un news january 2009

8/9/2019 UN News January 2009

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UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES

Secretary-General sounds alarm as Israeli forces enter Gaza

3 January 2009 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his deep concern over Israel's launch of a

ground operation into Gaza today, with the Security Council calling an emergency meeting to discuss the

situation.

Mr. Ban expressed his extreme disappointment to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

He is convinced and alarmed that this escalation will inevitably increase the already heavy suffering of

the affected civilian populations, according to a statement issued by the Secretary-General's

spokesperson. He called for an immediate end to the ground operation, and asked that Israel do all

possible to ensure the protection of civilians and that humanitarian assistance is able to reach those in

need.

Mr. Ban underscored that today's developments thwart efforts to bring peace to the region by the so-

called Quartet comprising the United Nations, the European Union (EU), Russia and the United States

and others.

He repeated his appeal for an urgent end to the clashes, and urges regional and international partners

to exert all possible influence to bring about an immediate end to the bloodshed and suffering.

Israel has cited rocket and other attacks by militants in Gaza against Israeli civilians as the reason for its

military offensive and closing crossings into Gaza for much of the previous two months.

Following the Security Council's closed meeting this evening, Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert of

France, which holds the Council Presidency this month, said that while there was no formal agreement

among the 15 members, he witnessed strong convergences to express concern over the stepped up

violence and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

There was also strong convergence to express full support to the regional and international diplomatic

efforts which are underway to resolve the crisis and to call all parties to resume peace talks, he told

reporters.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, more than 400 people have been killed since Israeli military

operations began on 27 December, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

(OCHA) said today that the distribution of food to the most vulnerable has been impeded by the

insecurity.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has only been able to deliver a fraction of the more than 1,000

metric tons of supplies available, while the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the

Near East (UNRWA) was able to resume distributions on 1 January that it had suspended in mid-

December.


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The Kerem Shalom crossing was closed today, but three truckloads of medical supplies reached Gaza

today through the Rafah crossing.

According to OCHA, fuel to restart the Gaza Power Plant which has been shut down since 30 December,

flour and cash are urgently needed in Gaza.


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UN-backed body lists punishable offences for upcoming Iraqi election

3 January 2009 Interfering in the upcoming Iraqi polls by force or through threats is punishable by at

least one year in prison, according to a list of offences issued Saturday by an independent United

Nations-backed elections body.

Ahead of the 31 January provincial elections in the nascent democracy, the Independent High Electoral

Commission (IHEC) said that intimidating or bribing its staff or voters is also carries a punishment of

imprisonment for at least one year.

Other punishable offences include: carrying weapons inside or within 100 meters of a polling centre

interfering with electoral materials, such as ballots destroying candidates' posters and impersonating a

voter.

Political parties will be punished for the offenses committed by their members, candidates and agents,

payable by a fine of 50 million Dinars, and may be denied the votes they obtained in associated polling

locations, IHEC said in an update.

Earlier this week, a UN-backed blog was launched in Baghdad in a bid to motivate voters to go to the

polls.

The blog called Vote for Iraq was launched with the support of the UN-led International Election

Assistance Team (IEAT).

The site encourages users to use several formats including photos to express their views and enables

links with other websites and online forums.


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Joint UN assessment underway in quake-hit Indonesia

5 January - A joint United Nations assessment mission is being carried out in the Indonesian province of

West Papua, where a series of earthquakes on Sunday (4/01) injured hundreds, damaged more than 800

houses and sent some 14,000 fleeing from their homes.

Local officials say at least five people were killed in the quakes, the first of which hit at 4:43 a.m. local

time and measured 7.2 on the Richter scale, according to the Indonesian National Meteorological

Geophysical and Climatology Agency.

A second earthquake measuring 7.6 hit at 7:33 a.m. local time, followed by over a dozen aftershocks.

According to official data released by the provincial disaster coordinating unit in West Papua, four of

those killed were in Manokwari, which is situated 95 kilometres from the epicentre of the quakes, and

one person in Sorong.

Some 250 people were injured, while more than 800 houses, 34 government buildings, four schools, and

11 places of worship were damaged. The Indonesian National Meteorological Geophysical and

Climatology Agency predicts that aftershocks will continue in the next three to seven days.

An estimated 14,000 people who fled their damaged homes or left their houses fearing more

earthquakes or aftershocks have sought accommodation in shelters for displaced people.

The Indonesian Government has reportedly transported relief supplies, including food, medical supplies,tarpaulins, water purification equipment and generators to the affected areas.

