un daily news 22 april 2016

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Issue DH/7143 Friday, 22 April 2016

In the headlines:

• ‘We are in a race against time,’ says Ban, as

leaders sign landmark Paris climate accord

• ‘Today is an historic day,’ says Ban, as 175

countries sign Paris climate accord

• Burundi: one year into political crisis, UN agency

warns thousands of people still fleeing country

• Ecuador: Government and UN launch emergency

appeal to kick-start post-quake assistance

• Ban welcomes South Sudan Government’s decision

to accept compromise proposal on return of Riek

Machar

• Syria peace talks to continue ‘as planned’ into next

week – UN envoy

• Two thirds of unimmunized children live in conflict-

affected countries – UNICEF

• Baghdad suicide bombing an act of ‘unparalleled

criminality’– senior UN official

• Yemen stands ‘closer than ever to peace,’ says UN

envoy, as talks continue in Kuwait

• Right to adequate housing in India a matter of

‘urgency’ – UN expert

• Somalia: Security Council ‘gravely concerned’ over

fragile security situation

• Thailand: UN human rights chief concerned over

growing military role in Government

More stories inside

‘We are in a race against time,’ says Ban, as leaders sign landmark Paris climate accord

22 April – As world leaders gathered at United Nations Headquarters in New York this morning to officially sign the Paris Agreement on climate change – the landmark accord that sets outs a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous global warming – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Member States to move quickly to join the accord at the national level so that it can enter into force as early as possible.

“Let us never forget – climate action is not a burden; indeed, it offers

many benefits,” the UN chief said as he opened the High Level Signature Ceremony for the Paris Agreement in the General

Assembly Hall.

“It can help us eradicate poverty, create green jobs, defeat hunger, prevent instability and improve the lives of girls and women,” he

added.

The ceremony was opened by a brass quintet from the Juilliard School in New York, which played Spring from Vivaldi’s

View of the GA Hall Opening Signing Ceremony of the Paris Climate

Treaty. Video capture UN Web

UN Daily News

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UN News Centre • www.un.org/news

UN Daily News 22 April 2016

Four Seasons.

Mr. Ban then introduced Getrude Clement, 16-year-old radio reporter from Tanzania and a UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) youth climate mapper, who focused on why climate action is crucial for children. They, she said, would feel its effects most acutely. “We expect action, action on a big scale, and we expect action today, not tomorrow,” she emphasized. “The future is ours, and the future is bright.”

In his remarks, Mr. Ban also underscored that while it is good news that States are breaking records at the UN – records are also being broken outside.

“Record global temperatures. Record ice loss. Record carbon levels in the atmosphere. We are in a race against time,” Mr. Ban stressed.

Indeed, he emphasized that the window for keeping global temperate rise well below two degrees Celsius – let alone 1.5 degrees – is “rapidly closing.”

“The era of consumption without consequences is over. We must intensify efforts to decarbonize our economies. And we must support developing countries in making this transition. The poor and most vulnerable must not suffer further from a problem they did not create,” the Secretary-General said.

In that vein, the UN chief highlighted that climate action is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Today is a day that I have worked toward since day one as Secretary-General of the United Nations and declared climate change to be my top priority. Today you are signing a new covenant with the future,” he said.

The covenant must amount to “more than promises,” Mr. Ban stressed, and find expression in actions taken today on behalf of the current generation and all future generations.

“It must find expression in actions we take today on behalf of this generation and all future generations – actions that reduce climate risk and protect communities, and actions that place us on a safer, smarter path,” the Secretary-General said.

Mr. Ban highlighted that participants would be joined at the morning’s events by 197 children, representing the Parties that have adopted the Paris Agreement.

“Of course, they represent more than this. These young people are our future. Our covenant is with them,” he said.

“Today is a day for our children and grandchildren and all generations to come. Together, let us turn the aspirations of Paris into action. As you show by the very act of signing today, the power to build a better world is in your hands,” Mr. Ban concluded.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony was General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft, who congratulated Member

States, civil society and business leaders for “keeping the pressure on” and taking initiatives to “keep the momentum going.”

“This is a moment of great hope,” Mr. Lykketoft stressed.

“We must raise the level of ambition even further. We must take urgent and bold steps to make this transformation happen,” he added.

Today’s event coincides with International Mother Earth Day, and in his message on the Day, Mr. Ban said that the

Paris accord, in conjunction with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, holds the power to transform our

world.

The Paris Agreement was adopted by all 196 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at

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the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on 12 December 2015, widely known as COP 21. In the Agreement, all

countries agreed to work to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius.

