! and to connect with lie+minded peers acrossthe world#

“Ilease mae good use of that freedom!" he said# “6e need you torise up for civil rights! for social Austice! for e.ual opportunity and fair

play! here in the United States and beyond#"

*r# @an gave the lecture in memory of the late ,erbert ;ehman! from whom the @ronx institution too its name# ;ehmanwas once the Governor of New Dor and a Senator# ,e also headed the UN 5elief and 5ehabilitation $dministration<UN55$? in the %QM8s! overseeing efforts to provide life+saving assistance to millions of people#

3or five months in %QME! years before the UN moved into its own head.uarters! the collegeBs campus was home to diplomatsand staff who came together to help the world recover in the immediate aftermath of 6orld 6ar -- and move towards afuture of progress and peace#

*r# @an urged students to play a role in carrying forward ;ehmanBs spirit and in helping to build lives of dignity for all#

;ast year! despite global divisions over conflicts in Syria! Demen! Uraine and elsewhere! world leaders came together to

adopt an inspiring %4+year blueprint for a better world! nown as the H878 $genda for Sustainable 9evelopment! he

said#

6omenBs empowerment is a thread running through the new development goals – and has been a priority throughout histenure as Secretary+General! he said! inviting the students to Aoin him in ending violence against women and girls – and inenabling women and girls to fully enAoy their rights and reali:e their potential#

“- am also passionate about empowering the worldBs young people!" he said! explaining why he appointed the first+ever UNDouth )nvoy to help connect the 0rgani:ation and young people! and why the UN launched the Global -nitiative on 9ecent(obs#

Secretary->eneral &an <i-#oon 4centre5 arrives at eh#an (ollege,

Ne" !or' (ity. UN Photo/Es'inder 7e+e+e



- 6= -UN 5ail" Ne)s 67 Marc! 1869

;ast 9ecember! in another sign of hope at a time of turmoil! world leaders came together to adopt the historic Iaris$greement on climate change# Doung people can also be at the centre of climate action#

“- have been Secretary+General for almost ten years and there is the one inescapable truth about all of the challenges weface!" he said# That isF no single country or region + even one as dynamic and powerful as the United States – can solveglobal problems on its own#

0ver the years! the United States has been a generous contributor of humanitarian aid! and a leader in the fight againsthunger! he said# The countryBs economy and innovations have been engines of progress! and its embrace of diversity hasinspired the world#

“- hope that you students! as emerging global citi:ens! will mae the case for even stronger global engagement!" *r# @ansaid# “-n todayBs globali:ed world! the walls between the national and international continue to fall away# The internationalinterest and the national interest are increasingly one and the same#"

-a#odia '( rights e:ert launches !act4!inding #ission onwo#en and indigenous eoles

17 March – The United Nations Special 5apporteur on the situationof human rights in Cambodia today announced she will be visiting thecountry *onday to assess the enAoyment of rights by women andindigenous peoples in the country#

“- will be focusing on discrimination during my second official visitto Cambodia! examining the situation of marginalised anddisadvantaged groups! such as women! indigenous peoples! andvictims of race and ethnic discrimination!" 5hona Smith said in a

press release#

“$ closer examination of the human rights situation with respect tomarginalised and disadvantaged groups in the country will enable me

to assist the GovernmentBs efforts to achieve an e.uitable and prosperous society!" she added! while stressing that the visit will alsoallow her to assess progress on other human rights issues in Cambodia#

9uring her %8+day visit! *s# Smith will meet with senior members of the 5oyal Government as well as the Senate and the National $ssembly# She will also meet with representatives from civil society! the UN country team and the diplomaticcommunity# The independent human rights expert is also expected to undertae field visits to gather first+hand information#

The UN Special 5apporteur undertaes regular visits to Cambodia and reports annually to the ,uman 5ights Council# Sinceher appointment in *arch H8%4! she conducted a visit to the country in September H8%4! and shortly after! reported to theCouncilBs 78th session! which renewed the mandate for a further two years# *s# Smith will present her next report to the,uman 5ights Council in September H8%E#

-ndependent experts or special rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva+based UN ,uman 5ights Council to examine andreport bac on a country situation or a specific human rights theme# The positions are honorary and the experts are not UNstaff! nor are they paid for their wor#

%o#en "ash dishes in <raing Serey village, <a#pong Speu province,

(a#+odia. Photo$ UN7P (a#+odia/(hanso' a

un daily news - 17 march 2016

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