UN agencies in the provincial capital Jayapura have met to consider what assistance could be provided

to local authorities in the affected areas if required.

The assessment mission is being carried out by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN

Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).


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Ban condemns unacceptable Israeli strikes on UN schools in Gaza

6 January - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday (6/01) spoke out against Israels totally

unacceptable attacks against three clearly-marked United Nations schools, where civilians were seeking

refuge from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with a senior official calling for an independent inquiry into the

incidents which claimed dozens of lives.

More than two dozen schools run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near

East (UNRWA) are serving as temporary shelters to more than 15,000 Palestinians whose homes have

been destroyed or who are fleeing the violence.

The agencys education programmes have been suspended since the start of Israeli air attacks on Gaza,

which Israel says it launched in response to rocket attacks by Hamas militants, on 27 December.

Civilians are seeking sanctuary in UNRWA schools because they have no other place to go and are not

able to flee the Gaza Strip, Mr. Ban said in a statement.

Some 30 people were killed and 55 others injured, five of them critically, when three artillery shells

landed at the perimeter of a school, which usually serves as a girls preparatory school, in the Jabaliya

refugee camp, according to John Ging, UNRWAs Director of Operations.

Also in Jabaliya, a boys school was attacked but it was empty, he said.

Hal serupa terjadi pula di Jabaliya, di sekolah khusus laki-laki, yang diserang dalam keadaan kosong.

Sunday night (4/01), three Palestinians, who had sought refuge in a small co-educational UN school inGaza City, died when a missile hit the buildings toilet facilities.

The three men who were killed were Gazans who had fled their home earlier that day, the UNRWA

official said, adding that they thought they would be safe in a UN school in Gaza City.

These attacks reinforce the urgent need for a ceasefire to end the mounting casualties, he said,

demanding an independent investigation into these attacks. I sincerely hope that for the sake of those

that have died, that it would not have been in vain.

In a separate incident, seven UN staff were injured, three seriously, along with three patients, when a

strike on a nearby building caused significant collateral damage to a UNRWA health centre.

The location of all UN facilities have been communicated to the Israeli authorities and are known to the

Israeli army, the Secretary-General said.

After earlier strikes, Israels Government had been warned that its operations were endangering UN

facilities. I am deeply dismayed that despite these repeated efforts, todays tragedies have ensued, he

said.


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The Israeli attacks against UN sites housing civilians seeking refuge are totally unacceptable and must

not be repeated, Mr. Ban stressed. Equally unacceptable are any actions by militants which endanger

the Palestinian civilian population.

These events highlight the dangers posed by continued and stepped up fighting, he said, reiterating his

call for an immediate ceasefire.

Mr. Ban will speak further about the latest developments in Gaza and southern Israel during a public

meeting in Monday evening (6/01)of the UN Security Council, chaired by French Foreign Minister

Bernard Kouchner.

The Council had met behind closed doors on Saturday (3/01) after Israel expanded its week-old air

strikes into a ground offensive into Gaza, but reached no formal agreement regarding the violence and

worsening humanitarian situation.


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Secretary-General names two new senior UN envoys

6 January - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday (6/01) spoke out against Israels totally

unacceptable attacks against three clearly-marked United Nations schools, where civilians were seeking

refuge from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with a senior official calling for an independent inquiry into the

incidents which claimed dozens of lives.

More than two dozen schools run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near

East (UNRWA) are serving as temporary shelters to more than 15,000 Palestinians whose homes have

been destroyed or who are fleeing the violence.

The agencys education programmes have been suspended since the start of Israeli air attacks on Gaza,

which Israel says it launched in response to rocket attacks by Hamas militants, on 27 December.

Civilians are seeking sanctuary in UNRWA schools because they have no other place to go and are not

able to flee the Gaza Strip, Mr. Ban said in a statement.

Some 30 people were killed and 55 others injured, five of them critically, when three artillery shells

landed at the perimeter of a school, which usually serves as a girls preparatory school, in the Jabaliya

refugee camp, according to John Ging, UNRWAs Director of Operations.

Also in Jabaliya, a boys school was attacked but it was empty, he said.

Hal serupa terjadi pula di Jabaliya, di sekolah khusus laki-laki, yang diserang dalam keadaan kosong.

Sunday night (4/01), three Palestinians, who had sought refuge in a small co-educational UN school inGaza City, died when a missile hit the buildings toilet facilities.

The three men who were killed were Gazans who had fled their home earlier that day, the UNRWA

official said, adding that they thought they would be safe in a UN school in Gaza City.