François Hollande, President of France, host of COP 21, recalled the spirit of solidarity expressed at the conference and stressed that the terrorist attacks on Paris had been the backdrop to the Agreement. World leaders had nevertheless demonstrated their ability to come together with a sense of partnership and responsibility to ensure that an agreement would be the fruit of the Paris meeting, as a symbolic act for the rest of the world.

Never in the history of the United Nations had it been possible to bring together 170 countries to sign an agreement, all together, on one day, he noted, emphasizing that there is no turning back now. The world must accelerate action to implement low-carbon policies.

Noting that some $100 billion is needed between now and 2020, he said every country must set an example, particularly developed countries, by stepping up contributions for combating climate change. “It is not just a question of States taking action, the entire world must come together,” he stressed. “Everyone must feel that they have a stake in this.”

Also addressing the ceremony, Academy Award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio said that as a UN Messenger of Peace, he had been travelling all over the world for the last two years, documenting how this crisis is changing the natural balance of our planet. He has seen cities like Beijing choked by industrial pollution; ancient boreal forests in Canada that have been clearcut; rainforests in Indonesia that have been incinerated; and unprecedented droughts in California.

“All that I have seen and learned on this journey has terrified me […] I do not need to throw statistics at you. You know them better than I do, and more importantly, you know what will happen if this scourge is left unchecked,” he told the delegates, adding: “Now think about the shame that each of us will carry when our children and grandchildren look back and realize that we had the means of stopping this devastation, but simply lacked the political will to do so.”

Indeed, Mr. DiCaprio continued, the historic signing of the Paris Agreement is reason for hope, but evidence shows that will not be enough. “Our planet cannot be saved unless we leave fossil fuels in the ground where they belong. An upheaval and massive change is required now – one that leads to a new collective consciousness. A new collective evolution of the human race inspired and enabled by a sense of urgency from all of you,” he said.

So, after 21 years of debates and conferences “it is time to declare no more talk. No more excuses. No more 10-year studies. No more allowing the fossil fuel companies to manipulate and dictate the science and policies that affect our future. This is the only body that can do what is needed. You, sitting in this very hall. The world is now watching. You will either be lauded by future generations, or vilified by them.”

Among the UN officials reacting to today’s events, Oh Joon, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) said: "With today's historic signing of the Paris agreement, there is no going back on our commitment to combat climate change. Now is the time for taking action to shape a sustainable future for all."

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‘Today is an historic day,’ says Ban, as 175 countries sign Paris climate accord

22 April – As 175 world leaders signed the Paris Agreement at

United Nations Headquarters today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the next critical step is to ensure that the landmark accord for global action on climate change enters into force as soon as possible.

“Today is an historic day,” Mr. Ban told reporters at a press

conference following the opening ceremony of the signing event. “This is by far the largest number of countries ever to sign an international agreement on a single day.”

According to the UN chief, the participation by so many countries and the attendance by so many world leaders leaves “no doubt” that the international community is determined to take climate action. He also welcomed the strong presence of the private sector and civil society, saying they are “crucial to realizing the great promise of the Paris Agreement.”

Adopted in Paris by the 196 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at a conference

known as (COP21) last December, the Agreement’s objective is to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees

Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius. It will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification.

“If all the countries that have signed today take the next step at the national level and join the Agreement, the world will have met the requirement needed for the Paris Agreement to enter into force,” Mr. Ban highlighted, congratulating the 15 Parties that have already deposited their instruments for ratification.

These Parties include Barbados, Belize, Fiji, Grenada, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Nauru, Palau, Palestine, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Somalia and Tuvalu.

Speaking alongside the Secretary-General, French President François Hollande applauded all those who made it possible to reach the second stage of the process – the signing of the document.

“I want to underscore that in Paris, it wasn’t just a single agreement that was brought about and needs to be ratified,” Mr.

Hollande told the press. “In Paris, there were also four initiatives that were launched: the International Solar Energy Alliance, the development plan for renewable energy, the innovation mission with [United States] President Obama, and

finally the high-level coalition to set a price for fossil fuels and coal.”

He insisted that France needs to be role model and set the example, not just because it was the place where the accord was reached, but because the country contributed to the solution.

“France should be an example to show that it wants to be the first – or one of the first – not just to ratify but also to implement the contents of the Agreement,” Mr. Hollande stated, noting that his country will increase its annual financing for climate from three to five billion euros per year between now and 2020.

Meanwhile, in two weeks, the UN chief will co-host the Climate Action 2016 meeting in Washington D.C., which is expected to bring together leaders and experts from many fields, including government, business, civil society and academia, ahead of the next COP in Morocco in November.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) and President François

Hollande of France brief the press. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

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Following the press conference, in remarks to an Informal High-Level event on promoting the early entry into force of the

Agreement, Mr. Ban encouraged all countries to move forward quickly with their own domestic processes to accept and ratify the accord.