These attacks reinforce the urgent need for a ceasefire to end the mounting casualties, he said,

demanding an independent investigation into these attacks. I sincerely hope that for the sake of those

that have died, that it would not have been in vain.

In a separate incident, seven UN staff were injured, three seriously, along with three patients, when a

strike on a nearby building caused significant collateral damage to a UNRWA health centre.

The location of all UN facilities have been communicated to the Israeli authorities and are known to the

Israeli army, the Secretary-General said.

After earlier strikes, Israels Government had been warned that its operations were endangering UN

facilities. I am deeply dismayed that despite these repeated efforts, todays tragedies have ensued, he

said.


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The Israeli attacks against UN sites housing civilians seeking refuge are totally unacceptable and must

not be repeated, Mr. Ban stressed. Equally unacceptable are any actions by militants which endanger

the Palestinian civilian population.

These events highlight the dangers posed by continued and stepped up fighting, he said, reiterating his

call for an immediate ceasefire.

Mr. Ban will speak further about the latest developments in Gaza and southern Israel during a public

meeting in Monday evening (6/01)of the UN Security Council, chaired by French Foreign Minister

Bernard Kouchner.

The Council had met behind closed doors on Saturday (3/01) after Israel expanded its week-old air

strikes into a ground offensive into Gaza, but reached no formal agreement regarding the violence and

worsening humanitarian situation.


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Security Council overwhelmingly calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire

8 January 2009 The United Nations Security Council on Thursday night (8/01) overwhelmingly called

for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza leading to a full Israeli withdrawal, the unimpeded provision

throughout Gaza of food, fuel and medical treatment, and intensified international arrangements to

prevent arms and ammunition smuggling.

Fourteen of the Councils 15 members voted in favour, with only the United States abstaining.

The resolution, presented by the United Kingdom and adopted as Israels offensive moved into its 14th

day, emphasized that Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected, voiced grave

concern at the heavy civilian casualties and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and condemned

all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism.

The Israeli operation has so far killed 758 people in Gaza, of whom 257 were children and 56 women,

with 3,100 wounded, 1,080 of them children and 452 women, according to Palestinian reports cited as

credible by UN officials.

The resolution called for renewed efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace with two democratic states,

Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace with secure and recognized borders. The West Bank-

based Palestine Authority of President Mahmoud Abbas accepts the two-state solution, while Hamas,

which seized control of Gaza in 2007, does not recognize Israels right to exist. The resolution

encourages tangible steps towards intra-Palestinian reconciliation.

The 15-member Council welcomed Egyptian and other efforts under way to end the current crisis, which

began on 27 December with Israeli air strikes launched with the stated aim of ending Hamas rocket

attacks.

Dewan Keamanan yang beranggota 15 negara menyambut baik usaha Mesir yang berusaha mengakhiri

krisis yang ada saat ini, yang berlangsung pada tanggal 27 Desember dengan serangan udara Israel guna

mengakhiri serangan roket oleh Hamas.

Addressing the Council after the vote, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was heartened and

relieved Your decision signals the will of the international community. It must be fully respected by all

parties to this conflict. He added that it would open the way for the UN to resume urgently the delivery

of humanitarian aid, food and medical supplies.

Explaining her abstention, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the US wanted to see the outcome

of the Egyptian initiative first, but allowed the resolution to go forward because it was a step in the right

direction. A negative vote by the US, one of the Councils permanent members with veto powers, would

have killed the measure.

Stressing the urgency of an immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire, and calling for the

unimpeded provision and distribution throughout Gaza of humanitarian assistance, it called on UN


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Member States to support international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian and economic situation in

Gaza, including through additional contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine

Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

It also called on Member States to intensify efforts to provide arrangements and guarantees in Gaza in

order to sustain a durable ceasefire and calm, including to prevent illicit trafficking in arms and

ammunition and to ensure the sustained re-opening of crossing points. Israel has accused Hamas of

smuggling more advanced rockets and weapons and has closed crossings into Gaza in response to

Hamas rocket fire.

Adoption of the resolution came as diplomatic efforts to secure an end to the fighting moved into higher

gear with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calling senior officials in the region. He telephoned Saudi

Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal on Thursday (8/01) morning and was trying to reach Israeli Prime

Minister Ehud Olmert.

The Secretary-General continues his around-the-clock efforts with world leaders to achieve an

immediate ceasefire, spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters, noting that on Wednesday (7/01)

he held meetings with the United States Secretary of State, and the Foreign Ministers of the UnitedKingdom, Egypt, France, Jordan, Norway and Saudi Arabia.