“As you are well aware, we need at least 55 countries and 55 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Having 55 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions may be a little bit shorter and easier if the United States and China […] ratify or join. Then it will add to almost 40 per cent. I call on the countries gathered here to use this opportunity to announce your timeline for joining the Agreement as soon as possible,” he said.

Mr. Ban said that it is imperative that strong political momentum continues to build, as the spirit of Paris is still continuing. “I will do all that I can this year to ensure that the Paris Agreement enters into force as soon as possible,” he said.

Burundi: one year into political crisis, UN agency warns thousands of people still fleeing country

22 April – One year after the crisis in Burundi began, the United Nations refugee agency today said that almost 260,000 people have fled the country, warning that the number could increase by thousands throughout the year – unless a political solution is found and a civil war averted.

According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees

(UNHCR), “to date, 259,132 people have fled the country, and we are planning our humanitarian response based on a figure of some 330,000 refugees by year’s end.”

In spite of the increasing difficulty in crossing borders, people continue to arrive in neighbouring countries with reports of human rights abuses in Burundi that include torture, sexual violence, arbitrary detention and extortion.

Speaking from the Palais des Nations, UNHCR spokesperson Leo Dobbs said that “continuing international support is needed to help ease the tension and encourage an inclusive dialogue.”

With mass returns not currently expected soon, UNHCR will in the coming year put greater emphasis on education for children and youth, and encourage refugees to become self-sufficient at a time when budget shortfalls are leading to cuts in some assistance.

UNHCR noted that it is seeking almost $175.1 million for its Burundi crisis operations this year, yet has to date only received $47.8 million – or some 27 per cent.

“This means we are struggling to provide even the basics such as shelter, household items and latrines. The provision of services such as specialized counselling, care for the disabled and elderly, protection of the environment and even primary health care may also fall by the way side,” he explained.

The situation one year in is tense and marked by sporadic violence that has killed more than 400 since last year. At least 25,000 people having fled to safer areas in Makamba, Rutana and Kirundo, however freedom of movement is becoming onerous.

While people continue to cross to neighbouring countries from the provinces of Ruyigi, Muyinga, Kirundo, Rutana, Makamba, Rumonge, Bujumbura and Kibitoke, small numbers have been returning spontaneously.

Meanwhile, worsening economic conditions inside Burundi threaten to exacerbate the situation, fuelling further

At Ndutu refugee camp in Tanzania, Abdul Yamuremye in his tent

with his wife Hadija Umugure and their family fled violence in

Burundi after their house had been attacked killing Abdul's two

brothers, a friend who stayed with them and her three children.

Photo: UNHCR/Benjamin Loyseau

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displacement and discouraging refugees and thousands of internally displaced from returning home under.

Tough exile conditions

Mr. Dobbs said elaborated that large refugee influxes would present further challenges to the already arduous conditions.

Of the 135,941 Burundian refugees in Tanzania, more than 71,000 live in an overcrowded camp in Nyarugusu, which has become one of the largest refugee camps in the world. Already living under very hard conditions, the country continues to admit an average 130 people a day. UNHCR has put a priority on decongesting the camp.

In Rwanda, host to some 76,404 people, arrivals continue to be registered at a rate of about 130 per week. Urban refugees have been increasingly approaching UNHCR to move to Mahama camp, in the Eastern province, after spending the last of their savings to keep alive.

Uganda, where some 24,583 have sought safety, the April arrival rate has levelled off to about 25-35 a day. Last week, 167 Burundian refugees who arrived at the Nakivale settlement reported difficulties crossing borders, especially without papers.

At the same time, refugees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which currently accommodates 22,204 people, have steadily increased – with the first three months of this year registering 900 people each. Most are staying at the Lusenda camp, which, with a capacity for 18,000, now hosts more than 16,000 refugees.

Despite space restrictions and capacity problems, these countries generously continue to accept people, but will need increased international support to host more.

“We urge host countries to keep their doors open and donors to continue and step up support for the refugee response,” UNHCR concluded.

Ecuador: Government and UN launch emergency appeal to kick-start post-quake assistance

22 April – The Government of Ecuador and the United Nations today launched an urgent $72.7 million appeal to respond to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck coastal provinces of north-west of the country less than a week ago, aiming to kick-start life-saving assistance, protection services and early recovery support to assist approximately 350,000 people over the next three months.

The earthquake’s epicentre was close to the town of Muisne and 170km northwest of the capital Quito. Although the epicentre is in a remote rural area, several towns of coastal provinces are affected.

More than 300 aftershocks have been registered to date, according to

the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

As of 21 April, 587 people are reported dead, 155 are missing and 8,340 are injured. More than 1,125 buildings are destroyed and more than 829 are damaged, including 281 schools, says the UN relief

wing.

Additionally, 25,376 people are in collective shelters. Many roads, bridges and other key infrastructure were damaged resulting in logistics and communications challenges in some areas. Government and international teams are currently assessing the situation and will reach most of the affected areas within the coming days; thus, official figures on impact and damage are expected to rise. It is estimated that approximately 720,000 people have been affected by the earthquake and require assistance, out of over 7 million people living in the six affected provinces.

Chamanga, Ecuador after the 16 April 2016 earthquake. Hundreds of

people have been killed and widespread damage has been reported up

to 190 miles away from the epicentre. Photo: UNHCR/Santiago Arcos

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“Many people have lost their homes, their livelihoods. But I was struck by their resilient spirit,” UN Emergency Coordinator Stephen O’Brien said yesterday, wrapping up his two-day visit to the country. “The actions of the Government of Ecuador and local communities themselves saved many lives.”

Mr. O’Brien stressed that “people urgently need food and water, and basic health care. Children need a place to continue their studies. Families need support to rebuild their lives. The humanitarian community stands ready to support the Government to ensure that critical needs are met.”

Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency is preparing to distribute core relief items today to the people affected by the earthquake.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a press statement that “materials, including

some 900 tents, 15,000 sleeping mats, 18,000 repellent-impregnated mosquito nets, plastic sheets and kitchen sets left UNHCR’s global logistics hub in Copenhagen and arrived in Quito on Wednesday night.”

The supplies were then loaded onto 16 trucks and transported over badly damaged roads to Santo Domingo, in the centre of the country, for distribution today to Manta, Pernales and Portoviejo – in the Manabi Province.

In addition to already having dispensed tents and plastic sheeting to Esmeraldas, Jama and Canoa, UNHCR has begun constructing a camp to provide essential shelter to scores of displaced families.

Subject to agreement with local authorities, UNHCR aims to deliver aid to some 40,000 refugees, asylum-seekers and local citizens within the communities most affected by the earthquake.

“In the worst-affected areas, approximately 40,000 people still need emergency relief items, such as tents and jerry cans. These people are particularly at risk, as many are refugees from neighbouring Colombia,” the statement said.

Ecuador hosts more refugees than any other country in Latin America, providing international protection to over 200,000 Colombian refugees, many of whom had settled in the earthquake-affected areas.

UNHCR underscored its commitment to helping the Government of Ecuador and its people with support for refugee and host community populations.

Ban welcomes South Sudan Government’s decision to accept compromise proposal on return of Riek Machar

22 April – Welcoming the decision of the Government of South Sudan to accept the compromise proposal on the arrangements for the return of First Vice President-designate Riek Machar to the country, United Nations Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon today expressed the hope the deal would enable the swift formation of the transitional unity government.

According to a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson, the

compromise was developed through the efforts of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (JMEC) along with regional and international partners.

“The Secretary-General is hopeful that this will enable the swift formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity, and the full implementation of the country’s peace agreement,” said the

statement, adding that maintaining a spirit of cooperation will be crucial as the country’s leaders begin the work of reversing the years of destruction this conflict has brought upon the people of South Sudan.

President Salva Kiir of South Sudan (right) and Riek Machar. Photo:

UNMISS (file)

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The statement said that Mr. Ban now calls on Mr. Machar to return to the capital, Juba, without delay and without further conditions which could jeopardize the fragile peace process and prolong the suffering of the South Sudanese people.

The UN chief in his statement commended the efforts of JMEC Chairperson, former President Festus Mogae [Botswana] and of the African Union High Representative, former President Alpha Konaré [Malia], to resolve the impasse.

“He urges all regional and international partners to support actively the continued implementation of the peace agreement,” the statement concludes.

The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of quickly establishing the Transitional Government of National Unity, which was agreed to as part of a peace agreement signed in August of last year by both South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Mr. Machar.

Syria peace talks to continue ‘as planned’ into next week – UN envoy

22 April – The UN envoy mediating a resolution to the crisis in Syria today announced that the latest round of peace talks will continue as planned through Wednesday, despite reports that the opposition delegation could suspend its official participation due to the lack of progress on the humanitarian front.

“Bottom line, I plan to continue the proximity talks both at formal level and at technical level until next week, probably Wednesday as originally planned,” said UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura at a

press conference in Geneva on the state of the intra-Syrian talks he

has been mediating.

“We need to try until Wednesday to get as deep as possible in the areas we have been starting discussing” he added, noting that he thinks he will be in a position by the middle of next week to report on where negotiations are and what has been reached during this round of talks.