General Assembly President Miguel DEscoto had earlier chided d the lack of action by the Security

Council. I cant stand the smell of formaldehyde, he told a news briefing at Headquarters. Rigor

mortis seems to have taken over, and we are failing the world, we are failing the cause of peace, he

added, referring to the dysfunctionality of the Council.


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Top UN official calls for immediate access for foreign journalists into Gaza

8 January The chief of communications and public information for the United Nations on Thursday

(8/01) called on the Israeli Government to ensure immediate access for international media into Gaza,

stressing the need for full and independent coverage of events unfolding in the territory which has

been the target of an Israeli offensive launched nearly two weeks ago.

Access to objective and factual information is of vital importance at all times, and plays a particularly

important role in emergency situations, Kiyo Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General for Communications

and Public Information, writes in a letter to Israels Ambassador to the UN, Gabriela Shalev.

Citing reports, including from the Foreign Press Association of Israel, that international media are not

being allowed access to Gaza, Mr. Akasaka reminds the Israeli Government of the right to information

enshrined in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

He also recalls Security Council resolution 1738, in which the 15-member body urged all parties involved

in situations of armed conflict to respect the professional independence and rights of journalists.

Member States have expressed a keen interest in what is taking place in Gaza, he states, adding that it is

of great importance to all concerned that international reporting be allowed to take place so that

accurate information about the situation can inform global responses.

A chorus of UN officials, including Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, have repeatedly called for an

immediate halt to the fighting in Gaza and stressed the need to ensure humanitarian access to assist the1.5 million civilians struggling amid rapidly deteriorating conditions.


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Mobile phones, adapted to monitor child health, net UNICEF top development prize

9 January - The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) will share first prize in the United States

Development Agencys innovation competition, known as the Development 2.0 Challenge, for

adapting basic cell phones to monitor the health of children in danger of malnutrition.

The RapidSMS text-messaging system, to be finalized by graduate students from Columbia University,

which shared in the prize, was first developed in Ethiopia to monitor food supplies and will now be used

to map and track child malnutrition trends in Malawi more accurately and in real time, enabling quick

responses to unfolding food and nutritional crises, according to UNICEF.

This is a perfect example of UNICEFs vision of bringing together experts from around the world and

from diverse fields such as academia, private sector and civil society, Sharad Sapra, Director of

UNICEFs Division of Communication, said.

The initial phases of the Malawi project are expected to run from January to May of 2009. However, the

collaborative and open-source philosophy it is based on means that anyone can take, use and adapt

RapidSMS for their purposes, UNICEF stressed.

The aim is to leverage this global knowledge and create solutions which help achieve lasting benefits

for children, Dr. Sapra said.


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UN human rights body to send fact-finding mission to Gaza

12 January - The United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday (12/01) adopted a resolution strongly

condemning the ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza, and decided to dispatch a fact-finding

mission to investigate human rights violations committed in the territory.

Canada cast the only negative vote for the non-binding resolution, which received the support of 33 of

the Councils 47 members, while 13 countries abstained.

In adopting the text, the Geneva-based body demand ed that Israel which launched the latest

offensive 17 days ago with the stated aim of ending Hamas rocket attacks into Israel immediately end

its attacks and withdraw its military forces from Gaza.

The Councils action came as it wrap ped up a special session begun last Friday (9/01) to consider the

grave violations of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the recent aggression in

the occupied Gaza Strip.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stressed to the Council on Friday (9/01) that

international human rights law must apply in all circumstances and at all times, and strongly urge d the

parties to the conflict to fulfil their obligation s under international humanitarian law to collect, care for

and evacuate the wounded and to protect and respect health workers, hospitals, and medical units and

ambulances.

Accountability must be ensured for violations of international law, she said, suggesting that theCouncil consider a mission to assess violations committed by both sides in the conflict in order to

establish the relevant facts and ensure accountability.

The latest casualty figures according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health are 883 Palestinians killed

since the operation began on 27 December, including at least 85 women and 284 children, as well as

4,057 wounded.

In addition, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reports

that some 21,555 people have been displaced by the conflict.

In its resolution on Monday (12/01), the Council also requested Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to

investigate the latest targeting of UNRWA facilities in Gaza, including schools, which have resulted in the

killing of tens of Palestinian civilians, including women and children.

Mr. Ban begins a visit to the region on Wednesday (14/01) as part of his ongoing diplomatic efforts to

bring about an end to the hostilities.


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Please secure ceasefire, UN Gaza official tells Ban on eve of Mideast mission

13 January - A senior United Nations official in Gaza warned that on Tuesday (13/01) that tragically the

horror continues, with 19 children reported killed and 52 injured in just the last 24 hours of Israeli-

Hamas fighting, even as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon briefed the Security Council on his upcoming

trip to the region to speed up diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire.

For the Secretary-General our message will be as it has been consistently: Please, we have to get an

end to the fighting, nowhere in Gaza is safe, the situation here is horrific for everybody, the Gaza

Director of Operations of the UN Relief and Works Agency for

Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), John Ging, told a news conference in New York, speaking

by video link from ground zero.

Every hour that passes here, innocent women, men and children are dying and being injured in a very

brutal way, he said, adding that the fighting overnight in Gaza City was very excessive as the offensive

which Israel launched with the stated aim of stopping Hamas rocket attacks against it moved towards its

19th day.

The overall toll is now put at more than 900 Palestinians killed, 42 per cent of them women and

children, and some 4,000 wounded, nearly 50 per cent women and children. Mr. Ging said that, as with

the reported child casualties over the past 24 hours, the UN had been unable to verify the numbers, but

the Palestinian reports have seemed credible. There has been a massive amount of destruction of

Palestinian infrastructure and homes, he added.

He paid particular tribute to the Palestinian ambulance drivers. For me the bravest are the ambulance

drivers. Theyre the ones, and the ambulance staff, that are going right in to the frontline where theyre

shooting and firing to rescue those who have been injured and get them the life-saving treatment that

they need, he said. More lives will be lost every day and every night but for their tremendous courage

and bravery under fire.

Mr. Ban told the Council in closed consultations that at each stop on his trip beginning in Cairo on

Wednesday (14/01) he would stress to the leaders of Egypt, Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory,

Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and Syria the vital need for an immediate and durable ceasefire and for the

urgent provision of humanitarian aid without restriction.

At a news conference on Monday (12/01) he laid out the basic essentials for settling the crisis at talks

with the parties underway in Cairo: agreement on an immediate ceasefire, with at a minimum a halt to

rocket attacks by Hamas militants and withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza; international cooperation

to stop the smuggling of weapons into Gaza; and full re-opening of border crossings into Gaza.

Mr. Ging said 5,000 more people fled their homes overnight seeking shelter in UNRWA schools, bringing

the total to 40,000, although this represented only a fraction of those seeking refuge, since many others


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had gone to relatives and friends. He paid homage to the dignity of the people as they sought to cope

with the horrors of the crisis.

Assistance was getting through some of the crossings from Israel, with 90 trucks passing on Tuesday

(13/01) but that, together with the daily three-hour lull instituted by Israel to allow for distribution, was

not nearly sufficient, he said. Shortage of flour was still a major problem, and fuel was still lacking with

the Gaza power station operating at only 40 per cent capacity.

Sewage pumps are still not functioning due to the lack of electricity, diminished fuel supplies for back-up

generators, and the lack of spare parts, 500,000 Gazans still do not have access to running water, and 80

per cent of drinking water is not safe for human consumption, according to the UN World Health

Organization (WHO) guidelines, while in Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya, in northern Gaza, sewage is

flowing in the streets.

Mr. Ging said public health was a very real concern with the possibility of cholera or other disease

outbreaks, as Israels daily three-hour lulls were not nearly enough time to repair the destroyed water

infrastructure.

He also reiterated his call for an independent investigation, and accountability, over Israels deadly

mortar attack near an UNRWA school and bombing of a house in Zaitoun last week amid continuing

conflicting reports about the incidents. But he said he very much appreciated Israeli cooperation on

UN aid delivery after last weeks killing of an UNRWA driver in an authorized run, highlighting a marked

improvement in coordinating convoys for food and medicine.

He stressed, however, how difficult it was to deliver aid in a conflict zone, noting that while he was at an

Israeli checkpoint at Netzarim on Tuesday (13/01) they came under attack. And on a more personal

level, he bemoaned the ongoing lack of cash in the blockaded strip, noting that he had been told on

Monday (12/01) that Israeli approval for a transfer had been given on Sunday (11/01), but now was told

it had not.

The shortage has kept 94,000 special hardship cases, the poorest of the poor, from receiving any UN

cash aid since 18 November, while his own staff got only half of their December salaries. Of course they

(my staff) reminded me on Tuesday (13/01) and I have to take it on the chin that the Hamas staff

have all been paid (by Hamas), he said.