Mr. de Mistura also indicated that according to all “objective criteria,” the cessation of hostilities is still in effect: “I repeat, is still in effect. None of the sides have renounced to it […] But it is in great trouble if we do not act quickly.”

He reminded reporters that the central point of the talks is to get ideas, concepts, and a vision of what could be either the Transitional Governing Body or what the Government is referring to as the “Government of broad-base.”

“The secret for us and the usefulness of these proximity talks is to get the respective visions of what is their view of the political transition and that is what we have been working on,” he said, highlighting that the difference compared to past talks is that both sides are aiming for a political transition.

He recalled how on Monday, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) – the opposition delegation – showed “displeasure” about the non-progress of the humanitarian situation by talking about postponing their official participation in the talks.

“But luckily there is also a strong feeling of urgency in not dropping what is the mother of all issues: political transition, and getting deeper in this,” Mr. de Mistura said. “And therefore since Monday, we have been having formal meetings with the Government, and been able to consult and meet representatives of the Moscow, Cairo, Damascus platforms, the Women Advisory Board, civil society and indeed at the technical level, we had very deep meetings with the HNC representatives.”

In Aleppo, Syria, four-year-old Esraa and her brother Waleed, three,

sit on the ground near a shelter for internally displaced persons.

Photo: UNICEF/UN013175/Al-Issa

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Two thirds of unimmunized children live in conflict-affected countries – UNICEF

22 April – Almost two thirds of children who have not been immunized with basic vaccines live in countries that are either partially or entirely affected by conflict, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said today, ahead of World Immunization Week.

Of countries in conflict, South Sudan has the highest percentage of unimmunized children, with 61 per cent not receiving the most basic childhood vaccines, followed by Somalia (58 per cent) and Syria (57

per cent), UNICEF said in a press release.

“Conflict creates an ideal environment for disease outbreaks,” said UNICEF Chief of Immunization Robin Nandy. “Children miss out on basic immunizations because of the breakdown – and sometimes deliberate destruction – of vital health services. Even when medical services are available, insecurity in the area often prevents them from reaching children.”

The major causes of childhood illness and death include measles, diarrhoea, respiratory infections and malnutrition, which can worsen in conflict and emergencies, according to UNICEF.

When children contract measles in non-conflict settings, less than one per cent of them die. In areas where crowding and malnutrition are rife, such as refugee camps, child deaths from measles can increase to up to 30 per cent of cases. Overcrowding and lack of basic necessities like food, water and shelter make children even more vulnerable to disease, the agency noted.

Children in areas in conflict also see the killing of health workers and the destruction of medical facilities, supplies and equipment, all of which have a disastrous effect on their health.

Conflict-affected areas in Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last remaining strongholds of poliovirus, which has otherwise been eliminated from the rest of the world, UNICEF said.

In Syria, immunization levels have decreased from more than 80 per cent in 2010, prior to the conflict, to 43 per cent in 2014. Polio resurfaced in the country in 2013, after 14 years with no cases.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 2,000 suspected cases of measles have already been reported in 2016, with 17 deaths, most of them among children under five years old.

UNICEF said vaccination – particularly against highly contagious measles – is a high priority in humanitarian emergencies and is a central part of its response to protect children’s health in such settings.

In Syria, a vaccination campaign planned to start on Sunday will target young children who have missed out on routine vaccination, especially those in besieged and hard-to-reach areas. Many of these children, born since the conflict began, have never been vaccinated, UNICEF said.

The agency said that during 2014-2015, it supported emergency immunization campaigns against measles for more than 23 million children in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

A nurse administers an immunization to a baby at a clinic in Ein Al

Beidah, a village in northern West Bank. Photo: UNICEF/Rula

Halawani

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In emergencies and conflicts, UNICEF works with partners to restart the cold chain for vaccines and other essential medical supplies; put health teams back in place; and train health workers to provide immunization, nutrition screening, vitamin A supplements and medical treatment for women and children.

Immunization in conflict helps to revive other badly needed health services. For example, in conflict-affected areas of Iraq, Syria and Yemen, health workers also offer health and nutrition services, as well as care for childhood illnesses, to populations that come forward in response to immunization campaigns.

“Children affected by conflict are pushed into a downward spiral of deprivation that robs them of their health and, by extension, their futures. Vaccination can help to break this vicious cycle,” said Mr. Nandy. “Immunization is a vital service that deserves and requires protection from all parties to a conflict.”

World Immunization Week is marked annually at the end of April to promote the use of life-saving vaccines for all children – particularly those who are consistently excluded. The event is observed by UNICEF, immunization partners, governments

and civil society organizations around the world. World Immunization Week 2016 runs from 24 to 30 April.