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UN stands ready to assist after severe floods inundate Fiji

13 January - United Nations agencies are standing by to provide assistance to Fiji where heavy rains over

recent days have caused severe flooding in the Pacific island nation, causing at least seven deaths and

the evacuation of over 6,500 people.

A 30-day state of natural disaster was declared in the Western Division of the country on 11January,

three days after the heavy rains began, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

(OCHA), adding that the floods have also affected the North and Central Divisions.

The National Disaster Management Office reported that seven deaths have been recorded as a direct

result of the floods. In addition, 6,591 people have been evacuated and housed in 110 evacuation

centres as of Monday (12/01).

Fijis Interim Government has not requested international assistance at this time, OCHA noted.

However, another tropical depression is expected to bring more rainfall by Wednesday (14/01) night

and Thursday (15/01), which may extend and compound the current situation.

OCHA held a UN coordination meeting on 12 January to discuss a possible UN response in case

international assistance is requested. The world body and other global organizations are prepared to

participate in multi-sector needs assessments if required, the Office added.

Several UN agencies including the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA)

have relief items which can be deployed on request.


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More rockets fired into Israel from Lebanon despite UN calls for restraint

14 January - The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that several rockets were

fired at Israel from Lebanese territory on Wednesday (14/01), with Israeli forces returning fire, despite

calls for restraint from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and others after a similar incident last week.

There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the rockets fired from Lebanon, according to

UNIFIL. There were also no reports of damage or injuries from the firing or from the two rounds of

artillery Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) fired in return, the Force said.

UNIFIL, in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, is currently investigating on the ground close to

the northern boundary of its Area of Operations in the Eastern Sector, to locate the launching site of the

rocket fire. The incident comes as the IDF continues the military operation it launched in Gaza on 27

December, with the stated aim of ending rocket and other attacks by militants in the Strip.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned last weeks incident and reminded the parties of their

obligation to fully adhere to Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel

and Hizbollah, and to respect the cessation of hostilities agreement.

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Claudio Graziano on Wednesday (13/01) once again urged

maximum restraint, and is working with both parties to maintain the cessation of hostilities. A joint

UNIFIL-Lebanese patrol, during a search operation in the general area of El Hebbariye after Wednesdays

(14/01) rocket fire, discovered three live rockets prepared for launch and deactivated them on the spot.

The two groups are continuing intensive patrolling and search throughout the area.


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Ban says elements to end Gaza violence in place; voices outrage as UN hit again

15 January 2009 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday(15/01) he believed the elements for an

end to the violence in Gaza, which has claimed over 1,000 lives and is now in its 20th day, are in place,

even as he expressed outrage over the latest shelling of United Nations premises in the Strip.

On Thursday (15/01), the UN compound in Gaza has been shelled again, Mr. Ban told a news

conference in Tel Aviv with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. I conveyed my strong protest and

outrage to the Defense Minister and to the Foreign Minister, and demanded a full explanation.

Mr. Ban, who also met with Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, arrived in

Israel after talks in Egypt and Jordan as part of his diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and bring an

end to the crisis which began on 27 December when Israel launched its military offensive with the stated

aim of ending Hamas rocket attacks from Gaza.

Defence Minister Barak said to me that it was a grave mistake and that he took it very seriously, Mr.

Ban said. He assured me that extra attention would be paid to the UN facilities and staff and that this

should not be repeated.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General said he believed from his talks in Egypt that the elements are in place

for the violence which according to Palestinian health ministry officials has claimed over 1,000 lives

and wound some 4,500, including large numbers of women and children to end now.

I hope so. But that depends on the political will of the Israeli Government, he added in reply to a

question, stressing that he hoped the Government would now heed the Security Council call for aceasefire so that we do not see any further sacrifices and killings of civilian populations, and we see no

more destruction of infrastructure and properties...

The time has come for the violence to stop and for us to change fundamentally the dynamics in Gaza,

and to pursue again the peace talks for a two-State solution, which is the only road to lasting security for

Israel, he stated.

We dont have any more time to lose. We must end civilian suffering now, Mr. Ban stressed, adding

that the UN is working closely with the Israeli authorities to alleviate the crisis as much as possible.

He paid a special tribute to all the UN staff who are continuing to carry out their work amid the violence.

I am truly proud of the UN staff braving difficult and dangerous circumstances to help those in need.

He later spoke to the staff in the UN compound in Gaza by video-conference.

He also expressed his appreciation for the Israeli Governments measures to establish a humanitarian

operations centre and to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance.

The Secretary-General expects to meet on Friday (16/01) in Ramallah with Palestinian President

Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. He is also slated to meet with the leaders of the


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occupied Palestinian territory, Turkey, Lebanon and Syria during his mission to bring about a diplomatic

solution to the current crisis.

Meanwhile in New York, the UN General Assembly is holding an emergency session on the Palestinian

question with Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro appealing for an end to the Israeli offensive

and Hamas rocket attacks against Israel and unrestricted access to Gaza for basic necessities including

food, fuel and medical supplies.

We must return to the road to peace, to end the [Israeli] occupation that began in 1967, attain the

establishment of a Palestinian State which coexists alongside Israel in peace and security, she said.

Assembly President Miguel DEscoto said he convened Thursdays (15/01) meeting to place the power

and prestige of the General Assembly the most representative and most democratic component of the

United Nations in motion towards two urgent demands, after which longer-term issues can be

considered: an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and immediate unimpeded humanitarian access.

I know that you share my sense of urgency and our collective commitment to make good on our so-far

unmet obligations to the occupied people of Gaza, he told the 192-member body. We need seriousand expeditious diplomacy, not false promises.


20/25


International Year of Astronomy to reignite wonder, promote peace UN agency

15 January A large cluster of astronomers have been sighted in Paris today at the official launch of the

International Year of Astronomy, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

(UNESCO) said.

The year, also known as IYA2009, was planned to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Galileos first

observations of the heavens with a telescope and, under the theme The Universe, Yours to Discover, is

meant to reignite the wonder that the starry realms have always provoked in humankind, according to a

UNESCO news release.

People have always looked to the sky for answers to the questions How did we get here? and Why

are we here? Kochiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO said at the gala opening at the agencys

headquarters, where astronauts, artists, diplomats, industrialists and astronomy undergraduates from

over 100 countries have gathered.

The sky belongs to everybody, Mr. Matsuura added, avowing that Astronomy is an instrument to

promote peace and understanding among nations and as such is at the heart of UNESCOs mission.

The two-day launch ceremony will host presentations by Nobel prize winners Bob Wilson and Baruch

Blumberg, revelations of the latest discoveries, discussions on the role of astronomy in culture and

public engagement, real-time astronomical observations and a closing performance by the Grammy-

winning Kronos Quartet.

Hundreds of events on the global, national and regional levels have also been planned for the firstweeks of the Year in conjunction with the International Astronomical Union (IAU), UNESCO said.


21/25


UN agencies team up to provide family planning for refugees in Thailand

16 January 2009 Two United Nations agencies are teaming up to provide reproductive health care,

including family planning information and services, for refugees living along Thailands border with

Myanmar.

The collaboration between the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN Population

Fund (UNFPA) will benefit some 111,000 refugees from Myanmar living in nine camps in Thailand, a

quarter of whom are women of reproductive age.

Peoples needs for voluntary family planning information and services do not end when they become

refugees, said UNHCR Deputy Regional Representative Giuseppe de Vincentis. We consider family

planning and reproductive health a basic human right and UNHCR is committed to ensuring that all

refugee needs are met.

On Wednesday (14/01) UNFPA provided contraceptives to meet the needs of 8,500 current users and

400 new users for six months to one year. The supplies will be distributed by UNHCRs aid partners, who

will also provide related counselling, education and hospital referrals in four camps Umpium, Mae La,

Mae Ra Ma Luang and Mae La Oon.

In addition, the sister agencies and the Thai Government are discussing the need to address the needs of

adolescents, whose access to information and services has been limited by cultural taboos.

It is our hope that further collaboration with UNHCR will improve the predictability, timeliness and

effectiveness of reproductive health information and service provision for refugees here in Thailand,said Garimella Giridhar, UNFPA's representative in Thailand.


22/25


UN University Internet blogging site wins industry acclaim with best design award

16 January - A United Nations University (UNU) website has been honored by the worlds largest

Internet blog competition with the prize for the best designed site.

The Tokyo-based Universitys World 2.0 blog, launched in July, won the Weblog Awards best design

category after close to one million people cast votes in 48 categories over seven days of polling.

The UNU site contains articles written by its academic faculty, as well as other contributors, and brief

video stories from around the world and Japan, exploring the relationship between climate change,

energy and food security.

The site is built in an open source platform called Wordpress and all content is licensed under Creative

Commons. Photos on the web magazine are provided by the Flickr community and the sites videos are

accessible via YouTube and Vimeo.