Baghdad suicide bombing an act of ‘unparalleled criminality’– senior UN official

22 April – The most senior UN official in Iraq has strongly condemned a terrorist suicide bombing that targeted worshippers at a mosque in Radwaniya in southern Baghdad today, killing and injuring many innocent civilians.

“Targeting innocent people during Friday prayers is an act of unparalleled criminality,” said Ján Kubiš, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, in a press release.

He offered condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured speedy recovery.

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) also underlined that the terrorists aim from such attacks is to weaken national unity and undermine the State.

“Da’esh terrorists benefit from the Iraqis’ divisions and disputes. The answer to such crimes is for Iraqis of all affiliations and backgrounds to redouble their efforts to work towards unity and reconciliation,” Mr. Kubiš stressed.

He called on the Iraqi Government to do its utmost to bring those behind the terrorist attacks to justice.

Worshippers gather at a mosque in Iraq. Photo: UNICEF/Giacomo

Pirozzi (file)

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Yemen stands ‘closer than ever to peace,’ says UN envoy, as talks continue in Kuwait

22 April – The United Nations envoy for Yemen said that today’s sessions of the UN-brokered peace negotiations among Yemeni parties were “positive and promising,” as both sides continue to work towards achieving an agreement on ending the violence and devastation in the country.

“We hope they will forge a long-awaited new phase, the phase of peace, security and respect for human rights,” said Ismail Ould

Cheikh Ahmed, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, in a press release.

The envoy said that despite “alarming breaches” in some areas to the cessation of hostilities pact that came into force at midnight on 10 April, there has been a marked improvement in security, according to independent sources. This morning, he heard about clashes in Taiz and other regions.

“We have called on all concerned parties to address these violations and we are actively following up on these issues,” the envoy said from Kuwait, where the talks are under way.

In particular, he commended the De-escalation and Coordination Committee (DCC) and local committees for their continuing efforts to strengthen the cessation of hostilities.

The envoy said that the current round of the talks will focus on five points that are based on UN Security Council

resolution 2216 and the agreed-upon agenda that guided the Biel Talks this past December.

“We in the United Nations do not believe that these points have to be implemented sequentially. We have proposed that committees working in parallel to discuss implementation mechanisms in each area,” the envoy said.

The overall objective of the peace talks – which opened yesterday in Kuwait after a three-day delay – is to reach a comprehensive agreement that lays the foundations for a return to a “peaceful and orderly transition” based on the Gulf

Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative and its implementation mechanism and the outcomes of the National Dialogue

Conference.

The proposed working plan constitutes a strong framework for a new political process that would help Yemen and Yemenis achieve stability and live in peace, Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed noted.

“Reaching a practical and positive solution undoubtedly requires concessions from all sides. These concessions will reflect their commitment and efforts to reach an inclusive agreement,” the special envoy said.

“Today’s sessions were positive and promising,” he added.

Calling the present time a “critical juncture,” the special envoy highlighted that security, stability and rights for the Yemeni people are the top priorities.

“Yemenis are the beating heart of Yemen,” the envoy said.

“I am aware that the situation is critical and the conflict has been going on for a long time, but I am also certain that the Yemenis will never give up. Today, we stand closer than ever to peace,” he stressed.

Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheik Ahmed. UN Photo/Elma

Ocik

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Turning to the participants in the talks, the special envoy reminded them that their political positions make them responsible for the Yemeni people.

“Consult your conscience, address discord in a positive spirit and transform disputes into differences that enrich the political life while maintaining the social fabric and civil peace,” Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed emphasized.

Right to adequate housing in India a matter of ‘urgency’ – UN expert

22 April – Expressing grave concern over a number of issues regarding the right to housing in India, an independent United Nations human rights expert today called on the Government for immediate attention and implementation of the right to ensure adequate housing for the most disadvantaged.

“I am extremely concerned for the millions of people who experience exclusion, discrimination, evictions, insecure tenure, homelessness and who lack hope of accessing affordable and adequate housing in their lifetimes,” Leilani Farha, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right

to adequate housing, warned at the end of her two-week official visit

to the country.

Discrimination and social exclusion, urban homelessness, and evictions are among some most complex housing issues, according to

the UN rights expert.

“I have been told that evictions are most often carried out against the most vulnerable populations, most of whom are living below the poverty line,” said Ms. Farha, adding that “forced evictions are often implemented without any consultation with residents, without sufficient or any notice, and commonly result in homelessness.”

While recognizing India’s efforts to address disparities and the living conditions in slums throughout the country, as well as ensuring water, sanitation and electricity in some rehabilitation and redevelopment sites, Ms. Farha stressed that much more needs to be done to improve mounting inequality in urban areas.