23/25


Top UN envoy deplores latest suicide bombing to hit Afghan capital

17 January 2009 The top United Nations official in Afghanistan has condemned on Saturday (17/01) 's

suicide bombing in Kabul, which struck near the vicinity of a United States military base, the German

Embassy and the world bodys offices and reportedly killed at least two civilians and wounded dozens

more.

The Saturdays (17/01) suicide bomb attack in central Kabul again shows the blatant disregard of the

insurgency for the safety of civilians, and has resulted in a number of civilian casualties, Kai Eide, the

Secretary-General''s Special Representative for Afghanistan, said in a statement.

To take a bomb into the heart of a crowded city, and to detonate it thereby deliberately causing such

serious harm to civilians, deserves the condemnation of all of us, stated Mr. Eide, who also heads the

UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

Saturday (17/01) s incident follows a string of deadly attacks last year in the country, including a suicide

bombing outside the Indian Embassy in July which reportedly killed over 40 people and injured more

than 100. Last year also witnessed a rise in attacks on aid-related targets and non-governmental

organizations.


24/25


Secretary-General relieved at ceasefires called by Israel, Hamas

19 January - Voicing relief at Israels unilateral decision to halt its 22-day military offensive in Gaza and

Hamas announcement of a temporary ceasefire, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Monday (19/01)

stressed his determination to do everything possible to assist Gazans and being the reconstruction

process.

Mr. Ban asked leaders gathered at the Arab Economic, Social and Development Summit underway in

Kuwait to do all possible to ensure that this tragedy does not occur again and to come together to

prevent further violence, help the people of Gaza in this hour of desperate need and restore stability.

A lasting halt to the fighting is essential, he said, urging Hamas to cease firing rockets and on Israel to

withdraw its forces from Gaza.

A durable ceasefire needs an open functioning system for the crossings in and out of Gaza, one that will

immediately allow full access for humanitarian goods and personnel, the Secretary-General stated.

As well, the Palestinians themselves must face the challenge of reconciliation, and work to achieve a

unified government under the leadership of President [Mahmoud] Abbas within the framework of the

legitimate Palestinian Authority.

He issued a call to all Arab leaders for their support in this effort, adding that we cannot rebuild Gaza

without Palestinian unity.

Sunday (18/01), Mr. Ban announced that he will dispatch a humanitarian needs assessment team earlythis week to Gaza, where three weeks of violence have claimed over 1,000 lives and wounded more

than 5,000, in addition to causing widespread destruction as well as suffering for the territory's 1.5

million Palestinian residents.

He also said that he intends to launch a humanitarian appeal for Gaza in the coming days, appealing to

major donor countries for generous contributions.

A true end to violence, and lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis, will only come through a

just and comprehensive settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Secretary-General said at Mondays

(19/01) gathering in Kuwait, underscoring the need to end the occupation that began in 1967.

We need only political will and action, he told the leaders. Peace has remained an elusive goal for far

too long.

Mr. Ban arrived in Kuwait from Egypt, where he addressed the Conference on Reconstruction and

Humanitarian Assistance in Gaza in the Egyptian seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. His efforts to secure

a diplomatic solution to the three-week crisis, which began on 27 December when Israel launched a

military operation in Gaza with the stated aim of ending Hamas rocket attacks against Israel, also took

him to Damascus, Cairo, Amman, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Ankara and Beirut.


25/25


UN condemns Taliban use of children as victims and perpetrators of suicide bombings

19 January - A senior United Nations official on Monday (19/01) strongly condemned the increasing

number of attacks using and targeting children in Afghanistan and Pakistan, including both as victims

and perpetrators of suicide bombings, which have been claimed by the Taliban and other armed groups.

Children must be protected and not targeted, UN Special Representative for Children and Armed

Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy said in a statement, calling on the Taliban and others to immediately

stop using children and cease attacks against civilians.

Ms. Coomaraswamy was particularly appalled by three recent incidents: in January five schools in

Northwest Pakistan were blown up after an edict ordering all private schools to close; on December 28,

a suicide car bomb killed school children in Mandozayi District; and on December 14, a 13-year-old boy

was used as a suicide bomber against British troops in Afghanistans southern Helmand province, killing

himself and three soldiers.

The Secretary-Generals recent report on Children and Armed Conflict in Afghanistan in November

confirmed that the Taliban continue to train and use children as suicide bombers as well as

indiscriminately target children in the conflict areas of Afghanistan.

Ms. Coomaraswamy also expressed grave concern about the increase in the number of child victims of

attacks against schools by Taliban insurgents who deny children the right to education. The throwing of

acid to prevent girl children and female teachers from going to school is deplorable, she said.

un news january 2009

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