“A two-track policy response is urgently needed, one that addresses the backlog of housing shortage, and the other that prepares India for upcoming housing needs,” she said.

The UN expert further urged the Government to adopt national housing legislation based in both its national and international human rights commitments.

A moratorium on evictions, immediate obligations to adequately address homelessness, and that is in line with some of its most progressive state plans for in situ rehabilitation for slum dwellers are of great urgency and priority, Ms. Farha noted.

Independent experts or special rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.

A woman outside her small home in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Photo:

World Bank/Graham Crouch

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Somalia: Security Council ‘gravely concerned’ over fragile security situation

22 April – Expressing ‘grave concern’ at the fragility of the security situation in Somalia, the United Nations Security Council has called for progress on the constitutional review process in the country, and for the completion of the Federal State formation process to be accelerated.

In a press statement issued following a briefing to the Council

earlier this week by the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Michael Keating, the Council underlined that a “peaceful, transparent and inclusive” electoral process in 2016 will mark a “historic step forward” for all Somalis, and will be fundamental for the country’s continued progress towards democracy and stability.

Expressing its full support for the Special Representative and the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), the 15-member body recalled its expectation that there will be no extension of the electoral process timelines in Somalia, underlining the importance of good faith cooperation between federal and regional authorities in the country on these issues.

The Council also commended President Mohamud and the Federal Government of Somalia for the political progress made in the country in the past four years, in particular the agreement on a model for the electoral process planned for August 2016, which it said should be a “stepping stone” to one-person-one-vote elections in 2020.

In addition, the Council commended the Federal Government’s commitment to reserve 30 per cent of seats in the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament for women, calling on the Parliament to swiftly endorse the implementation plan decided by the National Leadership Forum as soon as possible.

Reiterating their “strong condemnation” of attacks and recruitment of children by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, the members of the Council also underlined the importance of the continuation of offensive operations against Al-Shabaab by the Somali National Army and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), in “a well-coordinated manner” and in

line with the qualitative improvements requested in Council resolution 2232 (2015), and in full compliance with

international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.

The Council was also briefed by the African Union on the financial, operational and logistical challenges facing AMISOM. It underscored the importance of enhancing command and control, and improving coordination within AMISOM, as well as the importance of ongoing cooperation between the UN and the African Union.

Urging the swift completion of the National Security Policy and National Security Architecture, the Council also welcomed the Federal Government of Somalia’s steps to establish professional, inclusive and accountable security forces, with sound financial management.

Expressing its full support for this process, the Council encouraged the Government to intensify efforts, urging Member States to contribute to the process and reiterating that security sector reform is critical to enable Somalia to assume control of its own long-term security.

In addition, the Council expressed concern about the fragile humanitarian situation in Somalia and the humanitarian impact of El Niño, urging all parties to facilitate “timely, unhindered and safe” access for humanitarian actors and to find durable solutions for the 1.1 million Somalis who are internally displaced.

African Union (AU) troops in the Gedo region of Somalia. Photo: AU

UN IST/Mahamud Hassan

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Thailand: UN human rights chief concerned over growing military role in Government

22 April – The United Nations human rights chief today on expressed growing concern about the military's deepening role in Thailand's civilian administration, as well as tight curbs on dissent, as the country prepares to vote on a final draft Constitution.

“An open and dynamic public debate on the draft Constitution would foster national unity, strengthen the legitimacy and acceptance of the Constitution and provide a sense of collective ownership,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement.

Mr. Zeid expressed particular concern that the “clampdown on criticism” would intensify following hardline comments by the Prime Minister and other senior Government figures. A new law governing the referendum places limits on groups and individuals advocating for

or against the draft Constitution. The law, which is awaiting royal assent, could be interpreted arbitrarily and used against opponents, the High Commissioner said.

While Mr. Zeid said he appreciated that the public had been allowed to make submissions and some human rights provisions have been incorporated into the draft Constitution, he stressed the need for the general public, members of political parties, and civil society, including non-governmental organizations, journalists and academics, to be given the space to express their views without fear of harassment, reprisals or arrests.

According to Mr. Zeid's Office, since the military coup of 2014, the Thai Government has issued a number of new orders to strengthen the role of the military in policy-making and law enforcement after years of political upheaval and violent protests.

“Extending the military's powers is not the answer to rebuilding Thailand's political landscape,” the High Commissioner said. “On the contrary, Thailand has competent civilian institutions and should be looking to strengthen the rule of law and good governance, not undermine it.”

The High Commissioner said that on 30 March 2016, the military Government issued Order Number 13/2016 providing military officers and paramilitary forces with a range of powers over a number of offences under at least 27 laws. These include authorizing officers to search places, seize assets, suspend financial transactions, ban suspects from travelling and detain individuals for up to seven days, without any warrant, judicial oversight or administrative accountability.

Although the Government has stated these powers are targeted at organised crime, there are fears they will be used against opponents. Another order issued by the National Council of Peace and Order (NCPO) on 4 April 2016 gives the military more power in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand, which have been prone to violence and conflict.

In addition, the final draft Constitution released in March institutionalizes the role of the military in policymaking and law enforcement. Section 265 and 279 of the draft provide for the legalization and continuation of military orders issued under Article 44 of the Interim Constitution, which has effectively allowed the head of the NCPO to issue any legislative, executive or judicial order. Over the past year, 61 NCPO orders have been issued under Article 44, Mr. Zeid said.

“As a matter of priority, I call on the Government to suspend the application of these dangerously sweeping laws and orders that have bestowed more power upon the military,” the High Commissioner said.

He also repeated a call for all cases involving civilians to be transferred from military to civilian courts. In addition, the High Commissioner appealed to the Thai Government to fully abide by the international human rights treaties it has ratified.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al

Hussein. UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

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INTERVIEW: Ahead of Baku Forum, UN official spotlights ‘soft power’ approaches to counter violent extremism

22 April – As the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) prepares for an upcoming global conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, the head of the UN body has stressed the need to leverage ‘soft power’ to curb the rise of violent extremism and prevent conflict.

Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, of Qatar, who held the presidency of the UN General Assembly for its 2011/2012 session and now heads up

the UNAOC as the Secretary-General’s High Representative, said

that the recent rise of violent extremism and terrorism worldwide only strengthened his work and mandate.

Since I took office three years ago, I see the challenges rising especially coming from xenophobia, intolerance and radicalization.

“As you know, the Alliance of Civilizations initiative came after ‘September 11’ and attacks in Madrid and London,” he told the UN

News Centre, referring to terrorist acts in 2011, 2004 and 2005. He stressed that the establishment of UNAOC in 2005 was in response to fears that clashes of cultures, religions and civilizations are driving conflict.

“Since I took office three years ago, I see the challenges rising, especially coming from xenophobia, intolerance and radicalization,” he added.

Given this situation, UNAOC’s work must be more visible than ever, he stressed, noting that his priorities also include addressing issues related to the growing migratory flows that are threatening international peace and security, and the spread of negative narratives, such as hate speech on social media.

Imperatively, his Office works with other UN organizations in the areas of peace and security, human rights, the rule of law and development. “We are almost everywhere on the UN agenda,” Mr. Al-Nasser said, noting that he can capitalize on his experience as a former General Assembly President.

The mandate of the Assembly is much broader, he said, dealing with all issues confronting the UN. “But when I was President, I focused on promoting dialogue, mediation and the culture of peace, and supported the work of the Alliance,” he recalled.

His approach was to focus on ‘soft power’ tools set out in Chapter VI of the UN Charter, which urges pacific settlement of disputes, including negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and judicial settlement, instead of Chapter VII, which allows military action as a means to restore international peace and security.

“Mediation is also soft power to prevent conflict by using different methods and ways than the Security Council and Chapter VII,” he said.

The Alliance's Global Forum Baku 2016, to be held in the Azerbaijani capital from 25 to 27 April, will bring together

nearly 3,000 participants, including Heads of State and Government, political officials, civil society representatives, religious and youth leaders, who will share their perspectives and solutions under the main theme on “Living Together in Inclusive Societies: A Challenge and A Goal.”

Under a sub-theme, the Forum will tackle head-on the issue of preventing violent extremism, a topic that is growing in importance and high on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s agenda this year.

A view of the flag raising ceremony in March 1992 for the nine

countries - Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan,

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia and San Marino -

admitted to the United Nations. UN Photo/Michos Tzovaras

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The UN Daily News is prepared at UN Headquarters in New York by the News Services Section

of the News and Media Division, Department of Public Information (DPI)

In January, Mr. Ban presented his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism for consideration by the General

Assembly. The Plan calls for a comprehensive approach encompassing not only essential security-based counter-terrorism measures but also systematic preventive steps to address the underlying conditions that drive individuals to radicalize and join violent extremist groups. It provides more than 70 recommendations to Member States and the UN system.

Mr. Al-Nasser said UNAOC’s work and inputs will feed the Secretary-General’s initiative.

The Forum is expected to adopt the Baku Declaration as an outcome, which would note the role of UNAOC in addressing the drivers of violent extremism through its programming in youth, education, media and migration.

The significance of holding the Forum in Baku is that “Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads between the East and West, a very important point of convergence of various cultures and religions,” he said.

un daily news 22 april 2016

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